WINTER 2013 £2.50
FESTIVALS
GLASS BUTTER BEACH ABERSOCH JAZZ
NEW
WINTER ISSUE ENJOY!
WINTER? ABERSOCH IS OPEN WINTER RECIPE
FROM THE DINING ROOM
CHAPARRAL
ABERSOCH HALF MARATHON
LAURENCE COURT
LIFE OF AN ABERSOCH LOCAL
SOCH HEADS COMPLETE EVENTS GUIDE ABERSOCH AND PWLLHELI MAP AND LISTINGS
PWLLHELI SUPPLEMENT
History | Pwllheli Today | Christmas | Markets | Renovation | Skate Park
Welcome To Abersoch A wintery rainstorm approaches Abersoch. Photo by Totally Abersoch
4 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
THANK YOU TO W&G WILLIAMS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT
• Stylish Indoor/Outdoor Furniture • Large Choice of Weber BBQ’s • Specialists in Coastal Palms, Plants & Shrubs • Bespoke Hanging Baskets • Exclusive Homeware & Gifts
Free Delivery Available Open Seven Days a Week 9:30am - 5:30pm Discover Abersoch Garden Centre
01758 713098 - LL53 7UD www.AbersochGardenCentre.com info@AbersochGardenCentre.com
• All Day Breakfasts • Lunches - Hot & Cold • Afternoon Teas • Homemade Cakes • Hot & Cold Drinks • Fine Wine & Beer
Abersoch Garden Centre’s Mediterranean Style Licensed Tea Room
Uniquely Designed Wedding Cakes Celebration Cakes CupCakes & Cake Pops Handmade Luxury Belgian Chocolates
Abersoch Garden Centre Petal-á-Pot Abersoch The Warren
A499 Pwllheli
Llanbedrog
01758 713098 - LL53 7UD www.PetalaPot.co.uk info@PetalaPot.co.uk
INTRODUCTION Words by Editor Ceri James-Evans
It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were dusting off the flip flops and heading down to catch some rays on the beach, but once again winter has now crept up on us and the cold nights are drawing in. Fear not though, in this brand new winter edition of Abersoch Sensation magazine we’ve got everything covered and you’ll soon see that life is a blast down here in Abersoch throughout the quieter months as well! For those of you who are struggling to let the long days of summer 2013 go and want to relive some of its finest moments, we’ve got the round up on Glass Butter Beach on page 46. Another exciting and brand new event which took place this year was the Chaparral Half Marathon and you can read all about it on page 26. Of course, it wouldn’t be an issue of Abersoch Sensation without the highlights of the Jazz Festival which took place in September- find it on page 42. But once you’ve reminisced on the past, there is plenty to look forward ahead of us too- check out our feature on page 22 which proves that Abersoch is still a bustle of life over winter and find out where you can go and when. On page 56, you can try out a recipe from one of our favourite chefs Si Toft and create your own winter warmers. If anyone knows the village and how it’s changed over the years it’s Laurence Court, the newsagent. From his Aladdin’s cave in the centre of the village he has seen everything over the past few decades. We caught up with him on page 34- definitely worth a read! If you’re still wanting more then check out our very special Pwllheli supplement - an interesting section of the magazine which showcases the wonderful little town of Pwllheli in all its glory- past, present and future! As you can see, we really have got something for everyone in this exciting new edition of the magazine. So get that kettle on and settle down in front of the fire for an enjoyable read of everyone’s favourite magazine! Mae’n teimlo fel bod prin ddim o amser wedi mynd heibio ers i ni estyn ein fflip-fflops a rhedeg am y traeth i gael teimlo’r haul ar ein croena. Anodd coelio felly bod gaeaf wedi cyrraedd a’r nosweithiau oer yn mynd yn hirach. Lwcus felly bod fersiwn newydd sbon y gaeaf o gylchgrawn Abersoch yn llawn o ddigon o storiâu a newyddion i brofi bod bywyd yn Abersoch llawn hwyl drwy gydol y misoedd distawach hefyd! I’r rhai ohonoch sydd yn cael trafferth gadael dyddiau hir heulog haf 2013 ac eisiau ail-fyw rhai o’i uchafbwyntiau mae gennym ni holl hanes Glass Butter Beach ar dudalen 46. Digwyddiad arall cyffrous a newydd sbon blwyddyn yma oedd yr hanner marathon a gellwch ddarllen amdano ar dudalen 26. Wrth gwrs, ni fuasai’n gylchgrawn heb gynnwys hanes Gâyl y Jazz a ddigwyddodd ym mis Medi- cewch ddod o hyd iddo ar dudalen 42. Ond unwaith rydych wedi ailymweld a’r gorffennol, cewch weld bod digon i edrych ymlaen at hefyd- cerwch i dudalen 22 sydd yn profi bod Abersoch yn llawn bwrlwm a bywyd drwy’r gaeaf a darganfyddwch lle sydd ar agor a phryd. Ar dudalen 56, cewch geisio coginio bwydlen gan un o’m hoff gogyddion, Si Toft er mwyn creu pryd gaeafaidd i’ch cynhesu o’r tu mewn allan. Does neb yn gwybod mwy am y ‘rabar a sut mae’r pentref wedi newid dros y blynyddoedd na Laurence Court. O’i ogof hyd yng nghanol y pentref mae o wedi gweld bob dim dros y degawdau diwethaf. Cawsom sgwrs gydag ef ar dudalen 34- yn sicr gwerth ei ddarllen! Os oes dal arnoch eisiau mwy, mae adran arbennig iawn o’r cylchgrawn yn cychwyn ar dudalen 41 sy’n son am holl nodweddion ein tref arbennig Pwllheli, o’r gorffennol, y presennol a’r dyfodol hefyd! Fel rydych yn gweld, mae gennym rywbeth at ddant pawb yn y copi diweddaraf o’r cylchgrawn. Felly tarwch y tegell ymlaen a gorweddwch i lawr o flaen y tân i gael darlleniad heddychlon o hoff gylchgrawn pawb! 8 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
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HEAVENS
ABOVE
STUART HUGHESBURTON OF VENETIA
FEATURED
CHEF
STEVE CLAYTON AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
>
Shipwrecks Of the Llyn
CELEBRATING
IN STYLE ABERSOCH FASHION GOES LUXE
PROPERTY SECTION
ALL NEW FOR 2012 SOME OF THE BEST PROPERTIES FOR SALE OR TO RENT
Glass Butter Beach
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR ENDLESS SUMMER FESTIVAL
100 PAGES OUR
SOCH HEADS COMPLETE EVENTS GUIDE ABERSOCH AND PWLLHELI MAP AND LISTINGS
BIGGEST ISSUE YET
Online: www.abersochlife.com By Phone: 01758 710011 Email: info@Sensationgroup.com Or complete the section below and send to: Sensation Group Rose Cottage Abersoch Gwynedd LL53 7DS Name
Telephone Number
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Please enclose a cheque made payable to Sensation Group Autumn 2013 2013 Summer
10 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Autumn 2013 AUTUMN Mag 2013.indd 10
10 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
08/08/2013 21:17
Coastal Chic Holiday Homes... Operating for over 10 years, Abersoch Holiday Homes has the ultimate collection of coastal chic self-catering accommodation in Abersoch, Llanbedrog and the surrounding area. With over 80 specially selected high quality properties, ranging from large renovated farmhouses, boutique-style luxury homes to pretty cottages and chalets, there is something for everyone. Whether a romantic getaway for 2 or group holiday for 14 guests, all properties are stylishly presented and well-equipped with many including Sky TV and wireless broadband. All holiday homes welcome children and provide travel cots, high chairs and stair gates at no extra cost. And there is no need to leave four-legged friends at home, with a third of houses welcoming well-behaved dogs.
Frequent visitor to Abersoch or new to the area? Take a look at our full collection online at... www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk
NEr lW ate fo 2013
Anhywel, Abersoch Fully rebuilt and refurbished for autumn 2013, Anhywel is a fabulous contemporary detached property situated at the entrance to Abersoch, in an elevated postion with unrivalled sea views of Abersoch and Cardigan Bay. Offering stylish and first class accommodation for up to 14 guests and with 5 spacious bedrooms, 2 family bathrooms, 1 large shower room and a further en-suite, Anhywel is an ideal holiday home for large family and group family holidays. The coastal inspired indoor and outdoor social areas are perfect places to pass time with family and friends, but if you can be tempted away, the beautiful Warren and Harbour beaches are just a couple of minutes walk away, with Abersoch’s esteemed shops, restaurants, bars and main beach all within a 5 minute walk. Wireless broadband included.
Y Garn, Abersoch Inspiring property and location. Sumptuous internal and external living areas, high quality kitchen, indulgent bathrooms and stunning bedrooms. Fabulous garden plus Astro Turf, separate dining and BBQ terraces. Sea views. Many luxury extras including WiFi and Sky Sports. Sleeps 10 in 4 bedrooms.
Gilfach, Abersoch Stylish detached bungalow with far reaching sea and countryside views. Exquisite open plan lounge, kitchen and dining area, elegant bedrooms and 3 beautiful bathrooms/en suites. Feature first floor balcony and large den/games room. Many extras including WiFi and Sky TV. Sleeps 9 in 4 bedrooms.
F19 The Warren, Abersoch Lovely chalet on the luxury holiday home park, The Warren, Abersoch. Just 50 yards from the beach with partial sea views. Sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and benefits from all on-site leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools.
Hyfrydle, Bwlchtocyn Immaculate cottage in Bwlchtocyn with stunning views across Abersoch Bay to Snowdonia beyond. Short walk to Abersoch main beach and golf club. All rooms are well appointed and have sea views. Sleeps 8 guests in 3 bedrooms.
Ty Ni, Abersoch Beautifully presented bungalow conveniently situated in a quiet cul de sac in central Abersoch and just 5 minutes walk to Abersoch’s beaches, restaurants and shops. Sleeps 6 in 3 stylish bedrooms. Well maintained enclosed rear and front gardens ideal for children. Pets welcome. Photos by Totally Abersoch
Telephone 01758 740992 or 07979 497071 Email abersochhh@btinternet.com www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk
CONTENTS WINTER 2013
Abersoch Magazine
ABERSOCH MAGAZINE 8-9
INTRODUCTION
12 - 13
CONTENTS
14 - 20
SOCH PRESS
22 - 24
WINTER? ABERSOCH IS OPEN!
26 - 30
ABERSOCH HALF MARATHON
32
DID YOU KNOW?
34 - 40
LAURENCE COURTS INTERVIEW
42 - 44
FESTIVAL FEVER HITS ABERSOCH
46 - 48
GLASS BUTTER BEACH
50 - 54
PHOTO SHOWCASE
56 - 58
WINTER RECIPE - THE DINING ROOM
60 - 62
PROPERTY
64
EVENTS
66 - 68
SOCH HEADS
70 - 73
ABERSOCH MAP AND LISTINGS
74
LAST POEM
PWLLHELI SUPPLEMENT 3
PWLLHELI INTRODUCTION
4-5
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PWLLHELI
6-7
PWLLHELI TODAY
8-9
THE PWLLHELI CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
10
PWLLHELI MARKETS
12 - 13
THE WHITEHALL PUB RENOVATION
14 - 15
SAVE PWLLHELI SKATEPARK
Editor: Ceri James-Evans Artwork: Olivia Hume, Lauren Griffiths Contributing Writers: Rob David, Mari Evans, Ceri James-Evans Senior Photographers: Martin Turtle @ www.turtlephotography.co.uk John Wormald @ www.totallyabersoch.co.uk Contributing Photographers: Sion Bryn Evans, Simon James, EXPIX, Sea Green Photography & Phae Wood
Sensation Group Abersoch Gwynedd LL53 7DS Tel: 01758 710011 Email: info@sensationgroup.com Website: www.abersochlife.com
Managing Director: Mark Durston
Cover Photo by Totally Abersoch.
12 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
[ Soch Press ]
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All the latest news from in and around Abersoch Venetia: One of The Sunday Times’s Top Restaurants Under £50
Celebrate with venetia A massive congratulations to Venetia after they’ve been chosen as one of ‘Britain’s Top 130 Restaurants Under £50’ by The Sunday Times (published on 11.11.13). So celebrate the holidays at Venetia! Enjoy 3 courses for £24.00/person plus coffee, mince
pies and Christmas crackers. Call, email or stop by to book today! Venetia’s Christmas menu is available from 29th November to 23rd December 2013 (Wednesday thru Saturday). Sunday, Monday and Tuesday are subject to bookings. Sunday lunch will be served
throughout November and December with 2 courses (starter and main) starting at £13.95. Desserts are available for £4.95. Check out both the Sunday lunch and festive menu on their website at www.venetiawales. com under the link TASTE. Booking is recommended.
The Village pantry
has had a very successful first season and will remain open 4 days per week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday) from 10 am til 4pm until just after the New Year. The Pantry will re-open mid February. In addition to yummy deli sandwiches and toasties, a selection of local and international cheeses, olives and home baked meats, the Village Pantry also offers daily specials. So check out Lynne’s homemade soups, sweet and savoury pastries and daily treats - their favourite is scotch egg with black pudding! The Village Pantry has also launched a range of gift hampers - and not just for Christmas! Baskets full of delightful treats or fine cheeses are available in various sizes. Lynne has also been busy baking and ‘feeding’ her traditional Christmas cakes. These stunning cakes are full of only good things, exquisitely hand decorated and beautifully boxed. A real treat for home or as a gift. Hampers and Christmas cakes are available directly from the shop, or to order by telephone - 07570 670629.
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‘The old rectory’ Winter offers The Old Rectory is open Nov to March – except Christmas (23rd – 29th December) and are offering
Launching the christmas season in style
a Winter Mid week special: Dinner, bed and breakfast available for parties of 4 or more guests staying for a minimum of two nights at just £75 pp p/night (based on
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Abersoch’s Christmas Launch weekend is coming up – bigger and better than last year! With activities including Father Christmas, late night shopping and a treasure hunt, it is sure to be one of the highlights of the year in Abersoch. There’s even a climbing tower for the adrenaline junkies amongst us! Entertainment will also be provided by a brass band on Saturday afternoon and carol singing by the christmas tree from 5.30 on Friday. Don’t forget to stop by the
two adults sharing a twin or super king en-suite room). Available on selected dates only. They also offer shooting packages: Accommodation and Walked up or Driven
Village hall on saturday for local handmade arts and crafts and seasonal food! Bring your family and friends to the village on the 29th and 30th of November for an unforgettable weekend. Celebrate the start of the Christmas season with the rest of the Abersoch community. Check out the Facebook page: search ‘Abersoch Christmas Launch’, or www. abersochandllyn.co.uk for more info and updates on the event.
Game Shooting (Simulated clays out of season) available in conjunction with Bodfuan Shoot. Just call 01758 721519 for further details and availability.
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ABERSOCH 2014 OFFICIAL CALENDAR is selling fast The official Abersoch 2014 calendar is on sale and is being snapped up like hot cakes. Each month has a stunning photo taken by revered local photographers, Martin Turtle of Turtle Photography and John Wormald of Totally Abersoch. You can also keep on top of all the important dates for Abersoch in 2014 with key events detailed throughout the calendar. In addition to this
Have an enchanted christmas at Greenwood forest park
Abersoch 2014 Calendar: Perfect stocking filler
This winter visit The Enchanted WoodBarn, GreenWood Forest Park’s amazing indoor play centre, for hours of indoor fun on those cold winter days. And whilst the children play, parents
GLASS BUTTER BEACH SET TO GROW IN 2014 Glass Butter Beach is the new North Wales festival that offers you so much more than just music & burgers, whether young or old there’s something for you. You can party or you can chill, be very sporty or very lazy, or just enjoy one of the most stunning locations on the festival calendar. After the success
of this year’s festival there’s so much more planned for the event in 2014 with a growing creativity team that are set to develop the look of the festival substantially. Glass Butter Beach is set to take place on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th August and
Tinchy Stryder at GBB 2013 - Photo by Expix
many local businesses can be found by using the business listing at the back including restaurants, hotels, home improvement, boat servicing and much more. The calendars are available in many local shops, online at www. abersochlife.com or by calling the Sensation office on 01758 710011. Prices are £9.95, £24.95 for 3 or with a year’s subscription to Abersoch magazine £17.00 (last 2 options only available online or through the Sensation office)
can enjoy the GreenOak Café, which serves a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks. Take a seat next to the cosy log burner and enjoy a freshly made barista style coffee. You can also have an enchanted time this Christmas; head to GreenWood on 30th November, 1st,7th,8th,14th,15th,21st or 22nd of December to visit Santa’s Grotto. Children can meet Santa, receive a gift and play in the WoodBarn for just £7.50. Booking is available - just call 01248 671493 or email info@greenwoodforestpark.co.uk.
whether you’re in to great live music & DJ’s, surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding, BMX, the latest craze of Stand Up Paddleboarding or even fancy the madness of a powder paint fight, then GBB.14 is for you. Set overlooking Cardigan Bay in Llanbedrog you can watch great live bands & DJ’s on any one of the 4 stages including a big top main stage, a Baywatch lifeguard tower DJ stage overlooking Cardigan Bay & St Tudwal’s islands. There’s a seriously cool Beach Stage right on the sand of the festival’s very own licensed beach and a luxurious VIP stage where you can enjoy a strong Balearic DJ line-up & some of the nice VIP perks! A unique aspect to the festival is that those attending can ‘Have A Go’ at each of the sports, with expert supervision from the fully qualified instructors. There are also some great fairground rides, a surf market, mouth-watering food options and so much more. If you decide to camp then you’re in for a treat. The campsite is a minute walk form the festival site & a 2 minute walk from the beach with a view out to sea & across to Snowdonia. The campsite opens at 2pm on Thursday 14th & closes at 12pm on Sunday 17th August. Tickets are already on sale so log on to www.glassbutterbeach.com to get all the information and to purchase your tickets for 2014. ?
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Starting line of the 10k 2013 Photo by Totally Abersoch
Entries for the Fairline Abersoch 10K & Abersoch Holiday Homes 3K Beach Race opened at the start of November and it instantly had a huge influx of people sign up to these great races. With the number of people entering growing year on year, it is thought this year it could hit the 1,000 runner entry limit well before race day. The 10K & 3K races will take place on Saturday 31st May in 2014. The 10K starts in the village center, just past Manana Mexican restaurant, it runs through a street full of eager spectators and takes in some sensational scenery as it winds its way over challenging tracks and roads and up on to a spectacular viewpoint looking over Cardigan Bay, Bardsey Island and the dramatic Snowdonia mountain range. To ensure a spectacular end to this challenging race, worthy of its stunning backdrop, the 10K finishes on Abersoch’s main beach where runners have to negotiate the groynes, battle both hard and soft sand before being welcome across the finish line by large crowds. Race organisers are urging all runners to raise money for the Welsh Air Ambulance, the charity that saves lives at sea. Providing 24hour lifesaving service for Abersoch and the surrounding coast, Air Ambulance provides an invaluable service to anyone in the surrounding area. Made up of a purely voluntary crew the Air Ambulance relies heavily on fundraising to survive. To enter & find out all the information go to www.abersoch10k.com
Pen Llyn Physio
Chilli Penguin stoves are locally produced
Penguins waddle across the country Local stove manufacturers – Chilli Penguin Stoves, following a very successful trade show earlier in the year are now represented in over 60 shops nationwide. The launch of their new product range and brochure shot on the Llyn peninsula has been a huge success. This has
led to the creation of 5 local jobs and increased business for local suppliers. The product range can be seen at www.chillipenguin. co.uk. One of their ranges can be seen at local interiors shop Lavender House. Chilli Penguin Stoves can be contacted directly on 01758 721 247.
Rebecca at Pen Llyn Physiotherapy has had a very busy year since relocating into her new premises based at The Craft Centre, Abersoch. . She has recently become BUPA registered and is now registered with most major Health Insurance providers so contact her for information or to book an appointment. Rebecca is still continuing to provide physiotherapy, acupuncture, rehab training and sports massage to most of the residents of Abersoch and the surrounding villages and she would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish them a very happy Christmas. Don’t forget if you require a gift voucher for your loved one then contact Rebecca on: 07971121613. Visit her website for more information on treatments available at www.penllynphysio.co.uk
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Pepper Lee’s freshly redecorated studio
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Abersoch 10K & 3K RACES HEADING FOR 2014 SELL-OUT
Pepper Lee moves to pwllheli After running an award winning studio Pepper Lee has bought her unique skills to a new shop in Pwllheli. Pepper Lee, Penlan St. Now proudly offers professional tattoos, piercing, Microdermals, hair extensions and nails. The shop is warm, friendly and inviting, wether you are popping in for a treatment or just for a nosey, everyone is welcome. There will also be frequent special offers. When asked about how she feels having her own business in Pwllheli,
16 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
Pepper had this to say: “ Brilliant, I am very pleased and proud of what I have achieved. A lot of hard work has gone into setting up on my own. I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Prince’s Trust, they have been amazing!” Pepper Lee Is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 5pm, Thursdays 10am till 7pm! Go and check it out for yourselves, Look for her opposite Costa Coffee Pwllheli. Any enquiries phone 07714022421
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HALF MARATHON SUCCESS SECURES ITS FUTURE
New for 2013: Glasfryn’s winter ice rink
Following the fantastic success of the Chaparral Abersoch Half Marathon & Abersoch Holiday Homes 2K Blast, organisers have confirmed their futures are looking secure. Around 300 people entered the first ever Chaparral Abersoch Half Marathon in October and with the weather gods firmly on the side of the race, it was a truly memorable day. The 13.1 mile course is stunning but tough too. It has plenty of good roads that take runners through Abersoch, Llanengan & Llangian
winter at glasfryn Whatever the weather, Glasfryn Parc, on the A499 road to Caernarfon, provides a great family day and evening out. Open EVERY day (except Christmas Day) from 9.00am, Glasfryn offers fun and entertainment for everyone. For those looking for thrills and excitement, the arrive and drive go-kart circuits are open all year. All safety equipment is provided but if it’s wet, it is recommended you bring waterproofs. The indoor soft play centre is just bursting with fun and is the ideal place for the little ones to burn off some energy, especially during the winter. For toddlers there is a separate ball pool and older children can explore a colourful and safe playframe. Glasfryn Wakeparc is closed over winter but the team will be getting the wakeparc ready to open in the Spring and will launch the season with the Spring Wakeboard Open. This
event is completely free to spectate and everyone’s welcome. More details about the event and how to enter can be found on the website. Glasfryn Farm Shop is open every day from 9am – 6pm and has recently doubled in size to keep up with demand. Glasfryn Farm Shop prepares holiday hampers to order which can be collected up to 10pm in the summer. As of Saturday the 30th of November there will be an ice rink to enjoy every Fri-Sat throughout December and every day during the school holidays (except Christmas day). The rink will be suitable for everyone aged 3 and up, and will cost £5 for an hour, which includes skate hire. For more information and details of special offers and events call 01766 810 000 or visit www.glasfryn.co.uk or follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/glasfryn. parc
Seasonal offers at the dining room After an extremely hectic few months, the staff at The Dining Room are looking forward to the festive season ahead. They’ll be open throughout the winter and will be running regular offers such as ‘Sweet Treat’ (order a starter and main and they’ll treat you to pudding) and the popular ‘Sunday Surplus’ (3 courses
before heading over to the infamous Porth Tocyn gravel hill track; a challenging hill but one that all runners managed to conquer and went on to enjoy the beach finish in front of a strong lively crowd. The race uses ChronoChip timing, has good marshaling, clear mile markers, professional medics & traffic management, as well as a £1,000 prize fund & loads of product prizes and really was praised highly by all who took part. The race has been set already for Saturday 4th October in 2014, with entries now live and filling up well. The current race champion Alun Vaughan is also the 2014 Welsh marathon champion and so the bar has been set high for anyone challenging the course record, which has been set at 1 hour 13 minutes & 21 seconds. Taking place before the Half Marathon is the Abersoch Holiday Homes 2K Blast, which is perfect for young runners or those that aren’t setting their sights on the intensity of a half marathon. It’s held on the beach & also timed with ChronoChip timing technology. All finishers get a medal and the course record was set this year by Holly Illingworth at 9 minutes & 1 second. If you’re up for getting involved with this race or the main Half Marathon event then go to www.abersochhalf.com for more information or to enter. Good luck with your training!
Raw chocolate: Chocomama is raising the bar There’s a revolution, no less, in the chocolate world! It is being turned upside down by Raw Chocolate. And at the forefront of this movement in North Wales, is ChocoMAMA, a small business here in Abersoch. Raw Chocolate gives us everything we want. The essence of this extraordinary product is that it is made from
for £20, menu options may be limited so if you want a Sc’egg be sure to come early!). Their offers will change week to week so check out their website, Facebook page or have a peep in the restaurant window to see what’s on offer. Fish Friday continues all year, with the exception of Friday 29th November when it’ll be replaced by ‘Festive Friday’ to coincide with the Abersoch Christmas
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Cacoa that has undergone only low temperatures ensuring that it keeps its nutritional integrity. Most people know that conventional dark chocolate can be good for us; chocolate using Raw Cacao is off the scale! Raw Chocolate never contains refined cane sugar, and rarely dairy products.
Launch. Their three course Christmas Party Menu will be offered for the tinseltastic reduced price of £20 per head! Added to this their little elves will be working hard in the kitchen making tasty seasonal relishes and chutneys as early Christmas presents for the guests that weekend. This year they’re offering two options on New Year’s Eve, start your evening in style with a Champagne cocktail and a
Right here in Abersoch, delicious, gourmet chocolate is created. ChocoMAMA chocolate is handmade, in small batches, using the finest ingredients so that you, the chocolate lover, can have a most satisfying chocolate experience! Facebook them or check www.chocomama.co.uk
bite to eat before you head out to party, or join them later on for a leisurely three course dinner and listen to the countdown with a glass of fizz as you see in 2014! Details of both their ‘pre-party’ and ‘countdown to midnight’ menus can be found on their website www. thediningroomabersoch.co.uk The Dining Room, High St, Abersoch. Call 01758 740709 or 07772 301973 for more details.
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As the winter draws in, the days get shorter and the temperatures lower, it can be tempting to cosy up in front of a warm fire and stay there until bed time. There is a healthier way to keep warm however and that’s to get out there and exercise – and it would appear that here in Abersoch there are a whole host of different activities at your fingertips so there really is no excuse not to get moving! To begin with, let’s not forget the simplest activity of allwalking. There are so many beautiful walks all around us, whether it be braving the beach on a blustery day, sampling the coastal paths or trampling through the forest at nearby Llanbedrog. You could grab a friend, grab a dog or grab your iPod for company and with such beautiful scenery all around us- get out there for pleasurable strolls and massive health benefits. Once you have your walking established, why not step things up a little and try a little running? If you’ve driven through Abersoch at all over the past few months you’re bound to have spotted all the bright pairs of trainers cruising along the pavements so you’ll be in very good company. Here on the Lleyn we’re lucky to have a variety of different terrains and inclines so you can keep it simple to start off with a flat run along the harbour before revving it up a little and including inclines or trying a run along the sand. You could even end your route at any of the local pubs and reward yourself with a well-deserved drink!
KEEPING ACTIVE OVER WINTER Words by Ceri James-Evans
Running on Abersoch Main Beach, Photo: Totally Abersoch
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If you prefer to keep fit indoors there are other options available as well. The Leisure Centre in Pwllheli holds a variety of fitness classes at several different times to fit in with all sorts of work schedules. On top of this there are lots of fun ways to keep fit going on at the village halls and community centres all over the peninsula. If you fancy trying zumba, yoga or pilates, there is bound to be a class going on near you. If you’re a bit of a team player there are plenty of sports you can join in with too. There are astro turf facilities for hire at Botwnnog, Efail Newydd and Pwllheli and plenty of groups go for a kick around to warm up on the cold winter nights. There are hockey teams at the Rugby Club in Efail Newydd and you can play ladies’ football at the Leisure Centre in Pwllheli. Also gaining in popularity is the netball club which goes on at the Leisure Centre too. With such a huge variety of activities on offer there really isn’t an excuse not to get out there and try one of them so keep warm, keep fit and keep moving!
WINTER?
ABERSOCH IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS Words by Mari Evans & Ceri James-Evans
22 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
ABERSOCH HALF 2013 MARATHON Words by Ceri James-Evans On Saturday the 5th of October 2013, a brand new event took off for the first time in the form of the Chaparral Abersoch Half Marathon. Coming off the back of the notable success of the Abersoch 10k, this challenge answered the prayers of the more long distance runners who had been asking for a longer race and was the first of its kind here on the Lleyn. The race itself took a while to develop, with the organisers wanting to include the modestly picturesque villages of Llanengan and Llangian within the route. It was hoped that in the first year upwards of 200 competitors would enter and with nearly 300 runners deciding to sign up, the forecast is good for the event to have a promising future. In order for the event to work, a lot of support would be needed and this came in abundance with a lot of people backing the event and supporting it in a variety of ways to ensure it ran as smoothly as possible. Barriers were kindly provided by the Warren and both the village hall and the SCYC generously provided tables. This and the willingness of several volunteers to help with the marshalling of the event got the event off the ground quickly and enabled the organisers to run it at a very high level.
26 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
The event used the latest ChronoChip technology to make sure that each runner received the most accurate result possible of their finished time. Each bib worn by the racers contained an individual chip registered exclusively to them. The start line had a sensor pad which activated the chips as the runners crossed the line and a separate pad at the finish line recorded the racers’ results to the most accurate time possible. This meant that the runners didn’t just receive a gun time (the time from the starting gun firing and the runner crossing the finish line) but also an exact indication of the time between them crossing the starting line and reaching the finish line. Before the half marathon itself, the Abersoch Holiday Homes 2K blast took place on the beach. This was popular with younger and slightly less experienced runners and was won by Holly Illingworth with a time of 9 minutes and 1 second. Being situated around our stunning environment meant that the route itself was never going to be a flat and easy one and the race provided many an exciting challenge to keep the racers sweating. The course began down by the harbour and took the racers through the village itself and out towards Sarn Bach. It turned to the right bringing the runners out by the Deucoch caravan park and from there they continued to the right to the homely village of Llanengan and up past Hell’s Mouth. From here the marathoners took to the smaller back roads coming out in
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ABERSOCH HALF 2013 MARATHON
RESULTS MEN OPEN 1st Alun Vaughan 1:13:21 2nd Gavin Tomlinson 1:14:54 3rd Glyn Griffith 1:23:19 40+ winner: Jonathan Howe 1:26:45 50+ winner: Iwan Edgar 1:27:53 WOMEN OPEN 1st Charlotte Finch 1:31:40 2nd Jackie Jarvis 1:40:36 3rd Hannah Murray 1:43:04 40+ winner: Gina Senior 1:43:24 50+ winner: Dawn Kenwright 1:43:38 ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES 2K BLAST
Clockwise from top left - Mens winner Alun Vaughan; Tracey & Anna keeping in good spirits; Mens 3rd Glyn Griffiths; Runners from Winston Runners, Lifeboats & The Edwina Lilley Charitable Trust. All photos by Dwyfor Camera Club.
The Abersoch Half Marathon route 2013
30 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
1st Holly Illingworth 9:01 2nd Poppi Dickens 9:03 3rd Millie Glossop 9:20
Words By Lauren Griffiths
DID YOU KNOW THAT? Regular visitors to Abersoch may or may not have noticed on their travels the rich Welsh heritage of the area lives on in the names of places and houses. With so many new property developments happening all the time, the new owners/property developers are strongly encouraged to name their house in Welsh to keep the language alive. The BBC Wales website has a Welsh house name generator to help in such cases, and can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/wales/livinginwales/nameyourhouse Here are some translations of some common welsh words you may have seen around Abersoch, and a couple of things that you may not know...
Bolmynydd Bolmynydd campsite can be found between Abersoch and Llanbedrog,, at the base of the Llanbedrog headland. The name is very fitting for the location as it translates to Belly of the Mountain – ‘Bol’ meaning Belly and ‘Mynydd’ Meaning Mountain.
Niwl Yr Afon This house is located by the River Soch and has poetically been named ‘Mist of the river’ –‘Niwl’ meaning mist or fog, and ‘Afon’ of course being welsh for River.
Cadair Idris viewed from the coastal path on the Bwlchtocyn headland, with one of St Tudwal’s Islands in the foreground. Cadair Idis is easily spotted by it’s flat top. Photograph by Richard Griffiths
Cadair Idris
If you find yourself on Abersoch beach on a clear day you can see the mountains of Snowdonia line the horizon. Looking south from Snowdon you can see a mountain associated with a lot of stories and folklore named Cadair Idris, located near Dolgellau. You can pick it out easily on the horizon due to it’s characteristic flat top. It’s unusual shape is probably what gave it it’s name, ‘Cadair’ is welsh for chair, and Idris is thought to be a 7th century Welsh prince, although some folklore has come to say that Idris was a giant, who used the mountain as an armchair to sit and look at the stars. The mountain has many other mysterious legends associated with it – the lakes that surround it are said to be bottomless, and anyone thinking of making camp on the mountain is to be warned that those who sleep on it’s slopes will either become a great poet or go insane. A slightly more modern claim to fame the mountain has is that Charles Darwin enjoyed visiting the area, and wrote the following in a letter in 1869 while staying at Plas Caerdeon which has a beautiful view of the mountain –
“Old Cader is a grand fellow, and shows himself off superbly with every changing light.” -Taken from “The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume II.
32 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
“ Laurence Court: Life of an Abersoch Local Words by Ceri James-Evans Photos courtesy of laurence court
I
n all the hustle and bustle of modern Abersoch life, it is very easy to just live in the moment and think that the way it is now is the way that it has always been. Sometimes it is nice to delve a bit deeper and find out a bit more about how the village has changed over the years and what has evolved over the past decades. Who better to supply this information than Laurence Court, the local newsagent who spends all his days throughout the busiest months and several of them throughout the winter too in his Tardis shop in the centre of the village? This little shop has stood its ground firmly since the late 1950s and remains strong in the present day and Laurence himself is a well-loved figure to many of the village’s residents. We caught up with him and found out
his viewpoint on the changing village of Abersoch. Born in 1961 in Cefneithin in Mynytho to Jack Court, originally from Barmouth and Iris Court, originally from Bangor, Laurence spent one term at Ysgol Foel Gron School. His only memory of this is throwing up in the playground one morning! After this term, his family moved down to a large house between Abersoch and Sarn Bach (where Laurence lives today!) and so he moved down to the village school in Abersoch until he was eight years old before going away to study at Heronwater prep school in Colwyn Bay. His father started the Courts business in 1959 having previously worked at the local WH Smith’s, which is now the manager’s office at the NatWest bank
34 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
(who knew there was ever a WH Smith’s in Abersoch?). Laurence obviously does not remember too much about its early days however whilst growing up in the 60s he does remember the sheer business in the area and the huge amounts of people who flocked down. Cars would queue all the way past his house to get down to the beach and these days even on the busiest of August Bank Holidays Laurence does not think we get anywhere near the same amount of visitors as this! In the mid-60s, John Court moved the newsagents over the road (to Boardrider as we know it today) and kept the original store as a gift shop. In its early days, Courts was quite successful and steadily grew in this success throughout the 60s. The 70s proved to be a lot
-Who knew there was ever a WH Smith’s in Abersoch?
“
“
His father started the Courts business in 1959 having previously worked at the local WH Smith’s, which is now the manager’s office at the NatWest bank.
Opposite page: Laurence outside his shop This Page, Above: A young Laurence Right: ~ WH Smith’s in the 1950’s, where the Natwest bank is today.
tougher. These were the days of the three day working week. Power cuts were frequent, with the electricity failing regularly and there was much economic turmoil. John persevered through this and the Courts business became even better established. Laurence left school in 1976 and began working at the shop in January 1977. John Court sadly passed away in 1977, leaving Iris to take the reins. It was therefore obviously a tough time for all. Then came the 80s which were a turbulent time of boom, bust and boom again. Still, in this uncertain climate, Courts went on flourishing. The 90s were different and indeed, very difficult in more ways than one. Laurence dubs the 90s as one long bust due to the extreme economic depression. To add to this, in 1992 Laurence’s brother Christopher tragically died and this had a significant impact on the family themselves and also the business. Iris, understandably lost interest in the shop and Laurence came in in 1999 and ran the business with his mother until she also sadly passed away back in 2000. Laurence originally moved back into the business to do the behind the scenes work in the office, dealing with reps and buying stock and insisted that he never wanted to work on the counter. With the sad death of his mother came a very steep learning curve at a very inconvenient time- and Laurence has been stuck behind the counter ever
since! It was in May 1999 that the business moved back over to the Courts we know and love today, when the property developer John Rideal purchased the Boardrider building and Courts has been there ever since. It has by no means stayed the same however. When Laurence originally came back into the business only the first third of today’s shop was open to the public. The rest of the huge building was stock room and Laurence says that piles of junk filled it up! Today’s stock room is still huge, extending right up into the attic space at the top of the building
so it’s hard to imagine the capacity of the original stock room! Originally, there would have been a partition where today’s ice cream freezer is but Laurence had this knocked through and by 2000 expanded even further so that the whole of the ground floor was now shop space. This is what has given the shop its Tardis like appearance today- from the outside it seems like quite a small newsagents however when you step inside it almost seems to go on forever, with sweets, buckets, spades gifts adorning the walls amongst many other things!
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Laurence Court:
Life of an Abersoch Local
Abersoch’s very own Tardis: it looks a lot smaller from the oustide!
For Laurence, the turn of the millennium wasn’t so good having recently lost his mother and things didn’t really improve in 2001 either when foot and mouth disease hit the country and certainly had a detrimental effect on the volume of people coming down to Abersoch. It wasn’t until 2002 that Laurence really got to grips with the business and pulled it up from the ground. This brought him a run of successful years through to about 2007 when Laurence says: “the banks screwed up” and economic turmoil set in all over the country! 2009 was unfortunately a bad year when according to Laurence “lots of little things went a bit wrong” causing him much stress and aggravation. Despite this, the little shop remained firmly on its feet but Laurence had to be a little more flexible. This was when he took the decision to close over winter. Up until then, he had all been open all year round, sometimes
closing on midweek afternoons in winter. This obviously had an impact on trade figures but Laurence feels it was worth it because there just weren’t enough people around the village. He used his new found spare time wisely however and refitted the whole of one side of the shop which brought his trade figures back up again and gave the place a fresher feel. Since 2012, Laurence has kept the shop open later than ever into the evenings- often being seen hard at work at the counter as late as 8:30pm (cutting into his precious quizzing time!). Despite this however, Laurence states that figures are still down in comparison to what they were in the early ‘00s showing that the economic downfall has clearly had an effect on the village. At a time when there are more shops than ever in the village, Laurence believes there are fewer people than ever around. He doesn’t think that things
36 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
will truly pick up for another 3 to 4 years. Weather patterns do not help of course and despite the belting summer we have just experienced, according to Laurence we need a run of at least two good summers in a row to truly re-establish the place. According to the media, the economy may have finally stopped spiralling down but Laurence does not believe that it has really begun to climb back up yet! On asking Laurence about changes in the village over the past decade, he certainly has plenty to say. He speaks of the drop in the volume of people but the massive expansion of houses. Where there used to be clear green fields over Cilan Head and Bwlchtocyn when he looks out his window he now sees the little white specks of houses and caravans dotted all over. Although these little specks are beneficial to many, he does believe they detract slightly from the “pretty countryside” of the area which was originally what brought so many people down here.
“
Laurence Court:
Life of an Abersoch Local
An Abersoch holiday remains very much a “do it yourself” holiday, with no constant entertainment on offer
The traditional bucket and spade family holiday isn’t so common place anymore but despite this, an Abersoch holiday remains very much a “do it yourself” holiday. With no amusement arcades and constant entertainment on offer, holiday makers have to go out and make the effort to interact with the area and take part in something for themselves. This has driven the huge water sports industry which has taken off in the area. Laurence himself has never really tried any water sports and claims that he could “take or leave” the beach, believing that as he was always lived here it is just something which he takes for granted and enjoys walking over sometimes because it is “pretty to look at” but has never gone much further than that! He is much more of a petrol head and is hugely into his cars. He was introduced to Formula 1 whilst working at the PB back in 1982 and has loved it ever since, along with rallying and any other kind of motor sport. Laurence remembers the days when keeping your car on the road over winter was very much a do it yourself job and has not so
“
38 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
fond memories of fighting rust poverty and doing “Blue Peter Style sticky back plastic” repair jobs on his vehicles. His first car was an ex-military Jeep called an Austin Champ which had a 5 speed gearbox and an almost “push me pull me” style of movement! For these reasons, Laurence adores his faithful Land Rover which he has now owned for six years since upgrading from a Ford Escort van! Getting back onto the changing face of the village, Laurence believes that a lot of the “original Cheshire set” do not come down so much anymore and this is reflected in the huge drop off in sales he has had in glossy magazines such as Heat and Ok magazine! He sincerely appreciates all the big scale events the village hosts such as Wakestock, Glass Butter Beach and the Jazz festival and although many of them are not the kind of thing he chooses to participate in himself, he would never speak out against them, stating that they have been a big boost in publicity for Abersoch. He fully supports the efforts made by anyone to bring people into the village.
Laurence Court:
Life of an Abersoch Local Left: Laurence doing what he loves best; Pub Quizzing! Below ~ Laurence behind his service counter
Almost all of the shops and businesses around have changed significantly since Laurence has been here with only about three or four still being owned by the original owners (both garages and The Porth Tocyn to name a few!). He remembers the days when Angelina’s Restaurant was Paragon Stores owned by the Roberts brothers (who supposedly had a falling out with one keeping the building which is now Angelina’s and one keeping what is now The Pantry!) and there was no one way system, with traffic moving through the whole village both ways! He also remembers a time before the doctor’s surgery opened when Dr Pat Meyrick was the village GP who visited you in your home, knew your whole medical history and could tell you what was wrong with you almost as soon as she walked through the door! One sad change Laurence has seen is the unfortunate detrimental effect the huge amount of new houses has had on the hotel trade. He remembers a time when you walked towards the golf end of the beach and passed several guest houses on your way up the street. Having lost The Harbour Hotel, The Whitehouse, Craig y Môr, Bron Heulog and more recently The Neigwl Hotel, Laurence loves to see people supporting and staying at the several fantastic local hotels we still do have. Another sad loss to him was the demolition of the Power Boat ClubLaurence has fond memories of being taken there as a child by his father back in the 1960’s and worked there as a Kitchen Porter for some time from 1982. He has seen The Warren on the other hand continue to expand and upgrade, going from strength to strength over the years. Laurence admits that he sometimes has slight resentment for the Council, who he believes occasionally interfere a bit too much, as in the case of the boat trailer park down on the beach and could do a bit more to create improvements in the village, perhaps
in the playing field. He claims that it is at times sad to see the prettier bits of the village being taken away and that crucially “progress is not the same as change”. So how does the Laurence of today spend his (rather scarce) spare time? Well as already mentioned he is a very keen pub quizzer and has been a member of the The Vaynol team in the annual pub quiz league for over ten years now- although he did have a year out after getting fed up with completely unfair questions and by his own admission “throwing the towel in and having a sulk!” He was originally dragged into this by his good friend Martin Hearth and has found it mostly enjoyable over the years although also rather political at times! As well as the league itself, he plays “friendlies” at places such as The Sun, Llanengan on Wednesday nights and if you’re ever around you most certainly want to get into his team because he is certainly a force to be reckoned with
40 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
when it comes to quizzing and almost impossible to beat! On top of his quizzing and passion for motor sports, he avidly enjoys reading (anything by Terry Pratchett is a great choice!) and loves The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy and Monty Python films. He also loves music of almost any kindfrom Allegri’s Miserere through to ZZ Top and has a particular place in his heart for Punk Rock which his generation gave the world! This winter, he will enjoy a bit of rest visiting his family, who live a long way away down in Warwickshire, something he has looked forward to through the long days of summer. No matter what changes take place in the village over the coming years, one thing is for certain- that little newsagents in the centre of Abersoch which has stood strong throughout so much over so many years will carry on doing the same. Courts is a legacy which for the foreseeable future, is certainly here to stay.
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FESTIVAL FEVER Abersoch Jazz Festival Words by Ceri James-Evans Photos by Totally Abersoch
A
fter a long hiatus, the eagerly awaited Jazz Festival returned to Abersoch from the 27th to the 29th of September. It would appear the newly condensed format of the festival did nothing but enhance the experience for the jazzers, although it succeeded in creating a few new obstacles for the festival committee! With just fifteen minutes to go before the first of the three eight o clock sessions, a harassed site organiser was heard saying:
“I never thought we would make it but all has suddenly dropped into place”.
T
he change of dates from June to September and from various venues to a dedicated jazz site centred around the nearby South Caernarfon Yacht Club created a fresh and unknown event. There was an atmospheric buzz around the marquees as well as in the village itself where the colourful characters associated with the event filled up the shops and restaurants. Rather unpredictable the September weekend brought favourable weather with one festival enthusiast proclaiming: “God must be an Abersoch Jazzer!” There was a unique opportunity to warm up for the festival this year in an open air concert at the amphitheatre at Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw in the nearby village of Llanbedrog on August 19th. The John Andrews amphitheatre, which seats 250 and opened in August 2012, is the first of its kind in Wales.
I
t is made from locally sourced materialsgranite from Trefor Quarry near Caernarfon and wood from the clearing of the site itself- and allows the audience breath taking views along the coast towards Pwllheli. Performing at the venue was the Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band all the way from Hungary. Upon arriving at Llanbedrog and seeing the special venue, the only word from the band was “WOW” before they provided a very impressive evening’s entertainment to the 170 strong audience. The beautiful music provided by the 8 multi-instrumentalists was enhanced by the pleasant weather and the most stunning backdrop the band had ever played against. The band themselves said: “We have only played in 1 other place to equal these two days and that was in Greece”.
D
elicious hot pork, roasted new potatoes and salad were provided in abundance by the restaurant at the gallery. This hospitability extended to Abersoch itself too both for the concert and the festival, where band members and jazzers were accommodated by local people and breakfast was served at the South Caernarfon Yacht Club. Kicking off the Jazz weekend itself on the Friday night were the Oriental Jazz Band
Clockwise from top right - Themed hat; Jan Atherton, one of the festival organisers; Horses & their riders in the parade; Martin Turtle on the Sax; Brightly decorated umberellas adding to the spirit of the festival; Jazz festival males playing in the parade.
42 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
HITS ABERSOCH
(except Xmas Day)
From 10.00am
Go Karts
Cable Wakeboarding
Arrive & Drive
Three Cables - Pre-booking advisable
Kayaks
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Quads Bikes
Group Events Ten Pin Bowling Pre-booking advisable
Archery
Soft Play Centre
Farm Shop
Café * Diner
Outdoor Attractions > Open 10.00am to 6.00pm Four miles out of Pwllheli on the A499 road to Caernarfon. LL53 6PG
01766 810 000 info@glasfryn.co.uk www.glasfryn.co.uk facebook.com/glasfryn.parc
GLASS BUTTER BEACH 2013 “Glass Butter Beach certainly left 2013 summer on a high.” 46 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
Words by Mari Evans
Rob DaviD InterIor DesIgn & Art
Feeling daunted by the prospect of starting an Interior Project for just one room or even the whole house! You can be guided by Interior Designer and Owner Robert David Tel 01758740125 Mobile 07775806035
Email info@robdavidinteriordesign.com
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Photography
Showcase
50 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
Sit back and take in the wonderful scenery of the local area through the lens of local photographers Martin Turtle of Turtle Photography, John Wormald of Totally Abersoch, and ‘Photography by Phae Wood’.
Opposite Page,Top: Snowdon, Totally Abersoch. Bottom: Frosty SCYC, Totally Abersoch. This Page,Top: Hell’s Mouth Beach, with Bardsey in the background, Turtle Photography. Bottom: Llanbedrog Beach and headland, Turtle Photography.
Photography
Showcase
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Top Photo: Abersoch Harbour on a crisp and sunny winter day, Turtle Photography. Bottom Photo: Abersoch Golf Course in snow. Totally Abersoch.
52 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
Photography
Showcase
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The Old Rectory Boduan
Five Star Country House Bed & Breakfast With Self Catering Cottage
Tel. 01758 721519 theashcrofts@theoldrectory.net www.theoldrectory.net The Old Rectory Boduan, Pwllheli LL53 6DT
Top Photo: The path leading to Porth Ceiriad beach dusted with snow. Bottom Photo: Traeth Mawr (Abersoch Main Beach) with the tide out on a winter’s day. Both by Phae Wood.
54 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
Photography
Showcase
WINTER WARMERS
As the winter wears on and the weather gets colder, there is nothing nicer than getting in the kitchen and cooking up some warming treats for comfort on the chilliest of days. Who better to provide some tasty ideas than Si Toft from the acclaimed village restaurant The Dining Room? Words by Ceri James-Evans
Photo: Totally Abersoch
56 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN THE LOCAL AREA
Totally Abersoch
Coastal
Homes
A taste of the properties available in the Abersoch area
Whether it’s a little cottage terrace nestled in the village outskirts or a large country house with prestigious views across Cardigan Bay, the idea of owning a home here is a dream come true.
The View. FORGET ME NOT COTTAGE, Llanbedrog. Price £525,000 An exquisite detached character filled cottage, including a separate detached two bedroom cottage lying to the foot of Llanbedrog Headland, within its own gardens and grounds, of some two acres. Forget Me Not Cottage commands an idyllic countryside setting close to quarry road which is a short distance down onto the beautiful Warren Beach. The owners have resided at the property since 1998 and during this time they have undertaken many improvements and alterations to the accommodation, paying particular attention to retain the features of this fine period residence. The separate cottage within the grounds has also been sympathetically modernised with many character features and has its own parking area with direct access onto a lovely garden. There are other useful ancillary buildings within Forget Me Not Cottage
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Bryn Refail
the grounds and excellent parking for numerous vehicles/boats/caravans etc. Modern double glazing is installed in the main house with central heating to both properties. For details on Silversands please contact Beresford Adams, Abersoch on 01758 712016 or visit www.beresfordadams.co.uk
Grade II Listed
BRYN REFAIL, Mynytho Price £250,000 A delightful detached stone cottage (grade II listed) having being re-roofed in recent years, with immense potential and requiring some modernisation with the added advantage of full planning permission to demolish the existing rear extensions and to construct new side and rear single storey Y extensions, Noddfa granted by Cyngor Gwynedd Council on the 12th April 2013 reference C13/0053/39/ LL. If the proposals are carried out this would create a spacious three bedroom property in a very enviable position. Full plans of the proposed extension works and relevant conditions maybe inspected at the agents Abersoch office. There are breathtaking views from the property’s elevated site, overlooking Cardigan Bay to the south easterly direction and south westerly views toward Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth Bay). For details on Glanaber Isaf, please contact Beresford Adams, Abersoch on 01758 712016 or visit www.beresfordadams.co.uk
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HAULFRYN
PROPERTIES TO RENT IN THE LOCAL AREA
Turtle Photography
Home away from
Home
The Lleyn Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty with a choice of fantastic beaches in The Good Beach Guide. Sailing, wakeboarding, surfing, fishing, horse riding, golf, clay shooting, diving, karting, archery, ten-pin bowling, cycling, walking and so much more are all available locally. What better way to spend quality time away from home than to rent a stunning self-catering retreat for your holiday.
Central Abersoch MEIFOD, Abersoch. Price £475 - £860 per week Superb location within the village. Lovely detached cottage, recently modernised to a high standard, situated in an excellent position within the village. All local amenities are to be found within walking distance with the beach, golf course and yacht club close by. This property has 3 good sized bedrooms, one ensuite and bed linen is provided. Wifi is also available. For this and other holiday properties please contact Beresford Adams on 01758 712408 / 01758 712 016, www.homefromhomewales.co.uk
Cae’r Dyni
Abersoch. Restored and renovated to a high standard Nyth y Wennol combines a stylish mix of antique and traditional touches alongside modern conveniences. With a lovely patio and gardens the cottage is an ideal family holiday home within walking distance of a local family friendly pub and only a short drive to all of Abersoch and the Llyn Peninsula beaches and amenities.
Sea Views CAE’R DYNI, Criccieth. Price £945 - £1,595 per week Perfect for groups & families throughout the year. If you are looking for privacy and fabulous seaviews, this is the house for you! Amble down the footpath from this pet-friendly holiday home to the beach or enjoy the short walk into the pretty seaside town of Criccieth with its castle, shops & cafes. Beautifully furnished and sleeping 8, Cae’r Dyni is perfect for groups and families throughout the year. Managed by Menai Holiday Cottages on 01248 430258 www.menaiholidays. co.uk,
Swallows Nest. Meifod
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Nyth Y Wennol
NYTH Y WENNOL (Swallows Nest) A charming cottage located within the grounds of Bwlch Farm on the edge of
Nyth Y Wennol
The property has been fully converted and newly furnished throughout for 2013 with a stylish modern kitchen and bathroom. The property also offer a spacious open plan lounge, dining and living room with a door leading a rear patio and large grassed lawn and walled garden. Nyth y Wennol is amongst 3 holiday homes in the grounds of Bwlch Farm and can be rented alongside Y Betws also sleeping 4 guests and Ty Woms, sleeping 2 guests.. For further details contact Abersoch Holiday Homes on 01758 740992 or visit www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk
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1 & 2 Coed y Llyn, Abersoch
Nyth y Fran, Abersoch
Two imposing semi-detached properties in the centre of Abersoch, both sleeping 10 guests. Stylish and spacious homes enjoying panoramic views over large lawned garden and patio to St Tudwals Islands. Fabulous combination of modern elegance with period features including impressive high ceilings. Broadband included at 1 Coed y Llyn.
Luxury detached house enviably located in the centre of Abersoch village with panoramic views across Abersoch’s harbour. Set over 4 floors the house is boutique hotel styled with exquisite indoor and outdoor living spaces. Many extras including broadband. Sleeps 12 guests in 5 bedrooms.
Bryn Siriol, Abersoch
Crows Nest, Abersoch
Stylish renovated cottage enviably located in an elevated position on the edge of Abersoch with far reaching sea and countryside views. Elegantly furnished throughout yet retaining its original charm and character. Lovely bright and airy living New England style living spaces teamed with pretty garden, terraces and grounds. Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.
Beautifully presented end terrace property located on the popular Cae Du estate, just a short walk to Abersoch’s beaches and amenities. Recently refurbished to a very high standard with stunning living, dining and kitchen areas, elegant bedrooms, sumptuous family bathroom and en suite. Lovely enclosed rear garden with patio. Pets welcome. Sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.
Pen y Greigwen
Attractive stone cottage in the heart of Mynytho and just a short drive to the beaches of Abersoch and Llanbedrog. Stylishly refurbished for 2013 with pretty coastal touches throughout. Fabulous spacious lounge with feature open fireplace. Pretty enclosed gravelled courtyard with outdoor furniture. Broadband included. Sleeps 5 guests in 3 bedrooms plus 1 bathroom and 1 en suite. Photos by Totally Abersoch
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Telephone 01758 740992 or 07979 497071 Email abersochhh@btinternet.com www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk Page 1
Borth Cottage, Abersoch
Lovely chalet on the luxury holiday home park, The Warren, Abersoch. Just 50 yards from the beach with partial sea views. Sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms and benefits from all on-site leisure facilities including indoor and outdoor pools.
Exquisite luxury coastal house situated a stone's throw from the beach. Borth Cottage in Bwlchtocyn sleeps 12 guests in 6 en-suite bedrooms and boasts its own heli-pad, cinema, open fires, state of the art kitchen, conservatory and games room. Large landscaped gardens.
Ty Hir, Llanbedrog
5 Tan y Gaer, Abersoch
Individually designed house located in the picturesque village of Llanbedrog. Fabulous open plan lounge, kitchen and dining with balcony with sea views. Sleeps 6 in 3 sumptuous bedrooms with 2 en-suites and a family bathroom. Wireless broadband included and dogs welcome.
Spacious and well presented holiday home enjoying both stunning panoramic sea views towards Abersoch and far reaching countryside views over the Llyn Peninsula. Just a short walk to Abersochs popular shops, restaurants and beaches. Large rear balcony. Sleeps 8 in 4 spacious bedrooms.
Mona, Abersoch Beautifully presented cottage overlooking Abersoch harbour beach. Elegant patio and terraces with breathtaking views. Only 2 minutes walk to Abersoch village and beaches. Sleeps 8 guests in 4 elegant bedrooms.
Photos by Totally Abersoch
Over 80 high quality self catering cottages in Abersoch, Llanbedrog and around the Llyn Peninsula
Over 60 high quality self catering cottages in Abersoch, Llanbedrog and around the Llyn Peninsula
Telephone 01758 740992 or 07979 497071 Email abersochhh@btinternet.com www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk
PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN THE LOCAL AREA
Events The 2014 Abersoch calendar
Totally Abersoch
NOVEMBER 2013
29th-30th November: Abersoch Christmas Launch
An instant success last year & you can be sure it will be bigger and better this year. Well worth coming down for. Visit www.abersoch.co.uk
JANUARY
1st January: RNLI New Year’s Day Sea Dip.
A must for anyone down at new year. Thousands get involved & it’s the perfect way to clear your head after a big new year Abersoch welcome the night before! All for the RNLI. Visit www.abersoch.co.uk for all the latest info.
MAY
31st May: Fairline Abersoch 10k
Now in its 5th year the race attracts 1,000 runners to be part of this great day. A well organised event with ChampionChip timing technology, clear mile markers, good marshaling, drink station, £1,000 prize fund & much more. For all the info and to enter go to www.abersoch10k.com
31st May: Abersoch Holiday Homes 3K Beach Race
A great race for all abilities and open to all ages. Held on Abersoch beach, running through the golf course then back on the beach Very popular so enter early. Go to www.abersoch10k.com
JUNE
14th June: Abersoch Sprint Triathlon
The launch of the new Sprint Triathlon taking place from Abersoch beach, including a 750m sea-swim a 20K bike ride and then a 5K run. For all information & to enter go to www.abersochtriplecrown.com
14th June: Abersoch Holiday Homes 1K Sprint
For runners of all ages and abilities. Nice medals for all finishers and a nice prize for the winner too. For more details and to enter go to www.abersochtriplecrown.com
30th June - 5th July: Squib Nationals
The South Caernarfonshire Yacht Club will once again play host to a great year of sailing events including the Squib Nationals. Check out www.scyc.co.uk for all the details.
JULY
21st - 26th July: SCYC Dinghy Week
The great beach & perfect sailing conditions combine to make Cardigan Bay the premier family orientated dinghy regatta on the UK sailing calendar. For details www.scyc.co.uk
28th July - 2nd August: Enterprise Nationals Check out www.scyc.co.uk for details.
AUGUST
3rd - 9th August: Squib Welsh Open & Seabird Open Week Check out www.scyc.co.uk for details.
4th - 9th August: Abersoch Regatta Week
Includes: Crab Catching competition - Abersoch Harbour. Annual Open Golf Competition - Abersoch Golf Club Great Raft Race - Abersoch Main Beach Sandcastle Competition - Abersoch Main Beach
15th-16th August: Glass Butter Beach Festival
A new festival that everyone’s talking about. Big bands, DJ’s, surfing, skateboarding, wakeboarding and BMX. Expect a funfair, loads of food, drink, entertainment and camping with the most spectacular view. A lot of fun & creativity and a great festival vibe for all ages. Go to www.glassbutterbeach.com or call 01758 714000 for more info and tickets.
19th - 23rd August: Abersoch Keelboat Week
The legendary sailing event that everyone wants to be on board for! Check out www.scyc.co.uk for details.
24th August: Abersoch Mackerel Race
Taking place off Abersoch beach, a great event for all ages getting people out on the water to raise money for charity. Call 01758 712294 for more information
Photos from the top - Hi 5’s at Glass Butter Beach. Pic Simon James; Phil Murphy pushing hard at the triathlon; 1,000 runners at the Abersoch 10K. Pic Totally Abersoch; Horses lead the Abersoch Jazz Festival parade. Pic Totally Abersoch
OCTOBER
4th October: Chaparral Abersoch Half Marathon
Returns again for it’s second year after a hugely successful launch. ChampionChip timing, Good marshaling, clear mile markers, £1,000 prize money and much more to give you a great race. For more info go to www.abersochhalf.com
4th October: Abersoch Holiday Homes 2K Blast 64
A great race for all abilities and open to all ages. Held on Abersoch beach, a 2 lap course along the soft sand. A nice little challenge! Very popular so enter early. Go to www.abersochhalf.com
BUILDING & PLASTERING CONTRACTOR
Plastering Roofing Patios Extensions
Call - 07765 593 221
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Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch
Clockwise from top left - Gavin Tomlinson, Jeremy Bygrave & Alun Vaughan off to a flying start in the Abersoch 10K; Annie Hooks; Blethin happy out on the water; Lavinia Mottershead & Hattie Jones; Abigail Broadbent & brother-in-law James Broadbent playing on the Groynes; Enjoying a day at the Abersoch Half Marathon; Kate getting papped; Half Marathon fancy dress runners!; Sam Lilley (furthest left) with his team running for the Edwina Lilley Charitable Trust.
66 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
WINTER SOCH HEADS
Boatyard Services Ltd www.abersochboatyardservices.co.uk
Offering the best Park & Launch Service in the village with a friendly, family oriented atmosphere. Also offering our now legendary Total Boat Management Service as well as general servicing and repairs. Authorised Yamaha sales and service centre. Also available is our excellent undercover storage service. For more details on any of the above give Tim a call, or email tim@abersochboatyardservices.co.uk 01758 713900
Don’t forget The Timcast, every Thursday!
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Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch
Photo: Totally Abersoch
Clockwise from top left - Fresh pumpkin; Jen Sam & Shaun; Gav Bucko Sarah Kirky & Lou; Heidi & Ant; Heidi; 10K Runners; 10K after party guests; Posing with her medal; Nic & Hannah; Dawn heading to the Half Marathon finish line; Rob Deli; Some friendly Seals.
68 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
WINTER SOCH HEADS
ABERSOCH INDEX RESTAURANTS & CAFES
1 THE COCONUT KITCHEN, Abersoch 01758 712250 Favourite Thai restaurant by the harbour. www.coconutkitchen.co.uk 2 PLAS BODEGROES, Pwllheli, 01758 612363 www.bodegroes.co.uk Delightful Georgian Manor House, elegant bedrooms & lovely grounds. 3 ABERSOCH DELI & ZINC BAR & GRILL, Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch. 01758 713456 Breakfast, lunches, daytime snacks & evening meals. 4 PETAL A POT TEAROOMS, Ty Mawr 01758 713098 www.abersochgardencentre.com 5 TREMFAN HALL, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli 01758 740169 Delicious Food, Great Atmosphere & Stunning Views. www.tremfanhall.com 6 VENETIA Stunning Restaurant with rooms in the centre of Abersoch - 01758 713354 www.venetiawales.com 7. EGRYN TASTE, Lon Sarn Bach, Abersoch, LL53 7EE Tel: 01758 712332 Web: www.egryn.co.uk Egryn Taste offers freshly made soups, pates, salads, pizzas, gourmet steak and chicken burgers, fish and steakstones. 8 FLIPSIDE CAFE, Up the hill by Land & Sea 01758 712772 Coffee, Tea, Cakes Sandwiches & Ice Cream 10 THE DINING ROOM, High Street, Abersoch Great food in the heart of Abersoch, in between Blades & Terry’s. www.thediningroomabersoch.co.uk 11 THE PANTRY High Street, Abersoch, 07570 670629 Located up the path between Crew & Angellina’s. Deli, gelato, coffee and much more. facebook.com/VillagePantryAbersoch 12 FRESH CAFE BAR & GRILL, High St. Abersoch. 710033 Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Breakfast, Lunch & evening menus. www.fresh-abersoch.co.uk
HOTELS & B&B’s
13 PORTH TOCYN HOTEL, Bwlchtocyn. 01758 713303 www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk Continuous entry in the Good Food Guide since 1957 14 VENETIA, Abersoch 01758 713354 Stunning Restaurant with Rooms www.venetiawales.com. 15 THE OLD RECTORY Boduan, Pwllheli, 01758 721519. Five Star Country House Bed & Breakfast with Self Catering Cottage. www.theoldrectory.net 16 ANGORFA Bed & Breakfast High Street, Abersoch 01758 713158. www.angorfa.com
ACCOMMODATION
17 ABERSOCH HOLIDAY HOMES, 01758 740992 www.abersochholidayhomes.co.uk. Stunning holiday properties
to rent in the village 18 DEUCOCH CARAVANS, 01758 713293 www.deucoch.com. Family friendly run caravan & camping site near Abersoch. 19 TYN Y MUR, Lon Garmon, Abersoch 01758 712328 www.tyn-y-mur.co.uk Family friendly touring & camping park. 20 HAULFRYN HOUSE, Abersoch Beach Road, Abersoch. 01625 262571 www.haulfrynhouse.co.uk Stunning house of great charm. Sleeps 6 - 24 overlooking Abersoch Bay 70
21 MENAI HOLIDAY COTTAGES 01248 430258 www.menaiholidays.co.uk Fabulous self catering holiday cottages in North Wales 22 BERESFORD ADAMS 01758 649011 www.beresfordadams.co.uk Estate Agents & property rentals. 23 SELECT HOLIDAY RENTALS, Abersoch 01758 649015 | 07586 859220. Hassle free renting. Full or part property management service. www.selectholidayrentals.co.uk
PUBS
24 ZINC BAR, Lon Pen Cei, Abersoch 01758 712880 Open every day, 5pm until late.
25 THE SHIP INN Llanbedrog, 01758 741111. Freshly prepared food & great beers. New outdoor dining area.
RETAILERS
27 FLIPSIDE JEWELLERY Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 712772 www.flipsidejewellery.co.uk Jewellery, handmade on the premises. Commissions undertaken. 28 TURTLE PHOTOGRAPHY Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 713641 www.turtlephotography.co.uk Landscape & seascape gallery, prints, postcards, framed pictures, photo restoration 29 OFFAXIS Glanafon Garage, Lon Engan, Abersoch, LL53 7HP 01758 713 407 Web: www.offaxis.co.uk Offaxis is a leading supplier of wakeboards, wetsuits and surfboards. Run by boarders for boarders. 30 ABERSOCH GARDEN CENTRE Ty Mawr, Abersoch 01758 713098 Gardeners mecca, come and visit our extensive range of garden accessories, water features and displays. 31 HIDEAWAY BOOKS High Street, Abersoch 01758 701022 Books, gifts, jewellery, beach stuff and much more. 32 FIRST LIGHT High Street Abersoch 01758 713830 Clothing for men & women, jeans, hoodies etc stock HOWIES & clothes made with organic cotton. www.firstlightclothing.co.uk 33 LAVENDER HOUSE Bron y Berth, Penrhos 01758 614343 www.lovelavenderhouse.co.uk Vintage, chabby chic, coastal, unique pieces, furniture, gifts, homeware, 7 days a week. 34 TOTALLY ABERSOCH - Gallery and gifts, Past Golf Rd & Cae Du then 800 yrds up the road. Abersoch 01758 713666 www.totallybersoch.co.uk 35 COASTAL CULTURE - Abersoch 01758 712414. Designer Swimwear & Resort Chic in the heart of Abersoch. Bringing you ladies & children’s essential holiday clothing. www.coastalculture.co.uk 36 SPAR CAE DU, Abersoch. Providing you with all your local shopping needs 37 WILDWOOD DESIGNS Aber Uchaf, Abersoch 01758 712161. Beautiful bespoke furniture. www.wildwooddesigns.co.uk 38 ROB DAVID Interior Design & Art, 01758 740125 robdavidinteriordesign.com Interior design. 39 SIOP Y PLAS, Llanbedrog Beach goods, Jewellery, Gorgeous Gifts & Lifestyle Products. Follow the signs for the Llanbedrog beach. 40 CHILLI PENGUIN STOVES, Pen Y Berth, Penrhos 01758 721247 www.chillipenguin.co.uk Top quality stoves, high efficiency, Clean burn, range of colours 41 J’ADORE SILVER, Abersoch 01758 713409 Luxury bespoke jewellery. www.jadore-jewellery.co.uk
42 SOUTH SEA STYLE, Beach life to night life. www.southseastyle.com
Winter On The Beach Ceri James-Evans
The passing boats are long since gone And deafening silence fills the shore As waves crash in, and light dies out And the children play no more. No litter spoils the sacred sand No buckets scattered all around A lonely man, his faithful dog Their footprints smattering the ground. The tides devour the healthy shingle As sea shells, stones lie out of reach The clock will turn, the sun will rise ‘Til then, it’s winter on the beach. Photo Totally Abersoch
74 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Winter 2013
WINTER | GAEAF 2013
A BRIEF HISTORY OF HANES BYR
PWLLHELI
MARCHNADOEDD PWLLHELI MARKETS
PWLLHELI
SENSATION MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT
THE PWLLHELI
CHRISTMAS WEEKEND PENWYTHNOS ‘HWYL YR WYL’
PWLLHELI
VE A S PWLLHELI
SKATE PARK
TODAY|HEDDIW
PWLLHELI SUPPLEMENT
History | Pwllheli Today | Christmas | Markets | Renovation | Skate Park
WHITEHALL RENOVATION
PWLLHELI
Save Pwllheli Skatepark! Pwllheli Marina Photo Totally Abersoch
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NTRODUCTION Words by Editor Ceri James-Evans
If you’ve ever spent much time in Abersoch, then it’s fairly probable you’ve spent some time in Pwllheli too, the local town 7 miles away. Affectionately known as dre’ or simply town to the locals, it’s a sea side town full of secrets and history and in this issue of Abersoch Sensations magazine we’ve decided to pay homage to it in this very special Pwllheli supplement. There is loads to learn from the history and heritage Pwllheli, Pwllheli as it is now in the present day and the upcoming Hwyl yr yl Christmas weekend. So settle down and come and learn more about this wonderful town which we too often take for granted.
Os ydych wedi treulio dipyn o amser yn Abersoch, mae’n debygol iawn eich bod wedi treulio amser ym Mhwllheli hefyd- y dref leol 7 milltir i ffwrdd. Tref glan y môr yw Pwllheli, neu ‘dre fel mae’n cael ei alw gan bobl leol ac mae’n llawn hanes a chyfrinachedd. Yn y gyfrol yma o gylchgrawn Abersoch, rydym wedi penderfynu talu teyrnged i Bwllheli yn yr adran arbennig yma o’r cylchgrawn. Mae digonedd i’w ddysgu, o’r hanes a’r diwylliant i Bwllheli heddiw yn y presennol a phenwythnos Hwyl yr yl sydd ar ei ffordd. Felly gwnnech baned ac eisteddwch i lawr i ddarllen mwy am y dref fendigedig yma rydym yn rhy barod i gymryd yn ganiataol.
Want to see a stand alone Pwllheli magazine? Hoffech chi weld cylchgrawn Pwllheli ei hyn? Gadewch i ni wybod: Let us know | Anfonwch e-bost i: info@sensationgroup.com
CONTENTS | CYNNWYS PWLLHELI SUPPLEMENT WINTER | GAEAF 2013
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PWLLHELI INTRODUCTION
4-5
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PWLLHELI
6-7
PWLLHELI TODAY
8-9
THE PWLLHELI CHRISTMAS WEEKEND
10
PWLLHELI MARKETS
12 - 13
THE WHITEHALL PUB RENOVATION
14 - 15
SAVE PWLLHELI SKATE PARK
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Pwllheli Words By Geiriau gan Ceri James-Evans
Sunset over Pwllheli Harbour Photo by Turtle Photography
wllheli, a small town here on the Lleyn that has so much to offer has a long and interesting history. The name Pwllheli literally translates as saltwater pool which illustrates the maritime past of the town. The town was given its charter as a Borough by Edward the Black Prince back in 1355 and was a town originally centred around the fishing and shipbuilding industries as well has the granite quarry based at Gimlet Rock. These beginnings lasted well into the 20th century with Pwllheli still being one of the main ship building and fishing locations in North Wales. As many as 30 ships would be in production at a time. The harbour was an elemental location, with wines from the continent being imported in. Smuggling was commonplace, and if you walk the grassy sands above Pwllheli front today, you can almost see the smugglers coming in and hiding their goods in your imagination.
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In 1580, Pwllheli had just one shop but by the next generation this had increased to five. By the 1770s, Pwllheli was flourishing with several shops selling goods at reasonable prices. There were also several fairs in the town, with the biggest being the August Fair. The railways arriving in Pwllheli brought about great change and allowed it to grow in its status both socially and politically whilst also making business and commerce more accessible. One particular businessman who had a massive influence on the town was Solomon Andrews. He made several developments in Pwllheli, concentrating in particular on the West End to create a kind of holiday resort. As well as the main West End Hotel, he built houses and worked on the roads. He also created a promenade, recreation ground and a golf course. In order to complete a lot of this work, Andrews used stone from nearby Carreg y Defaid
4 | Abersoch Sensation Magazine | Pwllheli Supplement | Winter 2013
and actually created a horse tramway to carry this stone from Carreg y Defaid to the West End in Pwllheli. This was later expanded all the way to Llanbedrog from 1898 and the fare for passengers was originally 2d (around 82p in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s money!). The tramway was around from 1894 until 1927 and lived through a lot in its time. In 1896 for example, a storm devoured part of the track which had been laid along the beach so it had to be rebuilt. The tramway was particularly significant in 1925 when the National Eisteddfod came to Pwllheli and filled up the entire tram! Unfortunately just two years later a huge storm swept away large sections of the tramway. Andrews offered to sell the tramway to the Pwllheli Corporation but they were not interested so the whole system was gone by 1929. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever travelled from Porthmadog way into Pwllheli, you will be familiar with the Hafan y MĂ´r Haven Camp at Pen-y-
Chain. This was originally a Butlins resort for many years until the Second World War when it became a naval camp called HMS Glendower, with Bryn Beryl hospital then being a hospital for wounded soldiers. After the war, it became a Butlins resort again up until The Haven Group took over. If you’ve ever stumbled up the long hill to the local College (so long that Pwllheli taxi firms regularly make some hefty money on the early weekday mornings when still sleepy students would rather catch a lift than brave the walk!) then you’ll see that the original part of the college has a much older traditional looking building. This is from when the College was Ysgol Penrallt, a school for the year seven and eight pupils to attend before moving up to Ysgol Glan y Môr in year nine. Today of course, pupils spend years seven through to eleven at Ysgol Glan y Môr with many then choosing to go on to study at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor at the top of the legendary hill!
ae Pwllheli yn dref fach yma ar y Llŷn sydd efo llawer iawn i’w gynnig a hanes hir a diddorol. Mae’r enw Pwllheli neu Pwllheli sef pwll o dd ŵ r heli yn adlewyrchu hanes morol yr ardal. Cafodd y dref ei Siarter Bwrdeistrefol gan Edward y Tywysog Du yn ôl yn 1355 ac yn wreiddiol canolbwynt y lle oedd y diwydiannau adeiladu llongau a physgota, yn ogystal â’r chwarel yng Ngharreg y Imbyll. Parhaodd y canolbwynt yma i mewn i’r ugeinfed ganrif pryd roedd Pwllheli dal yn un o’r prif ardaloedd adeiladu llongau a physgota yng Ngogledd Cymru. Roedd hyd at 30 llong mewn cynhyrchiant ar yr un pryd. Roedd yr harbwr yn lle allweddol, gyda gwinoedd yn cael ei mewnforio oddi ar y cyfandir. Roedd smyglwyr o fri ac os ydych yn cerdded hyd diroedd tywodlyd ar flaen Pwllheli dyddiau yma, rydych bron yn gallu gweld yr hen smyglwyr yn d ŵ ad i mewn a chuddiad eu nwyddau yn eich dychymyg. Yn 1580, dim ond un siop oedd ym Mhwllheli ond erbyn y genhedlaeth nesaf, roedd yna bump. Erbyn yr 1770au, roedd Pwllheli yn byrlymu gydag amryw o siopau yn gwerthu nwyddau am brisiau rhesymol. Roedd hefyd sawl ffair yn y dref a’r ffair ym mis Awst oedd y mwyaf. Cafodd y rheilffyrdd dylanwad ar Bwllheli gan greu newidiadau mawr a chaniatáu i’r dref dyfu mewn statws cymdeithasol yn ogystal â gwleidyddol a hefyd gwneud masnach a busnes yn fwy hygyrch. Cafodd un dyn busnes dylanwad eithafol ar Bwllheli, sef Solomon Andrews. Gwnaeth sawl datblygiad ym Mhwllheli gan ganolbwyntio yn bennaf ar y West End i greu rhyw fath o le gwyliau. Yn ogystal â’r Gwesty West End ei hun, fe adeiladodd tai a gweithiodd ar y lonydd. Creuodd promenade, ardal ymlacio a chwrs golff. Ar gyfer cwblhau llawer o’r gwaith roedd angen carreg o’r chwarel cyfagos Carreg y Defaid a chafodd ffordd tram ceffyl ei greu yn wreiddiol er mwyn cludo’r garreg. Cafodd y ffordd tram ei ehangu yn 1898 i Lanbedrog ac roedd yn costio cwsmer 2d (neu 82c) i deithio ar y tram. Roedd y ffordd yma ar agor o 1894 i 1927 ac aeth drwy lawer yn ei amser. Yn 1896 er enghraifft, bu storm a chafodd rhannau o’r trac oedd yn rhedeg ar hyd y traeth
Remnants of a jetty at Pwllheli Beach, Photo by Green Sea Photography
Yn yr ugeinfed ganrif roedd Pwllheli dal yn un o’r prif ardaloedd adeiladu llongau a physgota yng Ngogledd Cymru. Night time lights at Pwllheli Harbour Photo by Green Sea Photography
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well into the 20th century Pwllheli was one of the main ship building and fishing locations in North Wales eu dinistrio a bu rhaid eu hailadeiladu. Yn 1925 roedd y ffordd tram yn bwysig iawn oherwydd daeth yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol i Bwllheli a llenwodd y tram yn gyfan gwbl! Yn anffodus, dim ond dwy flynedd ar ôl hyn yn 1927 bu storm enfawr a chafodd rhannau mawr o’r ffordd eu dinistrio’n llwyr. Cynigiodd Andrews werthu’r ffordd i Gorfforaeth Bwllheli ond doedd ganddynt ddim diddordeb ac roedd y ffordd tram wedi mynd erbyn 1929. Os ydych erioed wedi teithio i Bwllheli o gyfeiriad Borthmadog, byddwch yn gyfarwydd gyda pharc Hafan y Môr yn Pen-y-Chain. Parc Butlins oedd hwn yn wreiddiol am sawl blwyddyn cyn yr Ail Ryfel Byd pryd gafodd ei droi yn wersyll llyngesol o’r enw HMS Glendower, gydag Ysbyty Bryn Beryl gerllaw yn cynnig cymorth i filwyr oedd wedi eu hanafu. Ar ôl y rhyfel, daeth yn wersyll Butlins
The granite mined here at Gimblet rock was shipped out from Pwllheli harbour. Photo by Green Sea Photography
unwaith eto cyn i gr ŵ p The Haven Group gymryd drosodd. Os ydych erioed wedi baglu i fyny’r allt hir i’r Coleg lleol (allt mor hir nes bod gyrwyr tacsi Pwllheli yn gwneud cryn dipyn o bres ar foreau yn ystod y wythnos pan mae myfyrwyr cysglyd yn dewis talu am gludiant yn hytrach na gorfod cerdded i fyny’r allt!) byddwch wedi gweld bod darn gwreiddiol y coleg efo mwy o edrychiad clasurol a thraddodiadol. Mae hyn o’r amser pryd oedd y coleg yn Ysgol Penrallt- ysgol ar gyfer disgyblion blynyddoedd saith ac wyth cyn iddynt symud at Ysgol Glan y Môr ym mlwyddyn naw. Heddiw wrth gwrs, mae holl ddisgyblion blynyddoedd saith i un ar ddeg yn astudio yn Ysgol Glan y Môr gydag amryw wedyn yn dewis mynd i barhau i astudio yng Ngholeg Meirion Dwyfor- ar ben yr allt enwog!
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another big difference between the Pwllheli of yesterday and the Pwllheli of today and there was vehement opposition when the Asda first opened. Now it is very hard to remember Pwllheli without it!
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The sea itself still plays a role in the town with Pwllheli Sailing Club going from strength to strength .
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erhaps one of the most notable things about Pwllheli is the large percentage of Welsh speaking people in the town. With around 80% of people speaking the language, and an even higher percentage within some groups, such as school aged children, it is by far one of the most Welsh speaking areas in Wales. In some ways, the Pwllheli of today is very different to the Pwllheli of years gone by yet key elements remain the same. The strong focus on tourism is still a huge element of the town with many a shop selling holiday souvenirs and a salty seaside freshness lingering in the air. The sea itself still plays a role in the town with Pwllheli Sailing Club going from strength to strength, several water sports business on the marina and of course events such as Wakestock taking advantage of the open harbour to host competitions- as well as the odd traditional raft race! The many little cafes dotted around the town are also a nod to the town’s yesteryears. You’d certainly be hard pushed to find a local who hasn’t eaten in or at least had a takeaway sausage roll from Gwalia! As well as Gwalia there are other cafes and tea rooms such as Taro Deg, Pili Palas and Blue Moon Café which juxtapose nicely next to the more modern Costa Coffee and Cadwalader’s Coffee House. Let us also not forget the legendary fish and chip shops that Pwllheli boastsa crucial element of any seaside town! As well as cafes, there are now more eating options than ever in the town with the recent opening of Alcove- the tapas bar, Eduardo’s- the Italian and the refurbishment of The Whitehall. To add to this there are several pubs boasting great menus and options such as Pekish and Nana’s for when you just fancy something greasy! A massive change which is in the middle of taking place is the transformation of Bon Marche, a shop with a massive history in the town into a Weatherspoon’s’ branch. The café above Spar is also becoming a Subway- another substantial step into a more modern Pwllheli. Of course the supermarkets themselves are
In terms of shops, there is now more of a variety than ever with several new businesses opening in the town in recent years. There are certainly more clothes shops to be found than before in the town with shops such as Urban Coast, Frank Lloyd, Escape and Elspeth Mills offering up to date fashion at affordable prices. There are jewellers and several hairdressing salons, beauty parlours, a sports shop
and even a tattoo studio. When you put it like that, there really isn’t much you can’t do in Pwllheli these days! Perhaps the most unique shops and maybe the favourites amongst visitors to Pwllheli are the more gift type shops offering huge assortments of trinkets and potions stuffed into every nook and cranny. Shops like Eluned, Finn & Louie, Oriel Pwll Defaid, Joshua Tree and Mooch to name but a few, as well as the two book shops are perfect for browsing on a dull day and as we edge nearer to Christmas, there is bound to be something for every recipient in these shops!
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n o’r pethau mwyaf arbennig am Bwllheli yw’r canran uchel iawn o bobl sydd yn gallu siarad yr iaith Gymraeg yn yr ardal. Gydag oddeutu 80% o bobl yn siarad yr iaith, a chanran hyd yn oed uwch o rhai grwpiau megis plant oed ysgol, mae’n sicr bod Bwllheli
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yn un o’r ardaloedd mwyaf Cymreig yng Nghymru. Mewn rhai ffyrdd, mae Pwllheli heddiw yn wahanol iawn i Bwllheli o ddyddiau’r gorffennol. Er hyn, mae rhai elfennau wedi aros yr un fath. Mae’r ffocws cryf ar dwristiaeth wedi parhau i dyfu ac esblygu gyda sawl siop yn gwerthu anrhegion gwyliau ac arogl ffres a hallt y môr yn dawnsio yn yr aer. Mae’r môr ei hun dal yn chwarae rôl fawr yn yr ardal gyda Chlwb Hwylio Pwllheli yn tyfu o nerth i nerth, amryw o fusnesau chwaraeon d ŵ r wedi eu hagor ar y marina, ac wrth gwrs digwyddiadau megis Wakestock yn cymryd mantais o’r harbwr agored i drefnu cystadlaethau- yn ogystal â’r rasys rafftio mwy traddodiadol! Mae sawl caffi bychan wedi eu dotio o gwmpas y dref ac mae’r rhain hefyd yn arwydd o flynyddoedd sydd wedi eu pasio. Byddai’n anodd dod o hyd i berson lleol sydd heb fwyta tu fewn neu o leiaf prynu rôl selsig i fynd allan o Gwalia. Yn ogystal â Gwalia mae sawl caffi arall megis Taro Deg, Pili Palas a Blue Moon Café sydd yn gorwedd yn ddel wrth ochr llefydd mwyaf modern megis
Pwllheli seafront Photo by Green Sea Photography
Pwllheli Today
Pwllheli Heddiw Words By Geiriau gan Ceri James-Evans
Costa Coffee a Thŷ Coffi Cadwalader’s. Wrth gwrs, ni allant anghofio siopau ‘sgod a ‘sglod yr ardal- rhan allweddol o unrhyw dref lan y môr!
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Mae’r môr ei hun dal yn chwarae rôl fawr yn yr ardal gyda Chlwb Hwylio Pwllheli yn tyfu o nerth i nerth .
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Yn ogystal â chaffiau, mae nawr mwy o opsiynau bwyta nac erioed ym Mhwllheli gyda Alcove- bar tapas ac Eduardo’s- bwyty Eidaleg wedi eu hagor yn eithaf diweddar, heb anghofio’r gwaith estynedig sydd wedi mynd ymlaen ar y Whitehall. Heblaw’r rhain mae hefyd sawl tŷ tafarn yn cynnig bwydlenni amrywiol ac opsiynau megis Pekish a Nana’s pan rydych yn syml angen rhywbeth brasterog yn sydyn! Un newid anferth sydd yn
ganol digwydd yw’r newid o Bon Marche- siop gyda hanes hir ym Mhwllheli- i gangen o gwmni Weatherspoon’s. Mae’r caffi uwchben Spar hefyd yn cael ei droi yn rhywbeth newydd seb Subway- arwydd arall bod Pwllheli mewn amser o foderneiddio! Wrth gwrs, mae’r archfarchnadoedd eu hunain yn wahaniaeth mawr rhwng Pwllheli ddoe a Phwllheli heddiw. Roedd gwrthwynebiad pendant pan ddaeth Asda i Bwllheli am y tro cyntaf. Erbyn hyn, i ddweud y gwir mae’n anodd dychmygu Pwllheli heb Asda! Ar ran siopau, mae mwy o amrywiaeth nag erioed gyda sawl busnes newydd wedi eu hagor yn y dref yn y blynyddoedd diweddaraf. Yn sicr, mae mwy o siopau dillad nag erioed o’r blaen gyda siopau megis Urban Coast, Frank Lloyd, Escape ac Elspeth Mills yn cynnig ffasiynau modern am brisiau rhesymol! Mae yna gemwyr, sawl siop trin gwallt, parlwr harddwch, siop chwaraeon a hyd yn oed stiwdio tat ŵ s! Pan ydych yn edrych arno fel yna, mae’n anodd meddwl am rywbeth sydd ddim yn bosib ei wneud
ym Mhwllheli bellach! Efallai’r siopau mwyaf unigryw, ac yn sicr y ffefrynnau ymysg llawer o ymwelwyr Pwllheli yw’r siopau anrhegion sydd yn cynnig amrywiaeth eang o dlysau hardd wedi eu stwffio i bob twll a chornel! Mae siopau megis
Eluned, Finn & Louie, Oriel Pwll Defaid, Joshua Tree a Mooch, yn ogystal â’r siopau llyfrau yn llefydd delfrydol ar gyfer diwrnodiau diflas, ac wrth i ni agosáu at ‘Dolig, yn sicr bydd rhywbeth at ddant pawb yn y siopau yma!
Photo by Green Sea Photography
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The Pwllheli
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Words By Geiriau gan Ceri James-Evans Photos courtesy of Ffotograffiaeth Gan Geraint Jones
Penwythnos ‘Hwyl yr wŷl’ Pwllheli
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f you were lucky enough to be around Pwllheli at the beginning of December last year, you may have experienced the Christmas weekend and if not, make sure you stick around for it on the 6th, 7th and 8th of December this year for it’s certain to be an unforgettable weekend! Last year, it is estimated that it brought between 2000 and 3000 extra people into Pwllheli and this year is set to be even bigger and better! What started as four friends deciding to inject some spirit into Pwllheli in late September 2012 has evolved into an event of great community and atmosphere for the town. They got to work immediately and launched a logo competition in local schools, with the winner being 11 year old Guto Dwyryd.
So what exactly is planned for the up and coming weekend? Perhaps the focus point is the 20m by 12m ice rink which will take centre stage on the Maes as part of the three marquees which will be covering it. As well as the significant ice rink, there will be climbing walls, a bucking bronco and fairground rides. You may be lucky enough to spot superheroes such as Spiderman (and Peppa Pig!) walking around. There will be a craft fair on the Maes itself with around 30 stalls taking part so far as well as a separate craft fair in the old British Legion. Meinir Gwilym will be around for much of the weekend singing some of her hit songs and leading the festivities. There is also a platform available for local talent to perform on the weekend- a great opportunity
for up and coming artists to get spotted. As well as this there will be more traditional carol singing with the local school children getting involved in the festive spirit. Batala Bermo, a huge street Samba band from Barmouth with massive drums will be performing- a rare delight worth seeing! Several local shops will also be getting involved. The popular Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Gingerbread Man Competition from last year is back. This is a treasure hunt for children to find stars in many of Pwllheli’s shopsspread all over the town, with prizes for successful hunters. This really took off last year so this year it is certain to be even better. Santa will be in his grotto in the Tower Hotel and rumour has it that there will be donkeys around! Pwllheli library will be having
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a special craft workshop on the Friday evening. St Peter’s Church will be hosting messy advent- a massively fun craft based service for all the family. The Scripture Union will also be doing fun dress up nativity activities for children on the Maes itself. On the Sunday, Santa’s Fun Run will be starting at 12pm on the taxi rank. The fun will start at about 3pm on the Friday and is likely to go on until about 9 o clock on the first night and then from around 10-6 on the Saturday and Sunday. The event has certainly done the world of good at putting Pwllheli on the map and bringing a lot of the shopkeepers together to organise the fun. It is a real hub for the area and has created a big festive spirit in the town. It is bound to be a great event for all ages, so make sure you’re there!
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s oeddech yn ddigon lwcus i fod o gwmpas Pwllheli ar gychwyn mis Rhagfyr blwyddyn diwethaf, efallai wnaethoch gael profiad o’r penwythnos Hwyl yr Wŷl ac os ddim, gwnech yn sicr eich bod o gwmpas ar y 6ed, 7fed ac 8fed o Ragfyr eleni oherwydd mae’n sicr o fod yn benwythnos bythgofiadwy! Daeth y digwyddiad â rhwng 2000 a 3000 o bobl ychwanegol i fewn i Bwllheli blwyddyn diwethaf a blwyddyn yma, mae’r penwythnos i fod llawer mwy a llawer gwell! Fe gychwynnodd yn sgwrs rhwng pedwar ffrind dros beint mewn tafarn ym Medi 2012 pan benderfynwyd hwy i ddod ac ychydig o ysbryd i mewn i Bwllheli. Aethant syth ati i weithio a lansiwyd cystadleuaeth logo yn yr ysgolion lleol. Yr enillydd oedd Guto Dwyryd, 11 oed. Felly beth yn union sydd wedi cael ei gynllunio ar gyfer y penwythnos arbennig yma? Mae’n debyg mai un o’r uchafbwyntiau yw’r rinc sglefrio iâ fydd ar y Maes fel ran o’r tri pabell fawr. Yn ogystal â’r rinc iâ mi fydd yna waliau dringo, “bucking bronco” a reidiau ffair. Efallai byddwch digon lwcus i weld arwyr megis Spiderman (a Pepa Pinc!) yn cerdded yn eich mysg. Mi fydd yna ffair crefftau ar y Maes ei hun gydag oddeutu 30 o stondinau hyd yn hyn a ffair crefftau ychwanehol yn yr hen Legion. Mi fydd Meinir Gwilym o gwmpas ar y penwythnos yn canu ac arwain y dathliadau. Mae yna lwyfan ar gael i dalent leol cael perfformiocyfle gwych i artistiaid newydd gael eu sbotio. Yn ogystal â hyn mi fydd yna ganu carolau ychydig mwy traddodiadol a phlant ysgol yn ymuno yn yr ysbryd Nadoligaidd. Mae Batala Bermo, band stryd Samba mawr o Bermo gyda drymiau enfawr yn perfformiogwerth eu gweld! Mi fydd amryw o’r siopau yn cymryd rhan hefyd. Bydd y gystadleuaeth Twinkle Twinkle Little Star yn ôl, ar ôl bod yn
hynod o boblogaidd blwyddyn ddiwethaf. Y syniad ydi bod plant yn mynd i chwilio am sêr mewn llawer o siopau Bwllheli ar hyd y dref i gyd ac mi fydd gwobrau i’r enillwyr. Mi fydd y dyn ei hun Siôn Corn yn ei grotto yng Ngwesty’r Tŵr ac yn ôl y son mi fydd yna ful neu ddau o gwmpas! Yn llyfrgell Pwllheli ar y nos Wener mi fydd yna weithgareddau celf. Mi fydd eglwys Sant Pedr
yn cael gwasanaeth Messy Advent arbennig ar gyfer y teulu cyfan gyda lot o hwyl a chrefftau! Yn ogystal, mi fydd Scripture Union yn gwneud gweithgareddau gwisg ffansi ar y Maes ei hun. Ar y dydd Sul, mi fydd ras Siôn Corn yn cychwyn am 12yh ger y ranc tacsi. Mi fydd yr hwyl yn cychwyn tua 3yh ar y Dydd Gwener ac yn parhau tan tua
9 o’r gloch ar y noson gyntaf ac wedyn o tua 10yb i 6yh ar y Dydd Sawrn a Dydd Sul. Mae’r digwyddiad yn sicr wedi rhoi Pwllheli ar y map a wedi dod a llawer o berchnogion y siopau at ei gilydd i creu ysbryd Nadoligaidd i’r dref. Mae o wedi bod yn hwb anferth i’r ardal. Mae’n siwr o fod yn ddigwyddiad ffantastig i bob oedran felly gwnewch yn sicr eich bod chi yno!
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Pwllheli Words By Geiriau gan Ceri James-Evans
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ne of the more traditional aspects of Pwllheli, which is hugely popular with locals and tourists alike is the Pwllheli Market. Held on “the Maes” which literally translates as “The Field” in English, people tend to flock there, with many a pensioner getting their bus passes out to attend the weekly Wednesday event! The market was established as part of a charter established by Edward III the Black Prince on February 26th, 1383 during the reign of Richard II. Exactly 630 years on, there is still a weekly market every Wednesday and “The Maes” bustles with activity! There are up to 60 stalls every week selling all sorts of things from clothing, cleaning products and services such as key cutting. Over recent years there has been quite a
Markets <<
>>Marchnadoedd Pwllheli
big increase in stalls offering local produce and crafts. This is something that Gwynedd Council have noticed and it has pleased them greatly so they are therefore encouraging it to continue.
The historic market has been going for 630 years During the busier summer months, there is an additional smaller market every Sunday as well as the regular Wednesday market which continues year round. If you are new to the area, visiting Pwllheli on a Wednesday to experience this homely, friendly market is an absolute must do activity!
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n o agweddau mwyaf traddodiadol Pwllheli, sydd yn hynod o boblogaidd gyda phobl leol ac ymwelwyr yw’r farchnad. Mae’n cymryd lle ar y Maes ac mae heidiau o bobl yn heglu yno- gyda llawer iawn o bensiynwyr yn tynnu eu pasys bys allan yn unswydd ar gyfer mynychu’r farchnad ar Ddydd Mercher! Cafodd y farchnad ei sefydlu fel rhan o Siarter gan Edward III, y Tywysog Du ar Chwefror 26ain, 1383 yn ystod teyrnasiad Rhisiart II. Yn union 630 o flynyddoedd yn ddiweddarach, mae yna dal marchnad wythnosol bob dydd Mercher ar y Maes. Mae i fyny at 60 o stondinau yn cynnig bob math o bethau o ddillad, cynnyrch glanhau a gwasanaethau megis torri goriadau. Dros y blynyddoedd mwyaf diweddar, mae
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cynnydd mawr ymysg stondinau sydd yn cynnig cynnyrch a chrefftau lleol. Mae Cyngor Gwynedd wedi sylwi hyn ac wedi eu plesio yn arw.
Mae’r farchnad wedi bod yma am 630 o flynyddoedd Maent felly yn hybu i hyn ddal ati i ddigwydd. Yn ystod y misoedd mwyaf prysur yn yr Haf, mae marchnad ychwanegol ychydig bach llai bob Dydd Sul, yn ogystal â’r farchnad dydd Mercher sydd yn parhau i ddigwydd drwy gydol y flwyddyn. Os ydych yn newydd yn yr ardal, mae ymweld â Phwllheli ar ddydd Mercher er mwyn cael profi’r farchnad gartrefol a chyfeillgar yma yn weithgaredd sydd rhaid i chi eu gwneud!
ROB DAVID INTERIOR DESIGN
WHITEHALL PROJECT
Words & Photos by Rob David
A landmark Grade two listed building situated in the market town of Pwllheli, the Whitehall Bar Bistro has recently been transformed by Interior Designer Robert David. Initially the “Whitehall Hotel” it was built in 1818 by John Ellis, a wealthy local solicitor. There was an article in the North Wales Gazette dated May 30th, 1822 stating that Mr Rowlands [the first tenant landlord] had some “Bathing Huts” on Pwllheli Beachquite a thriving business it would seem! Since those heady days of Georgian splendour, the Whitehall has changed hands many times with several landlords running the establishment as a hotel and, more recently a tavern. In 2010 a local farming couple took on the business and Robert David was invited to rebrand the tavern into a bar bistro with an intimate eatery upstairs serving locally sourced Welsh cuisine during the evenings and a bar on the ground floor serving food and drinks all day. According to Robert “The interior was in a very bad state of disrepair”. It was therefore decided that the entire building would need to be gutted, leaving only the retaining and exterior walls standing. The challenge thereafter was to put back the charm and character into the old building whilst still incorporating some modern elements.
“shabby chic” up-cycled furniture
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SAVE PWLLHELI SKATE PARK ! Words by Ceri James-Evans Photo by Sion Bryn Evans
If you’ve ever driven past playing fields on the Lleyn, you’ll have seen the ramps, bars and half pipes built at several of them, and a variety of people scooting, skating or riding up down and around on them. The decision to demolish Pwllheli Skate Park- the biggest on the Lleyntherefore, was met with great sadness and dismay by many. The demolishment took place at the end of October and came as a shock to most people. In the week running up to it, it had been reported in the local paper that litter was a big problem at the site. However it would appear the main reason that the council decided to take it down was down to health and safety. The combination of metal components and the salty sea air on the front at Pwllheli wasn’t a fantastic match (something to bear in mind during the hopeful restoration of the popular leisure attraction). Several local people have come together to address the situation with a group being formed on Facebook and a meeting being held at CIP in Pwllheli to discuss what can be done. The good news is the Council appear very positive about the situation, having said in a press release that they would be very willing to support any group wishing to redevelop the site. With this in mind, a small group from the community have formed in order to work with the Council with the goal of restoring the skate park to Pwllheli in the future.
54| |Abersoch AbersochSensation SensationMagazine Magazine| |Pwllheli Summer 2013 14 Supplement | Winter 2013 54 Spring 2013
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