Yattar Yattar September October 2014

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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Ruthin School News

Congratulations to A Level Students.

Our Best Results Ever!

Statistics • 38 students sat A Level • 36.00% of grades at A* (2013: 19.89%) • 69.33% of grades at A*-A (2013: 60.23%) • 90.00% of grades at A*-B (2013: 81.25%) • 100% pass rate • UCAS Points per Candidate 466.84 (2013: 366.42)

University Entrance The top universities in which our students will continue their studies include: • Cambridge (5 students) • Durham • Edinburgh • Exeter • Imperial College, London • Manchester • Nottingham • Southampton • University College, London • Warwick • York

Top Student

Shelly Wang was this year’s top student, achieving 5 A* grades at A Level and one A grade at AS Level. She also achieved 600/600 in her Further Mathematics modules and 300/300 in her Chemistry A2 modules. Shelly will go to Downing College, Cambridge, to study Engineering.

FOR A PROSPECTUS OR TO ARRANGE A TASTER DAY

Telephone: 01824 702543

General points: ■ Co-educational 11-19 years ■ Average class size is 10 ■ Pupils are taught by specialist staff. Several have PhDs and a number were educated at Oxbridge ■ Sport, music, drama, volunteering and a range of activities contribute to the non-academic life of all pupils

www.ruthinschool.co.uk RS_37449_Yattar_SeptOct_2014.indd 1

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ED’S LETTER

yattar yattar

MAGAZINE

™

Publisher Dan Bromage dan@brillybox.co.uk

Editor Stephanie Anne Lloyd editorial@yattaryattar.co.uk Senior Sales Executive Emily Shone emily.yattar@yahoo.co.uk Senior Sales Executive Kelley-Jo Beattie kelley_yattar@yahoo.co.uk Production Editor Olivia Abbott olivia_yattar@yahoo.co.uk Features Writer Gill Chetcuti

A

A warm welcome

utumn marks the end of summer with spectacular colours as trees and shrubs prepare to hunker down before winter. A brisk walk is great exercise for the more mature and we are spoilt for choice in our region, from easy walks without hills by the canal side to challenging climbs such as the mountains in Snowdonia.

Our rich heritage of medieval castles feature in this issue so look out for their open days during September. You could even combine a visit with a trip on a heritage railway – I personally love to see steam trains as they bring back so many childhood memories.

The foodies among you will be salivating right now – there are food festivals galore during the autumn where you can sample lots of local food and drink. Heritage microbreweries abound as do small food producers making cheeses, pates, ice cream, meat and more.

Because I’ve been working abroad so much this year, my vegetable FREE Festival garden and greenhouse have been sadly neglected but in past years Education fever special I have grown spinach (my personal favourite), onions, salad potatoes, spring onions and runner beans; plus cucumber, tomatoes and peppers under glass. Picking and eating your own produce is very rewarding. I am now gathering berries for making wine which is a great indoor hobby and WIN! Halloween you can make it out of almost anything, even tea!

Trick or Treat We’ve got lots of great gardening tips To the Battlements! in this issue and again it is great for your STEPHANIE ANNE LLOYD health as it provides both exercise and This issue’s cover shows Caernarfon Castle Proud Editor fresh air. Stay happy and healthy, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

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Staff Writer Emma Joy Anderson Art Editor Julie Gagen julie@suburbiadesign.co.uk Reproduction Thomas Gagen thomas@suburbiadesign.co.uk Graphic Designer Mark Gunning mark@suburbiadesign.co.uk Contributors Anthony Dunstan-Burns, Alison Ensor, Emyr Evans, Aunty Jane, Mark Lampkin, Gloria Mans, David Middleton, P Parker, Kate Rock, Glyn Smith, Louise Tomlin, Lucy Tubbs, Graham Uney And a huge thanks to our work experience students…

Mike Scoltock, Emma Jones, Holly Jones, Daisy Owen, Olivia Overthrow-Jones, Niamh Roberts, Ryan Wharton-Jones, Ellie Williams Yattar Yattar Magazine, Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd, CDC Distribution Centre, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6HA. Telephone: 01978 813035 www.yattaryattar.co.uk ISSN 2042-8588 YATTAR YATTAR is published bi-monthly

by Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd. Every effort is made to ensure that the information and advice contained in these articles is correct and appropriate, but no responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action in reliance on or as a result of anything omitted from such articles can be, or is accepted by, the authors, the publishers, their employees or any other persons connected with Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd. Save as expressively permitted by law no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written authority of Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd. © 2014 Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd, all rights reserved. Registered Number: 7725045.

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In this issue...

GETTING MARRIED IN THE MORNING? Your perfect wedding breakfast and much more in our local weddings guide, p 94

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FRIGHTEN YOUR PANTS OFF! Everything you need to know for Halloween fun, p 48 KINGS OF THE CASTLE Have a great day out at one of our stupendous fortresses, p 42

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Contents

p85 Light up your autumn

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 6 What’s On – 40 pages!

A round-up of the best events, shows and days out this autumn

What do you want?

What would you like to see more of in Yattar Yattar? Let us know at editorial@ yattaryattar.co.uk

p42 Let down the drawbridge!

p57 Back in the saddle

p128 Treats for tiny tootsies

38 Reviews Flower shows, folk festivals, dance, musicals and much more – read our reviews 41 Bright Lights, Big City Our pick of theatre and shows in Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham 42 Castle crazy It’s Heritage Weekend and Open Doors this September, so take the opportunity to discover our medieval fortresses 48 Happy Halloween!

The history and traditions of our scariest festival, plus a round-up of fun family events 53 Yattar Holidays It’s never too soon to start planning your next break – and we’ve got some great ideas 57 Yattar Active Take to the water, or the hills; get on your bike or go fishing, the choice is yours

p86 Grow your own gooseberries

60 Yattar Escapes Take a break with one of these great offers from local hotels 63 Travel A short break in Chester 66 Food and Drink Award-winning local producers; products tasted and tested; dog-friendly pubs and more 71 A festival of food A round-up of this autumn’s local food festivals

p91 It’s a cat’s life

73 Get cooking!

Be inspired at The Cookery Workshop at Upstairs Downstairs 74 Hunting the hedgerows We go foraging for a free lunch with a local expert

p71

Something’s cookin’!

80 Light my fire!

Great advice from local heating experts on how to beat the chill this winter 85 Homes & Interiors Innovative new extensions, plus great shopping ideas 86 In the garden Tidying up for autumn, and making the most of Indian summer evenings 91 Pets and Wildlife Caring for older pets, wildlife to look out for in your garden, plus your cute pets and more 94 The Wedding Planner 11-page wedding special with everything you need for the big day, from dresses to cakes 105 Fashion & shopping Autumn style from local boutiques, plus great gift shops 108 Online shopping You don’t even have to leave your sofa to shop local 112 Health & Beauty Eczema week, long-wear mascaras put to the test, give blood, expert advice and more 123 Schools News What have our local schools been up to this summer? Plus, open days listings 128 Family Corner A new adventure playground, plus kids books and shopping 132 Book Club Great reads from local authors, plus literary events near you 136 Volunteering Ideas for getting out and helping in your local community 141 Finance and Legal Advice from the experts 144 Crossword and Your Stars

75 Continental style Get a taste for all things Italian at Carluccio’s in Shrewsbury

146 Aunty Jane Everybody’s favourite aunty on healthy eating

76 Arts Corner See artists at work in their studios, plus exhibitions and events

148 Competitions 151 Reader Letters

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

Making waves

Training days

Ah, the romantic era of the steam train… we’ve plenty to visit in this part of the world, but if taking a ride isn’t enough for you, why not have a go as a train driver?

The Welsh Highland Railway (WHR) is offering an opportunity to spend an evening driving the vintage steam locomotive Gertrude. The Evening Experience costs £95 and starts at 4pm on a Saturday. After all the passengers have gone home, you’ll join the driver and fireman for a short introduction to how it all works and then you’ll take the engine up and down the line.

If that just whets your appetite, for £330 you can have the railway and train to yourself for a full day, with individual instruction from the driver and fireman. You’ll learn everything, from preparing the locomotive and the correct way to build the fire to how to ‘buffer up’ without hitting the coaches too hard. Will your driving skills be up to it? Includes a year’s free membership of the WHR. Visit www.whr.co.uk or call 01766 513402.

6 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

The International Ocean Film Festival is set to make a splash at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Conwy on 20th September.

The festival features a selection of oceanthemed short films from around the world, with more than two hours of footage taken above and below the water’s surface. The films document the beauty and power of the ocean, and celebrate the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray; who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue.

Expect heart-stopping shots of surfers riding wild waves and adrenalin-inducing scenes of divers swimming with white sharks and whale sharks. The films portray behaviour foolhardy, brave, idiotic and determined in equal measure, including two British friends who decided to row across the Indian Ocean in a secondhand boat; the story of a woman paralysed from the waist down who made her dream to surf a reality; and a man who can hold his breath for seven minutes and dive to 100 metres.

For more information visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or call 01492 872000.

Dine like a prince Celebrate the life of Owain Glyndwr, a true prince of Wales, at Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire on 15th and 16th September. You can discover more about the legendary Welsh nationalist and the stories surrounding him, while taking part in a range of activities, including storytelling, music and flag making.

Find out more about the prince’s effect on the local area, what life was like for children in medieval times, the jobs people did, what musical instruments they played and the fascinating story of how farming implements turned into weapons of war.

And from 25th-26th October, you can experience history through your senses at Plas Mawr, Conwy, seeing authentic period food, hearing about who ate it and when – plus, of course, tasting it! For more information visit cadw.wales.gov.uk

Events at Erddig Great British Walk events It’s the National Trust’s Great British Walk festival again this autumn, and Erddig has a number of weekly walks taking place. Choose from a Garden Health Walk, Autumn Colour Trail, Estate Buggy Walk, Paws at Erddig, and Wildlife Wander.

Walks take place from 8th September-24th October.

Colours of Autumn Photography Course, 5th October Autumn is one of the best times to photograph landscapes and nature. Join a one-day digital photography course.

Booking is essential.

Fungal Foray, 25th October Help with the challenge of finding 50 fungi species Did You Know? on the estate. Guided There are estimated to by fungus specialist for be more than a million Cheshire and Clwyd species of fungi in the Fungal Punk Dave.

world, but only 10 per For more information cent have been formally visit online at www. identified… nationaltrust.org.uk, Photos: John Ferro Sims and Neil Muir

or call 01978 315191.

What’s On at The Stiwt

Music to one’s ears at St Asaph A stellar cast of world-class performers is heading to St Asaph Cathedral this autumn for the North Wales International Music Festival. The event, which has established itself as one of the highlights in the UK’s cultural calendar, takes place from 20th-27th September. Star attactions include piano virtuoso Llyr Williams, from Pentrebychan, and Chinese classical guitarist Xuefei Yang (both pictured above).

Also appearing will be the popular Tippett String Quartet and pianist David Owen Norris, who will be playing a programme of newly discovered piano music from Jane Austen’s family collection. Mid Wales Opera will be performing Acis and Galatea, while the Aspire Inspire Concert will provide a platform for a host of talented young musicians and singers and will include only the second performance Adar Rhiannon (Rhiannon’s Birds), composed by harpist Catrin Finch.

All this to enjoy, plus the composer of the music for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the premiere of a new work by talented Anglesey composer Gareth Glyn – all in a venue which has been described as ‘better than the Sydney Opera House’.

Visit www.nwimf.com or call 01745 850197.

Chris Wood, 13th September Criticised by an art school lecturer as having ‘a remarkable eye for trivia’, Chris Wood’s love of small things has made him one of England’s most vivid and arresting song writers.

What’s On in brief l 4th September, A Gentle Coastal Ramble Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust for a level coastal walk of three miles, when you’ll have the chance to see some of the plants growing along the way and in the churchyards. Meet at St Cynbryd’s Church, Llanddulas, Conwy.

l 5th-6th September, Anglesey Beer Festival Your chance to sample a wide variety of ales from the local area and further afield.

Visit www.angleseybeerfestival. com to find out more.

l 8th September, Tour of Britain Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free to spectate live sporting event runs from Knowlsey to Llandudno via Wrexham, Mold, St Asaph, Llanrwst and Conwy for its second stage.

l 12th-14th September, Circus Maximus Remastered North Wales’s first Harley owners group rally includes a weekend of music with the rockabilly band Vavoom, a ride out to Chester Harley Davidson for some rally weekend deals, and a Saturday parade ride on some of the best roads north Wales has to offer.

l 13th September, Flintshire Real Ale Trail The popular Real Ale Trail is a bus-based ale festival starting and finishing in Mold, featuring nine rural pubs and four buses, with an hour at each pub between 11am and 11pm. l 19th-21st September, Llandudno

Opera Cymru: Eugene Onegin, 18th September A new Welsh-language version of Tchaikovsky’s great operatic masterpiec.

Onegin is a dissolute snob who through his wilfulness and arrogance, kills his best friend and loses his true love.

Bookends: Simon and Garfunkel Anthology Show, 20th September Bookends are an authentic tribute to the music of Simon and Garfunkel. www.stiwt.com or call 01978 841300.

Arts Weekend No2 A three-day festival of quirky arts events and exhibitions. See Arts Corner, p75, for more

l 20th September, Wrexposure With headline acts the Hoosiers (above), Matt Cardle and Loveable Rogues appearing, this new one-day music festival offers sounds from all eras, including Top 40 acts from the past 20 years.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 7

Photo: Nenard Obradovic

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

What’s On at Theatr Colwyn WhatÕ s On at

Showtime at Cerrig!

Get a taste of the Good Life Billing itself as a ‘one-day festival of culture, food and the great outdoors for the whole family’, the brand new Good Life Experience takes place at the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Flintshire on 20th September.

The culture side of the festival is curated by singer, songwriter, author and broadcaster Cerys Matthews, and includes performances by Cerys herself, alongside poet Murray Lachlan Young, the London Bulgarian Choir and singer, songwriter and harpist Georgia Ruth among others.

There’ll be the opportunity to learn to throw an axe or fire an arrow, cook on a campfire with Tom Herbert of The Fabulous Baker Brothers, abseil, learn how to cook with Bill Granger, eat some spectacular British food, discover your new favourite beer, do a bit of yoga or learn bushcraft.

So, yep, that certainly covers culture, food and the great outdoors. All you need to bring is the family…

Visit www.thegoodlifeexperience.co.uk or call 01244 784122.

The Cerrigydrudion Show, which is held in the village on the first Saturday of every September, is a piece of local history and culture.

As well as the livestock shows and produce contests there are displays of vintage tractors and other local memorabilia, equestrian events including ridden classes and a gymkhana, sheep shearing, and stalls from local businesses with plenty of food and drink available.

Visit www.cerrigshow.co.uk

What’s On at

William Aston Hall Jimmy Carr: Funny Business, 26th Business September Described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’ which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. Witty and incisive musings on the human condition.

Chris Ramsey: The Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning Television, 1st October After being sent off the Soccer AM sofa last year for misbehaving, Chris wonders whether he really is the Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning TV.

Halloween hunt at Llanberis

Dare your ride the ghostly train through the Witches Wood to seek out the spirits and spooks on Halloween?

Or, simply take the fascinating and historic journey from Gilfach Ddu through an area rich with history and wildlife. You’ll travel alongside a lake, underneath a castle, through slate mines and underneath a clock that takes 10 minutes a week and two men to wind – with views of the Snowdon mountain range unfolding before you.

Halloween Hunt, 26th October-1st November. Visit www. lake-railway.co.uk or call 01286 870549

8 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita, 16th October An intriguing Welsh-West African collaboration from two accomplished players of the harp and kora.

Dave Gorman Gets Straight to the Point* … (*The PowerPoint), 24th October The innovative comedy mind behind Modern Life Is Goodish, and Googlewhack Adventure is back with his brand new live show.

Visit www.glyndwr. ticketsolve.com

Theatr Colwyn [body copy] Crazy Science: A Family Concert, 13th September Presented by Paul Sinha, 19th September For well over Doug Horley a decade Paul has (Ô Duggie been makingDug his name in the world of stand-up DugÕ ) and comedy.

He hismay team, be many this is– quiz things geek, doctor, a lively Gemini, childrenÕ s sports fanatic – but first and show foremost, he is a stand-up with comedian. songs, Bedroom puppetsFarce, and 8th October Funny, gripping activities and acutely with observed, Alan Ayckbourn’s lots of audience sophisticated ‘70s comedy lifts the lidAny on participation. the secrets of marriage – age the canimpetuous enjoy the from joy of new to unshakable fun love while learnlifelong partnership. ing about the The Houghton Weavers, wonders of GodÕ s 18th October The Weavers return to creation.

Crazy Science: A Family Concert, 13th September Presented by Doug Horley and his team, this is a lively children’s show with songs, puppets and activities with lots of audience participation.

Theatr Colwyn with their unique blend of popular folk music, humour and audience participation.

They guarantee an evening of entertainment suitable for all the family.

Paul Sinha, 19th September For well over a

Macbeth, 21st October Presented by Traffic of the Stage. William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a disturbing tale of treachery and murder set in the savage landscape of medieval Scotland.

With its compelling mixture of historical fact and supernatural invention, the play is an incisive psychological study on the corrosive effects of mad ambition.

decade Paul has been making his name in the world of stand-up comedy. He may be many things Ð quiz geek, doctor, Gemini, sports fanatic, and, according to Jim For more information, visit www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk Davidson, Ô an

Follow us on facebook – search ‘Yattar Yattar’

Shopping, Food, Relaxation & Great Family Day Out! The

Delightfully individual retail and craft shops, within our unique Edwardian Village, adjoining our 5* multi-award winning Holiday Park, Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Golf Course.

For Plassey business & shop listings see www.plassey.com

Tel: 01978 780277

www.plassey.com The Plassey, Eyton, Wrexham, LL13 0SP

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

What’s On at Rhyl Pavilion Mid Wales Opera: Carmen, 30th September Following a highly acclaimed touring production of Britten’s Albert Herring last year, and fresh from their spring tour of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, Mid Wales Opera return to celebrate their 25th season.

David Gest’s Soul Legends Live in Concert, 10th October David Gest returns to Rhyl with the Soul Legends, starring Russell Thompkins, JR and The Stylistics, Dennis Edwards and The Temptations, Deniece Williams, Billy Paul and Sheila Ferguson.

Get snap happy at Bodnant

The Bodnant Garden photography competition closes on 31st October so you’ve just two months to get to the National Trust property near Colwyn Bay, snap some great photos and be in with a chance of winning £100.

Don’t worry if you’re not too sure about your picture-taking skills – photographer Pierino Algieri is hosting two photography workshops on 18th October to help you capture the perfect image. Bodnant is worldrenowned for its stunning botanical gardens, and with 80 acres to explore, there’s bound to be something to inspire you. You can also entertain the children with ‘plant hunter’ trails, go wildlife watching, or simply relax and enjoy the autumnal hues.

For more information, visit www.

Did You nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01492 650460.

A steaming September

What’s On in brief l 20th-21st September, North Wales Tourism and Leisure Show Taking place at Ffrith Festival Gardens in Prestatyn, this show will feature caravans, motorhomes, a craft market, dog show, chainsaw carving and much more.

l 30th September, Poem Open Day A chance to see inside the beautiful Poem, final resting place of the Aberconway family at the National Trust’s Bodnant Garden.

Know?

It is thought that about 20 per cent of photographs taken this year will end up on Facebook

l 4th October, Big Draw Day Celebrate our world on this fun international drawing day at Penrhyn Castle (pictured above). This event is suitable for all ages, so why not bring the entire family along for a great day out?

The summer holidays are over and the weather may be getting cooler, but there are still some great events at Ffestiniog Railway…

The United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra, 17th October Is it possible for anyone to create a show that brilliantly combines music from Mozart to Monty Python, Bach to the Beatles, Chick Corea to Rossini? The answer in the case of The United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra is a resounding ‘yes!’ Their motto is ‘musical borders belong to yesterday’.

Super Power Weekend, 12th-14th September The annual weekend of special trains and events around the railway for enthusiasts and families.

Don’t miss this chance to see largest 2ft gauge steam locomotives in the world doing what they do best.

Trailffest Half Marathon, 20th September Enter the Trailffest Half Marathon and the journey from the event centre at Porthmadog to the start of the race in Blaenau Ffestiniog is included in the entry fee.

Plus, the Ffestiniog Railway is

l 4th October, Abersoch Half

providing another train so friends, family and spectators can head up to watch the race start and then follow as it progresses along the course. Whether you run it or ride it, it’s one of the most scenic races in the country.

Visit www.trailffest.co.uk for more information, and visit www.festrail.co.uk or call 01766 516024

Marathon After relentless demand the team behind the Abersoch 10K have created a half marathon to take place in the seaside village.

Grab your running shoes and get out there!

l 10th October, Garden Bird Watch An illustrated talk

by David Lee, who will outline the results of the BTO Garden Birdwatch as part of the Citizen Science Project.

This monitors trends and produces valuable information on the health of the bird population. At St David’s Church Hall, Llandudno.

Make friends with Dylan Thomas Stones in His Pockets, 1st November The hilarious and moving tale of a small Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a huge Hollywood movie shoot. Stones in His Pockets is a multi-awardwinning comedy starring Conor Delaney (Game of Thrones, Jack Taylor, The Tudors) and Stephen Jones (Ripper Street) who play 15 characters between them.

Visit www.rhylpavilion. co.uk or call 01745 330000

Bangor joins in the festivities celebrating the centenary of the birth of one of Wales’s greatest poets with a six-day event focusing on the music of Daniel Jones, lifelong friend and collaborator of Thomas, composer of the original music to Under Milk Wood, and author of My Friend Dylan Thomas.

The festival will include performances of vocal and choral settings of Thomas’s poems, responses to his work in jazz and electroacoustic sonic art, new commissions

by Welsh poets and a performance of Jones’s fourth symphony, written in memory of Dylan Thomas. There will also be educational workshops and public events plus a one-man performance of Clown in the Moon.

25th-30th October, Pontio Arts Centre and Bangor University.

Visit dylanthomas100.org

l 25th-26th October, Snowdonia Walking Festival Snowdonia is famous the world over for its majestic rugged beauty. This twoday festival caters for every level of fitness with walks taking in history, scenery and wildlife.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 11

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

What’s On at Clwyd Theatr Cymru Blood Brothers, 8th-13th September Willy Russell’s legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

Did You Know?

Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden is ready to welcome plenty of book-loving visitors for the second Gladfest, from 5th-7th September. With an eclectic mix of talks, interviews and workshops, all put together with the aim of bringing internationally renowned authors and readers together, there’s plenty for visitors to see or take part in.

The festival promises something for lovers of history, biographies, prose, poetry and even drawing. This is the second year that Gladfest has been held at the library. Last year’s inaugural event was hugely successful, and this year’s promises to be even bigger and better. Attractions include events for children, a craft market and the library’s very own bookshop, Gladbooks.

Visit www.gladstoneslibrary.org or call 01244 532350.

Go fly a kite at Chirk On 7th September, Chirk Castle in Wrexham is inviting everybody to use the parks and grounds as a big kite-flying arena. It’s a fun family event – and you can even take your dog! There’s no doubt that after a week back at school, the children will be mourning the loss of their summer holidays, so this fun day out at Chirk is a great opportunity to lift their spirits and put a temporary halt to their back-to-school blues. And once you’ve worked up an appetite with all that kite-flying, you can head for the historic kitchen and test their tasty seasonal menu.

And if that’s not enough, on 12th October the grand Battle of the Conkers is taking place in the castle grounds. How many bashings can yours take? Head to Chirk and take a shot!

North Wales History Llynnon Mill, Wales’s only surviving working windmill, was constructed in the mid 1700s on land near Llanddeusant, on the island of Anglesey. The structure (costing £529 and 11 shillings) was one of many operational mills on Anglesey, once known as the ‘Granary of Wales’. The first of Llynnon’s millers was Thomas Jones – a conscientious and hardworking man – who toiled until 1846 when he died aged 90. In 1892, the running of the mill was transferred to Robert Rowlands, who made a success of the mill, but in 1978 the mill and surrounding farm came up for sale and, after a public campaign, the council purchased it and began extensive restoration work. The site was officially reopened to the public in 1985. Today, Llynnon Mill is a popular tourist destination which operates as an agricultural museum, and produces stoneground wholemeal flour.

12 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

© Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales

A festival to gladden the heart

Dangerous Corner, In the 16th century the 15th-20th world’s bestselling book September From the was not the Bible but writer who Erasmus’ handbook brought on good manners for you An children: De Civilitate Inspector Calls, Dangerous Morum Corner delves deep into a mysterious world of murder and conspiracy.

Autumn exhibitions at Wrexham Museum Gresford Miners’ memorial, 20th September This September marks the 80th anniversary of the Gresford Disaster and on Saturday 20th Wrexham Museum will pay tribute to the men and families of Wrexham who kept the wheels of industry turning.

Made in Wrexham, until 2nd November Wrexham helped build modern Britain and manufacturing industry shaped modern Wrexham. This exhibition showcases the unique Powell motorbike, the town’s brewing heritage and the terracotta treasures of Ruabon.

A Light in the Dark: Coal, Colliers and Communities, until January 2015 Paintings and memorabilia reveal how the coal runs through the history of Wales and its people.

Visit www.wrexham.gov.uk or call 01978 297460.

The Man Jesus, 23rd-24th September Simon Callow, one of Britain’s best-loved actors, performs this fresh and moving account of biblical stories including the raising of Lazarus, the wedding at Cana and the journey to Jerusalem.

Ghosts, 25th September-8th October Helen Alving has meticulously planned a fresh start – a bright future for herself and her son, but the ghosts of the past will not be banished.

As each fiercely guarded secret is revealed, her fragile household cascades faster and faster towards destruction.

Patricia Routledge: Facing the Music, 26th September Best known for her TV comedy roles, Patricia Routledge also trained as a singer and remains one of the best kept secrets in show business. With the writer and broadcaster Edward Seckerson, Patricia discusses her life in musical theatre, illustrated with rare recordings.

Visit www.clwyd-theatrcymru.co.uk or call 0845 330 3565.

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 

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Enjoy a ride on our Vintage Train

Have fun in the Engine Sheds

Ride the Miniature Railway

Pay once stay all day!

Our Railway Shop has something for everyone, from its selection of railway books, videos and models to gifts, confectionary and souvenirs.

Why not visit The Russell Tea Room We offer a wide selection of teas, coffees, tasty home cooked treats, snacks and meals.

Find us on the Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9DY 01766 513402 - info@whr.co.uk - www.whr.co.uk

EXPLORE NORTH WALES IN COMFORT - BY TRAIN !

Our two narrow-gauge railways run through the very heart of the Snowdonia National Park and provide the perfect way to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery - during a car-free, care-free journey in comfortable carriages complete with an ‘at-your-seat’ buffet service and on-train toilets. Trains run throughout the year with a daily service from late March to the end of October.

There is always plenty to entertain the whole family, both on and around the railways - you can ride the trains all day, take a shorter trip to one of our many stations and explore local villages and countryside at your leisure before returning on a later train or visit us for one of our popular, ‘family-friendly’ special events.

Train times and further information available on our website.

FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS One of the Great Little Trains of Wales

Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF

enquiries@festrail.co.uk

01766 516024

www.festrail.co.uk

Steam Trains in

Unspoilt Snowdonia

Take a historic steam train trip for Scenic Walks, Waterfalls, Free Museum, Playground, Licensed Cafe, Gift Shop & more!

Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd. LL36 9EY 01654 710472 www.talyllyn.co.uk

Kids

go from

2 Quid! with an adult/senior

A spectacular family pantomime!

Martin Dodd for UK Productions in association with Rhyl Pavilion Theatre proudly presents

from HI-DE-HI! and LITTLE BRITAIN

RUTH MADOC as

THE WICKED QUEEN

from Channel 5’s MILKSHAKE!

WALES’ OWN!

JEN PRINGLE as SNOW WHITE

from S4C

JAMES LUSTED as SNEEZER

SEAN JONES as MUDDLES

JAMIE STEEN as NURSIE

12th Dec ’14 to 10th Jan ’15 Box Office: 01745 33 00 00 www.rhylpavilion.co.uk Everyone who comes dressed in their spookiest outfits will receive a FREE hot chocolate!

25th O

OVEM N d n 2 R E C TO B

BER

Creepy crafts; make a Broomstick, Lantern and Ghost.

Meet the Heart Angels (29th) Join the Ghostly Trail FIND US Off the B4366 Bethel Road, between Bangor and Caernarfon (Junction 11 off the A55) SAT NAV- LL55 3AD For winter opening and more info visit the website

www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk

Greenwood Halloween14 140h97w.indd 1

24hr info line; 01248 670076

2014-08-11 2:28 PM

WHAT’S ON NORTH WALES

Innovative theatre at Pontio

In September, Chwalfa will be the first production staged at Theatr Bryn Terfel, Pontio – Bangor University’s new Arts and Innovation Centre. The drama, produced by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru in partnership with Pontio and Cwmni’r Frân Wen, looks at the history of the Penrhyn Quarry’s Great Strike, the longest running industrial dispute in UK history, which lasted for three years between 1900 and 1903.

Chwalfa – which means ‘breakdown’ or ‘meltdown’ – is an adaptation by Gareth Miles of T Rowland Hughes’ Welshlanguage novel. The production will include professional actors and members of the local community of Dyffryn Ogwen. Artistic director Arwel Gruffydd said: ‘What better story to tell as the new theatre opens than the quarrymen’s most famous one? These were the men who gave from their meagre wages to help build Bangor University, so it’s very fitting as Pontio is part of the university.’

Meanwhile, the first production in Pontio’s new Studio Theatre will be a Welsh premiere by an Eighties diva. Lala Shockette is a one-woman comedy cabaret show written by and starring Lowri-Ann Richards, who hails from nearby Criccieth.

Pontio’s artistic director Elen ap Robert said: ‘Lala Shockette is a nostalgic, rollercoaster ride from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll to Wembley via the Blitz Club and Top of the Pops.’ Chwalfa runs from 17th-27th September; Lala Shockette is on 3rd October 2014. Visit www.pontio.co.uk or call 01248 382828.

What’s On at Venue Cymru Over the Rainbow: The Eva Cassidy Story, 11th September An award-winning musical telling the life story of this legendary artist, through dramatic scenes, projection and live renditions of her music, including a haunting interpretation of Somewhere over the Rainbow.

Al Murray, The Pub Landlord, 20th September Twenty years ago Britain’s favourite publican embarked on his one man mission, holding back a tide of bottled beer and ninny state nonsense. To celebrate this Let us know about milestone join the icon at his brand your upcoming event new show One Man, One Guvnor.

Get in touch!

and we’ll aim to feature it here. Our next issue is November/December.

Email us at editorial@ yattaryattarco.uk

Denbighshire Heritage events

What’s on at Llangollen Railway

Jeanette Orrell, Nantclwyd y Dre, 27th-28th September Jeanette is an artist and sculptor who uses a variety of media including ceramic, papier mache, wire, wax, paper and cloth.

Over the weekend she will be showing samples of her work accompanied by a slideshow and talk.

Steam and Jazz Train, 13th September Relax on board one of the vintage carriages, travelling behind a steam train while listening to live jazz. Music will be performed on the train and on the platform at Llangollen and Carrog Stations by the Tuxedo Jazz Band and Rae Owens & Brian Woods Go Country.

Heritage Railcar Gala, 4th-5th October A weekend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the introduction into service of the first heritage diesel railcar, with special events, in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Railcar Association. An opportunity to compare steam with the diesels which replaced them.

Real Ale Train, 18th October Step on board and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying the real ales on offer at the well-stocked bar.

Double return journey – arrive back approximately 9.30pm. Ticket price includes a free glass and pint for all pre-booked tickets.

Fright Night on the Ghost Train, 31st October How brave are you? Head to Llangollen Railway for an evening of spooky delights and prizes galore to be won! Last year’s event sold out, so make sure you get your tickets early.

Visit www.llangollen-railway.co.uk or call 01978 860979 to find out more about these events.

North Wales Potters, Ruthin Gaol, 27th28th September Demonstrations of various ceramic techniques, such as hand-building, throwing and decorating.

In addition, examples of project and individual work will be displayed over the weekend, plus the chance to throw your own pot.

Halloween at the Gaol!, Ruthin Gaol, 31st October Spooky crafts and stories, and much more!

Visit www.denbighshire. gov.uk or call 01978 862834 to find out more.

An Evening of Burlesque, 26th September Arriving direct from London’s West End, a fresh cast of burlesque all-stars are unveiled for 2014. Enjoy an all-new riotous romp into the bizarre world of burlesque and cutting-edge variety.

Peter Andre: Big Night Tour 2014, 12th October On his first major UK tour in two years Peter will perform all of his hits including Mysterious Girl and Behind Closed Doors plus songs from his previous studio albums Revelation, Accelerate and Angels and Demons.

Aled Jones in Concert, 14th October Aled Jones MBE, singer, actor, author, broadcaster, TV presenter, musical theatre performer and part-time dancer invites you to spend an evening with him. Accompanied by world class musicians Aled will perform an eclectic mix of songs and stories.

Rhydian, 26th October Rhydian Roberts, double platinum selling Classical Brit nominee and best-selling male newcomer in 2008, will be performing a variety of songs from his new album One Day Like This plus tracks from his highly acclaimed albums Rhydian and O Fortuna and some surprises.

For more information, visit www. venuecymru.co.uk or call 01492 872000.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 15

WHAT’S ON MID WALES

Boots on at Barmouth

Photograph; Mike Heath

The Barmouth Festival of Walking, from 13th-22nd September, offers 10 days of guided walks around the Mawddach Estuary and Southern Snowdonia.

With a programme of more than 30 graded walks, the festival is an excellent opportunity to try both little known routes and some of the most popular in the area. There are walks for all abilities, led by knowledgeable local guides, ranging from short two-hour rambles, to full-day, high-level hikes, all taking place in some of the finest countryside in Wales.

The less well-trodden mountains of this area are a true wild wilderness, which is rare in the UK these days. Walk off the beaten track in the company of a guide with knowledge of the route, wildlife and landscape. If nothing else it takes the stress out of map reading. And the fun doesn’t stop when you take your boots off – a social get-together and other local events provide evening entertainment. Visit www.barmouthwalkingfestival.co.uk for more information.

Autumn events at Talyllyn Railway Victorian Train Experience, 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th September Experience what rail travel was like during the Victorian era with a conducted tour featuring an original Talyllyn locomotive and Victorian carriages. Trains will depart from Tywyn Wharf at 11.15am and return by 3.15pm with plenty of stops to take photos in between.

Halloween Train and Feast, 30th-31st October Enjoy a fun spooky evening train ride to the haunted woods at Dolgoch. All children get a spooky goody bag with activities and treats, and

afterwards King’s Licensed Café will serve up a twocourse Halloween feast (vegetarian options included).

Bring along your carved pumpkin lanterns – there’ll be prizes given for the favourites.

Fancy dress welcome, and that includes parents!

Visit www. talyllyn. co.uk or call 01654 710472.

16 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

All aboard for the Banwy Valley!

While there’s still a trace of summer warmth in the evenings before the clocks go back, why not treat yourself to a trip through one of mid-Wales’s undiscovered delights, the picturesque Banwy Valley? The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, a volunteer-funded and maintained concern, run their historic narrow gauge steam trains along this 16-mile line, and unlike many bigger railways the trains can get around tight curves and up steep gradients, so you can get closer to the real countryside.

Also helping to get you closer to the scenery are the open balconies on the unique Hungarian and Austrian coaches – and you may see deer, hawks and even otters on your journey.

Visit www.wllr.org.uk or call 01938 810441.

Celebrate with Broneirion

Going underground...

Wales has a rich silver-mining history, and the Silver Mountain Experience is a great place to find out about it.

In the 19th century the Llywernog Mine was a silver-rich lead ore mine, just 11 miles from Aberystwyth. Derelict in the 1970s, it has now been restored as an example of Welsh mining heritage, and its once dark and forgotten underground tunnels can now be safely explored.

Among the things to see is the original mine count house, other buildings connected with the ore dressing process, plus old photographs, tools, equipment and mining documents from the industry. Also above ground are collections of mining machinery and working water wheels.

The best fun is to be had underground, with lots of familyorientated tour experiences. The Black Chasm, for instance, is Wales’s scariest underground experience, where you’re likely to encounter coblynau, the gnomelike creatures that haunt the mines and quarries of Wales!

For younger children, there’s the search for Grotty, the mine’s dragon, or if you’re interested in mining history, take A Miner’s Life tour to discover the fascinating facts of life in bygone times as seen through the eyes of a miner. Visit www. silvermountainexperience.co.uk or call 01970 890620.

The historic and beautiful venue of Broneirion celebrates its 150th birthday this year, and you are invited to join in the festivities.

The ‘150 years of Broneirion Summer Break’ which takes place from 23rd-26th September, offers a three-day stay at the Victorian country house, and as well as the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy freshly prepared homecooked meals, the holiday includes excursions to the the Elan Valley and the red kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm; the National Trust property of Erddig; and the Vale of Rheidol Railway and the National Library of Wales.

The excursions are also open to non-residents; for more information visit www.broneirion.com or call 01686 688204.

Folk weekend at Llanwddyn

What’s On in brief

l 4th September, South Snowdonia Greenway Bike Bus A great opportunity to take your bike on the bus to the start of the Greenway at Llyn Trawsfynydd and then enjoy the 26-mile ride to Dyffryn Ardudwy. Or you can stop off on the Mawddach Way if you fancy a shorter ride.

l 4th September, Fairy Tales of Cader Idris ‘Once upon a time there lived a famous giant called Idris…’

Visit the Tal-y-Llyn Heritage Centre, a charming little former Welsh country chapel, and hear the stories of the Tal-y-Llyn valley.

Get your dancing shoes on, folk fans – the second Llanwddyn Weekend of Folk & Acoustic Music takes place 5th-6th September in Llanwddyn Village Hall, with a Sunday morning sing at St Wddyn’s church on the 7th. The event was originally intended to be bi-annual, but it was such a huge hit last year that fans couldn’t wait until 2015 for the next one.

The weekend kicks off with a ceilidh/twmpath on Friday night, featuring the much-acclaimed House Devils complete with a caller, so there’ll be no excuse for not dancing. And since you’ll have worked up an appetite, the evening includes a hog roast supper. l 6th September, Learn to Paint On Saturday there’ll be concerts from 1-4pm with Wildlife in Acrylics, Elan Valley a break for a few hours, then evening concerts Local artist David Ward will take running from 7pm through to the finish around you step-by-step through Find us on 11pm. Artists include Nancy Kerr and James the techniques you need Fagan – twice winners of ‘Best Duo’ in the Facebook and Twitter to paint realistic wildlife in BBC Folk Awards, ElbowJane, Les Barker, this one-day introductory If you would like to receive Barlow Cree, Robert Brown, and Ruth workshop. posts and tweets about & Ken Powell. A craft fair, which will be upcoming events and offers, l 6th-7th September, open to the general public as well will be go to our Facebook page Helicopter tours at Elan running alongside the event.

Valley A chance to see ‘Yattar Yattar Magazine’ and Visit www.llanwddynevents.co.uk or the Elan and Claerwen click Like, or follow us on call 01691 870501 to find out more. valleys like never before –

Twitter @yattaryattar

History on the rails

The Vale of Rheidol Railway proudly reopened its Aberffrwd Railway Station recently, as part of the Station Restoration Project, which aims to restore stations on the railway with replica buildings, traditional fences and even gas lighting, to give passengers a flavour of rail travel in the 1920s.

Plus, the railway will host the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways’ No 4 Palmerston for two weekends this September. Palmerston was a regular sight on the Vale of Rheidol during the Great War, and its visit is a poignant reminder of the conflict’s centenary.

Palmerston will be the star of two unique and unforgettable weekends, 20th-21st and 27th-28th September, when it will head eight special workings from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge.

For more information, visit www.rheidolrailway. co.uk or call 01970 625819.

from above, by helicopter!

An unforgettable tour of the estate from the air.

l 6th-7th September, International Antiques and Collector’s Fair Thousands of standholders from across the continent will be at this prestigous fair at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.

l 9th September, The Story of the Welsh Costume at Tal-y-Llyn Heritage Centre Find out all about the red flannel and the black beaver hat – and meet three famous ladies who wore it in three different centuries, and for different reasons – an invasion, an obsession and a famous artist…

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 17

WHAT’S ON MID WALES

What’s On at Theatr Hafren

Walk this way

Autumn events at Gregynog

One of Wales’ hidden treasures, Gregynog Hall, is opening its doors to the public for free on 7th September as part of Heritage Open Days. There will be a range of tours on offer, giving a rare insight into the history and culture of the house and Grade I listed gardens. The history tour will take a look at the 800-year-old house from the 16th century through to the war, and there is also an art tour, plus a talk on the treasures of Gregynog’s library.

If you prefer the idea of an outdoor walk, Gregynog in autumn is the perfect place to go. The gardens are unrivalled, and there are a variety of colour-coded woodland walks on offer, to help you appreciate the beauty and diversity of the estate. Walks vary in length and difficulty, weaving their way through the estate and offering tantalising views of the hall itself and of the beautiful Montgomeryshire countryside.

The Courtyard Café will be open for lunches and afternoon tea and refreshments will be served in the main hall.

Visit www.gregynog.org or call 01686 650224.

Step up to the hotplate!

Go on, admit it – you’ve always wanted to drive a real steam locomotive – why settle for riding in a carriage, when you can get up front with the driver? Now you can make that dream come true at the Fairbourne Railway. For just £20 on top of the normal fare, adults can ride on the footplate with the driver – and get the real steam-train experience.

And if that’s not enough for you, sign up for a Driver Experience Day, and you’ll do everything from lighting up in the morning and polishing the paint and brass, to oiling round and firing – as well as driving four round trips between Fairbourne and Barmouth Ferry, before the disposal of your engine ‘on shed’.

For more information visit online at www. fairbournerailway.com or call 01341 250362.

18 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Tom Stade: Decisions, Decisions…, 12th September The free-thinking philosopher returns to ponder timeless questions and reflect upon life’s choices and decisions.

Direct from sell-out performances at the Melbourne and Edinburgh comedy festivals, catch Tom as he continues his assault on the global comedy scene.

Every Wednesday throughout September and October, Powis Lee Mead, 20th Castle near Welshpool is September Lee is best celebrating the Great British known for winning the TV Walking Festival with guided programme walks around the castle’s Any Dream beautiful gardens.

Will Do and Whether you’re a nature catapulting lover, a history lover, a garden to stardom lover, or you just fancy getting in Joseph out in the fresh air with your in London’s family, you can take part in an West End. Join Lee and his exclusive tour of the gardens band for an evening of with highlights that include a beautiful music. behind the scenes look at the Pride and Prejudice, nursery and access to other 27th September A highly areas that are usually closed to praised and inventive new visitors. The gardens, which adaptation of one of the date back 300 years, are a best-loved novels of all fascinating mix, with dramatic time. This is your chance terraces, extraordinary topiary to catch the five Bennet and beautiful flower borders, sisters and the whole and this is a great opportunity world of Austen brought to find out more. to life by just two actors. A For more theatrical treat. information visit www.

BBC National national Did You Know?

Orchestra of trust.org.

Research suggests that the Wales, 28th uk or call September average British child takes 01938 Principal Flute 12,000 to 16,000 steps every 551929.

Matthew

day, and if you live to be 80 Featherstone you’ll have walked about will perform William Mathias’s 216,262,500 steps in your graceful flute lifetime concerto, under the baton of energetic young conductor Alexandre Bloch. The orchestra will also perform a new commission

by Welsh composer Gareth Glyn, alongside two works

by Mendelssohn.

Dominic Kirwan, 11th October Dominic takes to the road, bringing his own inimitable style to the vast and rich musical heritage of his Irish homeland in his brand new show.

Visit www.thehafren.co.uk or call 01686 614555.

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WHAT’S ON MID WALES

Mid Wales History Church of the Sacred Heart

What’s On in brief

During the Second World War, there were hundreds of prisoner of war camps dotted all around the UK. One of them, on the edge of the village of Henllan, held over a thousand Italian soldiers from 1943 to 1946.

The men were well treated but, although the buildings within Camp 70 comprised medical facilities, recreation spaces, kitchens, bathing facilities and theatres, there was nowhere to worship. Some of the prisoners asked the camp commander if they could turn one of their dormitories – a corrugated iron Nissen hut – into a chapel. Their request was granted and work began.

As tools and materials were in short supply, many resources were smuggled in to the camp, and everyday objects were utilised to great effect. For example, the pulpit was fashioned from Red Cross boxes, the candles from corned beef tins and the altar from discarded wooden cases. A crushed mixture of fruit, vegetables and tealeaves became the paint for the vibrant murals and frescoes which are, astonishingly, still visible today, and above the door is an inscription, painted on a metal sheet: ‘Questa e la casa di dio e la porta del cielo’ (‘This is the house of God and the door to Heaven’).

Mario Ferlito, the designer and painter of the church, died in 2008, at the age of 86, at his home in Italy. The church, now in the capable hands of a private owner, is the only surviving example of a POW decorated church on the British mainland.

l 13th September, Heart of Wales

A splash of Spanish passion

Mid Wales Opera come home to Theatre Hafren in September to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a new production of Carmen.

Bizet’s tragic opera will be overseen by director and polymath Dr Jonathan Miller, and will be performed in English, using comedian Rory Bremner’s acclaimed translation of the libretto. It will also feature a new performing version of the score for chamber ensemble by opera and music theatre composer Stephen McNeff.

The production is at Theatr Hafren from 3rd-6th September, before going on to tour across Wales and England.

Visit www.midwalesopera.co.uk

What’s On at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Vintage Lorry Rally Dozens of colourful, beautifully kept classic lorries and vintage commercial vehicles arrive in convoy in Barmouth as part of their 240-mile run.

l 19th-20th September, Llanbedr Beer Festival A weekend for all lovers of real ale and local entertainment. A selection of 29 different Welsh real ales supplied by nine north Walian brewers, plus four Welsh ciders, together with entertainment by local acts.

l 18th-19th October, Dry Stone Walls – their place in the landscape A two-day workshop at Ty Gwyn Farm discovering how, when and why dry stone walls were built, with a walk through the Radnorshire countryside looking at old walls and their environment. There will also be instruction in the basic techniques of dry stone wall building for beginners.

The Sooty Show, 7th September Izzy wizzy let’s get busy! Sooty comes to town with a new show to delight the whole family. Joining him will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty’s TV Partner Richard Cadell, who will have his hands full attempting to keep order!

National Library of Wales events Want to expand your knowledge of Wales’s literary history? These lunchtime talks at the National Library are fascinating – and free!

3rd September, Rhyfel Mawr Cynan A century since the Great War, Professor Gerwyn Wiliams takes a fresh look at the response to the war of one of Wales’s most popular poets, Cynan, and considers its effect on his life and work. In Welsh with simultaneous translation.

10th September, Dinefwr – A Phoenix in Wales by Gerald Morgan This is Gerald Morgan’s latest book, and the first full-scale history of Dinefwr through the centuries: its castle, mansion and estate, and of the Princes of Deheubarth and of the Rice family who took their place. Dinefwr has seen great successes and high status, punctuated by many disasters.

24th September, A Gift of Sunlight: The Davies sisters of Llandinam Trevor Fishlock discovers more about the fascinating story of the two sisters who compiled an internationally renowned and important art collection and their legacy to the nation.

The Faulty Towers Dining Experience, 25th-30th September This is fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre at its best. Only a third of the show is scripted, so anything can happen as you take a seat in l 25th-26th October, Barmouth the ‘Fawlty Towers’ restaurant to Motocross Weekend An exciting be waited upon by Basil, Sybil weekend of thrills and spills and Manuel. Expect all the with excellent viewing best gags, shambolic service for spectators from the and a 70s-style three-course Sooty has been delighting promenade. Motor cycles meal. Whatever you do, and quad bikes race on a young TV audiences don’t mention the war! specially prepared circuit

Did You Know?

since 1952. Harry Corbett

on Barmouth’s sands.

War Correspondents, 21st October originally bought the yellow While reporting the outbreak of war, a l 28th October Dam Open bear in Blackpool for the journalist is held at gunpoint, caught in Day An exclusive chance to the no-man’s land between two nations. princely sum of 7s 6d – venture inside the beautiful Testimonies and music fuse into a powerful, Pen y Garreg dam at Elan that’s 6p today! multi-disciplined song Valley and climb up inside the cycle performance which central tower. depicts the extraordinary stories and life-changing experiences of war journalists.

Bolshoi Ballet: Legends of Love, 26th October The royal apartments of Queen Mekhmene Banu are plunged into mourning – her young sister, Princess Shireen, is dying. The Princess will only be saved if the Queen gives Shireen her beauty. The Queen decides to sacrifice herself, but later regrets her action…

The Trial, 28th October Kafka’s nightmarish tale of a man arrested and prosecuted for an unknown crime by a relentless and inaccessible authority has lost none of its chilling potency down the years. Now, Philip Glass brings his signature music and dramatic force to this literary classic.

Mark Watson: Flaws, 29th October Winner of five major comedy awards, Watson (host of BBC’s We Need Answers; Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Mock The Week regular; and star of cult Radio 4 series Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better) returns to the road. This is his darkest, most personal show yet.

Luckily, it’s also his funniest.

Visit www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk or call 01970 623232 to find out more.

l 29th October Paul Sheffield at the Tywyn Wurlitzer A chance to hear this amazing machine – a threemanual nine-rank pipe organ, which has an amazing array of instruments all played peumatically – operated by a prize-winning artist.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 21

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE What’s On at Tatton Park

Bat Bonanza, 2nd September Join one of the Tatton Park rangers for an atmospheric night walk looking and listening for the furry fliers as they hunt in the evening.

Love autumn

The coming of autumn is to be celebrated – not least at Cholmondeley Castle, where the gardens burst into a riot of colour as the seasons change. Enjoy a variety of activities every Sunday throughout October as you explore the different garden ‘rooms’ in the grounds. The tranquil Temple Garden is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with waterside planting that changes dramatically with the seasons. If you fancy a good leg stretch, head for the Deer Park Mere and the nature trail where you’ll come across visiting and resident waterfowl, or take to Tower Hill and the Woodland Walk to really make the most of the changing colours of the foliage – plus you get panoramic views right across to the Welsh hills from the top.

For more information visit www.cholmondeleycastle.com or call 01829 720383.

Nature’s Harvest: Storing and Preserving, 13th September Get expert advice on how to keep and preserve your harvested crops over the winter season, making sure you have plenty of fresh and preserved produce to enjoy year-round.

Tatton Park Antiques and Fine Art Fair, 19th-21st September With 50 antiques and fine art dealers from across the UK including traditional and contemporary art, sculpture and decorative pieces.

Prices range from less than £25 to more than £25,000.

Walk of Hope, 20th September A gentle 10K evening stroll through Tatton to honour the courage of loved ones battling cancer and those who have lost their fight, raising vital funds for leading cancer centre The Christie.

Harvest Festival at the Farm, 20th-21st September A chance to celebrate the annual harvest by joining in with the farm’s festival.

See the steam engine running, have a go at scarecrow making, make your own corn doll, with sheep racing and woodturning demos.

Tatton Apple Day, 5th October A Sunday at the farm and in the gardens to celebrate the humble apple. Join in games and children’s activities.

The Food and Living Gift Fair, 11th-12th October A new title for a long-running date at Tatton Park, the Food and Living Show. This year there will be more food to discover from producers.

Ghosts in the Garden, 25th October-2nd November Be prepared to be (slightly) scared as you track down ghosts, with spooky story telling in the Tower garden at weekends. www.tattonpark.org.uk

Sister’s Act Tip Top Productions at the Forum Studio

Enlist for events at Cheshire Military Museum

Theatre in Chester kick off their new season of The Great Send Off, 7th September shows with a riotous comedy by Mary O’Malley.

Seven hundred volunteers are needed to Once A Catholic is set in the convent of Our help recreate the time, 100 years ago, when Lady of Fatima, a grammar school for girls, that number of Lever Brothers employees in London in the late 1950s. The girls’ travelled from Port Sunlight to Chester sheltered existence in their strict to enlist in The Cheshire Regiment. convent school leaves them Heritage Visit www.portsunlightvillage.com unprepared to deal with the Open Days for more info (see above right). discovery of men and lust; This September many historic and the nuns aim to beat Heritage Open Days, 13th-14th and cultural sites that are the sin out of them before September Admission to the normally closed to the public they’ve even had a chance museum is free on these days. to discover what sin is. will be opening their doors The sisters at Our Lady of so you can take a peek Autumn talk: Great War, the Fatima preach chastity and behind the scenes. Visit www.

Invasion of Togoland, 18th diligence as the swinging heritageopendays.org.uk September Robert Gladding sixties approach. Final exams to find out more talks about the 1914 battle where loom. The day of reckoning is British soldiers saw their first action. nigh. But for the girls in class 5A, The £3 fee includes their last year in uniform is set to be entrance to the museum one of discovery of the less holy kind… and tea and biscuits.

Show dates are 18th-27th September. For more Visit www.cheshiremilitary information visit www.tiptopproductions.co.uk museum.co.uk or call or telephone direct on 01244 341296.

22 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

01244 327617.

What’s On in brief What’s On at Port Sunlight

A SPeCiAL ANNiveRSARy This is a very special year for Port Sunlight Garden Village – marking not only 15 years of the museum and garden village trust, but also 125 years since Port Sunlight was created by William Hesketh Lever for his Sunlight soap factory workers.

To celebrate, the museum is holding a special exhibition exploring the history of the village from the residents’ perspective.

With 2014 also marking the centenary of the First World War, Port Sunlight will also be hosting some very special events: l The Great Send Off, 7th September On 7th September 1914, 700 Lever Brothers employees enlisted, the largest group of volunteers to sign up to the Great War effort from any works in the country. Port Sunlight Museum and Garden Village will recreate this event in partnership with the Cheshire Military Museum, Chester (see below left). l village Ghost Walks, 25th October Find out more about some of the eerie happenings of times past. Walks begin at 6.45pm, 8pm and 9.15pm.

Visit www.portsunlightvillage.com

What a spectacle

l 5th-6th September, The Roodee Challenge Cup Tournament, Chester Racecourse Experience the glitz and glamour of polo on the picturesque Roodee, the perfect place to watch one of the world’s most exciting sports. l 6th September, Late Summer

Wine Tasting Afternoon, Chester A four-year-old spectacled bear called Racecourse As summer draws Bernardo has made a long journey to a close, try out some wines to from Tulsa in Oklahoma, to move in to enjoy over the coming weeks at Chester Zoo, and is being introduced to Restaurant 1539. his new companion, the resident female spectacled bear, Franka.

Bernardo’s arrival brings important new blood to the European population of spectacled bears – a species classed as being vulnerable to extinction in the wild.

Tim Rowlands, curator of mammals at the zoo, said: ‘The co-ordinator of this breeding programme chose Bernardo as an ideal genetic pairing for our female Franka and so that has been the driver for bringing him across the Atlantic. l 7th September, People and Places Walk, Congleton Spectacled bears are a species that is This walk will look at the various vulnerable to extinction and so we hope places in Congleton linked with this pair will produce cubs in people such as John Bradshaw, the future.’

Thomas Parnell, Sir Thomas Reade So, who knows, and Elizabeth Wolstenholme-Elmy soon it could (Moreton Hall pictured above).

The walk departs from Did you Know? be time to visit Congleton Museum.

The spectacled bear is the the zoo to see baby bears! only bear native to South l 14th September Heritage Visit www.

America and is technically the Open Day at Norton Priory and chesterzoo.org Halton Castle Free guided tours largest land carnivore on that and family activities, with free continent, although as little as entry and a shuttle bus from the five per cent of its diet is priory up to the castle. composed of meat

l 27th September, Born Survivor, Capesthorne Hall Have a go at a 10K or marathon obstacle course adventure based on military fitness training operations from around the globel. Are you tough enough to tackle 10K or 42K of mud, sweat and fear?

Make mine a marathon

Any runners who haven’t yet entered the MBNA Chester Marathon on 5th October are missing the chance to run in the UK’s ‘Marathon of the Year’ and ‘Road Marathon of the Year’ as voted for by Runner’s World readers in 2012 and 2013.

Fast building itself a reputation as the friendliest marathon in the country, the race even has a ‘good times guarantee’ – meaning if you enter and don’t enjoy yourself you can claim your entry fee back. But that’s not likely to happen, with a start and finish in the heart of the historic city, and a spectacular course through the north Wales countryside.

Plus, for budding runners there’s the Chester Mini Marathon, a fun run that aims to involve as many people as possible without any competitive element. Even if you’re not a runner, go along and cheer the competitors on and soak up the atmosphere of a great day. Visit www.activeleisureevents.co.uk for more information

l 28th September, Cycletta Cheshire One of a series of women-only bike rides, set in spectacular, familyfriendly venues, with the aim of inspiring women to cycle. The events are sponsored

by Olympic Gold medalist Victoria Pendleton.

Entering is a great way to get involved in sport and raise important money for charity.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 23

WHAT’S ON CHESHIRE

What’s On in brief

Cheshire History Quarry Bank Mill

l 4th October, Chester Pride Following a 2013 debut when some 3000 people attended, Chester Pride returns with a colourful walking parade. Soak up the community atmosphere and show your support for the city’s diversity.

Located in Styal, one of the earliest landmarks of the Industrial Revolution is an imposing building with a fascinating history. Built in 1784 by Irish industrialist Did You Know?

Samuel Greg, Quarry Bank Mill was designed to harness the flow of the In the 1800s children could, river Bollin, and power its weaving and by law, be apprenticed from spinning machines. Between 1790 and the the age of seven – though the 1830s, apprentices made up approximately Quarry Bank Mill took them one-third of the mill’s workforce. They from nine or 10, when they were mostly unpaid paupers and orphans, were indentured until they and worked long hours in dangerous reached 18. And today’s conditions. However, the Greg family provided them with lodgings, kids think they have food, medical care and clothing, and were fair, though strict, employers. it tough…

As the cotton industry boomed, so did the mill. During the 1820s, the business was doing so well that Greg built cottages, a chapel, a school and a shop for his workers in Styal village, along with another five mills.

When Samuel Greg retired in 1832, his was the largest such business in the United Kingdom. Today, the Georgian mill is part of the National Trust and open to the public. Highlights include galleries devoted to water and steam power, hands-on displays and exhibits and Europe’s most powerful water wheel. Oh, and don’t forget the ghosts! Many visitors claim to have witnessed the spirits of long-dead mill workers, and report the sensation of being watched by unseen eyes...

l 12th October, Quince and Apple Day at Norton Priory Celebrate autumn in the Walled Garden with tastings, market stalls, traditional crafts and family fun. l 6th-12th October, Nantwich Words and Music Festival Another celebration of poetry, music and prose taking place at venues in and around the lovely market town of Nantwich with its rich heritage and history, and fascinating buildings.

What’s On at Crewe Lyceum Upstairs Downton Murder Mystery, 5th September Someone has expired on the estate and the killer could be hiding upstairs, downstairs or in the lady’s chamber! Was it the villainous valet, the lethal lord, the criminal cook or the deceitful duchess?

Enjoy an evening of fine dining with a three-course set menu while the entertainment takes place around you as you try to fathom the mystery of this manor.

Tough, get going! l 12th-26th October, The Essar Chester Literature Festival There is a jam-packed programme of talks, workshops, readings and book signings from authors well-known and yet to be discovered. l 18th-26th October, Bollington Walking Festival There’ll be a great programme of walks and social events over the festival. There are 31 walks of varying length designed to suit all abilities and ages – there’s even a Bear Hunt! l 25th-26th October, Turn the Clocks Back, Anson Engine Museum Help finish the season at Anson Engine Museum with a grand finale to say goodbye to another summer.

It’s that time of year again, when the challenge is laid down, and you have to decide whether you’re man or woman enough for Tough Mudder. Once again taking place at Cholmondeley Castle, Tough Mudder is described as ‘probably the toughest event on the planet’, and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted, but it also doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Designed by Special Forces, the 12-mile obstacle course will test your strength, stamina and determination – but you won’t be facing the challenge alone. The event is especially designed to encourage teamwork and co-operation – and it’ll all be worth it when you’re greeted with congratulations and your hard-earned beer at the finish line. On Saturday night you can join in the Apres Mud onsite party from 5pm-11pm.

13th & 14th September, visit tough mudder. co.uk

Jasper Carrott: Stand Up and Rock, 17th September Does what it says on the tin. Jasper is back to his very best, mic in hand regaling the audience with his ‘new’ stand-up routines before introducing his musical compatriots who have been rockin’ audiences all over the world.

Bay City Rollers starring Les McKeown, 24th September A celebration of those hectic days of hit songs, touring, TV shows and the behind-the-scenes pandemonium that followed the Bay City Rollers everywhere they went. The audience is promised a night of fun and nostalgia as they take a trip back to those innocent days of growing up to the sounds of the Scottish sensations.

Think Floyd, 3rd October This show is renowned for its celebration of one of the world’s greatest musical phenomena.

Now in their 20th year, the talented musicians who make up Think Floyd have managed to faithfully recreate the atmosphere, visual magnitude and musical excellence of Pink Floyd live on stage.

Del Boy and Rodney Dinner Show, 11th October A brand new production brought to you from the producers of the sell-out Fawlty Towers Dinner Show productions. Fans of the popular television sitcom Only Fools and Horses will love this parody tribute show to two of the greatest TV sitcom characters.

Russian State Ballet and Opera House: Swan Lake, 18th October Featuring a timeless score from composer Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is a certified Russian classic, replete with evocative music and beautiful dance. This ballet has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide, with its mystery and romance.

The Woman in Black, 27th October Unanimously acclaimed by the critics, The Woman in Black combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir.

Visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk for more information or call the box office on 01270 368242.

24 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

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WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

Feelin’ hot, hot, hot!

Things will be warming up at the Dorothy Clive Garden at Willoughbridge for the annual chilli festival on 21st September.

Among its many attractions, the festival, which celebrates everything about this small but potent food flavouring, will be offering prizes for the winners of a chilli cooking contest, a chilli eating contest and a best chilli sauce contest – so if you’re a champion of all things chilli, enter now!

There will also be chilli market stalls, chilli-themed activities for children, salsa dancing, live music and demonstrations from freelance food writer and cookery teacher Sumayya Usmani, who will also be judging the Best Chilli Sauce Contest. So, if you want to spice up your life this autumn – head for the Dorothy Clive Garden.

For more information visit www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk or call 01630 647237.

Show of hands

Want to do something completely different, maybe break a Guinness World Record, and do something good for the community all at the same time? Well, you can do all of that at Hands Around The Wrekin on 21st September.

The aims of the event are to recreate the original Hands Around the Wrekin, which was staged in 1981; to raise money for four local charities; and to break no less than four Guinness World Records, one of which is for the largest number of people doing the hokey cokey. (The record currently stands at 7,384.)

The idea is that people will register and pay a fee to take part, and then will literally join hands around 4.2 miles of footpath, totally encircling the well-known Shropshire landmark. And then they’ll all do the hokey cokey!

As well as raising money, the event will celebrate the individuals and groups that make Telford a great place to live; highlight exercise and friendship in ways that are fun; provide opportunities to involve people in community activity; and showcase the Wrekin itself as a local landmark that provides stories, history and accessibility.

Visit www.handsaroundthewrekin.co.uk for more information and to register.

Float your boat Head to Whitchurch the weekend of 20th and 21st September for the popular boat rally. There’ll be stalls and refreshments and of course lots of colourfully decorated narrowboats on show.

The boat decoration theme this year is ‘The Horse’ – 2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse, and horses, or more usually mules, were used to tow narrowboats before diesel engines arrived on the scene. Furthermore, 21 years ago Red Rum opened the Whitchurch Canal Arm – so the 21st Whitchurch Boat Rally will be a real celebration of that whole part of the canal.

For more information visit www.whitchurchwaterway.org.uk

28 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

What’s On in brief l 6th-7th September, Shropshire Truck Show The annual truck show will be held again on Oswestry Showground where there’ll be trade stands, exhibitions and stalls, a parade of trucks and much more. l 11th-13th September, Lord Hill’s Column Open Day A rare opportunity to visit the top of Lord Hill’s Column. Climb the 172 steps of its spiral staircase and admire the view of Shrewsbury from the viewing platform at the top. the

Did You Know?

Festivals forever

If you laid out all tents at Glastonbury festival end to end they would stretch for 124 miles – twice the width of Wales!

As summer moves into autumn, the buzz of the festival season fades along with the warmer weather, but don’t despair music fans and die-hard festival-goers – Shrewsbury Fields Forever is back and better than ever before.

This three-day event offers something for all musical tastes, this year featuring chart-topping artists such as Tinie Tempah, popular indie rock band The Cribs, and Britpop band Shed Seven taking you on a nostalgic trip back to the 90s.

As well as music, the festival pitches a comedy tent on the final day, and with acts including Russell Kane, Lee Nelson and Justin Moorhouse appearing, you’re guaranteed to leave laughing.

There’s camping available, including a family camping zone for a quieter place to fire up your barbecue – and children under 10 are admitted free.

Shrewsbury Fields Forever, 12th-14th September. Visit www.shrewsburyfestival.com or call 01743 236858 for more information and to book your place

l 13th-14th September, GEM Model Show The Group of Ellesmere Modellers (soon to be renamed Ellesmere Model Railway Club) are holding their annual show at Ellesmere Town Hall again, with stands and layouts, demonstations, and prizes. l 20th September, Merefest An annual family fun day at Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere packed full of wildlife activities, from pond dipping to birdbox making and plenty more. There will also be a science tent for the geek in you.

Country life

Autumn at Attingham Park Food Fair, 6th-7th September Tickle your taste buds at Attingham’s annual food fair. Browse more than 30 local traders’ stalls selling quality produce. With an assortment of delicious treats, there’s something to tempt everyone’s palate.

Carriage Parade and Heavy Horse Demonstration, 14th September The British Driving Society will be hosting their annual carriage parade, leaving Attingham at noon and returning to the front of the house at approximately 2pm. The heavy horse demonstration will take place from 10am.

Harvest Fair, 27th-28th September Visit the Walled Garden and celebrate the apple harvest at Attingham Park’s Harvest Fair with apple pressing, live music and a display of farming equipment.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Midland Game Fair returns to Weston Park from 20th-21st September.

Regarded as one of the UK’s premier shooting events, the fair has been popular for country sports enthusiasts for over a decade and has become the annual meeting place for the shooting community. Gunmakers Row is one of the largest expositions of shooting in the country, with exhibition stands, expert advice and reactive targets.

Other attractions include Ye Olde Redtail Falconry, the Tigers Freefall Display Team and the Knights of Middle England Jousting Display in the main arena, plus a wide selection of traditional rural crafts, gundog events, a fishing village and even an on-site food festival. Visit www.midlandgamefair.co.uk

l 20th-21st September, Antique and Collectors’ Fair This popular antique and collectors’ fair will be held once again at Oswestry Showground, just outside town. l 28th September, Fungal Foray An afternoon walk to discover the fabulous fungi on the Fenn’s Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses National Nature Reserve with John Hughes of Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Suitable for the whole family. The walk begins in the Morris’s Bridge Car Park starting at 2pm.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 29

WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

Let’s get fruity!

It’s time to have a totally zany day at Whitchurch’s Blackberry Fair on 4th October. Billed as a ‘Harvest Street Festival that celebrates You, Me and the Planet’, it’s a day to park yourself on the street and just Did you Know? go with the flow.

Blackberries have been You can munch on a hot known by lots of different flatbread, sip a honey punch, chat with friends, names in different parts of and browse the shops, cafes, pubs and the country, including stalls, while listening to the sounds of street brambles, thimbleberries, musicians, rubbing shoulders with storytellers brumblekites and and watching a performance from lawers Motionhouse Contemporary Dance Company.

Wild Edric is in town, too, getting ready to join the merry dance with the Electric Swing Circus who’ll have you jiving at the Hive. The event is listed to finish at 6pm, but on Blackberry Fair day strange things can still happen after dark…

Don your fairy wings, paint your faces and dare to be different…

Visit www.blackberryfair.co.uk for more information.

Shropshire History Madeley mining Disaster

Many of Shropshire’s towns and villages owe their existence to the county’s mining history, but the lax safety measures in the 19th century made working conditions extremely hazardous, and accidents were common. Mine owners were often negligent and showed little concern for the welfare of their workers, some of them boys as young as six years old. A miner would not be paid hourly; his wage depended on how many loads he mined, so men and boys would often work 14 hours below ground. Because of this, tragic incidents due to fatigue and disorientation were also typical.

In 1864, nine workers lost their lives at the Brick Kiln Leasow Pit in Madeley, when a winding hoist known as ‘the doubles’ failed, plunging them hundreds of metres to their deaths at the bottom of the ironstone pit. Known as the ‘Nine Men of Madeley’ – although six of them were boys aged 12 to 18 – their deaths shocked and saddened the close community.

A verdict of accidental death was returned and the miners’ remains were laid to rest at St Michael’s Church, Madeley (pictured). Around 2,500 miners, furnace men and their families attended the funeral, and the mine was closed early on the day as a token of respect for the dead.

Visitors to the church today can see the recently restored communal grave and read the iron plaque dedicated to the men and boys who lost their lives on September 27, 1864.

30 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

What’s On at Theatre on the Steps

Desperado, 26th-27th september Hotel California is arguably one of the best-known albums ever released, and probably the album the Eagles are most proud of.

Desperado pay homage to this musical phenomenon by faithfully recreating the whole album, and many more of your favourite Eagles songs, live on stage. the Ghost Walk, 29th-30th October This spooky tour guides lead you through the ghostly avenues and alleyways of ancient Bridgnorth. Ghosts in the shadows tell you the eerie tales of how they met their grisly ends.

The walk starts at the Town Hall on Bridgnorth High Street and ends at the theatre where there will be a 30-minute musical Spooktacular on stage. Are you prepared to be scared?

Visit www.theatreonthesteps. co.uk or call 01746 763257

What’s On at Theatre Severn Des O’COnnOr, 4th september

Join a true legend for an evening of comedy, laughter and music.

Since his first TV series in the UK in 1963, Des O’Connor has starred in his own mainstream television show every year – longer than anyone else, anywhere in the world…

Surfin’ uSA, 6th september Starring BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing lead singer, Chris Madin, backed by a live band, this is a tribute to The Beach Boys you won’t forget.

JaleO FlamenCO: A CompáS, 14th september With a scintillating fusion of searing vocals, explosive footwork and virtuoso guitar playing, Jaleo return to the UK after three years with their new stage show, brimming with intoxicating rhythms and boundless energy.

hOrrible histOries: barmy britain, 22nD-24th september Can you beat battling Boudicca? What if a Viking moved in next door? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry VIII? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England?

Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Should King Charles keep his head? Dare you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in… aleD JOnes: SongS of Hope And inSpirAtion, 13th OCtOber The singer, actor, author, broadcaster, TV presenter, musical theatre performer and part-time dancer is accompanied by world class musicians for an evening featuring an eclectic mix of songs and stories from his time in the public eye.

Visit www.theatresevern. co.uk or call 01743 281281

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VISIT WHITCHURCH FOR FARMERS’ MARKET Admissions: Adults £3.50. Children (5-17yrs) £2.50. (0-4) free.

DCG Members free.

Chilli market stalls Cookery demos Bar Fire eating display Children’s cookery with... www.kidzkitchengroup.co.uk Live music Salsa dancing Spicy food Children’s activities Face painting Pot & Go

A chilli eating contest

Winner receives dinner for two at The Olde Peculiar Inn plus beer!

Enter our: uce Best Chilli Sa contest Chilli eating contest f Chilli Cook of

See our website

www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk on how to enter and for further information.

Willoughbridge, Market Drayon, Shropshire TF9 4EU

Tel: 01630 647237

www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

What’s On at the Stiwt, Wrexham Chris Wood – September 13th 2014 Chris Wood’s love of small things has made him one of England’s most vivid and arresting song writers.

Bookends – September 20th 2014 Bookends perform the most authentic sounding tribute to the unforgeable music of Simon & Garfunkel.

For more information on who else is playing at the Stiwt visit: www.stiwt.com or call 01978 841300

Christmas is Coming

Tell our readers about your festivities; party nights, Christmas day bookings, New Year’s Eve celebrations in our Nov/Dec issue!

01978 813035

or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

6th Sept & 4th Oct (8am-2pm) at The Bullring

BOAT RALLY 2014

20th - 21st September Whitchurch Canal Arm

A real celebration of the Whitchurch Canal arm, with stalls, refreshments and beautifully decorated narrowboats

BLACKBERRY FAIR

4th October (10am-6pm) Whitchurch High Street

Whitchurch’s biggest event of the year -the street festival that dares to be different!

VINTAGE & CLASSIC CAR BREAKFAST

5th October (9am) Dearnford Lake

FOR MORE EVENTS AND INFORMATION VISIT:

www.whitchurchshropshire.org

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T I M B E R

F R A M E S

L I M I T E D

WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

Cambrian Railways is taking part in Heritage Weekend on 13th and 14th September, with a vintage bus – as well as the trains – running between Oswestry and Llynclys. And, for Halloween, there’s an extra-spooky ghost train running on 31st October and 1st November. It promises to be a thrilling ride!

Visit www.cambrianrailways.com for more information.

Did You Know?

What’s On in brief

l 3rd October Jenny Eclair Professional Grumpy Old Woman, writer and panto star Jenny Eclair brings her new stand-up show to the Festival Drayton Centre.

The first fairground ride to use the term ‘ghost train’ was at Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach in the late 1920s

Arts Alive Motionhouse: Captive Performed by four dancers in a large cage, Captive is inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem The Panther, and considers how a human, like an animal, can be plucked from normal life and plunged into captivity.

4th October, Whitchurch Blackberry Fair

BCMG/Craftspace: Field Notes Using old county maps and graphic scores as starting points, composer Howard Skempton and artist Matthew Harris have each created a brand new work for this performance. Harris’s freestanding textile artwork will transform the space into both a gallery and a concert hall as four members of Birmingham Contemporary Music Group perform Skempton’s new piece, Field Notes, and short pieces by other leading composers. 8th October, Folly Arts Theatre, Hereford; 18th and 26th October, Sidney Nolan Trust, Presteigne, Powys; 24th October, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery; 25th October, The Market Theatre, Ledbury Visit www.artsalive.co.uk for more information.

Made in Shrewsbury There’s still time to celebrate Shrewsbury’s proud history of creativity and productivity at the Made in Shrewsbury exhibition, held at the town’s Museum and Art Gallery in the Music Hall. The exhibition continues until 19th October, and is all about celebrating the companies whose goods have been made in Shrewsbury over the last 200 years – from steam trucks to swim suits. The display also celebrates the people who made them, sharing their memories and mementoes.

Visit www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk for more information.

Autumn events at Dudmaston Estate

Are you a keen runner or even just starting up? Dudmaston Estate is hosting its annual ‘Hare and Tortoise’ fun runs on 14th September, with a 5K and a 10K race on offer, both leading you around the woodlands and pools of the estate. The event begins and ends at Heath Farm.

For those who prefer activities of a slightly more leisurely nature, head for the estate on Orchard Day, 12th October. Dudmaston’s orchards will be ripe for picking, and you can watch as the apples are pressed, and even take some fresh juice home. There’s also a vegetable and produce show, where you can enter your own cakes and bakes. With music and dancing from Shrewsbury Morris, there’ll be never a dull moment. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk

l 7th October Apley Walled Garden Tour An opportunity to look around the walled gardens near Shifnal which supply Apley Farm Shop with its produce. The garden has many old varieties of produce that are rarely seen, such as maize, above. Head gardener Phil Allen will speak about the varieties, and the best ways to grow and cook them.

l 18th-19th October, Hawkstone Game Fair Enjoy a mini game fair in the Grand Valley at Hawkstone Follies near Weston-under-Redcastle. l 26th October, Autumn Walk A chance to be guided round part of the new history trail at Manor House National Nature Reserve in Whixall while discovering the delights of autumn on the Mosses, with Natural England volunteer Barry Probin. Meet at Manor House Reserve Base. l 29th October Half Term Fun Day at Ludlow Castle Treat the children to an exciting day at Ludlow Castle. There are lots of activities on offer, including castle tours, living history displays and a chance to try your hand at archery, as well as the opportunity to meet meerkats and get up closer than you might like to creepy crawlies. l 31st October, Comedy Curry Night Enjoy a great night out at Patshull Park Hotel where you’ll be entertained by comedians and enjoy a homemade curry, followed by a disco until 1am.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 33

WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

Float your boat The very romantic-sounding Roving Canal Traders Association bring their Floating Market to Shropshire from 12th to 14th September, when a colourful collection of trading boats, selling everything from herbal medicines to arts and crafts, plus narrowboat accessories, will be moored up on the Shropshire Union Canal at Ellesmere.

As well as a chance to indulge in some retail therapy and get a taste of life on a narrowboat, it’s a great opportunity to make a day of it and explore this charming canal, which winds its way up through the Cheshire countryside, through Chester itself, to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port.

For more information visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Did You Know?

The oldest canal in the UK is the Fossdyke Navigation in Lincolnshire, which was built by the Romans in 120 AD

Ironbridge Gorge Museums events Last Post: Remembering the First World War, Coalbrookdale Gallery, until 27th March 2015 A poignant exhibition exploring the effect of the 1914-18 war on the Post Office and its people, and the contribution of postal communications to the war effort.

The exhibition showcases objects of military and postal importance.

Tile Decorating Workshops, Jackfield Tile Museum, Tuesdays, 2nd-30th September Produce your own ceramic masterpiece. You could make a collection of coasters, a circular door plaque or a gift for a loved one on a heart-shaped tile. Activities vary from day to day. Museum admission charges apply.

Winter Preparations, Blists Hill, 20th-21st September Join the townsfolk at Blists Hill as they prepare for winter.

World Heritage Festival, 20th September Heritage talks and walks, a craft and food market, live street entertainment and family activities from 12noon until 5pm.

The day’s events will be followed by

an early evening premiere of Past Lives at Enginuity in Coalbrookdale starting at 6pm.

Harvest Festival, Blists Hill Victorian Town, 28th September The annual harvest will be celebrated in a traditional fashion with a display of produce (above) and a thanksgiving service in the Mission Church.

The Big Draw, Blists Hill Victorian Town and Enginuity, 25th October-2nd November Take part in the national Big Draw initiative and help create a large scale artwork entitled ‘Its Our World’, which celebrates rural, urban and coastal landscapes. Or make a spooky creature sculpture from craft materials.

Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk or call 01952 433 424.

34 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

High-flying events at RAF Cosford Open Cockpits Evening, 20th September This exclusive evening will commence at 6pm with a wide range of aircraft available for closer viewing on the night, including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes.

Visitors will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these machines and have after-hours access to the museum.

1940s Hangar Dance, 11th October The Aerospace Museum Society annual 1940s Hangar Dance is back by popular demand. You’ll dance the night away in the historic Warplanes Hangar to music courtesy of Paul Drakeley and his All Stars Band and Singers. Guests are encouraged to don wartime costumes for the evening and there will be a fully licensed bar.

Half Term Activities, 27th-31st October Make the most of half term with five days of activities for the whole family.

Visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk

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WHAT’S ON SHROPSHIRE

The Place to be There’s a packed line-up of shows at The Place, Telford this autumn, and something for everyone, whether you want to spend an evening talking to the dead, enjoying music from the Sixties, or helping a comedian work out what his show’s called…

Roy Orbison and Friends, 12th September Barry Steele presents a spectacular multimedia tribute to The Big O, featuring classic Orbison hits from the 60s right through to the late 80s.

Motown Soul Spectacular, 27th September A soul DJ and live act The Krystalettes perform favourite Motown hits, with great harmonies, slick routines and stunning costumes.

A Whole Lotta Led, 4th October This highly regarded tribute band delve back into Led Zeppelin’s back catalogue to perform songs that have not been played live before.

Paul Chowdhry, 8th October The Lafta funniest stand-up award winner and star of Live at the Apollo tackles touchy subjects on the borderline of political correctness. You may find it offensive, but chances are you’ll find it funny…

Paul Zerdin, 10th October The popular ventriloquist has a new show, featuring some favourite characters, and plenty of stand-up comedy. Be warned: audience participation is involved.

Jason Byrne, 25th October The comedian is tired of being asked what his show is called, so he has instigated a competition (with a prize of £500) for the audience member who, by the end of the tour, comes up with the best name.

Visit www.theplacetelford. com or call 01952 382382.

Face the music: Oakfest 2014

Last year’s Oakengates Carnival was such a success that this year the organisers have renamed it and made it bigger and better than ever. OakFest 2014 takes place on Saturday, 6th September at Hartshill Park in Telford, with a host of local and national bands to keep you dancing until 11pm, plus a funfair and a variety of local stalls.

Headlining are 1980s ska band Bad Manners, led by legendary frontman Buster Bloodvessel (and his huge tongue!, right). They’re joined on the main stage by bands including Stereosonics, From the Jam, The Troggs and Maybe GaGa, while on the alternative stage, local performers including Am I Winehouse and Kirvana will be entertaining the crowd.

There’ll be a variety of food on offer, from your traditional fish and chips to Mongolian wok-based cooking and of course there’ll also be a bar – the organisers are committed to charging pub prices, ‘because we don’t believe it should be any other way’. For more information visit www.oakfest.co.uk or call 01952 382382.

Make merry at Maesbury

It’s an extraspecial year for the Maesbury Canal Festival on 6th and 7th September – this year Montgomery Canal is celebrating the opening of the newest section of canal in Did You Know? the country, which has been The shortest canal in the restored by volunteers UK is the Wardle Lock after 80 years.

Book your tickets in good Branch of the Trent & The festival will feature time for the Russian State Mersey – it’s just one 72ft special horse-drawn boat Ballet and Opera House lock with a few yards of trips along this newly who are bringing their canal on each side completed stretch of magical performances to Theatre Severn on 1st and canal, and there’ll be more 2nd November. than 30 boats visiting for the Accompanied by a live weekend, including an array of orchestra, the renowned ballet trading and historic boats. troupe take to the stage with Judith Richards, of the festival’s organising two of the most popular ballets committee said: ‘Pride of place will be taken in their repertoire.

by Saturn, a restored Shropshire Flyboat, and Give the whole family Buckingham, an old working boat. And as well as a pre-Christmas treat with boats selling cheeses and canalware, visitors will be seats at seasonal favourite able to buy their favourite sweets and jewellery from The Nutcracker, the story of the floating market.’ a young girl whose magical There’ll be plenty of entertainment on offer on dry Christmas present changes land at Canal Central. ‘There’ll be crafts, sideshows her life forever. Or thrill to the and children’s activities, stalls, a dog show, great enchanting tale of Giselle, the local food and live music through the day,’ said doomed peasant girl who saves Judith. ‘And as usual it won’t cost anything to enter.’ the love of her life from beyond Plus, on Saturday night there’ll be entertainment the grave. from local singer Libby Gliksman and there’ll also be The renowned Russian State Ballet pride themselves on the usual Wild over Waterways (WoW) activities for bringing new productions to children and the popular ‘Brain of Monty’ quiz. the UK every year. To find out Visit www.maesburycanalfestival.co.uk or call more, visit www.theatresevern.

01691 830403 to find out more. co.uk or call 01743 281281.

Beautiful ballet

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 37

Autumn Film Releases THE BOXTROLLS SEPTEMBER 12 From the makers of Coraline and ParaNorman comes The Boxtrolls – a stop-motion, children’s animated adventure starring the vocal talents of Ben Kingsley, Elle Fanning, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. Set in the fictional town of Cheesebridge (a snobby Victorian-era community obsessed with wealth, class and terribly stinky cheese), it tells the hilarious tale of a group of misunderstood, sewer-dwelling trolls and their efforts to be accepted into the community. However, the townsfolk’s mistrust of them, and a villainous pest exterminator, mean it won’t be an easy ride…

TUSK SEPTEMBER 19 This modern-day monster movie follows a journalist named Wallace (Justin Long) on what he thinks is the story of a lifetime – the biography of adventurer Howard Howe. However, things take a dark and terrifying turn when the mysterious Mr Howe takes Wallace captive, with the intention of transforming him into a walrus.

As Wallace’s friends Alison and Teddy (Genesis Rodriguez and Haley Joel Osment) search the backwoods of Canada to rescue him, they discover a nightmare from which there is no escape in this hilarious yet horrifying tale.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU SEPTEMBER 26 When their father passes away, four grown and warring siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof, along with their neurotic mother and an assortment of odd characters, for Shiva – a weeklong mourning period in Judaism. There is, however, one conspicuous absence: the grieving widow, whose secret affair has recently become painfully public. Starring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver and the wonderful Jane Fonda, this insightful, sometimes heartbreaking film is interspersed with moments of poignancy and laugh-out-loud humour.

THE EQUALIZER SEPTEMBER 26 Based on the television series of the same name, The Equalizer sees the sublime Denzel Washington playing Robert McCall, a former commando, living in Boston, who faked his death in order to fade into obscurity. However, his all-encompassing need to see justice served compels him to lead a one-man war against members of a Russian criminal cartel and their partners in crime. Also starring Bill Pullman and Marton Csokas, The Equalizer has been tipped for great things this year.

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY OCTOBER 10 Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner star in this Disney film about 11-year-old Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) and his worst ever day. It begins with a sticky wad of chewing gum in his hair and goes steadily downhill from there. However, if Alexander is looking to garner some sympathy he’s about to find he’s out of luck as his entire family are living through their own terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Things can only get better though... right?

THE JUDGE OCTOBER 24 Hank Palmer (Robert Downey Jr), a successful lawyer, returns to his childhood home and finds his estranged father, the town’s judge, played by Robert Duvall, suspected of murder.

When Hank learns his dad is also struggling with Alzheimer’s, he puts aside their differences and sets out to discover the truth and, hopefully, rebuild his relationship with his family along the way. Directed by David Dobkin, of Wedding Crashers fame, The Judge is a hard-hitting, yet strangely charming thriller.

38 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Shrewsbury Folk Festival is in danger of becoming a victim of its own success. It is now so popular that the camping has had to overflow into a field next to the car park, and unfortunately the facilities just couldn’t keep up. There were definitely not enough toilets and showers to cope with the number of festival-goers this year.

However, there are a lot of good reasons for this demand, not least the music. There were some great acts this year, and taking as a given the quality of the folk music names attracted to this evergrowing festival – including Steve Knightley, Karine Polwart, Seth Lakeman and Bellowhead – there were plenty of new acts to discover. Up-and-coming musicians who made a big impression were the James Riley Band; Yorkshire/Welsh duo Barlow Cree; and the irrepressible Blackbeard’s Tea Party (below right).

The beer selection wasn’t quite as wide as it has been in previous years, but there were still plenty of local ales to choose from, and it’s great to be able to get a pint and sit in the bar chilling out while people jam around you. The other facilities – food, kids’ entertainment, workshops – were top notch and you could even get a free shuttle bus into town and watch a troupe of women braving the unseasonable cold to do a bit of belly dancing in the town square.

Shrewsbury is definitely one of the friendliest, most relaxed and fun folk festivals around, with a range of music from around the world and quality of acts that is giving even the best-known festivals such as Cambridge a run for their money. This year’s event was a huge success and I have no doubt the organisers will address the problem of not enough loos in time for next year. OA H H H H

Jools Holland

Piano maestro Jools returned to The Quarry in Shrewsbury on 12th July, and the crowd came armed with deckchairs, picnics, even candelabras, and were determined to enjoy an open air concert despite the rain. Jools took the stage and through a series of boogie-woogie, soul and r’n’b numbers introduced his outstanding Rhythm & Blues Orchestra one by one.

Then on came the special guests – Marc Almond, genuinely excited to be performing, sang four or five Soft Cell classics to a crowd, who were singing along with every line. Mel C was in fine form and impressive voice, perfect for her easy rock and pop songs, a far cry from her Spice Girls days. Last but not least Brummie soul-andgospel singer Ruby Turner came on. Her success has not been as easy to come by as that of others, but her vocal talents fit the stage and Rhythm and Blues Orchestra perfectly.

With a firework finale, this was a really good little outdoor concert, a tiny bit of festival fun in the middle of Shrewsbury’s beautiful Quarry park, the kind of outdoor music ‘festival’ you can go home at the end of the day and sleep comfortably in a real bed. DB H H H

Underneath the Arches

This year’s Underneath the Arches festival fell on a perfect, warm evening, with thousands of people gathered under the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct as the sun went down.

The turnout was impressive with hundreds of people attending to help raise money for Nightingale House Hospice. The sea of people enjoyed a picnic and live music from The Big Beat, Rhythm Train and The Avenues, plus a light show and a firework finale. Other crowd-pleasers included food vans, fun fair rides, raffle stalls and, the all-important portaloo!

The atmosphere was completely chilled with an audience of all ages enjoying the event. Whether on a blanket or deck chair, holding a cone of chips or a glass of wine, with friends or the kids, the event was delightful for all. KJB H H H H

Yattar Reviews CarFest North Oulton Park

Cheshire’s Oulton Park is one of Britain’s best racing circuits and, in August, it was the site of Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans’ charity extravaganza CarFest North for the second year.

Despite its highoctane name, this was a remarkably family-friendly three days of fun, all in aid of Children in Need. Delighting the crowds (in the pouring rain) were the Red Barrows performing their death-defying wheelbarrow stunts, a fairground, air displays, Star Wars characters, the ubiquitous Pudsey Bear, circus tents, culinary treats and the best part of the whole shebang as far as I’m concerned anyway, live music in the evenings.

Even with torrential rain for the first couple of days, Texas, The Feeling, Seasick Steve, Simple Minds, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Odell and headliner Jools Holland had the 25,000-strong crowd in a frenzy of excitement, but my show stealer had to be iconic 80s band Erasure. The sight of the ever-flamboyant Andy Bell belting out the band’s greatest hits in a pair of five-inch heels as the rain hammered down unrelentingly is a memory I shall take to my grave. Roll on next year! GC H H H H

Grease

Anyone who’s been to one of Ysgol Clywedog’s end-of-year drama productions will know how brilliant they are, and this year’s was no exception. Pupils from years 7 through to 11 sang, danced and acted in a stellar version of the musical Grease.

Grease Different casts performed over the two nights in July, with those not involved in the acting action switching to the choir.

There were note-perfect versions of the best-known musical numbers from the show, including You’re The One That I Want and Greased Lightnin’, with terrific performances from Adam Hodges, who played Danny, and Ella Nelson and Lauren Griffiths, who took turns as Sandy.

The audience were on their feet all the way through joining in with the songs and thoroughly enjoying the experience. TG H H H H

Tom Jones

At the end of July, legend Sir Tom played his first ever concert in North Wales at Access All Eirias, Colwyn Bay. He certainly made-up for not visiting us sooner. It was a scorching day, but Tom still came on stage dressed in his classic smart suit – though the crowd were perhaps hoping to see him in his leather pants and a low-cut shirt, a look from his younger years. They weren’t disappointed for too long, though – as Tom belted out wellknown hits including SexBomb SexBomb, Delilah and It’s Not Unusual, it wasn’t long before he had to take his jacket off. His energy was exhilarating – he may be 74 but the sound of his voice is still perfect. It was a great performance in a great, intimate stadium. ES H H H H

Shrewsbury Flower Show

The Flower Show has become a major event for Shrewsbury and goes from strength to strength every year – so much so that the town council can get away with charging £4.50 for parking on top of the not-so-cheap £26 ticket price; the only downside to a fun day.

Inside the show, the Quarry Marquee was packed with exhibitors showing off all sorts of plants, from weird and wonderful carnivorous insect eaters to cacti of all shapes and sizes and gladioli in a gazillion different colours. There was a miniature half-timbered house, a cottage garden complete with deckchair and straw hat – as if somebody had just that minute got up from reading a book in the sunshine and popped indoors – and a wall of fuchsias.

Outdoors, visitors were browsing the myriad plant and other merchandise stalls while children rode on a train from the Ffestiniog Railway. In the food tent there were samples of everything from sausages to fudge to try and buy, and an opportunity to sit and watch cooking demonstrations from celebrity and local chefs.

The best bit of the show, though, was the local producers marquee, where among the exhibits were a multi-coloured display of homemade wine, real bees, and baskets packed with artfully arranged fruit and veg. This tent was packed with visitors marvelling at the weird and wonderful

If you’ve got a show or event happening anywhere in Wales and the Borders we’d love to come and review it!

Just email to: editorial@yattar.co.uk

giant and misshapen vegetables, not to mention the characters created by children, from three blind potato mice to aubergine penguins.

A great event, showcasing Shrewsbury and the county to great effect. Long may it continue. OA H H H H

WISP Dance Group

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the WISP Dance Club, and they celebrated with an extravaganza of screen dance and live performance entitled ‘This is us – 20 Years on’.

The main thing that stood out during the performance was the look on the faces of the young people: each of the performers, all of whom have special educational needs, had an expression of pure concentration, wanting to get every step perfect.

Their determination and hard work certainly paid off, and their obvious and utter enjoyment, as they danced around the stage, made it clear how much they love being part of WISP Dance Club. To make certain the audience knew this they made a speech after the performance to thank artistic director Cher Mather, choreographer Uma O’Neill and all other helpers.

The backdrop to the performance was a film compilation of WISP footage, old and new, showing the work the charity does with young people with learning disabilities in the area. A lovely show, produced by a great charity. KJB H H H

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 39

Pontio

Yn agor Medi 2014 Canolfan Celfyddydau ac Arloesi Pontio Tocynnau ar werth nawr ar gyfer y Tymor Agoriadol

Opening in September 2014 Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre Tickets now on sale for the Opening Season

Pontio Awst 14 W Coast 192_5x267.indd 1

2014-08-11 2:23 PM

Bright lights, big city Want to catch a big show? We’ve picked some of the best in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham...

Liverpool

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Empire Theatre, 14th-18th October This multi-sensory touring production retells the Biblical story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and, of course, his famous coat of many colours. With original music and lyrics by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this family favourite stars The X Factor finalist Lloyd Daniels in the title role.

Visit www.liverpooltheatres.com

The Big Reunion, Echo Arena, 28th October Following the success of the reality-documentary show on ITV2, The Big Reunion is visiting Liverpool with a mouth-watering boy band tour featuring 5ive, Blue, A1, Damage, 3T and 5th Story (with Gareth Gates, Dane Bowers, Adam Rickitt, Kavana and Kenzie).

This promises to be a great night for the whole family but hurry, tickets are going fast!

Visit www.echoarena.com

Manchester Eric and Little Ern, Opera House, 30th September This affectionate, moving and hilarious homage to British comedy treasures Morecambe and Wise has had audiences crying tears of laughter all over the country. Recreating some of the finest moments of Eric and Ernie’s television and stage performances, this show is perfect for the whole family.

Visit www.manchestertheatres.com

Rambert Featuring Rooster, The Lowry, 1st-3rd October The electrifying energy of the early Rolling Stones is brought to life in Rooster, Christopher Bruce’s atmospheric celebration of the swinging sixties. The Rambert Dance Company’s interpretation of some of the Stones’ most iconic tunes, including Paint it Black, Sympathy for the Devil and Little Red Rooster, is sure to have you dancing in your seats.

Visit www.thelowry.com

Birmingham

Rudy’s Rare Records, Birmingham Rep, 4th-20th September Lenny Henry stars in this hilarious stage version of the popular Radio 4 comedy series set in a reggae record shop.

Featuring vintage ska and reggae music by Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley and the Sugarhill Gang – all played live by an on-stage band – Rudy’s Rare Records is a heart-warming tale of love and responsibility, suitable for a mature audience. Visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk The Mousetrap, New Alexandra Theatre, 6th-11th October Famous around the world as the longest running stage show in history, Agatha Christie’s suspenseful murder mystery finally comes to Birmingham. A motley group of people shelter from a snowstorm in a country house, only to discover that there is a murderer among them.

They all have sordid pasts, but who is the culprit? (And will you guess correctly before the end?)

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 41

Castles for keeps

I

well remember the excitement of being taken to see castles as a child: passing through the gates of a wild, ruined fortress, looking up at crumbling towers with dark stairs that tempted you to climb up to discover whoknew-what, and mysterious entrances leading you down to who-knew-where.

I remember being so excited I didn’t know where to start, but I desperately wanted to make sure I explored every inch, went down every secret passage, got into all the nooks and crannies and to the top of every crumbling staircase… It’s a fascination that has never left me, and our medieval, ruined castles are awe-inspiring treasures, evidence of our sometimes brutal past and a gateway into the history of our two countries.

The border area, of course, has heaps of castles, evidence of the warring between the English and the Welsh, and north Wales has

some of the best-preserved coastal fortresses.

The history is complicated, what with Welsh princes running around and murdering each other in internicine power struggles, while at the same time trying to hold off Norman and English invaders, as kingdoms and territories were redrawn and amalgamated.

Most of the castles that remain – those with plenty of towers and dungeons to explore – are Norman or medieval, the best examples being those built by Edward I (1239-1307) during his brutal campaigns against the Welsh.

However, there are an awful lot of lovely, lesser-known castles to explore in the region, many of which are free to get into all year round. And most of them, by their very nature, are in spectacular locations which make them well worth the visit. Pack a blanket and a picnic, and go and explore, discover our nation’s heritage.

42 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Cheshire’s medieval remains Considering Cheshire’s position on the border of England and Wales since Roman times, it’s Steep-sided suprising it has so Beeston Castle little to show in the way of castles.

The best and most obvious is Beeston, which perches high on the massive sandstone outcrop in the middle of the Cheshire plain, and in truth it is its location that makes it spectacular – on a clear day you can see no less than eight counties from here.

With steep cliffs on three sides it has been an obvious spot for settlers since prehistoric times and was a huge Iron Age hillfort before the medieval castle builders adapted its earthwork defences.

CASTLES

With Heritage Open Days taking place this month, it’s a great time to explore the history and heritage of our castles – after all, this area is famous for them. Olivia Abbott heads for the battlements

Photos © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales; English Heritage; Olivia Abbott

The fortresses of North Wales Built mostly by Edward I in his campaign of subjugation of the Welsh, there are some truly impressive castle remains along the coast, most with a good height of walls standing and plenty to explore. Many of them were built on the site of previous castles captured from the Welsh princes – after all, a good defensive spot is a good defensive spot, no matter who you’re defending it from – and they each have a unique atmosphere and characterisics.

Caernarfon, for example, is a real brute of a castle right on the north Wales coast, with interesting polygonal towers.

Conwy, which apparently cost £15,000 to build – and that was in 1277 or thereabouts – is interesting because of its A real brute of a shape, dictated castle – Caernarfon by the narrow

Perfect symmetry at Beaumaris

rocky outcrop on which it sits, while Harlech, when it was first built was by the sea – you could have sailed a boat to the moat – and is a truly majestic castle.

Rhuddlan (main picture) is a great castle for exploring, with nooks and crannies, staircases and even a bit of wall walk, but it’s ruinous enough to feel mysterious and enigmatic. Edward wanted his ships to reach the castle, so he diverted the River Clwyd for more than two miles to provide a deep-water channel.

Denbigh is another of Edward I’s magnificent creations – the gatehouse with its three towers is particularly special – but for once Edward didn’t have it all his own way: the castle was captured by the Welsh halfway through its building, though the rebellion didn’t last long. The town walls are also rather good to explore.

Beaumaris on Anglesey was one of the last of Edward’s castles and it’s particularly beautiful, being perfectly symmetrical – and huge. The whole population of Llanfaes was forcibly moved 12 miles away to make room for the castle to be built.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 43

CASTLES HALLOWEEN

Open sesame!

From 11th-14th September, it’s the annual Heritage Open Days weekend in England, when lots of castles – and many other historic attractions that aren’t normally accessible by the public – open their doors. Lots of sites that usually charge let you in for free and special events take place at many of the locations that don’t charge.

In Wales, the event is called Open Doors, and it runs every weekend throughout September, so this is a brilliant opportunity to visit some of the castles mentioned here, as well as lots of other great cultural and historic sites. The whole thing is part of European Heritage Days, which take place in 50 European countries in September every year. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk to find out more.

Open Doors is a brilliant opportunity to visit castles not normally accessible by the public

The wild and windswept Castell Dinas Bran, above Llangollen

A sense of place

Atmospheric Ca

stell y Bere There are quite a few castles in Wales where there’s very little remaining of the structure itself, and often they take a bit more effort to get to, but the location makes them worth the effort of a visit. Whether you’ve hiked up a hill or battled through a bit of overgrown woodland, the sense of isolation and history from places like this is priceless.

Among these are Aberlleiniog, on Anglesey, a delightful little ruin, surrounded by woodland and sitting on the edge of the Menai Straits, with a history stuffed with colourful characters, from Welsh princes to Georgian naturalists.

Castell y Bere, below the southern slopes of Cadair Idris, sits like a marooned ship above the reclaimed land of the Dysynni The delightful little ruin Valley, on a tree-girt lump of rock. There’s not a huge of Aberlleiniog amount left of the castle, but it’s extremely atmospheric with great views. on Anglesey There’s not a lot remaining of the castle at Deganwy either – it was originally built by the Welsh who later destroyed it to stop the English taking it. Henry III built another castle here, which was captured and demolished by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd.

And then there’s Ewloe, a really lovely, typically Welsh castle, with possibly the best-preserved example of the Welsh D-shaped tower. There’s just something about the atmosphere – hidden away in woodland, off the beaten track, serene and peaceful.

Wales’s Welsh castles...

The ‘native Welsh’ castles – built by the Celtic princes – are a quite different affair from Edward’s. Without the resources and might of the English invaders, these castles were smaller and less lavish, but their simplicity is part of their appeal.

Standing on a hill in the Llanberis pass, Dolbadarn Castle (pictured) is dominated by a round-towered keep, which still stands 50 feet high. Nearby Dolwyddelan is square where Dolbadarn is round, but it’s a beautiful structure, built by Llywelyn Fawr in the early 1200s.

High on a hill overlooking the town of Llangollen, there are but a few walls and arches left of Castell Dinas Bran, but its spectactular location makes it well worth the steep climb up. The earth embankments date back as far as the Iron Age, while the castle itself was originally built by the Princes of Powys.

52 yattaryattar magazine September/October 44 July/August 2014 2014

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CASTLES Bridgnorth Castle, leaning precariously in the middle of the town

Secret treasures

The castles of Shropshire

Just as in Wales, it’s worth looking for the lesser-known castles of Shropshire, which are often hidden away in odd places and can be great fun to find.

Although it’s stuck in a park in the middle of town, Bridgnorth Castle is worth a visit just to see the precariouslooking great tower. Severely damaged during the Civil War, it leans at an angle four times greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

The mysterious little ruin of Hopton Castle, meanwhile, may or may not be 11th-12th century, no-one is entirely sure. In any case it’s more of a fortified tower house than a castle, but it’s rather sweet.

Mysterious Hopton

Shropshire’s ‘nearly castles’

England also has quite a few fortified dwellings, and many castles, once they were no longer being used for defensive purposes were adapted and turned into homes. Acton Burnell is the remains of a fortified manor house, once a big, rectangular keep. The pink sandstone walls are pretty and it’s a great, atmospheric place to come and sit under the big Pretty: Acton Burnell cedar tree for a picnic.

Moreton Corbet, meanwhile, is an unusual what-was-once a castle, that was adapted over the years into a country house. It’s a mish-mash of original defensive building from 1200 and the ruins of a grand Elizabethan house, which make it fun to explore.

Though not quite as filled with impressive remains as Wales, the English border counties do have a few gems to offer. Ludlow (main image) is one of the biggest ruined castles in the country, and has lots of those stairs and passageways to explore.

You can get to the top of the keep for great views, and there’s an interesting round Norman chapel inside the inner bailey.

Stokesay Castle, meanwhile, isn’t really a ruin, but it provides a Stokesay ‘Castle’ fascinating insight into medieval life, and is great fun to explore.

Clun is quite interesting, though there’s not a huge amount of the building left. The huge earthworks are impressive, though, and it’s intriguing that the keep was built on the side of the mound rather than in the middle.

Whittington Castle, which was recently taken into the care of the local community, has an original 12th-century keep, which was adapted in the 13th, and there’s a 16th-century house attached to one of the impressive gatehouse towers.

Ludlow is one of the biggest ruined castles in the country, and has lots of stairs and passageways to explore

Find out more...

Piqued your interest? The castles mentioned here are by no means an exhaustive list. To find out more about Welsh castles, we recommend www.castleswales.com – a great site with absolutely loads of information about every single Welsh castle. Also visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk. English Heritage manage many of the English castles, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk. For a good round-up, read Castles and Ancient Monuments of England by Damien Noonan (Aurum Press). Many of the independently owned monuments have their own websites too.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 47

Ghouls just wa n Halloween is looming and, whether you believe in ghosts or are a confirmed spectre sceptic, there’s no escaping the scariest date in the calendar. So join Gill Chetcuti for a light-hearted look at things that go bump in the night...

T

he true origins of Halloween are hotly debated among historians, but it’s generally thought that pre-Christian Celts marked the end of each year at harvest time with the festival of Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween). This, their biggest and most significant celebration, coincided with the dark and dreary start of winter – the time when the spirits of the dead were believed to mingle with the living before travelling on to the afterlife.

At this time, it was believed, the spirits or fairies were much more easily able to enter our world and were especially active. The ancient Celts lit bonfires to deter them from outstaying their welcome, and made sacrifices of animals in order to keep themselves safe from the ‘wandering dead’, who were thought to cause mischief by damaging crops and causing sickness among people and animals.

When the Christian missionaries arrived and began to change the religious practices

of the local people, they appropriated the Celts’ festival and pronounced November 1 ‘All Saints’ Day’ – a time to honour saints and martyrs.

However, the old rituals and customs clung on, and the blend of celebrations became All Hallows’ Eve and, eventually, Halloween. In medieval times, young men would go from house to house in costume or disguise reciting verses or songs in exchange for food – in parts of Wales men dressed up as women or as fearsome creatures called ‘gwrachod’.

These days, children and teenagers still dress up in ghoulish and fun costumes, and go from house to house ‘trick or treating’ – a custom that is welcomed by some and is seen as a good way for youngsters to engage with their community. Indeed, many householders stock up on sweets and other goodies in preparation for Halloween, and will light a pumpkin and put it in their window or doorway to show that they welcome trick or treaters.

‘Householders stock up on sweets in preparation for Halloween, and will light a pumpkin to show that they welcome trick or treaters’ 48 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Scare tactics

Nothing shrieks Halloween quite like a large orange vegetable with a menacing expression, but do you know the origins behind this eerie custom? It dates back to Celtic times, when people carved turnips – rather than the American-style pumpkin – and put a burning lump of coal in it to send a message of welcome to the spirits of their ancestors, and to keep malevolent entities at bay.

HALLOWEEN

a nt to have fun Halloween events a bouncy castle and a Halloween disco. Children are encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costumes.

Visit www.plassey.com, or call 01978 780277 l ghostly gAslight On 25th October, Blists Hill at Ironbridge will be transformed from a welcoming Victorian town into a spooky setting with shadows around every corner. Come if you dare…Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk for more information.

Scare the pantS off the kidS thiS year with a Special, Spooky, halloween day out… l A-mAze-ingly scAry! How scared are you? Park Hall Farm’s spooky spectacular event from 24th October-2nd November is sure to be one to remember. Will you escape from the Halloween maze or will you fall victim to the ghostly surprises in there? For a notquite-so-scary experience, try the fun Halloween-themed games and pumpkin carving. Visit www.parkhallfarm.com. l get on the ghost trAin Get your spooky shocks on the move, with Rheidol Railways’ Ghost Train, running from 30th October to 1st November at 6pm. There are guaranteed tricks and treats for all the family on the journey from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, where fortifying food will be served. Be sure your children dress up, as there’ll be a prize for the best costume. Visit www.rheidolrailway.co.uk to find out more. l get spooked!

Join in the Halloween themed fun day at Plassey Leisure Park on 25th October, with Halloween Crafts, including paintings and jewellery making, ‘Horrid Hair’, face painting,

l hold on to yoUr Broomsticks Greenwood Forest Park has some spooktacular treats in store from 25th October. You can get creepily crafty making lanterns, monstrous masks and Harry Potter-style broomsticks; bring a witch’s pet to life; watch out for spooky creatures in the trees – or become one yourself with freaky face painting. Visit www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk l WitchcrAft & WizArdry On 27th and 28th October there’ll be Halloween fun at Norton Priory, with potion making and creepy crafts. And from 6pm-8pm you can experience an evening of spooky storytelling, with potions, animals and the chance to carve a pumpkin. Booking essential, visit www.nortonpriory.org

Q:Ê WhatÊ doÊ youÊ getÊ ifÊ youÊ crossÊ aÊ snowmanÊ withÊ aÊ vampire?

A:Ê Frostbite!

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 49

HALLOWEEN

Can you make it through the night Fancy spending Halloween in some Haunted company? tHe area Has a number oF reputedly Haunted Hotels, pubs and Houses – book yourselF a bed and wHo knows, you may get to greet a genuine gHoul…

The Prince ruPerT hoTel, ShrewSbury this hotel is renowned not only for its great food and service but also for its numerous ghost sightings. the hotel recently featured in the tV programme Great British Ghosts and guests have reported seeing a jilted bride hanging from the ceiling, and the ghost of a young man who killed himself after being unlucky in love. Visit www.princeruperthotel.co.uk for more information. ye olde King’S head, cheSTer reputed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the country, ye olde king’s Head has no less than 13 resident spirits, and paranormal activity such as strange noises, shadows and odd sightings have been reported from six of the hotel’s eight rooms. sounds like you’d be lucky to stay a night and not come face to face with a ghost!

Visit www.theyeoldekingsheadchester.co.uk llindir inn, henllan, denbighShire this lovely thatched pub is one of the oldest in wales and is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who was strangled by her sailor husband when he came home on unexpected shore leave to find her in bed with another man. a number of people claim to have seen her and visitors have reported having bed clothes dragged off them and seeing the apparition. call 01745 812640. blacK boy inn, caernarfon this hotel has a fascinating history and all sorts of finds have been made during excavations, including a woman’s skeleton, a child’s shoe and animal jaw bones. at one time there was a nunnery to the rear of the inn, and the ghost of a nun has been seen passing through the building.

Visit www.black-boy-inn.com hoTel MaeS-y-neuadd, TalSarnau, harlech, gwynedd to end our list on a less scary note, this hotel’s ghost is a friendly one: a nursemaid dressed in white, who, apparently, brings a sense of calm and contentment to those who see her. she often appears to people who are unwell. those feeling a little feverish, perhaps…? call 01766 780200.

50 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Halloween seven freaky facts 1 2

the fear of Halloween is called samhainophobia.

the tradition of ‘trick or treat’ stems from medieval times, when children would go from door to door singing and saying prayers in return for soul cakes.

3

it was believed that if you looked through the church keyhole at midnight on Halloween, you would see which parishioners were going to die that year.

4

according to tradition, if a person wears their clothes inside out and walks backwards on Halloween, they will see a witch.

5

the night of Halloween is called nos galan gaeaf, the night before the first day of winter, in Welsh.

6

in germany, people hide their knives at Halloween in order to protect good spirits, and be protected from bad ones.

7

the record for the world’s fastest pumpkin carver belongs to Jerry ayers of baltimore, ohio. He carved a Halloween grimace in 37 seconds!

Q:Ê WhatÊ isÊ aÊ skeletonÕ sÊ favouriteÊ food?Ê A:Ê SpareÊ ribs!

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holiday home ownership in north wales

Three rather special parks situated in areas of stunning natural beauty in and around the Snowdonia mountains and coast. We would love to share more information, so feel free to call us now.

01286 830205 morfa lodge HOLIDAY PARK

www.morfalodge.co.uk 01286 830 205

ogwen bank HOLIDAY PARK & COUNTRY CLUB

west point beach resort

www.ogwenbank.co.uk www.westpointresort.co.uk 01248 600486 01286 830 205

3 stunning holiday parks to choose from

Maenan Abbey Country House Hotel and Restaurant

Fantastic Autumn Offer Standing majestically in the heart of the beautiful Conwy Valley, with the foothills of the Snowdonia range as a dramatic backdrop, a warm welcome awaits you here at Maenan Abbey.

Our 14 bedrooms are all individually designed and incorporate Four Poster rooms with jacuzzis, two bedroomed family suites and a flexible mixture of double and twin rooms.

After a long day exploring some of the many attractions that the area has to offer you can unwind in our friendly bar or relaxing lounge.

01492 660247

Three nights dinner, bed and breakfast for only £175 per person That’s three nights bed and breakfast for only £175 per person Available Sunday to Friday. (£195 if including a Saturday) Offer available until October 31st 2014

Offer only available when booking by telephone.

www.maenanabbey.co.uk

Yattar ! s y a d i l Ho on the best e k ta s r’ a tt a Yattar Y en holiday or ev a e k ta to s way me n holiday ho w o r u o y y u b

In the lap of luxury

Head for the Hill Gorse Hill Caravan & Lodge Park is a prestigious holiday home park set in the rolling hills of the Conwy Valley in north Wales, at the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.

From the beautiful north Wales coastline to the hills and valleys of the Welsh mountains, taking in the nearby Conwy marina and a host of other local attractions, Gorse Hill is unrivalled in the splendour and convenience of its setting anywhere in the UK. The park provides a managed service to clients, with the aim of offering an escape to a haven of complete tranquility. Caravans and lodges are tailored to your specific requirements to give a home-from-home feeling, and the park will give you all the help and information you need when choosing a holiday home.

Set in 50 acres, Gorse Hill has 236 luxury holiday homes, all benefiting from stunning natural surroundings and the excellent facilities, including the Manor House bar and restaurant, which dates back to 1899; a crown green bowling green and a launderette.

Golfers will love the fact that Conwy Golf Club is just five minutes away, and the Conwy Marina, with its superb boating area, plus of course the magnificent Conwy Castle are among the other attractions nearby, along with a host of outdoor activities.

Gorse Hill makes an ideal base for exploring the mountains, valleys and coastline of north Wales. Pay a visit and prepare to fall in love with the area and its historical buildings, beautiful harbour, sandy beaches and breathtaking countryside.

For more information visit www.gorsehill.co.uk or call 01492 593465.

ep

© Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales

on your doorst

Plas Gwynfryn is now offering a three-night winter stay for £100 per person.

Visit the website for information

For a truly special, truly luxurious holiday, why not rent your own spectacular country house, set in its own landscaped gardens within the Snowdonia National Park? Plas Gwynfryn is a stunning, privately owned five-bedroom Welsh mansion near Harlech in north Wales – and it is available to hire on a self-catering basis or for a catered holiday.

Don’t be fooled by the grand and stately exterior as you approach the house – it has always been a family home and has a lovely, homely feel inside, with accommodation that has recently been sympathetically renovated to retain the house’s unique character.

Plas Gwynfryn can sleep up to 14 guests, with three en-suite rooms with king-size beds, and two family rooms, so it’s perfect for an extended family get-together or for a wedding party, and offers complete privacy for your group.

The living accommodation comprises a cinema/ conference room, an oak-panelled lounge with a wood burner and a drawing room with open fire, and a bar – so whether you want to all be together, or you want to escape the children for a while, there’s plenty of room for everybody.

There’s also a kitchen complete with Aga and range cooker – but if you’d prefer to be catered for, this can be arranged, with a local couple who can come to the house and cook for you.

For pure escapism, Plas Gwynfryn is hard to beat: the house and its surroundings create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere that you’ll never want to leave.

For more information visit www.plasgwynfryn.co.uk or call 01341 241 363.

Pwllheli

Often considered to be the capital of the Llyn Peninsula, Pwllheli is a bustling and friendly town, popular with families of all ages. Part of its attraction lies in the two European Blue Flag Award-winning beaches: South Beach, a shingle and pebble beach, and Glan y Mor, a sandy and sheltered stretch near the marina.

Wednesday and Sunday are market days in Pwllheli. This popular open-air event has stalls ranging from fresh produce to clothes, plus crafts and gifts and a whole host more. Held in the town’s square – Y Maes – it’s one of the largest markets in Wales.

Another crowd pleaser is Hafan Pwllheli, the marina, which provides access to some of the best sailing waters in the UK and the harbours along Ireland’s east coast.

With more than 400 berths, it’s a designated European Centre of Excellence and the venue for a number of national and international sailing and watersports events.

At the heart of the town lies an interesting collection of independent shops, boutiques and eateries, as well as a cinema and an indoor swimming pool for days when taking a dip in the sea is out of the question.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 53

tar ys! t a Y ida Hol

Everything you need

Happy caravaning!

If you’ve a caravan or motorhome, chances are you’ve been on holiday with it this summer and, what with the British weather, the state of our roads, the attentions of the kids and just general wear and tear, it probably could do with a bit of TLC. But where do you go to get a caravan serviced? Actually, you don’t have to go anywhere – because PRH Caravan Services will come to you. This mobile servicing and repair outfit, covering Cheshire and Shropshire, can come to your home, your storage facility – or even, if you should need them while you’re on holiday, to the site where you’re staying.

Among the many services PRH offer are a full caravan service or habitation service, chassis safety check, damp survey, appliance diagnostics and repair, and much more – you can even ask them to do the valeting for you! PRH also offer pre-purchase inspections, so if you’re thinking of buying a secondhand caravan or motorhome, you can get it checked out by the experts.

It’s also important to keep your caravan or motorhome serviced from a safety point of view – PRH will safety check any gas appliances, and also offer Electrical Installation Condition Reports as recommended by the Electrical Safety Council. In fact, they provide everything you need to keep your caravan or motorhome (or even a horsebox) in tip-top condition.

For more information visit www.prhcaravanservices.co.uk or call 01948 860719.

Cruising along

Now that summer’s over, maybe your thoughts have already turned to next year and you’re wondering about booking early to make sure you don’t miss out on the holiday of your choice. How great would it be if you never had to worry about booking again? With a holiday home at Glan Gwna holiday park in beautiful north Wales that dream could easily become a reality.

You can set yourself free from the tyranny of holiday companies and booking requirements and fees, and have your own home-from-home in Snowdonia, ready for you whenever you want it, whether it’s for a quiet weekend away or a full-on family holiday. Glan Gwna has a wide range of new and pre-owned holiday homes for sale and can offer advice and information to help you find the ideal one to suit your requirements.

The park is situated between the Snowdonia National Park and the Llyn Peninsula with its renowned golden beaches, and is a great base for exploring local attractions such as castles, historic houses, gardens, the Isle of Anglesey, and a huge choice of sporting activities as well.

Of course, if you’re looking for a retreat that you never have to leave for the duration of your holiday, there are plenty of facilities on the park itself, including an outdoor heated swimming pool, a poolside bar, a well-stocked shop, a children’s play area, and even a beauty salon offering a wide range of treatments.

Fishermen can catch trout and salmon on the river, or go coarse fishing on one of the site’s two lakes. For more information visit www.glangwna.com or call 01286 673456.

Special Offer

Thinking of treating yourself to a cruise for next year’s holiday? Whether you’re planning a small ship adventure or an inclusive ultra-luxury sailing, you can find out who’s providing what at the Cruise Show in Manchester Central (13th-14th September) or Birmingham NEC (20th-21st September).

From cultural river cruises to modern resort-style ships with everything for the whole family, the show will be host to major cruise lines and specialist operators, all under one roof, giving you the chance to discover different ship styles and destinations.

Plus, you could save thousands of pounds with exclusive show-only offers and upgrades, while also getting up-to-date insider tips and advice from the experts, and having the opportunity to ask your allimportant questions directly to the operators themselves. For more information visit www. cruisingshow.com or call 0871 620 4024.

Go west!

for Yattar Yattar readers!

Get your tickets for only £4 (that’s £6 off the door price!) by quoting ‘YATTAR’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024.

(Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras.)

West Point Beach Resort is a small, select holiday park offering a sanctuary of peace and quiet in beautiful Snowdonia. Set on its own stretch of beach away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this resort is a haven of calm and tranquillity. With stunning views of the nearby mountain ranges, Caernarfon Bay and the Isle of Anglesey, the resort has its own private entrance to the beach, and is just a few miles from the shops and restaurants of the local town.

West Point has a selection of holiday homes for sale, and waterfront lodges and top-of-therange holiday homes with panoramic views of the landscape are available to rent. The park also offers touring pitches, all with electric hook-up and water nearby. Seasonal pitches are also available at a very competitive price.

For those wanting to explore the area, the resort is ideally situated, just a 20- to 30-minute drive from the Llyn Peninsula, the Isle of Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park. Mountain walks and coastal paths are on the doorstep as is a variety of fishing and the popular villages of Abersoch and Portmeirion. And just a short drive away is the town of Caernarfon, a world heritage site with its superb castle and meandering, cobbled streets, a must for any visit.

For more information visit www.westpointresort.co.uk or call 01286 660400.

54 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Wye View Cottages Gail and Peter Bell invite you to stay at their holiday cottages in one of the most outstanding areas of the country.

Wye View Cottages offers you selfcatering holiday cottages in the heart of Wales.

Wye View self-catering cottages Tel/fax: 01686 440205 Tel 24h: 07887 985069

www.wyeview.org.uk

“reputation built on recommendation”

Holiday Homes from

£9,995

Secluded in a wooded valley, only two miles from the Royal Town of Caernarfon lies the exquisite family run country park Glan Gwna. Set in over 100 acres of woodland and parkland grounds, Glan Gwna offers you the perfect ‘get away’ location.

Located between Snowdonia National Park and the golden beaches of the Lleyn Peninsula, Glan Gwna is the ideal base from which to experience all the riches that North Wales has to offer - all within easy reach.

Please ring for a brochure...

Telephone (01286) 673 456 Email: sales@glangwna.com www.glangwna.com

WATER ACTIVITIES

CAFÉ

FISHING

CYCLING

LLYN BRENIG RESERVOIR & VISITOR CENTRE WHAT’S ON THIS AUTUMN POND DIPPING & MINIBEAST SAFARI - 14th Sept TRY THE FLY - 14th Sept & 4th Oct SPOOKY CRAFTS - 29th Oct HALLOW BRENIG - 30th Oct Cerrigydrudion, Conwy LL21 9TT www.llynbrenig.co.uk 01490 420463

f o e m o The h ain biking mount es in Wal With over 40km’s of graded mountain bike trails, Coed Llandegla Forest is designed for anyone who loves mountain biking. Oneplanet Adventure run the facilities there, and offer a large selection of hire bikes to enjoy the fantastic trails, a specialist bike shop, award winning cafe and tuition to suit all abilities.

A perfect gift for the mountain biker in your life!

From beginner to expert, take your riding to the next level with one of our skills courses.

Gift vouchers available.

Coed Llandegla Forest, Ruthin Rd, Llandegla LL11 3AA UK info@oneplanetadventure.co.uk Tel: 01978 751656

Yattar ACTIVE!

Whether you want to get on your bicycle, strike out on foot or take to the water, there’s a host of outdoor activities available to us…

Come on in – the water’s lovely

As the summer holidays draw to a close and the children head back to school, you could be forgiven for thinking that the fun and activities are over for another year.

But with the sea temperature at its warmest in September, why not extend the summer feelgood factor and make the most of what the north Wales coast has to offer?

It is not too late to try something new: Plas Menai, the National Outdoor Centre (formerly known as the National Watersports Centre), will be running a series of water-based courses in sailing, powerboating, kayaking and yachting right through until November.

All courses operate to small instructor/pupil ratios meaning you really do get the best out of your time on the water. For those who want to try something new, the ‘learn to…’ weekends are a great introduction to a new sport. All necessary kit and clothing is provided by the centre so you don’t need to shell out for any expensive gear beforehand. Swimming togs, a towel and some old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet, is all you need to start off with.

The centre is based on the banks of the Menai Strait between Bangor and Caernarfon and offers residential and nonresidential options. For more information visit online at www.plasmenai.co.uk

Find lots more active things to do in our What’s On pages at the front

On yer bike!

We’re celebrating all things cycling this issue of Yattar Yattar, with the Tour of Britain rolling around our region in September, as well as a number of sponsored cycle rides that you can take part in…

The Tour of Britain kicks off with a circuit of Liverpool on 7th September, and those muscular calves – on riders from the US, Europe and of course the UK – will be pedalling furiously from Knowsley Safari Park through north Wales to the Great Orme and Llandudno on 8th September. The next day the riders will head from Newtown, through Powys and mid Wales to finish the stage with a six-kilometre climb to the summit of The Tumble above Abergavenny. Don’t miss your chance to cheer the riders on – for more information about the race and routes, visit www.tourofbritain.co.uk.

If you’ve your own two wheels, and are looking for some inspiration on where to ride, why not do a sponsored ride in aid of charity? The Great Big Bike Ride at Shawbury on 7th September is in aid of Severn Valley Hospice and there are three rides to choose from for all levels: 25km, 50km and 100km. For more information visit severnhospice.org.uk. To find out about other sponsored bike rides, or even to organise your own, try www.sustrans.org.uk or www.bike-events.com

On course for adventure

Fancy learning something new this autumn?

Forget sitting in a stuffy, uncomfortable schoolroom repeating ‘Je m’appelle…’ Get out there and have an adventure!

Bala Adventure and Watersports, based on Llyn Tegid in the north Wales town of Bala, offer a variety of sailing, surfing, canoeing and kayaking courses, all designed to exhilarate, excite and educate – and get you wet.

Whether you’re a complete beginner who wants to learn to paddle a canoe or stand upright on a surfboard, or a more experienced sailor who wants to do a five-day skipper theory course, there’s something for you.

There are lessons and courses for children and adults, and if you really get the bug, you can work your way through the levels on various Royal Yachting Association-accredited courses to progress your career on the water. With the experienced, enthusiastic and friendly team at Bala Adventure and Watersports guiding and teaching you all the way, you’ll soon feel as at home on the water as you do on dry land.

Visit www.balawatersports.com or call 01678 521059.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 57

Yattar Yattar walk: Cnicht Our new walks writer, Graham Uney, is a qualified mountain leader, a hill skills trainer, and a guidebook author, including Backpacker’s Britain: Wales Wales. He runs Wild Walks Wales; www.wildwalkswales.co.uk

Outdoor Activity Providers YaTTaR’S SeleCtion of SoMe of the beSt… l Anglesey Adventure Coasteering, rock climbing. www.angleseyadventures.com l Anglesey Riding Centre Horse riding on the Menai Straits. www.angleseyridingcentre.co.uk, 01248 430377 l Bala Adventure & Watersports Outdoor pursuits on dry land and on the water. www.balawater sports.com, 01678 521059 l Bwlchgwyn Farm Horseriding and pony trekking. www.bwlchgwynfarm.co.uk, 01341 250107 l Chester Kayak Kayaks and Canadian canoes. www.chesterkayakhire.co.uk, 01244 422007 l llyn brenig Walking, cycling, fishing, waterzorbing. www.llynbrenig. co.uk, 01490 420463 l national White Water Centre Whitewater rafting and kayaking. www.ukrafting.co.uk, 01678 521083 l One Planet Adventure Cycling in the Coed Llandegla Forest. www. oneplanetadventure.com, 01978 751656

Hattie Page (green top) crosses the finishing line

Are you up to the London Marathon challenge?

Fancy taking part in next year’s London Marathon, and raising money for a vital charity at the same time? The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has 37 coveted places for the race on 26th April.

Enthusiastic runners and fundraisers will be asked to raise money for the Oswestry Bone Cancer Appeal, which has a target of £0.5 million, needed to build a new Bone Cancer Centre. Building of the new centre will begin in January 2015.

Fundraising and training both require plenty of planning – anyone who is interested should contact the hospital soon to find out about applying.

Visit the hospital’s website at www.rjah.nhs.uk/marathon for an online application form.

l Plas Menai National watersports centre. www.plasmenai.co.uk, 01248 670 964

l Pro Adventure Canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, gorge walking. www.proadventure.org, 01978 861912 l Seren Ventures Adventure activities and guided walks in Snowdonia. www. serenventures.com, 01690 710754 l Whitewater Active White water rafting, canyoning, paddle boarding. www.whitewateractive.co.uk, 0845 600 1575 l Wild Walks Wales Adventure activities, outdoor skills courses and guided walks. www.wildwalkswales.co.uk, 01678 521871

Headmistress Felicity Taylor with fundraisers (left to right) Imogen Okell, Freya Ainsworth, Cara Henshall and Ellia Houghton

On their bikes and in the swim to raise money

l Open Door Adventure Abseiling, quad biking and canoeing and more. www.opendooradventure.co.uk, 01745 585535

l Plas y Brenin National mountain sports centre. www.pyb.co.uk, 01690 720214

There are so many great hill and mountain walks in our area that sometimes it can be a little daunting trying to choose where to go. It might be that you’re looking for a high mountain challenge, or perhaps you want a hill with a great view from the summit, or the chance of seeing some interesting wildlife along the way.

For me, Cnicht ticks all of those boxes, and more. While this hill may not be among the very highest of peaks, it does have a certain rocky grandeur, and is blessed with an outline from the classic ‘pointy mountain’ mould. The views from the summit are amazing, taking in the wild landscapes and the hidden mine-ravaged cwms of the Moelwynion on one side, the magnificence of Snowdon on another, and the broad reaches of Cardigan Bay on the third.

The usual route up goes from the tiny village of Croesor, where a lane heading north west becomes a track. You climb to the top of a rise out of the village, then turn right and head directly towards the looming triangle of rock that is Cnicht. Generally the going is easy, but this little mountain does have a sting in its tail, in the form of a short section of shelving slabs of rock, just below the summit. Always nice to have a bit of added spice during a day out in the hills!

You can return the same way, or if you know how to navigate over pathless ground, there is an exciting route down into the head of Cwm Croesor, but you do need to be good at route finding through rocky, difficult terrain to attempt this.

Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer sheets, OL17 and OL18. Harvey Maps, British Mountain Map, Snowdonia North. Start: Croesor village car park. Grid Ref: SH 631446

2014 marathon runner and RJAH staff member Hattie Page raised £2,000 for the Bone Cancer Centre Appeal

Girls from The Queen’s Lower School in Chester competed in the Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon this summer, to raise money for the hospice where their teacher’s little boy is being cared for.

Four year six pupils – Freya Ainsworth from Parkgate, Cara Henshall from Broxton, Ellia Houghton from near Malpas and Imogen Okell from near Tarporley – have raised nearly £1,000 for Zoe’s Place in Liverpool.

A total of 11 girls from Queen’s took part in the triathlon, with great results. The year five team came first in their race and the two year six teams were placed second and third in theirs.

The girls had such a great time that they have promised to do it again next year! Visit www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk for more information about the schools adventure activities.

Fishing on the fly Ever fancied trying your hand at fly fishing? Llyn Brenig Lake, near Cerrigydrudion, Conwy, is known as one of the best top-of-thewater fisheries in the UK, and offers ‘try-the-fly’ taster sessions for newcomers to fishing.

With 23km of shoreline, the lake has lots to offer discerning fly fishers, and is a venue for competitive angling, having hosted world, commonwealth and international matches.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, and the fishing is by fly only. Because the fish are reared on site, in the cold water, they are fully acclimatised and have a reputation for being fierce fighters.

Permits can be bought at the fishing shop, or in the permit machines in the car park. The lake is best fished by boat and booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Try the Fly taster sessions take place on 14th September and 4th October. Visit www.llyn-brenig.co.uk for more information or call 01490 420463 to book.

58 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

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ABODE CHESTER

Abode Chester is a stunning building in a stunning position – this strikingly modern hotel overlooks the city and racecourse and oozes style and glamour.

With 84 bedrooms, plus wining and dining options including the Champagne Bar, Michael Caines Restaurant and the Café Bar and Grill, there’s something to suit every budget. l Abode Chester’s Indulgence Package offer is a great way to celebrate a romance or simply tantalise your taste buds. For £270 per room per night, you’ll get a pre-dinner glass of Champagne then a sumptuous six-course tasting menu in the Michael Caines restaurant, waking up to a full English breakfast. www.abodechester.co.uk 01244 347000

CAE MOR HOTEL

Cae Mor Hotel is located in the town of Llandudno, opposite the promenade and next to Venue Cymru, so is ideally located for anyone attending any conferences or shows, or for anyone who wants to explore the town or north Wales as a whole. The hotel has 23 en-suite bedrooms, some of which boast sea views. l Until November, you can enjoy a mid-week break at the Cae Mor Hotel and, when you book two nights from Sunday to Thursday, you’ll get the third night free! You only have to pay for dinner and breakfast on the extra night – and that costs only £25. Prices start from £125 per person for two nights. www.caemorhotel.co.uk 01492 878101

KINMEL MANOR

The Kinmel Manor Hotel has recently gone through a major refurbishment and all of their staff are proud to offer you a warm welcome to the north Wales coast. Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside and a short five minute stroll from the market town of Abergele, it really is the perfect location for exploring the scenic coast and country. l You can enjoy dinner, bed and full Welsh breakfast for two from our award-winning Executive Chef, from £129 per night based on two people sharing. Offer is exclusive to Friday and Saturday bookings only. www.kinmelmanorhotel.co.uk 01745 832014

ALBRIGHT HUSSEY

Set in more than four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this grade II listed classic country house is one of only two hotels in Shrewsbury to be awarded four AA stars. Dating back to about 1524, the hotel has a wealth of history and offers high standards of comfort, cuisine and service. There are 26 individually designed bedrooms and the Moat Room Restaurant has an enviable reputation for some of the finest dining in Shropshire. l With bed and breakfast from just £59 per night, now is the time to treat yourself to a truly luxurious break in the Shropshire countryside. www.albrighthussey.co.uk 01939 290523

CARDEN PARK

Set in a 1000-acre estate in the Cheshire countryside, Carden Park is a great location for a relaxing and luxurious break. Golf fans are sure to enjoy the hotel’s two stunning championship golf courses, while fans of sitting back and relaxing will be more than happy with the spa, which won the Good Spa North West’s Best Spa award in 2012. l Enjoy a Wine and Dine overnight stay at Carden Park from just £119 per room per night. The perfect way to treat someone special, your stay for two adults includes a bottle of wine in your room on arrival, two-course dinner, use of the leisure facilities and a full English breakfast. Quote code CB1 when booking. www.cardenpark.co.uk 01829 731000

LLYNDIR HALL

A rural retreat just six miles from Chester, this country house hotel and spa is a haven of tranquility with five acres of landscaped gardens, delicious food and one of the best health club and spas in the North West. Handpicked hospitality is the order of the day and you can be sure of the highest standards of service during your stay from the warmest of welcomes to the fondest of farewells. l Until 31st October you can stay at Llyndir Hall for £49 per person per night (based on two people sharing). This includes a full English buffet breakfast, a drink on the house in the Gallery Lounge Bar, three course dinner, plus 10 per cent discount at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village.

The offer is available Sunday to Friday in a Classic Room, subject to availability. www.feathersuk.com/llyndir-hall-hotel-spa 01244 571648

60 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

THE ARBOUR HOTEL

During a stay in the Arbour Hotel in Barmouth you can enjoy the sea front views and, of course, you’re just a short way away from the beach. The Arbour Hotel also has an indoor pool, restaurant and bar for you to use while you stay with them. l Autumn special: stay for two nights’ bed & breakfast for just £95 per person per break. Add an extra night for just £129 per person per break.

Plus, weekend special – three nights’ bed & breakfast for £105 per person. Children half price on all breaks.

Call 01341 280459

GROSVENOR PULFORD HOTEL AND SPA

Situated within its own beautifully landscaped grounds, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa is just a five-minute drive from Chester’s historic city centre, and a stone’s throw from the border of Wales. Privately owned, this four-star hotel has 73 bedrooms all with en suite facilities, while two restaurants provide a choice of dining. Within the hotel is also Spa by Kasia, the North West’s most exclusive and opulent award-winning spa. l Enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast from just £72.50 per person per night, including a £25 per person dinner allowance, full English breakfast and use of all leisure facilities. Book for a Sunday and receive the lowest rate, which will include a three-course Sunday carvery in place of the dinner allowance. www.grosvenorpulfordhotel.co.uk 01244 570560

MAENAN ABBEY

Standing majestically in the heart of the beautiful Conwy Valley, with the foothills of the Snowdonia range offering a dramatic backdrop, Maenan Abbey promises to to be a luxurious and comfortable place to stay and relax. Explorers will be in their element with the many local attractions and stunning surroundings, and after a long day of adventure you can unwind in the friendly bar or relaxing lounge. l Enjoy three nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at Maenan Abbey for just £175 per person. This offer is available Sunday to Friday (price is £195 if including a Saturday). www.maenanabbey.co.uk 01492 660247

Yattar escapes We’ve found some of the best short break offers from hotels across the area – book now for a well-deserved treat

Mellington Hall

Set in 280 acres of mature gardens and tranquil parkland, Mellington Hall Country House Hotel certainly has a picturesque location. the 19th century Victorian gothic mansion has a long and fascinating history stretching back over 150 years and still retains many of its original features. l Retreat to the quintessentially English countryside for a two-night stay of indulgence at Mellington Hall, including a hearty Welsh breakfast each morning of your stay, for only £149 per person (Sunday to Thursday inclusive for a two-night stay). www.mellingtonhallhotel.com 01588 620456

tHe QUaY Hotel and Spa

the Quay Hotel is a sophisticated hotel on the Conwy estuary, just a short distance from the historic town of Conwy and is easily accessed from the north West. With its 74 extravagantly designed rooms, including suites and penthouses, the hotel also boasts a spa and fantastic views of the Conwy estuary and deganwy Quay Marina. l Fall for the Quay – this autumn enjoy a two-night break from only £135 per person, including a full Welsh breakfast each day and a four-course evening meal on one night; cream tea with freshly baked scone, clotted cream and strawberry jam and your choice of tea or coffee; full use of all the leisure facilities; and 10 per cent off spa treatments. www.quayhotel.co.uk 01492 564100

RoSSett Hall Hotel

tHe Mill Hotel & Spa

Surrounded by the north Wales countryside and just a short drive from the historic city of Chester, Rossett Hall offers comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere in tranquil surroundings. it has a grade 2, mid-18th century building at its core. the restaurant is open daily from 7am to 9pm and is ideal for meeting friends for a light lunch.

Situated on an historic Roman site, the original corn mill dates from 1830 and has been sympathetically converted to include many of the original architectural features. the hotel has 128 bedrooms, on both sides of the Shropshire Union Canal with a unique glass walkway connecting the two. You can even cruise along the canal while you eat!

l Discover romance in Rossett this autumn with a two-night stay at Rossett Hall. On arrival indulge in afternoon tea before checking into your executive room where a bottle of bubbly, chocolates and a bouquet of flowers await you. Enjoy delicious meals in Oscar’s Restaurant and hearty Welsh breakfasts on both days. Only £150 per person. www.rossetthallhotel.co.uk 01244571000

l Step back in time with a two-night Civil-Warthemed break. Price includes afternoon tea, an introduction to the history of the Civil War in Chester, and three-course dinner in the Canaletto restaurant. On day two, full English breakfast, a guided walk along Chester’s unique Rows, a Civil War dinner with dessert, and The Chester Civil War Pub Tour. Only £150 per person. www.millhotel.com 01244 350035

tHe RoYal oak Hotel

Set in the idyllic village of Betws-Y-Coed in the magnificent Snowdonia mountain range, the Royal oak Hotel offers luxurious rooms, vibrant bars and award-winning dining venues. the picturesque hotel was once a Victorian coaching inn, and it still retains much of its character. l Put your feet up and relax on a long lazy weekend in Betws-Y-Coed with a three-night stay (to include Sunday night) starting from £300 per room based on two people sharing a twin/double room. You’ll be treated to a full Welsh breakfast and traditional three-course Sunday lunch in the awardwinning Llugwy River Restaurant, and have access to the nearby Stations Leisure Centre, which has a hair and beauty salon, a gym and a pool area. www.hotel-snowdonia.co.uk 01690 710219 / 710011

Willington Hall

Willington Hall, built in 1829, stands in 17 acres of formal gardens and parkland with wonderful views across the Cheshire countryside towards the Welsh mountains. the 10 bedrooms have been uniquely decorated to provide comfort, each with its own character and individual layout, with most rooms enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. the gainsborough Restaurant, which is open to residents and non-residents daily, has developed a reputation for fine dining. l Yattar Yattar readers can enjoy a stay from just £85 per room per night, including breakfast.

Superior rooms can be booked for an extra £25.

All bookings are subject to availability. Remember to mention Yattar Yattar when booking. www.willingtonhall.co.uk 01829 752321

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 61

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Themed cruises every Saturday night with disco & BBQ supper onboard. Choose from Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever or 60's, 70's & 80's rewind. Booking is essential.

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All cruises sail from the boating station on The Groves, Chester.

Telephone: 01244 325394 • www.chesterboat.co.uk

reviews

The heart of Chester Run privately by Paul and Sally, Chester Apartments are a stylish pair of two-storey apartments with immediate access to the centre of Chester. Yattar Yattar couldn’t wait to have a look…

T

he idea is to provide city centre accommodation that’s self catering, with all the modern amenities. It’s a great way to stay in the local area without having to pay hotel rates,’ says proprietor of Chester Apartments Paul Jefferson. ‘We have two apartments, each with three bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room, so both comfortably sleep eight people. When you work it out it’s a lot better value than a hotel. Additional guest beds can be provided to accommodate nine or 10 people, and the apartments can be booked together as the ‘Run of the House’ option, so that larger parties can be catered for. And how many hotel rooms come with their own hot tub?!’

It is indeed a very convincing argument. The location is excellent – the apartments couldn’t be any closer to the centre of Chester without being under the clock tower. It was literally 150 yards to Little Waitrose on the high street.

chic Boutique

Both apartments have been remodelled and furnished to a high standard. ‘We’re really happy with the results of the build,’ says Paul. ‘It was a lot of work, but we think in the end it was worth it and we got the very best out of the building. As they’re self catering apartments, we felt it was important that all the kitchen facilities – the stove, dishwasher, utensils – were of the highest quality. We also wanted the fixtures and fittings to be the best, and to also lend a sense of style. I think we’ve carried off the idea of a ‘chic-boutique’

city centre apartment quite well!’ It is true that the bathrooms, especially, have unique design aspects that guests will enjoy – plus there’s free high-speed wifi throughout the apartments ‘We like to meet and greet the guests when they arrive, to hand over the keys, and point out a couple of things to them, like how to use the hot tub and so on,’ says Paul. ‘Guests then have their own set of keys to come and go as they please.

While we do like to meet guests, we also operate a flexible check-in arrangement so that guests can arrive whenever suits.’

centrAL LocAtion

The other great aspect is that there’s free parking right outside the apartment entrance – it couldn’t be any easier.

‘Being able to park here is a great bonus,’ says Paul. ‘Obviously, Chester is very popular and busy – especially when there are special events going on such as race days, so for guests to be able to safely park their car right outside in the middle of Chester for free is a great addition.

Free parking is included for one car per apartment booked, additional permits are subject to availability and charge.

‘Each apartment has its own private outdoor area to enjoy a soak in the heated tubs, and are cleaned and preheated before guests arrive. Whereas Apartment A has a deep Canadian 6-seat hot tub situated in a courtyard, Apartment B has a three-person lounger tub on an elevated roof terrace complete with rattan daybed.’

There is a huge amount to enjoy in Chester. Just the shopping alone would happily occupy a family for two or three days – and staying at Chester Apartments makes driving anywhere unnecessary. Just 100 yards from the front door is the northern edge of Grosvenor Park, boasting a new adventure playground, miniature railway, and, in the summer, the open air Grosvenor Park theatre. Walking through the park, with beautiful tree-lined paths, great views south over the River Dee and the Parish Church

of Saint John the Baptist Chester with its ruins alongside to explore, we came out at the riverside.

From there, just past the bandstand, we caught the Princess Diana riverboat for a half-hour excursion up the river. to see upcoming Perhaps the highlight of events in chester the stay was the hot tub. We felt it was total decadence this Autumn, turn to sit in warm water with to What’s on bubbles swirling around us, cheshire, starting chilled white wine in hand. on page 22 We could have enjoyed that all evening, but we had a dinner reservation, so we reluctantly climbed out and wandered into town for an Italian supper.

‘Recent booking trends have included mums treating teenage daughters to a hot tub experience, groups of ladies getting together for a short break, families staying over, special occasion treats, corporate hospitality and overseas visitors,’ says Paul. ‘Pamper sessions, make-overs and birthday decorations can be arranged, with ice buckets, wine chillers and welcome hampers available on request. Tickets to Chester Zoo and Blue Planet Aquarium y can also be arranged.’

Special offers!

Midweek (Sun-Thurs) for minimum twonight stays, booked direct, get a five per cent discount on advertised rates, just mention Yattar Yattar when booking.

Booking 12 months in advance is recommended for weekend stays, when rates are £653 and £684 per night for Apartments A & B respectively, and generally subject to a two-night minimum stay. Weekday rates start at £143 and £157 per night.

chester Apartments, 31 Bold Square, chester, ch1 3LZ tel: 01938 590673 Mobile: 07841 111057 / 07887 911447 email: chesterapartments@gmail.com, Website: www.chesterapartments.squarespace.com.

VILLAGE CRAFTS Betws-y-Coed

Village Crafts is a unique gift shop in Betws Y Coed for that extra special gift or simply to treat yourself. Some of the products we stock include: Adini Clothing, Edge Sculpture, Charlie Bears, Madaraff Bags, Coeur De Lion Jewellery, Lladr贸 Porcelain

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Station Approach, Betws-Y-Coed , Gwynedd LL24 0AE See our website: www.villagecrafts.net email us: villagecrafts@tiscali.co.uk Phone: 01690 710 604

CMYK / .

Food tasters WHAT TASTY TREATS HAVE WE GOT IN STORE FOR YOU THIS AUTUMN?

Boost your breakfast The Ludlow Food Centre cheese men, and Rob Cunningham from Maynard’s Farm, below

Congratulations to local food heroes Proving that our region is definitely one of the best places in the country for good food, we have no less than three winners in the Great British Food Magazine’s Farm Produce Awards this year.

Well done to the bakery team at Edwards of Conwy, who have won Best Pork Pie, beating entries from all over the UK. And they also won a runner-up prize in the Cake section for their Halen Mon Sea Salt & Vanilla cupcake.

Congratulations also to Farm & Fork, who won the Rib Eye Steak category. This family-run farm in north Wales delivers quality British meat all over the UK, packing their boxes with free range and outdoor reared pork, grass-fed lamb, and dry-aged beef. They also make gourmet burgers and speciality sausages, and supply free-range poultry and game, plus locally made sauces and chutneys.

And it’s three cheers for Maynard’s Farm at Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire – the artisan curer and producer of specialist pork products has picked up the prize for the ‘Best Traditional Sausage’ category for its cracked black pepper sausages. Owner Rob Cunningham has developed a series of delicious sausage recipes and you can find them at the farm shop or visit Shrewsbury’s Lion & Pheasant or The Bear at Hodnet where they’re on the menu.

Last but not least, the cheesemakers at Ludlow Food Centre were victors in the best Cheddar category, with their Oakly Park Traditional Cheddar. All the milk used to make the cheese comes from cows reared on the Oakly Park Estate, where the Food Centre is set.

For more information visit www.edwardsofconwy. co.uk, www.farmandfork.co.uk, www.maynardsfarm. co.uk and www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk 66 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

With the mornings starting to get a bit chilly, a hot, energy-giving, healthy breakfast is a must – and what could be better than porridge? Try this recipe from Mornflake and you’ll be skipping all the way to work

OATBRAN BERRY BURST

A fibre filled breakfast can be on the table in five minutes with this porridge. An optional spoon of quark adds creaminess and protein but no fat.

Serves 2 80g Mornflake Oatbran 290ml skimmed milk 100g raspberries Extra fruit to serve

280ml water 20g blueberries 60g quark

Method Add the oatbran, water, milk, blueberries and raspberries to a saucepan. Place on a medium heat and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer, and cook for three minutes. Let stand for one minute. Stir in the quark, and serve with some extra berries.

On the trail of ale

Real ale fans in the Wrexham area are in for a treat on 13th September, when the Wrexham Real Ale Trail – a bus-based festival that travels through the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visiting 11 establishments and going as far afield as Bangor-on-Dee, Froncysyllte and Ruabon – hits the road.

The trail takes in all types of pub, from the town centre Wetherspoons to village community pubs, and including riverside inns and Best Western Hotels. Plus the trail includes visits to two microbreweries – Sandstone and Big Hand – ending at the latter after you’ve tried out all the ales at its licensed bar. Other beers on offer will come from local breweries, including Cwrw Lal, Stonehouse, Salopian, Purple Moose and many others.

It’s a great chance to spend a day discovering the charm of authentic Welsh pubs and unique real ales, without having to worry about the driving. Buses will be running approximately every 30 minutes from 11am-11pm. Tickets are available from all the participating pubs and cost £10 or £12 on the day.

Visit www.realaletrailwrexham.co.uk for more information.

…

FOUR OF THE BEST

TASTE TEST

Have your cake and eat it!

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER

Lewis Farm Shop near Wrexham is well known for its sausages and other meat products, but the shop’s in-house kitchen also makes pies and cakes fresh every day. We can’t resist a bit of sponge here in the Yattar office, so when we were given the opportunity to try them we jumped at the chance…

If your idea of an evening well spent is visiting JAM SPONGE With a soft, moist and fluffy a new restaurant, meeting new people over sponge, that wasn’t too dense, this cake was dinner and making new friends, you’re in luck. delicious. Between the thick sponge was a New online social platform 7Guests, which layer of sweet jam and butter-cream icing has just launched in Staffordshire that added a burst of flavour without being and Shropshire, offers you too sickly. The top of the cake was sprinkled the chance to do just this, with sugar, which added a nice crunchy with a members’ website A FREE YEAR! texture to the mix – we were fighting over where you can find To celebrate their launch, this one in the office. dinner party events 7Guests are offering a year’s taking place across the free membership to the first CHOCOLATE SPONGE Although the region, and join in.

30 Yattar Yattar readers chocolate sponge was slightly drier The idea is to register. Just use the than the jam, this was balanced by the brainchild of promotional code ‘yattar’. the rich chocolate filling. The cake entrepreneur Malcolm Visit their website to was topped off with a layer of hard Mallia, who says: ‘I chocolate that added another element, find out more. launched 7Guests making it a triple chocolate sponge cake. because I believe the dinner party is the perfect way of meeting new friends.’

All 7Guests events take place in a restaurant chosen by the host. Membership costs £4 a month, and is open to individuals or couples who want to meet new people and develop their friendship circles over a wider area.

For more information, visit www.7guests.com.

COFFEE SPONGE This melted in the mouth at the first bite, with smooth layers of coffee buttercream and fluffy sponge. The mouthwatering coffee icing on top pulled the whole cake together and the addition of sugar pecans made this heavenly mixture a real treat.

Visit www.lewisfarmshop.co.uk or call 01978 780852 for more information.

TASTE TEST

Farm and Folk Ribeye steak

‘Two steaks, weighing 300-400g each, came delivered in a cool box in a sealed bag, and packed with ice. They were quite thick – at least an inch – had a coating of fat around one side, and were a deep red with no discolouration, and very soft.

‘We cooked them on a griddle which we had coated with salt, and preheated to basically as hot as possible. The steaks cooked beautifully, giving out a delicious aroma!

‘We admit that we overcooked them slightly – we like really nice steaks like this slightly rarer. However, the finished pieces, going from dark seared outer to light pink in the middle, were really delicious, melt in the mouth, juicy and possibly the nicest thing you can eat. The quality of this meat was obvious, it had been hung a good while, and the resulting texture felt more like a fillet than a rib-eye cut.’ Visit www.farmandfork.co.uk

TASTE TESTSUPERFAST POTS E ness MORNFLAKoa ty, fruity good

These pots of wl of cereal ady-to-eat bo turn into a re splash of a ng di ad by and milk, just plete with d come com urs to the test. cold water, an volunteers ry ng as nice and t the four flavo hu pu ur O to n. rly oo ea sp e rn to milk. It w fic a handy d seeing it tu t, but it got to the of an un d , la co an t no rie as ra lo kf G ca e skipped brea content and r ld water on th ough.’ th ga co t, su ng e po tti y th er pu at ‘It was weird spoon with ev a bit alarmed tic as h water as w I pl uc – a m t t o ee t to ry sw not sure abou tions and pu I’m . uc crunchy, if ve str ng info in ni e or be th m ead g for the – there should rey! But I misr kept me goin t hot water in fruity and fib pu d as ul w it co : u re yo ‘Fruit & Fib e ld be nice if ant to melt th bit thin. It wou hot; I didn’t w in, so it was a e o ’ th to t o. on to no t t, – bi a po sli ue the ly tasty. It was – it was the M about that on and nuts, real the run.’ ater in mine it w on fru t m as ith ar kf w w ea try ‘I did was packed I needed br as really ked fine. This these if I knew ltanas in it, it w pot, but it wor ly take one of apple and su snack.’ ite of s fin am ad 11 de l lo I’d ua as t us w licious. There sweet side, bu dn’t need my de di I ion. e – at er g w rm s nin fo in or ke m Fla com for more me going all ‘My Oatbran w.mornflake. sweet. It kept ww d sit an Vi e . nic ch d fruity, an st £1.29 ea perfast Pots co Mornflake Su

Dog-friendly pubs THE THREE FISHES, FISH ST, SHREWSBURY A 16th-century Tudor inn and a fine real ale pub with a cosy, down-to-earth atmosphere, and a warm welcome for dogs and their owners. Also offers good, home-cooked food, made to order, and a fine wine selection – and all right in the middle of town. There’s usually eight real ales on, including local brewery Stonehouse’s Station Bitter and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. Visit www.realaleshrewsbury.co.uk or call 01743 344793 THE DRUID INN, GOGINAN, CEREDIGION Sitting on the A44 trunk road to Aberystwyth, the Druid is a friendly locals pub, popular with visitors too and serving a good selection of real ales, mostly from the Wye Valley Brewery and including their excellent Butty Bach along with a changing range of guest beers.

Traditional homemade food is served in the bar and restaurant, including Sunday roasts that have been voted Britain’s best

by Guardian Travel. Dogs are welcome in the bar area.

Visit www.goginan.com/druid-inn or call 01970 880650 Y Llew Coch, Dinas Mawddwy, Dolgellau, Gwynedd Starring on the front cover of Camra’s Heritage Pub guide for Wales, this historic drovers inn is worth visiting for the fascinating interior alone, the star attraction being a deeply scrubbed and rutted 400-year-old table. At the copper-topped Victorian bar you can choose from a wide selection of both Welsh and nationally brewed ales. The hearty homemade pies and Sunday lunches are favourite, and you’ll find yourself chatting to locals – and their dogs – while you drink and eat. Visit www.yllewcoch. co.uk or call 01650 531247 THE BHURTPORE INN, ASTON, NANTWICH, CHESHIRE A true country village pub in the south of Cheshire, the Bhurtpore has an impressive selection of 11 real ales always available as well as bottled beers and eight continental ales on tap. At the heart of village life, the pub has a cricket team, a cycling group and monthly folk music.

The food is freshly prepared with diverse menus and daily changing specials. Dogs are allowed in the bar and in the conservatory, where they get a warm welcome.

Visit www.bhurtpore.co.uk or call on 01270 780917

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 67

Eat local!

Looking for somewhere to eat in Ludlow?

NORTH WALES Anglesey: Ysgol David Hughes. 3rd Saturday of every month. www.angleseyfarmersmarket.co.uk 01248 490 213 Celyn Farmer’s Market, Mold: The Church Hall, King Street. First and third Saturday of every month. www.celynfarmersmarket.co.uk.

07810 637233 Colwyn Bay: Bay View Shopping Centre. Every Thursday. 01492 680209 Conwy: Conwy RSPB Reserve. Last Wednesday of every month.

01492 584091 Denbigh: Town Hall. Every Friday, 9:15am-12:15pm. www.country-markets.co.uk Llangollen: Town Hall. Every Friday, 9:45am-12:30pm. www.country-markets.co.uk Porthmadog: Y Ganolfan, near the harbour. Last Saturday of the month. www.marchnadporthmadog market.co.uk Rhos on Sea: Methodist Church Hall.

Every Friday, 10-12pm. www.country-markets.co.uk Ruthin: Market Hall. Every Friday, 8:30am-12pm. www.country-markets.co.uk Rossett: Village Hall. First Saturday of every month, 10am – 12pm. www.country-markets.co.uk People’s Market, Wrexham: Every Friday, 9am-2pm. www.country-markets.co.uk MID WALES Aberystwyth: North Parade. First and third Saturday of every month.

01970 633066 Brecon: Market Hall. Second Saturday of every month. 01982 560240 Welshpool: Coed-y-Dinas. First Saturday of each month CHESHIRE Celyn Farmer’s Market, Chester: Grosvenor Garden Centre. Second Friday of every month. www.celynfarmersmarket.co.uk, 07810 637233 Chester: Town Hall Square. Third Saturday of every month. 01244 402340 Wirral: New Ferry Village Hall. Second Saturday of every month.

0151 643 1393 Farndon: Chapel House, Church Street.

Every Wednesday, 9am-11:30am Frodsham: The Bear’s Paw, Main Street.

Every Thursday, 9am-12pm Nantwich: Market Hall, Churchyardside. Every Thursday, 8am-12pm Tattenhall: Barbour Institute.

Every Friday, 9:15am-11:15am Malpas: Jubilee hall. Third Satruday of every month. 01948 662462.

Farndon: Sports & Social Club. First Sunday of every month. 9.30am12.30pm. 01829 270032 SHROPSHIRE Oswestry: The Bailey Head. Last Friday of every month. 01691 680222 Bishop’s Castle: Town Hall and Market Square. Third Saturday of every month, 01588 638141 Ludlow: Castle Square. Second and fourth Thursday of every month.

01584 872043 Shrewsbury: The Square. First Friday of every month. 01743 792547 Whitchurch: In the bullring, first Saturday of every month. 01948 665761

Why not try the newly opened Ludlow Pantry – after all, it has great provenance, being the brainchild of the team at the renowned Ludlow Food Centre. The new cafe and deli will be serving food made almost entirely in Shropshire.

Manager James Stanton, pictured, says: ‘We order almost all our food from the Food Centre and get daily deliveries so we know everything is fresh.

We know the provenance of the ingredients and the people making it so we can tell our customers exactly where their food comes from.’ What could be more local than that?

Guilty Pleasures

Let’s face it, we don’t really need an excuse to indulge in chocolate occasionally do we? You’ll be thrilled to learn that 13th-19th October is Chocolate Week in the UK. Honestly, it is! If you’re still not convinced then how about this: chocolate releases all those fabulous endorphins that make you feel happy and, eaten in reasonable amounts, can even protect against heart disease. Bearing that in mind, how do you fancy something really decadent like a delicious Mars Bar sauce to pour over your ice cream…?

You Will Need: • 4 Mars Bars • 6 tbsp double cream • A shot of brandy, rum or whisky Method: Do you have a 1. Dice the Mars Bars. Put in a favourite restaurant small pan and melt gently. you would like to see 2. Stir in the cream. Mix until reviewed? Nominate smooth and immediately your top eaterie for a pour over ice cream. visit by our undercover 3. For extra naughtiness, add a shot of your favourite critic. Email editorial@ tipple before pouring! yattaryattar.co.uk

TASTE TEST Llaeth y Llan luxury yogurts

Welsh yogurt maker Village Dairy sent some of their Llaeth y Llan luxury yogurts to the Yattar Yattar office recently, and we put them through a gruelling taste test.

Based in Clwyd, Llaeth y Llan have been producing their yogurts since 1985, using Welsh milk, fresh fruit and local ingredients. We tried three fruit compote yogurts, plus the family-size Raspberry and Banoffee flavours.

Here’s what our testers said...

‘The Red Berry compote is full of juicy berry goodness. The crunchy berries complement the velvety rich yogurt.’

‘The Raspberry has a rich punch of raspberry sweetness, with a thick, creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt.’

‘The Rhubarb has a great combination of textures and sweetness.’ Runaway favourite by far, though, was the Banoffee: ‘Absolutely gorgeous, dead creamy and tasted just like proper Banoffee pie.’ Visit www.villagedairy.co.uk WIN! Turn to page 148 for a chance to win a holiday at the Llaeth y Llan guesthouse plus a Village Dairy yoghurt hamper.

Great tasting sausages!

With a butchery, deli, farm shop and cafe – not to mention a bird of prey centre and even the occasional battle re-enactment – Battlefield 1403 on the Albrighton Estate near Shrewsbury, is a destination in its own right – and now there’s another reason to visit the farm shop and butchery and stock up.

Battlefield have just added to the long list of accolades they already have to their name, with two Great Taste Awards from the Guild of Fine Foods for their Farmhouse sausages and their T-bone steak. These prestigious awards are recognised as the benchmark of quality for speciality food and drink and have been described as the Oscars of the food world.

As well as award-wininng sausages and steaks, the Farm Shop stocks a wide range of locally sourced seasonal, fresh foods and from its own kitchen produces a range of ready meals, soups, desserts and cakes. Beef and lamb produced on the estate is prepared by Battlefield’s own butchers and is used in meals in the cafe as well as being available to buy.

We recently tried some of Battlefield’s sausages, so we can’t say we’re at all suprised that they just keep on winning… Go online and visit www.battlefield1403.com or call 01939 210905.

68 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Undercover restaurant critic As we always pay our bill we can give you the unvarnished truth…

Hidden away in the back streets of Rhyl is a great fish and chip restaurant, Les & Rita’s Fish Bar. Everything is cooked to order – we chose the fish and chip special at just £4.95. The locals love it, and although most visitors don’t chance upon it, it is really worth searching out.

A good sized portion of battered haddock was accompanied by lots of chips, mushy peas, bread and a cup of tea. The cafe is clean throughout, including the toilets, and is unpretentious with friendly staff. When I asked for sparkling water, they suggested I pop to the shop next door and bring some back as they didn’t have any. I settled for a diet Pepsi instead, as it all seemed to be such great value.

I left wishing it was nearer to where I live, and would encourage anybody visiting Rhyl to search it out. Car parking near the White Rose Shopping Centre was only £1.

Les & Rita’s Fish Bar, Wellington Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 1EW. Tel 01745 342315

Order at: www.farmandfork.co.uk Enquiries: hello@farmandfork.co.uk

ORDER AWARD WINNING MEAT ONLINE AND WE'LL DELIVER DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

Dydd Sadwrn a Sul • Saturday and Sunday HYDREF 18-19 OCTOBER 2014 10am - 5pm Pafiliwn Llangollen Pavilion LL20 8SW ENTRY £5.00 MYNEDIAD • OVER 65’S £4.00 DROS 65’S CHILDREN FREE • PLANT AM DDIM

Award winning steak and finest quality meat hampers delivered direct

to you from our family farm. Orders are prepared and packed at our on farm butchery and delivered in ice chilled boxes to anywhere in the UK.

Order today at www.farmandfork.co.uk

www.llangollenfoodfestival.com FARMSHOP B U TCHERY & DELI S PARROW ’S CAFE EXHIBITIONS

OPENING TIMES : MON-SAT 9.30 - 5.30 SUN 10.00 - 4.00

We are delighted to announce we have just won a Guild of fine foods Great Taste Award for our Farmhouse Sausages and our T-bone steak!

The Farm Shop has an extensive range of food and gifts.

Our head butcher Steve and his team can cater for your specific needs at competitive prices.

The cafe serves . restaurant style meals in a relaxed environment Battlefield 1403 - your local food store Battlefield 1403, Upper Battlefield, Shrewsbury SY4 3DB Tel : 01939 210905 www.battlefield1403.com info@battlefield1403.com

14080 MFF 4C AD A5-1.pdf

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FOOD FESTIVALS

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September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 71

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72 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

nd dancing a ic s u m e b l ’l There hefs keeping c y it r b le e c d an rtained in te n e s d w o r c y hungr tion kitchens… a tr s n o m e d e th

food and drink

A pinch of this, a dollop of that…

is it supposed to look like that…? Olivia gets some advice from Jack

Hey, good lookin’...

Tempted by the idea of being able to wrest the apron and tongs from her husband, Olivia Abbott tries a ‘Beer and Barbecue’ lesson at the Cookery Workshop in Oswestry

it’s in the bag for yossi

U

pstairs Downstairs is something of an Oswestry institution, offering highquality kitchen equipment alongside expert advice for both enthusiastic and professional chefs for nearly 30 years now.

So when owners Raine and Yossi Gliksman took over the premises next door a year ago, it seemed natural to use the extra space to create a cookery school.

It has been hard work, both agree, but they’ve had some great support from their suppliers, with the workshop kitchen supplied by BKoncepts from Wrexham, and lots of help from local producers. In return they aim to source ingredients from local businesses as much as they can – including Stonehouse Brewery, whose beer is being used in the recipes today.

The hard work has paid off, too, as the Cookery Workshop is going from strength to strength, helped by having top-quality teachers. All the workshops are led by working chefs, and we had Jack Hatley, from the Navigation Inn at Maesbury, assisted by Yossi himself.

‘I really enjoy it,’ says Jack. ‘It’s great to get out – it makes a nice change from being in the kitchen, where I never actually meet the customers or see anybody!

And I really enjoy sharing what I know.’

Jack begins with a quick introduction to the importance of choosing your knife, and how to hold it, which is surprisingly interesting, and then we’re away, chopping an onion the proper chef’s way.

At least that’s the theory, but my knife skills leave a bit to be desired. remArkAble vAriety There’s no time to waste, though: we’ve a marinade to prepare, a barbecue sauce to make, and bread to get in the oven.

Soon we’re all chopping, mixing, blending and frying and the kitchen is beginning to fill with delicious aromas. We’re all having a good time, comparing our efforts to Jack’s and marvelling at the difference in our sauces – considering we all started out with the exact same ingredients the variety is quite remarkable.

We learn how to pull apart a chicken, where to cut it to get the best of the breast, leg and wing; we learn to identify different herbs and which is the hottest part of a chilli (it’s the pith, actually).

The eye-opener for me is the bread – who knew you could create a perfectly edible loaf from three ingredients, with no proving or rising needed, inside an hour?

I’m not going to give away the recipe, I’m afraid – you’ll need to go to a workshop for that. I will tell you, though, that beer features quite heavily.

Altogether, we make barbecued spare ribs, chicken breasts and skewers, and once we’re done none of us can resist eating on the spot, though we have the

‘I’m not going to give away the recipe, but beer features quite heavily’

option to take our creations home with us – after a spot of shopping. One of the great things about these workshops is that if you decide you absolutely must have one of the implements used, you can buy it from the shop – and students get a 10 per cent discount on anything they purchase on the day.

As well as the advertised classes, the Cookery Workshop also offers private and one-to-one lessons, team-building sessions, and menu development workshops for restaurateurs and chefs looking for a neutral space to come up with new ideas and dishes.

They also do regular demonstrations.

The bread-making and ethnic cookery classes – Indian, Thai and Oriental – are proving very popular indeed, with other topics including pasta making, fish, game and pizza. There’s even a workshop focusing exclusively on knife skills, and Raine and Yossi are looking at expanding into weekend cookery breaks.

‘It’s all growing and evolving,’ says Yossi.

‘We have regulars who come back to try different courses, we have singles and couples, and we’ve watched friendships evolve – we have people who’ve made friends here who come back to lessons together, which is fantastic. That’s what it’s all about – sharing our passion for food in a friendly and fun atmosphere.’

Cookery workshops cost from £49 with all ingredients and equipment included. To find out more visit www.globalcookshop. y co.uk or call 01691 658591.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 73

FOOD

Hunting for breakfast IF YOU’RE PREPARED TO GO OUT, LOOK FOR IT AND PICK IT, THEN THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE LUNCH, SAYS DAVID MIDDLETON

I

’ve long been intrigued by the idea of foraging, so I recently booked myself on to a ‘Foraging for Free Food’ course with Stephen Pryce-Lea, a professional horticulturalist and plant expert from Berriew, near Welshpool in Powys.

A few days later I was at Chapel Crafts, the venue for Stephen’s foraging school.

My co-attendees ranged in age from 12 to 80-plus, and, I soon discovered, came from a diverse range of backgrounds.

There were people like myself, keen to broaden their knowledge, and even a professional chef looking to add something different to his repertoire of dishes.

Examples of hedgerow plants, herbs and mushrooms were laid out and Stephen gave us a practical introduction to some of nature’s edible offerings, including nettles, cow parsley, dandelions, wild strawberries, hedge garlic and a massive beef steak mushroom. Stephen’s lesson was about sustainability too: it’s not just a case of going out and gathering up as much as possible to stock up your cupboards, but rather ensuring that you take only what you need so that nature is not exhausted.

In the afternoon Stephen took us on a walk along country lanes, into fields and through woodland, where he helped us to spot an enormous range of edible – and inedible! – species.

Stephen shows us how Our senses were put on to find edible delicacie high alert as we searched s for prizes hidden under decaying logs, lurking in the long grass or hanging way up in trees. I was pleased to find an edible ink cap mushroom but, as it was a solitary specimen, decided to leave it alone for nature to take its course. st way Some tips on the be After our tour we headed to cook mushrooms back to the chapel, where we were treated to home-made nettle soup, roasted beefsteak mushroom and a hedgerow salad, all gathered within yards of our location. Stephen’s classes are a great and safe way for anyone interested in foraging to learn about the alternative bounties that nature has to offer.

For more information visit mushroomsfree.blogspot.com or call 01686 640722. If you do decide to go foraging, remember Stephen’s advice: many plants and fungi are poisonous, so never eat anything unless you are absolutely certain that it is safe to do so.

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74 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

REVIEW

Italian excellence in Shrewsbury

When we heard that the Italian restaurant and delicatessen chain Carluccio’s were setting up shop on the town square in Shrewsbury, we just had to visit…

A

rriving at the newlyopened Carluccio’s on a busy weekend evening in the late summer sun, it’s clear to see the restaurant is already proving a hit. Bobby the manager takes us to our table and says: ‘It’s going really well. Next Saturday evening you would not be able to book a table – we are completely full with 90 covers.

‘We also hold classes for people who want to come and learn to cook Italian dishes, taught by our chef. They’re great fun, they start at 5.30pm and last for one and a half hours, with a meal at the end.

We run gnocchi, focaccia and risotto classes, which are all very popular so far.

NEVER ENOUGH

‘Our opera nights are also very popular.

For a set price guests get a glass of prosecco and canapés on arrival, and are served dinner and treated to a live opera performance – we clear a section of the tables to make a stage.’

Our starters arrive quickly, while we’re enjoying a glass of pino grigio – Italian of course. The calamari were just perfect, our only criticism that there are never enough. Not too thick, well coated with breadcrumbs and fried to a light

honey-golden colour – just enough to crisp the breadcrumbs without letting any ‘fried’ flavours interfere with the squid inside. A garlic mayonnaise would have been a nice addition, but without it was a lighter dish and just as enjoyable.

The prawns were delicious – a huge starter, almost an entrée – reminiscent of a similar Portuguese dish, the only missing ingredient being fresh chillies. Carluccio’s non-spicy version, however, is a treat, the rich juices lovely mopped up with a bit of fresh focaccia.

FULL OF FLAVOUR

The sea bass was excellent, our favourite dish of the evening. The olives were an inspired addition – setting off the white fish perfectly. Sea bass has enough flavour of its own to enable it to hold its own with these accompaniments. These were beautifully cooked, absolutely boneless fillets, with crispy skin that was easily removed if not wanted.

The rose veal was served medium rare, the herb and parmesan coating a real treat. As side dishes we ordered the verdure fritter slivers of courgette, aubergine and peppers in batter – and spinach in garlic. y

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CalamariÊ Fr ittiÊ £5.50 Crispy cala mari, light ly floure d served w it an d frie d, h a wedge of lemon Gamberi al l Marinara £8.50 King praw ns served w ith cherry garlic, whi to matoes, te w ine an d herbs, se rocket sala rved w ith d an d focc acia brea d Cotoletta di Vitello £12 .75 UK rose ve al in herb an d parmes brea dcru m an bs, served w ith lemon Banzino e basilico £14 .95 Pan frie d sea bass fil lets on crus sundered he d basil to mato pota an toes w ith black olives d

Events

SEpT 17TH Gnocchi Making Class, £35 person You will learn how to make three types of delicious gnocchi and sauces from scratch: Classic – potato gnocchi served with Ragu sauce Romana – made from semolina flour and milk, served with a Carbonara style sauce.

Spinach & Ricotta – spinach and ricotta dumplings served with a sage and butter sauce with crushed walnuts.

At the end of the class, all budding cooks will be invited to enjoy their gnocchi with a glass of wine.

Don’t worry, there’ll be plenty to take home too, along with some recipe cards to inspire more home cooking.

SEpT 30TH Opera a Tavola, £35 per person excluding drinks This classically trained vocal trio will take you on a journey from the grand operas of Verdi and Puccini to the romantic musicals of South Pacific and West Side Story.

Arrive at 7pm for an aperitivo of prosecco and canapés. At 7.30pm sit down to a three-course dinner of Italian fare, while being entertained by the opera group.

Carluccio’s Shrewsbury 14, The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LN Tel 01743 366040 www.carluccios.com

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 75

On the Helfa Gelf trail

Buying a piece of artwork is a very personal thing, and often you feel a connection with the artist, even though you may never have actually met them.

So being able to visit an artist at work in their studio or workshop makes the buying experience even more personal, giving you the opportunity to connect with a piece’s maker and discover more about what went into its creation.

This September, the Helfa Gelf/Art Trail open studio event gives you the opportunity to visit artists at work in their studios all across North Wales. Every weekend during the month, studios in Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham are taking part, opening their doors and giving visitors and art collectors the chance to experience this normally hidden world, and chat to the artists and crafts people about their creative process.

Whether you’re just curious about what artists do in their studios, or want to start your own collection of artworks bought direct from the makers, this is a great opportunity to hunt down treasures and see how they’re made. From painters, sculptors and photographers to jewellery makers, woodworkers, potters, and textile workers, North Wales has a host of artists and makers working away in unique spaces, from purpose-built studios and galleries to garden sheds and back rooms, in wild countryside and busy towns, up mountain tracks and down seaside cul-de-sacs. A number are hosting special workshops for the event.

Helfa Gelf/Art Trail runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in September in Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. Studios are open from 11am-5pm daily. For more details visit online at www.helfagelf.co.uk

Down to earth

The annual Animal Earth arts and crafts exhibition this year takes place at Willington Hall Hotel in Tarporley from 20th-25th October, and will feature hundreds of paintings in all media along with handmade crafts, all with an animal theme. As well as exhibits from founder Janet Ann Carden and guest artists, the event will showcase work from year six pupils from local primary schools, who will be submitting artworks into their own competition, which the general public will vote for. Admission and parking are free and refreshments will be available.

Visit www.animalearth.co.uk for more information.

An open mind

Oriel Wrecsam’s Open Exhibition continues until 18th October, with a wide and diverse range of artworks. Vastly differing approaches to making art will be displayed through the gallery’s three spaces, all selected and judged by Ruthin-based artist Jeanette Orrell.

Oriel Wrecsam, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham. Visit www.wrexham.gov. uk or call 01978 292093

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Winner of last year’s People’s Choice Award, ‘It’s Stormy Out’

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Demonstrations at Afonwen Crafts

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l 6th & 7th September Jewels and Crafts Beautiful beaded jewellery handmade by Jackie and Wendy, some classic and some fun for all ages l 9th September Julie & Eileen With their hand knitted toys using many vintage patterns and fabulous handmade bags l 10th & 11th September Made

by Melissa Stunning crafts and jewellery (pictured below) l 12th, 13th & 14th Helfa Gelf Art Trail Local artist Thelma Evans will be painting and showing her collection of original canvases along with a selection of prints. l 31st September & 1st October Silk Painting with Mair Morgan Watch Mair at work and see her stunning collection of scarves, pictures, cards and cushions. l 2nd & 3rd October Jackie Twigg Jackie combines her talent for poetry with photography and has some beautiful work on sale. She is happy to personalise any picture with her own words. l 4th & 5th October Love Spoon Carving by Murray Taylor Watch Murray at work and see how he transforms his ideas on to the wood.

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Art in the park

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Calling all art aficionados and enthusiasts – put the weekend of 15th-16th November in your diary, for this is when a very special one-off event is taking place at Oulton Park. An exhibition and sale of the work of some 40 of Cheshire’s professional artists is taking place in aid of the county’s five hospices. It will be an opportunity to buy work in many different media, including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and wood, from both well-established and up-and-coming artists – and at the same time support the vital work of local hospices. Each artist is donating 30 per cent from the sale of their work to the charities.

As well as the selling exhibition, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in workshops with artists in residence, plus there’ll be some taster events on Oulton Park’s famous racing track, and vintage bus rides to learn more about the history of motor racing at the park.

The event is free to enter and parking is free on the day too, making this a community event open to everybody to enjoy, whether your passion is art or motor racing, or you simply want to explore Oulton Park’s many facilities. For more information visit www. highsheriffofcheshire.co.uk/art-park

Sculptor Jason Wakefield with one of his works

Stand up Anglesey stones Inspired by a collection of photographs taken in the 1930s by the antiquarian Harold Senogles, the exhibition Standing Stones of Anglesey, at Llandudno Museum, is part of a recent collaboration between Anglesey’s primary schools, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust, Bangor University and local artist Julie Williams.

The exhibition explores the history and significance of the megaliths and monoliths of the island and examines how local sites and landscapes can form a core part of curriculum-based learning, including the use of digital information and images.

The exhibition runs from 7th October 2014 to 28th ‘Art washes away February 2015 at Llandudno from the soul the dust of Museum, call 01492 876517 everyday life.’ A quote or visit the website www. from Pablo Picasso, who llandudnomuseum.co.uk

Sculpture park

also said: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up’

A new gallery has been opened at the British Ironworks Centre’s Sculpture Park, with the aim of supporting up-andcoming sculptors and giving them the opportunity to exhibit their work free of charge.

The first exhibition at the gallery showcases the work of Jason Wakefield, a farrier by trade, who creates works in bronze of astonishing detail, despite no training in sculpting or casting. Jason has been studying philosophy for more than 20 years, and many of his sculptures embody philosophical topics – though other projects reflect his personal interests.

The Ironworks Centre is keen to hear from other metal artists who may be interested in exhibiting their work at the new gallery. For more information visit www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk or call 0800 688 8386.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 77

s s t t eerr r r A rrn A n o o CC

HAVE A GO... exhibition diary

DID YOU KNOW? micro-sculptor willard wigan creates artwork so small that he once inhaled one by accident! his sculptures are so small they can sit within the eye of a needle.

Art with a difference

l War, Mostyn Gallery, Llandudno, until 2nd November War is the third exhibition in a series that looks at the history of the mostyn gallery building, as well as the town of llandudno, set within a wider context. The exhibition also brings together historical material that looks at llandudno during world war one.

l The Art Bus

Potpourri

Following the success of last year’s inaugural LLAWN01, Llandudno’s threeday festival of arts will this year be an idiosyncratic mix of events, from a drive-in movie to contemporary dance in shops around the town. The quirky festival programme includes six Bathing Machines with newly-resident artists, brand new performances

by Kitsch’n Sync Collective, who brought a smile to everyone’s faces last year, the amazing Haus of Helfa with its myriad artists and craftspeople, music in the Tabernacle Chapel and an opportunity to join in and create a seagoing raft from found objects.

The festival, which runs from 19th-21st September, is aimed at residents and visitors alike, from avid art seekers and performance pilgrims to innocent bystanders, and from the accidental seaside tourist to the high street shopper.

LLAWN02 promises to lead you between the prom and the town centre, and invite you to look behind the doors of closed buildings, bring Llandudno’s colourful past into the present day, pop up where you least expect it and bring a smile to your face. Visit www.llawn.org.

We’ve all come across ‘potpourri’ at some point, often as a dusty-looking collection of dead leaves and twigs forgotten on a windowsill somewhere, or as an unnaturally vibrant, overpoweringly scented addition to the decor in a restaurant loo. But freshly made, with your own choice of natural essential oils, potpourri really can be both visually and fragrantly appealing.

It’s not difficult to make your own, though it is a lengthy process. You need to make sure your basic ingredients, especially your essential oils, are good quality, and be artistic when choosing your flowers and woods – appearance is just as importance as scent when it comes to potpourri. Fragrance will be added later with essential oils. You’ll need to dry your flowers and woods, which is the timeconsuming bit, unless you can find a source of natural, pre-dried ingredients.

The fun part is creating your fragrance – experiment with mixtures and amounts of essential oils (though it’s probably best not to use more than three at a time to begin with) until you find a blend that you like. Don’t forget to keep a note of what and how much you’ve added so when you hit on your perfect secret formula you can repeat it!

Once you’ve added your fragrance to your dry ingredients it’s then a waiting game, as the final step is to put your potpourri in a lidded container with a lid and leave it for up to eight weeks to form a mature fragrance.

For more detailed instructions on how to make potpourri visit www.dabneyherbs.com

Exhibition, Watergate Street Gallery, Chester, 7th September-6th October The sir Peter Blake-designed Art Bus launches a series of exhibitions at the gallery, alongside a selection of rare limited-edition prints and original paintings by some of Britain’s leading contemporary artists. A one-off opportunity to purchase from this collection.

l Exposed: The Body in Art from Durer to Freud, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, 15th September29th December includes works by Picasso, Bacon and rembrandt and explores different responses to the human body. The exhibition examines how the body has been a focus of artistic observation throughout history and includes visions of an ‘ideal body’, mutations, and how the body has been used as a vehicle for imagination.

l Summer Exhibition, Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Pwllheli, until 21st September A showcase some of the most popular gallery artists along with selected new artists. This is an ‘off-the-wall’ exhibition, which means you can walk into the gallery and leave with an original piece of art from some of the best artists working in wales today.

l An appreciation of

Meet the photographer Tywyn PhoTogrAPhers is A grouP of five loCAl AmATeur PhoTogrAPhers And friends who hAve TeAmed uP To PhoTogrAPh And doCumenT The sCenery, evenTs And life in And Around Tywyn on The wesT wAles CoAsT Tal-y-llyn Lake Also known as llyn mwyngil this is a large glacial

ribbon lake situated at the foot of Cadair idris in south snowdonia. darren, a member of Tywyn Photographers, lives in Talyllyn and for the last 13 years has been trying to get a photo of the lake when it was as still as this. As you can see he has finally managed it but it’s taken a while! visit www.facebook.com/tywynphotographers to see more images

78 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

architecture, Rhos-on-Sea Methodist Church, 25th September for 10 weeks A course for those interested in buildings and architectural history, run by Ken young and covering all types of architecture from egyptian and greek right through to modern and railway. Call 01492 545796 to enrol.

l Penycae Art Group events, 22nd September and 6th October Artists Carol udale and sharon wagstaff are holding workshops and demonstrations at the group’s regular weekly meetings. Call 01978 823306 to find out more.

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heat Feel the

Like it or not, winter is on its way, and now is the time to make your home cosy in preparation for the cold months. Luckily, we’ve got heaps of advice from local experts, so snuggle up and stay warm till next spring!

Try before you buy ‘Stoves are an excellent source of heat for your home,’ says Gareth Mostyn of Chirk-based Saxon Home Care, ‘either as a single room heater spreading warmth and comfort through your lounge, or as a boiler stove providing hot water and heat to all corners of your home. Not only that, stoves are as green as they come: wood burning stoves are a sustainable source of heat for years to come, and that is very important for us, and future generations.’

Saxon’s showroom has more than 15 live, working stoves, plus at least 100 more from market leading makers on display. It’s important to understand the ins and outs of any stove before you buy it, so Saxon offer the chance to ‘try out’ a model before you decide.

‘We do our utmost to ensure our If you’ve invested in a beautiful new wood-burning stove or had a lovely customers are getting the right open fireplace installed or restored, the next step is obviously to find products, at the right price,’ says the right fuel for it. If only it were as easy as popping out to your garden Gareth. ‘With our dedicated sales team and picking up fallen branches. However, this is not advisable, as Helen our customers can be sure that the Roberts, of wood supplier Logs R Us, explains. advice we give is accurate and with ‘Really, you should use only seasoned, dry wood for their best interests at heart.’ woodburners and open fires otherwise moisture and sap can Saxon also has its own block the chimney liner and cause damage,’ Helen says.

HETAS, GasSafe and Oftec And as drying wood properly can take as long as two registered engineers who years after the felling of a tree, you probably won’t carry out the installation work. They offer a free want to wait that long! But Logs R Us can help, with onsite survey to advise on the best stove and on a variety of types of dried and seasoned wood ready A woodburning stove can installation and deal only with reputable stove for putting straight on your fire. manufacturers, building up strong relationships be fed with logs, pellets ‘The hardwood we use for our log production to ensure an unparalleled aftercare service. is of a mixed broadleaf type wood,’ says Helen, and smokeless fuels, The company, which was established in 1980, ‘and we also have softwood available, of a mixed and is often cheaper to supplies stoves of all shapes and sizes. ‘The list larch and spruce.’ is endless,’ says Gareth. ‘Inset stoves, doublerun than other heating Logs R Us is a family-run business based at sided stoves, back boiler stoves, free standing Pen-y-Cae near Wrexham, and all their wood is options stoves; traditional stoves for your rustic cottage or responsibly sourced locally. ‘We are a member of the contemporary stoves for your modern apartment; FSC group for responsibly sourced timber,’ says Helen. wood burners, multifuel, gas and electric.’ And it And if you can’t get to Wrexham, Logs R Us can deliver doesn’t stop there: Saxon also has more than 40 fireplaces your firewood to your home at no extra charge, with logs delivered on display along with 15 range cookers. in bulk bags, and a firm promise to leave your driveway as clean and tidy as ‘We even do pizza ovens!’ says Gareth. ‘With this much when the delivery lorry arrived. choice, we guarantee to find the right stove for you!’

To order from Logs R Us, call 01978 824624.

Visit www.saxonhomecare.co.uk or call 0800 169 8187.

Woodn’t it be lovely…

Did You Know…

80 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

HOMES

Modern comforts RN Williams, of St Asaph in Denbighshire, have been helping people keep warm and cosy in their homes for nearly 50 years.

As stove specialists, they offer expert advice for the modern homeowner looking for a stylish way to heat their home.

I’D lIkE A REAlly MODERN, CONTEMpORARy STOvE: WHAT ARE My CHOICES? Contemporary wood burning stoves are available in a variety of shapes and designs, making a stylish addition to any living space. The archetypal Scandinavian stove design is tall and cylindrical with a large viewing window giving a striking modern look. Colour can add an element of individuality with options from standard black or grey to striking white or red. Stoves can be freestanding, on a rotating pedestal turning 360 degrees; inset, wall-mounted – even suspended from the ceiling. Whatever the look or situation, there’s a contemporary stove to suit. In addition to style benefits, contemporary wood burning stoves are almost three times as efficient as an open fire.

I’vE juST MOvED INTO A MODERN buNgAlOW WITH NO FIREplACE OR CHIMNEy – IS IT pOSSIblE TO gET A WOOD buRNINg STOvE INSTAllED? No chimney, no problem! In most cases a wood burning stove can be installed by using a twin wall stainless steel flue system, which acts as a chimney.

It can be quickly installed by a qualified installer either internally or externally. For an authentic setting for your stove, an imitation chimney breast can be built to hide the flue. A system can be specified and priced quickly with basic property measurements and details of your choice of stove.

I’D lIkE TO REplACE My gAS FIRE WITH A WOOD buRNER. HOW DO I gO AbOuT THIS? If you have a solid chimney stack, often topped with a chimney pot, the process can be quick and painless. Choose a stove to suit your room and needs and your installer will take it from there. After a gas Safe engineer has removed the gas fire, your HETAS-registered installer will increase the size of the opening, placing a structural lintel to form the inglenook and laying a hearth. Favourite hearth choices are slate, granite or limestone. The sides of the opening will be finished perhaps using a complementary material to the hearth, such as split slate, which adds a real wow factor. The chimney is made good, and then the stove can be placed.

Visit www.rnwilliams.co.uk or call 01745 582254.

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Know your metal

Family-run business Bunners was established in Montgomery, Powys in 1892 and is still based there in a charming Edwardianfronted shop. The firm specialises in steel and cast iron woodburning stoves. Mike from Bunners answers some of your questions.

Can any property have a stove?

Virtually any property can have a wood or multi-fuel stove depending on certain rules set out by Hetas. Obviously flats are excluded because of the layout. You don’t even have to have a chimney as a prefabricated stainless chimney system can be installed on most properties.

How big does a stove need to be?

To select the size of the stove you need it’s best to come and speak to us. It’s generally based on the area you want to heat and depends whether you want to heat a single room or other parts of the house as well. Also new build properties need very small amounts of heat compared to a standard house because of better insulation.

Should I choose cast iron or steel?

Many people get confused with cast iron and steel stoves – the truth is, it doesn’t matter too much. The main difference is that fully cast iron stoves heat up a little more slowly, but retain heat for longer and therefore continue heating the room for longer once the fire has gone out. Steel stoves are just as robust but heat up and cool down more quickly. The most important thing is to have a stove that you like the look and of and is the right output.

Which is better, wood or multifuel?

If your intention is only ever to burn timber then you probably have a good supply and therefore only need a wood burning stove!

Wood burners generally give you more room in the firebox which helps when trying to keep the fire in, especially overnight, and you really only need to empty the ash every four weeks or so. Multifuel stoves give you the option to use smokeless coal if your wood supply runs out and is excellent if you want to feed the fire at infrequent intervals or keep it burning overnight. The only downfall is that you do need to clean it out more often – probably every two days.

Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?

All installations should have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. When you get your quore, a qualified fitters should quote you for this as it is a legal obligation to install one when fitting any appliance that may emit carbon monoxide.

What are the maintenance costs of a woodburning stove?

Stove parts do wear over time and need replacing periodically.

Use will determine the wear but with a typical stove you’d expect to replace rope seals every two to four years and the baffle plate and brick lining sets around the same. Higher quality stoves parts tend to last longer and some last up to 10 years or more. You should expect a maintenance cost of £200 or so for an average good-quality stove over five years. Neglect on replacing parts like baffles and bricks can cause other damage and makes the stove less efficient.

Visit www.bunners.co.uk or call 01686 668308.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 81

heat Feel the

Every fire has its place Just about anybody can have a fireplace – whether you actually want a real fire or not. Richard from Colwyn Fireplace & Stove Centre in Colwyn Bay answers some of your questions.

I have no chimney or fireplace currently in my property, but would love an open fire – is it possible to get one installed?

Yes it is. We can create one for you – we can build a false chimney breast and a flue system that can be fixed to the outside of the building. We would do a home visit first to establish your needs and create the best solution for you.

How long does installation of a fireplace take?

Each fireplace installation is different but in general it usually takes one full day. We carry out a home visit first to establish the work required and then can accurately calculate the cost.

What are the best fuels to burn on an open fire?

Kiln-dried wood is excellent and any other fuel that has a very low water content. We sell a variety that includes straw pellets, hotties and smokeless coal.

I love the idea of a mantlepiece, but don’t want the mess of a real fire – what are my options?

There are many options. We provide and install all styles of fireplace and materials that are suitable for gas and electric fires. We do fireplaces in granite, marble and stone.

As well as fireplaces, Colwyn Fireplace & Stove Centre specialise in multifuel, gas, LPG and electric fires and stoves.

This family run business offer friendly advice from their trained sales staff at their award winning showroom where you’ll find more than 100 live fire, fireplace and stove displays. Visit www. colwynfireplacecentre.com or call 01492 540033.

Back to the source

Worried about the prospect of expensive heating bills over the coming winter months? Take control of your heating costs by having a ground source heat pump installed. This could save you up to £650 a year on your heating and hot water bills and significantly reduce your carbon footprint as well – plus you could get a grant from the government to help pay for installation under the RHI Scheme! (See the July/ August issue of Yattar Yattar for more about this.)

Dragon Drilling, in Ruthin, are local experts on the technology, having drilled ground source heating boreholes for a large number of heating installers throughout north Wales.

‘Ground source heating works by using the constant temperature of the earth at around 100 to 150 metres depth to generate energy for hot water and heating using specialist radiators and underfloor heating systems,’ says Ben Ellison from the company.

A ground source heating system works round the clock and all year long to generate energy, no matter what the weather’s doing. It can even be run in reverse to cool a building in the summer. As the system actually generates energy, it has a positive effect on your carbon footprint, and once it’s fitted, it needs very little maintenance. The savings you make when compared with conventional heating methods can be surprising, especially if you replace an electric heating system.

Visit www.dragondrilling.co.uk or call 01824 707777. For information on the RHI Scheme visit www.ofgem.gov.uk

82 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Take control of your heating When she bought her four-storey, grade II listed malthouse in Northop, Flintshire, Linda Booth was not impressed with the heating. ‘It had old-style electric storage heaters,’ she recalls. ‘They didn’t give out any heat at all... and they were ugly!’

Linda looked into various options, including oil-fired heating and pellet systems, but they all seemed messy or expensive or both. ‘Then I saw a North West Heating Solutions leaflet, so I asked them to come and give me a quote. I was immediately impressed, and it all looked much more economical and less messy.’

The adaptability of the system impressed Linda too: ‘The radiators come in different sizes, so they can fit any wallspace, and I also loved the range of colours. I think they look really smart.’

Linda chose an elegant graphite grey for her kitchen and living room, and a golden beige for her bedroom. It’s not just all about looks, though. ‘The difference in heat Ground source heating is amazing,’ she says. ‘It’s so lovely to walk into the kitchen in the morning and feel the heat as you would works all year long, no with gas central heating – unlike the old storage heaters matter what the weather when you didn’t really feel anything.’ is doing, and can be Installation was quick and efficient too. ‘It was brilliant,’ says Linda. ‘It took about half a day, and it reversed to cool your was so tidy you didn’t notice them being here.’ home in the summer Not only are the heaters modern in look and efficiency – control is up to the minute, too, with an app that Linda uses through her phone or tablet. ‘It’s great – I can turn the system on from wherever I am so it’s warm when I get in, or if I feel a bit cold I just turn it up a couple of degrees using my phone.’

So far, Linda has had four heaters installed, but she has plans for more. ‘I will have them throughout the house,’ she says. ‘I love the control I have; I love the way the heaters look; and I’m really thrilled with the whole system. Plus my electricity bill is now showing that I’m significantly in credit!’

North West Heating Solutions supplies advanced electric storage heaters throughout the north West, Wales and Shropshire, designing efficient and sophisticated systems to suit individual needs. Visit www.northwestheatingsolutions.co.uk or call 01244 371445.

Did You Know…

CILCAIN FIRES Renewable Energy Centre

We supply and install a FULL RANGE of renewable energy solutions including: BIOMASS BOILERS that use wood pellet, chip and logs to supply hot water and heating and get paid via the Renewable Heat Incentive

SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS Produce hot water from the suns energy and get paid via the Renewable Heat Incentive

THERMAL STORES capable of receiving all traditional and renewable technologies

Cilcain Fires, Aber Road, Flint, Flintshire CH6 5EX | 01352 871377 info@cilcainrenewableenergy.co.uk | www.cilcainrenewableenergy.co.uk

Everything Under One Roof!

ASK ABOUT OUR CONSERVATORY HEATING SOLUTIONS

FIRELINE FP15 Fires • Fireplaces • Stoves STOVE

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Colwyn Fireplace Centre Ltd Bron Y Nant Road, Mochdre Conwy LL28 4YL

LEGEND ETHOS FIRE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE OUR RANGE

www.colwynfireplacecentre.com

DRAGON

DRILLING

Made to measure wooden gates & side hinged garage doors

(WATER & ENERGY) LTD Dragon Drilling (Water & Energy) Ltd are based in North Wales and can provide you with water and geothermal boreholes at very competitive rates.

www.dragondrilling.co.uk

Tel: 01824 707777 Email: admin@dragondrilling.co.uk

01745 362444 www.woodworkersuk.co.uk

enquiries@woodworkersuk.co.uk Come and see us in our workshop!

Unit A1 Cefndy Industrial Park, Cefndy Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 2HJ Monday-Thursday 9am to 4:30pm Friday 9am to 3pm We close for lunch each day at 12:30pm till 1pm

Water & Geothermal Borehole Specialists WATER BOREHOLE With your own water borehole you will be self sufficient and totally independant of mains water.

This means NO MORE WATER BILLS. WOULD YOU BENEFIT FROM A WATER BOREHOLE? • Your water costs are expensive • Your water quality is poor • Your water supply runs low throughout the summer months • Your water supply is from a spring • You have an inadequate water supply • You have low water pressure • You would like fresh water from your tap • You run a business that has a high water demand

GET PAID TO HEAT YOUR HOME – LET RHI WORK FOR YOU Dragon Drilling (Water and Energy) Ltd are installers of ground source heat boreholes for heating installers for both commercial and domestic projects. We drill and install pre-tested loops with specialist grouts to improve thermal connection with the ground. Depth is typically 100 to 150 metres.

• • • • •

Typically 75% free renewable energy Fixed and stable energy costs Constant heat 24 hours a day Can add value to your property Reversible to provide cooling in the summer • You may be eligible to receive payments through the RHI Reduce your carbon footprint with a Ground Source Borehole

Your business will feel right at home in Yattar Yattar Expert advice for your Homes & Gardens

Call: 01978 813035 or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

COED-Y-DINAS FOR YOUR

Home & Garden Coed y Dinas, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8RP T: 01938 555545 | www.coedydinas.co.uk Charlies_Stores

CharliesStores

Items featured subject to availability

Sunshine and Oak

Homes

Yattar Yattar viSited Gill and Jeff in ShrOpShire tO See their new Sun rOOm, built by Severn Oak timber frameS

extended thinking for anyone planning an extension, the thought of dealing with the builders can be the most off-putting thing. but willoway living aims to drag the building industry into the 21st century. at the beginning of this year, richard and Sean, who set up the company, came across an innovative new roofing system, which they believe can revolutionise the industry.‘The roof goes on first,’ explains richard, ‘so there’s none of the falling behind during the winter months which happens so often with building projects.’ the new system, coupled with Sean and richard’s commitment to ‘lean scheduling’ – ensuring things happen on time and to budget – means that, instead of taking three months to build an extension, it takes up to six weeks, and there’s no sudden hike in costs. ‘we give quotations, not estimates,’ says richard, ‘so there are no hidden charges. we turn up when we say we’re going to, and we stay on a job until it’s finished.’ modern in design, with vaulted ceilings and skylights, willoway’s extensions are thermally efficient and come with an insurancebacked 10-year guarantee. they also specialise in bi-folding doors, double-glazing and all types of window frame, so can deliver the complete package.

Visit www.willowayliving.co.uk or call 01244 911090.

Home shopping Light up your home and stay warm with with elegance and style…

Welsh tapestry double bedspread, £225, trefriw Woollen Mills, www.t-w-m.co.uk

Puccini pendant light, £775, DC Lighting, www. dclighting-oswestry.co.uk

Leaf wall light, £105, DC Lighting, www. dclightingoswestry. co.uk Bellafosse wrought iron candle tree, £49.99, www. britishironworkcentre.co.uk

‘we had a conservatory here – a wooden one, not quite as long as this room,’ says Gill as she shows us around the new sunroom, ‘but we couldn’t use it in the winter, it was so poorly insulated. we had radiators in it but – we didn’t use them as we didn’t want to waste energy. ‘we wanted something we could use all year round. we also decided we wanted a proper roof with insulation, but also to have as much light as possible. the rest of the cottage is very old – over 300 years – so it has lower ceilings and smaller windows. we looked at various designs in magazines and tried to get an idea of what would be heat efficient. We then came across Severn Oak’s adverts, and decided to give them a call – initially thinking that it would be too expensive. ‘will from Severn Oaks came to look at the old sunroom, and brought a laptop with some of their designs so we could narrow down the kind of thing we had in mind. we decided on an oak frame with a partial glass pitched roof – for us it was about the look of the timber and also about balancing light and heat efficiency.

‘Once we got the design we wanted, will then helped with the planning process, which was a little more complicated for us as the property is old and we live in a conservation area. when the work started, they demolished and removed the old conservatory, then they started on the foundations for the new structure. Three months later it was all finished.

‘Green oak was used on the inside, which has cracks showing in the wood – the look we wanted. they used kiln-dried oak on the outside, which weathers to a greyer colour, and has no cracks where water can collect. it’s a great design, we’re really happy with it. it looks very traditional inside with the wooden pegs holding the beams in place, but with very modern materials used on the roof to help insulation as much as possible. We had underfloor heating installed, which we’ll be using properly in the winter, as we’ve had solar pv cells for four years or so. ‘to complete the job, they oiled the wood on the inside, which gave it a great finish. It was a really straightforward process, we felt. will and his team were really friendly, and obviously skilled craftsmen. and the good thing was that when we had any queries or problems will would come round to visit and sort it out. ‘we’re really looking forward to living in our new space, this is a stunning addition to what is essentially a small cottage. we’re looking into buying new furniture for the room now, and can’t wait to see what it will be like in the winter with the underfloor heating and proper insulation – we’re thinking we’ll have our Christmas tree in here rather than the lounge as there’s much more room for a family gathering!’

Severn Oak Timber Frames, 01952 502453 www.severnoaktimberframes.co.uk

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 85

Autumn in the

garden

Make the most of autumn, grow a fruit tree and start planning for next year with expert help…

In the night garden

Garden Advice

BY HEAD GARDENER AT ERDDIG HOUSE GLYN SMITH Autumn is fast approaching.

Our garden here at Erddig has survived the hot and dry weather of July, and our borders have looked their best. Those of you who planted petunias and geraniums will have had good displays, and those who planted more moisture-loving begonias perhaps less so. Each year is different and it’s a challenge to guess what sort of season it will be.

Now, though, is the time to think about next year. Tulips and other bulbs are in the garden centres and also pansies, violas, forget-me-nots, double daisies, primroses, polyanthus and wallflowers. Just a planter or two on the patio will brighten up any day.

JUST BECAUSE THE NIGHTS ARE DRAWING IN DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T ENJOY YOUR GARDEN LATER IN THE DAY. ANTHONY FROM COED Y DINAS GARDEN CENTRE HAS SOME ADVICE AND IDEAS Jobs to do It’s autumn – which means it’s clean up time. It’s important to rake up all those fallen leaves to keep your garden clean and free from disease. Make the job easier with a leaf blower, such as Stihl’s Petrol Blower (pictured, £199) and keep things neat with a garden tidy bag – there’s a range at Coed y Dinas including the Kingfisher Jumbo pop-up garden bag (£7.99).

Now is the time to plan for next year – collect seed from perennials, making sure the flowers have died off completely and that the seeds are dry before storing them away somewhere dark and cool, ready for planting next year. Autumn is nature’s time for planting, and so should you. Spring flowering bulbs should go in now – a vast selection can be found at Coed y Dinas.

This is also arguably the best time to plant shrubs and perennials, while the soil is still warm. Plants will root much quicker and get established before the winter.

And relax… Don’t let cooler evenings prevent you enjoying your garden – a patio heater will let you sit outside and make the most

of the colours and evening scents of your garden; again Planning borders now will we’ve a great range reap rewards next year in store. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy an evening barbecue. We’ve A tub or pot, planted with or by a child, a stylish range at Coed y Dinas, would make a really special Christmas gift including the colourful and for mum, dad or gran. October is the best practical Landmann Piccolino time to plant these, as the soil remains warm portable charcoal barbecue and moisture is also there to get new plants (pictured, £29.99) which is established before winter arrives. Dig in lots available in lime, turquoise of garden compost, to feed the new plants and and lavender as well as the usual hold moisture next springtime. black. Stylish garden lights are great for the darkening evenings, too – light up your hard A chance to change work with Gardman Rattan mini Here at Erddig, we are rebuilding a section solar lanterns (pictured, £8.99) of wall along the south side of the garden, or if you fancy something and we are lifting herbaceous plants from a little more elaborate, the border beneath to protect them COED Y DINAS Gardman’s LED from damage. This is an excellent GARDENER’S branch lights (£14.99) opportunity for us to re-plan the QUESTION TIME are super elegant. border, to move plants about to make A sk our experts for help and Coed y Dinas pleasing combinations and to make Garden Centre, advice on all your gardening provision for new plants.

Welshpool. Visit www. and plant problems during For many herbaceous plants, lifting coedydinas.co.uk. and dividing the clumps in the autumn late night opening on 11th,

Let’s get fruity!

Fancy picking apples from your own tree next year?

It’s easier than you might think to grow fruit, says Jill Rock from Dingle Nursery & Garden Centre ‘We are fast approaching the best time to plant bare-root fruit trees and soft fruit, and planning ahead will give you the opportunity to think about what you would like to grow (and eat!), and to research the varieties suitable for your particular space and location.

Most fruit trees are grafted on to different rootstocks to limit their growth but not their crops so you can still get a lot of fruit from a relatively small tree. Not only that, but most have very pretty blossom in the spring and good autumn colour as well.

‘It’s worth planting your own fruit bushes from an economic point of view too – soft fruit is very expensive to buy in the shops and just one blackcurrant bush will produce enough fruit for a few jars of jam after a couple of years. Strawberries, too, will send out enough runners to make a sizeable patch in no time at all, and how lovely for children to be able to pick and eat them in their own back garden.

From as little as £2.60 for a blackcurrant bush it makes sense to plant your own fruit and enjoy the produce for years to come.

Dingle Nursery & Garden Centre, Welshpool. Visit www.dinglenurseryandgarden.co.uk or call 01938 555145.

86 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

is the best time. As the plants finish flowering, the stems can be cut down and the plants lifted. The border can be cultivated and compost added, then the plants can be divided up and planted back. Most plants can be broken apart by hand, or with two garden forks used back to back. Some very solid clumps may need chopping apart with a spade.

18th & 25th September from 6pm-7.30pm

Cutting remarks

Some of the plants from our bedding scheme and borders will propagate easily this month from cuttings. We make a well-draining compost mix, with little or no fertiliser, to put the cuttings into to root. The pots will need to stand in a greenhouse, cold frame or even on a windowsill.

Easy cuttings to take are geraniums and fuschsias. They should root quickly and grown on over winter, then you’ll have large plants to put out next summer. Really tender plants like cannas and succulents, that have been planted out in the summer, will also need to be lifted and potted up before the frosts come. I would include dahlias among these, they don’t always survive the winter outdoors.

Talking of compost, all those leaves blowing about the garden now will make the best leaf compost. Don’t waste them. We spend weeks at Erddig tidying the garden and gathering up all the leaves to make our compost or mulch.

GARDENS The double wheelie bin store and the additional unit with optional slatted shelf for recycling boxes

The wheelie bin store’s optional slatted shelf and cabin hook safety feature, to keep the lid upright

Jacksons Fencing News and topical treats plus September storage solutions, from Louise at Jacksons Fencing

W

e have a new little brochure – Additions to the Good Fencing Guide Range – which includes some of the products we have developed over the last few years, and some new ones too, all gathered together in one cover. Now seems a good opportunity to tell you about one of the new products in there that may be of interest to you.

We have previously made our wheelie bin store in response to pleas from customers, who wanted to hide their not very pretty and growing numbers of household rubbish and recycling bins.

When we did this a few years ago we came up with a smart and strong unit made from our lovely Jakcured timber, so that it would blend in beautifully with the other Jacksons products in the garden, like the fencing and decking. You would think ‘Job done’, but no!

Council horror

was soon obvious that no one council had the same sort of bins, let alone the same number and type – ‘Quelle horreur’!

A flexible solution It soon became apparent that we had to do something to combat this bin epidemic. Aware that we have our standard bin store, which houses two good-sized wheelie bins, we thought the simplest solution was to offer an additional unit that can be added to it, to make a triple, or quadruple, or however many you want. This means that customers who already have a double bin store, but now need more capacity needn’t leave their bins out in the cold. The new additional units have optional slatted shelves and a cabin hook that can be added to keep the lid in an upright position too.

Enough said about the wheelie bin stores, you can see the new version here, and if you want more info you can go to your local page www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/chesterlocal, where you can find a handy link to them and also a link to a downloadable pdf of the Additions booklet.

If you are the more traditional type don’t be put off, this freefone number will put you through to your nearest Jacksons Fencing Centre: 0800 41 43 43.

‘Customers who need more capacity needn’t leave their bins out in the cold’

A flaw in our cunning plan was soon revealed when council after council ‘re-thought’ their refuse schemes and started to introduce separate containers for paper, garden waste and cardboard, and another for plastics and hey-ho, what about food waste? We can collect that too, in handy mini bins.

After carrying out a bit of research it

y

Win a pair of planters from the outlet show garden Enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win a pair of planters with plants from the Designer Outlet show garden. Simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 31st October 2014. To enter go to www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/chesterlocal

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 87

  

Bunners

Glyndwr Plants

R.H. Bunner & Son Ltd est. 1892

Autumn:The Perfect Time for Planting

PRE-SEASON STOVE SALE

We have an enormous selection of fantastic plants for bedding and baskets, wonderful filled baskets and pots too. Plus a fine selection of unusual perennials. We have plants for every type of gardener!

ECOFAN

Relax in our coffee shop or on the patio and enjoy a selection of our scrumptious homemade cakes and scones.

Choose from our menu of delicious light lunches. Freshly ground coffees and various teas available as well.

A MASSIVE 15% OFF RRP on ALL stoves bought in September SAVE 10% OFF RRP ON ALL Stanley Cookers SAVE 10% ON ALL ECOFANS, Log baskets, Flue Systems and Liners when bought with your appliance OFFER ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH 2014

PLEASE CUT OUT THIS ADVERT AND PRESENT WHEN ORDERING

WE ALSO HAVE MANY END OF SEASON BARGAINS ON NEW AND USED MOWERS AND RIDE-ON MACHINES.

R.H. Bunners and Son Ltd Arthur Street, Montgomery, SY15 6RA www.bunners.co.uk 01686 668 308 info@rhbunner.co.uk

  

Coffee Shop 01490 413688 | Garden Centre 01490 413313 The centre is on the A5104, half a mile out of Corwen. www.glyndwrplants.co.uk

Celebrating 50 Years of Quality Service

Linney Cooper Carpet Consultants Ltd, the premier carpet supplier in the North West are celebrating 50 years of supplying and

quality carpets across theLtd country.

Visit our showrooms in Stokers Furnishers in Chester or at our shop Linney Cooper Carpet Consultants the carpet in Fine the North of West are Celebrating 50 inyears of arpet Consultants Ltdinstalling the premier carpet supplier in the premier North West are supplier Celebrating 50 years Criag-y-Don, Llandudno.

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You will see aand selection ur shop in Craig-y-Don, Llandudno.

You in will see a selection of quality carpets receive of equality carpets and receive e Chester Showroom Llandudno Showroom advise from our trained and trained and Within Stokers Fine Furnishers, Sealand Road  1 Mostyn Avenue    Chester CH1 4LT Craig-y-Don, Llandudno LL30 1DR expert consultants   nts  

 Tel:  01244 377067 Tel: 01492 877000   Email: chester@linneycooper.co.uk  Email: debbie@linneycooper.co.uk             

Shop online at: www.linney-cooper.co.uk

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HOMES

30 years in the making

Peninsula Home Improvements has been on quite a journey since its launch, moving beyond its double-glazing roots to winter gardens, balconies and decking, as well as garden pods

F

ounded in 1984, Peninsula was the first company to offer double glazing services to north Wales. ‘We’ve always had a great relationship with our customers which has led us to become advisers as opposed to suppliers,’ says Ken Grayson, CEO of the company. ‘The longer the trust has built up with our customers the more has been asked of us to assist in improving their homes as a whole.’

With business continually growing, the demand for skilled tradesmen has led Peninsula to put together a team with a diverse skill set. In turn, this has allowed the company to expand its range and, more often than not, to help their clients with any and all requests made.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT Now in its thirtieth year, Peninsula has helped to improve the aesthetics of homes across the UK since it first began. Upgrading windows and doors has always been a good way to increase property value, but now customers are just as interested in the ‘wow factor’ that these improvements create – as well as the savings that can be made on bills.

‘We understand that our customers are no longer satisfied with plain white plastic windows and doors,’ says Ken. ‘They want items that complement their homes and don’t want to skimp when it comes to saving long term.

As well as having the expertise to carry out installations, we also know what looks good. This allows us to help create the first impression desired and we’d like to think that properties improved by Peninsula are easily identifiable from the finish.’

Peninsula celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this November, and as part of this is having a Celtic themed light installation created for its popular showroom in Star, Gaerwen. Renowned lighting designer Hannah Wardle is creating the piece, with customers new and old invited to come and enjoy the final creation. y

Turn your dreams into reality

01248 715 555 peninsulahome.co.uk

ROB DAVID INTERIOR DESIGN & ART

Feeling daunted by the prospect of starting an Interior Project for just one room or even the whole house!

B E S T

CONSTRUCTION Ltd

Coming Soon

For Sale: three four-bedroom properties A new development under construction – modern designed family home with integral garage. Properties in a cul de sac adjacent to Capel Saron, Henllan, Denbighshire.

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by Interior Designer and Owner Robert David

Mobile

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robdavidinteriordesign.com

The BrynTirion Inn

www.bestconstruction.co.uk Tel: 01352 759713

www.petcetera.co.uk

01948 668100

“The best range of pet accessories in the area!”

Visit us and see for yourself!

Many new lines now available!

Warm, Friendly and Welcoming

Open 7 days a week Mon—Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 10am-4pm

Traditional family run Inn with homecooked food and real ales, a warm welcome and roaring fires.

Function room available. Dogs welcome.

Set in stunning countryside, ideally suited for Snowdonia Llandderfel, Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7RA Tel: 01678 530205 www.bryntirioninn.co.uk

Bradeley Green Farm, Tarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire. SY13 4HD. (off A49) *Offer expires 31.10.14, not valid with any other offer or voucher.

&Wildlife

Pets

For all your creatures, great and small…

d dem bones, dem bones

Wildlife watching

with Graham Uney Autumn is one of the most exciting times of the year for watching wildlife. True, the hustle and bustle of A redpoll the bird breeding season is well over, and some of the migrant birds that come for the summer have long since GEttInG OLd hAPPEnS tO US ALL, G departed for sunnier climes, but there bUt yOUr PEt cAn’t tELL yOU are always a lot of stragglers still to be whEn thEy’rE fEELInG thEIr AGE. wh found in Wales and the borders, and LUcy tUbbS Of PArk ISSA VEtS In over the coming weeks, we’ll start to OSwEStry OSw w AdVISES On whAt tO wAtch see our first winter visitors.

OUt fOr If yOUr PEt ISn’t AS yOUnG AS thEy USEd tO bE Early in the season there’s still a great variety of birds visiting our Autumn is coming, and soon the colder, damper months gardens. You might have some that will be with us. Just like us, as our pets get older they can are residents throughout the year, start showing signs of arthritis and joint pain which can seem such as blue, great and coal tits, as well as robins, dunnocks, and worse when the weather is cold and damp. Most of us are wrens; but if you’re lucky you’ll still have the odd chiffchaff or aware of our dogs getting slower, less keen to walk, or even blackcap hanging around too. limping if they get arthritis in old age, but often the signs As the autumn progresses, the winter snows will have arrived aren’t as obvious in our cats. in Scandinavia and the Arctic, forcing birds such as redwings, cats are known and loved for their independent nature and fieldfares, and waxwings south – and possibly A siskin athleticism, yet these qualities can make it difficult for us to into your garden – in search of food. identify when they’re in discomfort. As cats are relatively small It’s not all long-distance migrants in the and very agile they can often hide mobility difficulties caused garden though. Many birds form large mixed flocks after the nesting season, so, as by arthritis. there are four main signs to look out for that could the nights grow dark keep an eye out for indicate chronic pain in cats: reduced mobility, your regular chaffinches, goldfinches, and reduced activity, changes in grooming habits, greenfinches which, with luck, will have been and changes in temperament. not all cats Don’t forget! joined by siskins, redpolls, yellowhammers, will show all these symptoms, some may just If you haven’t been and reed buntings. Many people who put hesitate a bit before jumping up on to feeding the birds over out food for the birds will start to see these furniture, for example. the summer, now’s less familiar gems in their gardens.

Graham Uney runs guided wildlife walks in the time to get your Stiff cats wales through his company wild walks wales. Go online to feeders back out, and People often think that if their cat is www.wildwalkswales.co.uk or call 01678 521871. attract colourful sleeping more or if their coat is a bit matted visitors or scruffy then this is ‘just old age’, but this can often be because the cat is stiff and arthritic and TS! can’t turn round to groom itself as easily. Some cats READERS CUTE PE may also get a bit naggy if they are fussed or groomed, and this can be because their joints are sore and painful.

Millie from If your cat is showing any of these signs then it’s worth trefonen getting it checked by a vet. here at the surgery we also run nurse clinics for senior animals where we can check their weight and condition and offer advice for managing pets in their later years. the good news is that there are several different treatment options available for arthritis in cats and Alfie from dogs, from anti-inflammatory medications to acupuncture.

Ellesmere these can make a huge difference to their quality of life.

SEnd US yOUr cUtE PEtS!

A new lease of life

Send us a picture of your favourite pet to editorial@yattaryattar. co.uk and we’ll publish it in a future issue

we are always happy to assess your pet for signs of pain and arthritis, and to discuss treatment options with you, just give us a ring for an appointment. you never know, it might help put the spring back into their step.

About Lucy...

Lucy graduated from Edinburgh University in 2007 and has worked as a vet with Park Issa Vets ever since. She works at both the Oswestry and Johnstown branches and does a mixture of small animal and farm work. Visit www.parkissa.com for more information about Park Issa Vets, call 01691 670067 for the Oswestry branch, or call 01978 845472 for the Johnstown branch.

bodie from Aldford

Poppy from caernarfon

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 91

Cheshire Wildlife trust events

Pets sHOPPING Treat that special extra member of the family to a bit your dog might of retail Think have a talent for tricks? Get him therapy agility practising at home

with a Dog Agility Hoop. From £20, www. petsathome.com

l 6th September, Guided Walk at RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands Join the South Group for a walk of about two hours around this wetland reserve on the Dee estuary, home to avocets and little egrets, with the chance of rare visitors on migration. Call 01270 623375 to find out more information about this event. l 10th September, Creatures of the Night at Wigg Island An evening walk seeking out the airborne, nocturnal residents of Wigg Island – bats! l 13th September, Small Mammal Safari at Bickley Farm Ever wondered what small creatures live in our hedgerows?

Now’s your chance to find out and get up close to voles, mice and shrews. Call 01948 820728.

l 14th September, From Industrial Legacy to Butterfly Haven A fascinating walk looking at the industrial history and heritage of New Ferry Butterfly Park and how it has contributed to wildlife diversity. Call 0151 645 8937 to find out more. l 27th September Discover Eastwood Nature Reserve A walk round the new trails in this semi natural ancient woodland. Call 0161 256 1546 to find out more. l 5th October Annual Apple Day, Eastham Country Park An apple extravaganza with a display of locally grown varieties, a chance to make your own juice and plenty of children’s activities. Call 0151 327 5923. l 22nd October, The Red Rose Forest So much more than trees!

A north local group talk by ‘Green Streets’ project manager Hillary Wood.

For more information visit www. cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Turn your moggy into Catboy Slim with this Cat Scratch Deck. £24, www. notonthehighstreet.com

Your chooks will think every day’s a holiday in this beach-hut -style hen house. £180, www.notonthehighstreet.com

Win a holiday with Greyhound Rescue!

Greyhound Rescue Wales are holding a Summer Raffle to raise funds for the charity, with some great prizes including holidays and short breaks to be won, at some of Wales’s best-loved holiday spots.

You could win a week on The Gower, a three-night break in Llandudno, two nights in Rhos on Sea – or one of many other holidays on offer. Other prizes include theatre tickets, a day at an adventure park and a ride on a steam railway. Tickets are £1 – buy via the website at www. greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk. The raffle will be drawn at the Great Greyhound Sunday event taking place at Llandudno on 28th September.

If you can’t make it to Llandudno that day, why not visit one of these other fundraising events and show your support for the charity that finds homes for retired and abandoned greyhounds?

Cool for cats

Cat lovers – the Wrexham and District branch of the Cats Protection League needs your help! The branch provides help for needy cats and their owners in Wrexham and Chester and as far Wales afield as Flint, Corwen and 6th September, Hack Sanctuary, Llay, Wrexham Open Day Llangollen. The adoption 6th September, Jollyes Flint centre rescues stray and 13th September, Bangor street collection abandoned cats and kittens, 13th September, Anglesey Show and provides a vital rehoming 20th September, Farm and Pet Place Chirk service for owners who can no 4th October, Pound Stretcher, Border Retail Park, Wrexham longer care for their cat.

11th October, Pets at Home Rhyl The Wrexham Branch is 12th October, Morrison’s, Wrexham self funding, raising money through a charity shop in the sHrOPsHIre aNd CHesHIre town centre and by organising 6th & 7th September, Canal Festival, Maesbury Marsh fund-raising events. There are 13th & 14th September, Home a Dog Day, Moorlands Kennels, Condover many ways that you can help 20th September, Sainsbury’s Oswestry collection – drop donations off to the charity shop; become a local If you’re really keen to help, why not volunteer to work at one of these member; make a donation; or events, sponsor a dog or a kennel, or foster dogs waiting for a home? volunteer your time to help out For more information visit www.greyhoundrescuewales.co.uk, 0300 with fundraising, home visits or 0123 999; shropshire.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk, 01743 872395; fostering kittens. or crewe.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk, 01270 620225. They Contact the Centre at look forward to hearing from you!

Do you have an unusual pet? They wrexham.cats.org.uk or call 01978 313574.

could feature right here in Yattar Yattar – email us and tell us all about them: editorial@ yattaryattar.co.uk Sugar gliders are still a fairly obscure pet, but

Unusual pets

they are growing in popularity in the UK. Native to northeast Australia, these minuscule animals weigh no more than 5oz (100g) and have a very lively and curious nature which helps them to bond easily and quickly with humans. However, this also makes them very sociable animals meaning they need company – indeed, some sellers will only sell them in pairs.

Sugar gliders get their name from their love of sugar and their ability to glide from tree to tree using the webbed area along the sides of their bodies. Sugar gliders naturally live in an environment with branches or vines to satisfy their desire to climb and will need space for this, plus they are nocturnal creatures so will mainly be active at night.

Visit www.sugargliderinfo.org to find out more.

92 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Your Dog at Your Wedding

This unique dog friendly service enables you to have your family pet celebrate one of the happiest days of your life with you

07808 801 995

julie@groomintails.co.uk www.groomintails.co.uk www.facebook.com/groomtails1

Greyhounds make ideal pets that are perfect for most homes. They are loving, quiet and don’t need much exercise.

Contact us to find your new best friend:

Shropshire & Borders RGT

Tel: 01743 872395 http://shropshire.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk

Crewe RGT

http://crewe.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk Tel: 07534 103061

Charity Numbers SC044047 & 269668

The

Wedding Planner From venues to dresses, from cakes to cars and everything in between, you’ll find it all here in Yattar Yattar’s fabulous Wedding Planner

Location, location, location Are you ready for the biggest party of your life? From country house hotels to boats on the river, here are some great venue ideas for your wedding and reception…

Cae Mor Hotel

Set in the Victorian splendour of Llandudno’s promenade, the Cae Mor Hotel is an ideal venue for intimate, small or medium-sized weddings – the hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and can cater for up to 55 guests during the day and 70 for your evening reception.

Cae Mor has a carefully selected list of preferred suppliers who, along with the hotel’s own management team, offer a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to organising your special day. The hotel aims to Llandudno’s offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for your wedding: from big things like promenade is a the photography and the cake, down to all-important finer car-free zone so it’s details such as the chair covers, nothing is too much trouble also a great place for the team at Cae Mor. to get informal and The hotel offers three all-inclusive packages at set prices, taking the strain out of organisation and helping you to fun seaside wedding manage your budget. All packages include advice from the photos hotel’s wedding coordinator, use of the hotel’s public rooms for photographs, complimentary menu tasting for the bride and groom, and complimentary accommodation for the happy couple on the wedding night – plus they can look forward to a complimentary first anniversary stay at the hotel!

Wedding guests who want to stay the night are offered a 15 per cent discount off published rates for the rooms, so your party can relax and enjoy the occasion without having to worry about how they’re going to get home. Visit www.caemorhotel.co.uk or call 01492 878101.

94 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Chester Boats

Why not push the boat out – literally – to celebrate your marriage, and hire a luxury showboat from Chester Boats for your wedding reception? With space to accommodate anything from 40 to 120 guests, Lady Diana, Mark Twain or the recently acquired Jackie can be decorated to fit your wedding theme, and will be generously stocked with whatever provisions you require, whether that be canapés or a formal dinner.

While you and your guests are enjoying eating, drinking – and dancing – you can watch the world go by as you cruise along the River Dee. The boats are available for day or night hire, for between two and four hours.

The landing stage can also be decorated to fit in with your wedding theme, making it a great and unique setting for your wedding photos.

And if you love the idea of a boat trip so much that you can’t wait until your wedding day, why not hire one for your hen party? Take a three-hour cruise on the theme of Mamma Mia or a 60s, 70s and 80s retro disco night, with a barbecue, live DJ and well-stocked bar. Visit www.chesterboat.co.uk or call 01244 325394.

Wedding fayres

Looking for some inspiration for your big day?

Don’t miss your chance to gather some ideas at these great wedding fayres

Glandyfi Castle

If you’re looking for a truly romantic setting for your big day, look no further than Glandyfi Castle. Set between the Cambrian Mountains and the Dovey Estuary just 12 miles from Aberystwyth on the west Wales coast, this elegant but informal venue has everything you need for the perfect fairytale wedding – but without any hidden dragons or wicked witches waiting to upset the applecart!

You will need to bring your own Prince Charming, but everything else is laid on for you. You’ll have exclusive use of the beautiful castle and grounds for one day and night, including the luxurious bridal suite with its jacuzzi bath for the happy couple, and bed and breakfast for up to 14 other guests.

The castle has 45 acres of private grounds, with formal gardens, natural meadows and woodland all at your disposal, making for endless photo opportunities.

The building itself is unique and completely unpredictable, with rampart, turrets and octagonalshaped rooms. There are four rooms of different sizes licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies, and in summer you can get married in the the summerhouse. Dinner for up to 40 people is served in a fabulous room with stone archways and a modern glazed roof, lit by twinkling candles and chandeliers.

Live music and evening entertainment turn this unique space from a sophisticated dining room into an atmospheric club. If you want to theme your wedding, it’s up to you – from Medieval Merry Making to the Roaring Twenties, the castle has its own experienced in-house designer on hand to help and advise.

Visit www.glandyficastle.co.uk or call 01654 781238.

Curdlands Barns

Created by a father who wanted to find an unforgettable venue for his daughter’s wedding, Harthill Weddings at Curdlands Barns in Burwardsley is an exciting new wedding and entertainment venue offering a beautifully converted sandstone barn, croquet lawn and private woodland area with arguably the best views in Cheshire.

Located just 10 miles from the historic city of Chester, overlooking the Cheshire Plains towards the Welsh hills, with views stretching as far as Liverpool Cathedral, Harthill Weddings is the brainchild of David Thomson. He wanted a venue that showcased the best Cheshire had to offer, including the Cheshire Plains and the Sandstone Trail, but was unable to find something suitable so he created it himself!

Curdlands Barn combines old-world charm and contemporary design for anyone wishing to create a truly unique and memorable experience which can be tailored to suit everyone’s needs.

Visit www.harthillweddings.co.uk or call 01829 770301.

Kinmel Manor

7TH SEPTEMBER, DE VERE WYCHWOOD PARK, CREWE More than 30 exhibitors, catwalk shows and a mock ceremony. The hotel’s own wedding team will be on hand for personal professional advice on wedding packages, or you can just take a look around the venue.

7TH SEPTEMBER, CAPESTHORNE HALL, SIDDINGTON, CHESHIRE A chance to see the hall and gardens, plus meet a variety of wedding suppliers, with catwalk shows at 1pm and 3pm and a mock wedding ceremony at 2pm.

11TH SEPTEMBER, ALDERLEY EDGE HOTEL, CHESHIRE There’s a free goody bag for the first 50 brides to register their details, plus there’ll be a roaming catwalk by Swan brides featuring bridal gowns and mother of the bride outfits, and a civil ceremony presentation by Cheshire East Registrars.

14TH SEPTEMBER, PLAS MAENAN COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, CONWY A host of suppliers will be on hand to help you plan your big day, as well as the venue’s owners and wedding coordinators. The venue’s bedrooms will also be available to view. Goody bags available on registration at the event.

14TH SEPTEMBER, RAMADA HOTEL, TELFORD IRONBRIDGE, SHROPSHIRE An array of local wedding suppliers with prices to suit every taste and budget. Whether you want a vintage wedding, traditional or contemporary, experts will be on hand to give you tips and advice to make your day perfect.

21ST SEPTEMBER, WILLINGTON HALL HOTEL, TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE An arrival drink and canapes, lots of suppliers and a room dressed for a civil ceremony.

On 18th and 19th October Curdlands Barns will host The Cheshire Country Wedding Fayre – see our wedding fayres listings on the right

21ST SEPTEMBER, WHITE HOUSE HOTEL, RHUALLT Lots of suppliers will help you plan your day, and the venue’s own wedding co-ordinators will also be on hand. Goody bags will be available.

5TH OCTOBER, THORNTON HALL, WIRRAL A selection of the area’s finest wedding specialists will be on hand to provide you with expert advice on all aspects of weddings.

In a lovely setting on the north Wales coast, surrounded by beautiful countryside, Kinmel Manor Hotel is rich in history, character and charm. Specialising in weddings of all sizes, the hotel has beautifully designed and decorated rooms that can accommodate intimate civil ceremonies for just a handful of guests up to the most lavish of wedding breakfasts for 300 people.

The hotel’s friendly team are well aware of the differences that small personal touches can make to your special day, and strive to make the planning of your wedding as stress free as possible, with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator on hand.

Kinmel Manor has a reputation for fine food and excellent service, and offers a range of wedding options, from all-inclusive packages providing everything you need for your special day to the ‘Grand Package’ which allows you to have an elegant day on a budget.

The hotel has three wedding breakfast function suites. Manor Restaurant seats up to 68 for a wedding breakfast; the spacious Manor Suite seats 90 and has a dance floor – perfect for a wedding breakfast that flows into an evening reception; and the Ballroom, which can hold up to 250 for a wedding breakfast, has patio doors leading out on to its own balcony, a stylish bar and large dance floor.

You can create your own wedding breakfast and evening reception menus, plus of course accommodation for you and your guests is on hand, ensuring that whatever style of wedding you have planned, it will be the perfect day. Visit www.kinmelmanor.co.uk or call 01745 832014.

5TH OCTOBER, KINMEL MANOR HOTEL, ABERGELE Meet wedding experts and suppliers, and take the opportunity to look around the refurbished hotel, boasting its brand new spa facilities.

12TH OCTOBER, WRENBURY HALL, CHESHIRE Catwalk fashion shows at 1pm and 2.30pm, plus a civil ceremony display at 1.45pm. Goody bags for every bride to be, plus wedding experts, live music and a fashion catwalk.

18TH-19TH OCTOBER, CURDLANDS BARN, CHESHIRE The Cheshire Country Wedding Fayre is the perfect opportunity to visit this new and exclusive venue and meet caterers, bridal boutiques, florists, marquee and tepee companies and a number of boutique wedding suppliers.

19TH OCTOBER, TELFORD HOTEL, GOLF AND SPA RESORT, SHROPSHIRE More than 30 local wedding suppliers will help you with all aspects of planning your wedding with prices to suit every taste and budget. Companies will be offering exclusive discount offers on the day.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 95

The

Wedding Planner

Llyndir Hall

Wouldn’t it be lovely to hand over all the details of organising your wedding to somebody else, and let them deal with all the stresses and strains, while you enjoy the fun bits like trying on dresses and going on hen nights. Book your wedding at Llyndir Hall and Spa at Rossett near Chester, and you can do just that: the team have a reputation for organising and providing the most exquisite wedding celebrations.

You simply make your choice from the range of wedding packages on offer, which are designed to suit any taste and budget. All include exclusive use of the Llyndir Suite and Conservatory, plus use of the beautiful landscaped gardens and Designed as an Italian terrace – perfect for wedding photography. You’ll receive a red carpet exclusive venue welcome, with champagne for the bride and groom, and the hotel’s event for weddings WIN! WIN! WIN! manager will act as your dedicated toastmaster. and events, With beautifully laid and decorated tables, elevated candelabras, and A night’s stay in this gracious sumptuous food, Llyndir Hall’s reception room is perfect for your wedding Llyndir Hall’s beautiful and elegant celebrations. The resident DJ will get your guests dancing, and at the end Regency bridal suite plus a of the evening you can retire to your complimentary four-poster suite. house is set three-course meal in The packages also include complimentary upgrades to executive rooms in beautiful the lovely garden for parents, and discounted accommodation rates for friends and family. parkland and Visit www.bestwestern.co.uk or call 01244 571648. restaurant. Turn to woods near

Shooters Hill Hall

page 148

Mellington Hall Hotel

In 2012-13 Mellington Hall Hotel won best wedding venue in mid-Wales in the Welsh National Wedding Awards, cementing its reputation as one of the finest civil wedding ceremony venues in Wales. The hotel prides itself on offering a completely tailored service to meet your needs, with its own wedding co-ordinator who works closely with the happy couple to make sure absolutely everything, down to the last detail, is taken care of.

This lovely country house hotel in Powys, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is perfect for a civil ceremony, whether you want to take your vows inside the hall itself or have an intimate outdoor ceremony in the Cariad Garden – a licensed outdoor wedding venue that can accommodate up to 120 guests. There are a number of function suites in the hall, which can accommodate any size wedding, from 18 to 150, and the hotel offers a variety of wedding packages to suit all tastes and budgets.

Added to this, the Hall is a unique venue for wedding photography – a stone faced mansion in the Gothic revivalist style, surrounded by 280 acres of mature parkland, with a grand entrance to the hall and a magnificent stone porch with wide stone steps. Terraces overlooking the garden, beautiful lawns and formal borders with pathways winding through mature rhododendron bushes, not to mention a romantic stone bridge and lake, all make for truly beautiful photographs that you’ll want to look through again and again long after your wedding day itself is over. Visit online at www. mellingtonhallhotel.com or call 01588 620456.

Shrewsbury.

The hall itself dates back to 1822 and the luxurious accommodation comprises 10 rooms, including a bridal suite with dressing room and its own spa bath.

Owners Richard and Ishbel MacInnes-Manby, who live in a separate wing of the hall, have a wealth of experience in hospitality and events management, and they will be there in the background, to make sure your wedding weekend goes perfectly to plan.

The Hall is licensed for civil ceremonies, and the grounds can accommodate marquees for from 40 to 200 guests, so you can have your wedding and reception all at one venue. You can even have a pamper package for you and your house guests on the eve of the wedding day with the hall’s in-house therapist, Jan. Richard and Ishbel will help you to organise and plan your perfect wedding at Shooters Hill Hall, so you can relax and enjoy your special day without a care in the world. Visit www. shootershillhall.co.uk or call 01939 220675.

Willington Hall This beautiful hotel, set in 17 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, was originally built in 1829 as a private home, and retains its period features and all the charm of a country house, making it a great – and very photogenic – setting for a wedding.

Weddings of all sizes can be catered for, with one room in the hotel licensed for civil ceremonies of up to 200 people. Smaller ceremonies can be held in one of two rooms licensed for 50 and 60 people. For those who have set their hearts on an outdoor wedding there is the ‘Temple’ in the gardens, where you can get married looking out over the Cheshire countryside. And if you really plan on arriving in style, the hotel even has a helipad with complimentary landing facilities!

With its own dedicated wedding team, able to give expert advice and guidance, Willington Hall can cater for up to 150 people for a wedding breakfast. There’s also ground space for marquees or tipi weddings if you have a bigger party in mind. The hotel itself can hold up to 180 people in the evening and there’s a wide selection of menus, with special diets and vegetarian preferences all catered for.

The hotel has 12 bedrooms, each individually designed and en suite, so the wedding party can make themselves at home, relax in comfort, and know that all their needs are being cared for.

There are a variety of wedding packages on offer, and the team at Willington Hall will be happy to discuss your requirements and tailor an estimate for you.

Visit willingtonhall.co.uk or call 01829 752321.

96 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

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StockistsÊ ofÊ leadingÊ designerÊ bridalÊ gowns

TwoÊ privateÊ bridalÊ showroomsÊ canÊ beÊ bookedÊ byÊ appointmentÊ toÊ giveÊ youÊ totalÊ privacyÊ whileÊ enjoyingÊ treasuredÊ momentsÊ choosingÊ yourÊ weddingÊ gown.Ê SomethingÊ toÊ suitÊ everyoneÕ sÊ budgetÊ inÊ sizesÊ 4Ê toÊ 32 AllÊ alterationsÊ areÊ doneÊ byÊ ourÊ professionalÊ seamstressesÊ onÊ theÊ shopÊ premises.

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Dresses that dazzle

Find your perfect wedding dress with a little help from the experts

Service fit for a bride

Trisha’s Bridal Wear in Oswestry has private showrooms where you can get all the help you need to find your perfect wedding gown, helped by one of the professional bridal consultants who will assist you in choosing your dream dress.

Trisha’s has a huge range of gowns to choose from, with wedding and bridesmaids dresses and evening gowns spread over two floors.

Designers stocked include Ronald Joyce, Fara Sposa, Opulence, Romantica and Linzi Jay. Trisha’s is also an elite stockist of Venus wedding dresses. And if, once you find your dream gown, it doesn’t quite fit, don’t worry – Trisha’s also offers an on-site alterations service for both ladies and gents, with fully qualified and professional seamstresses.

Visit www.trishasbridalwear.co.uk or call 01691 671133.

Princess for a day

Caroline Morgan Catering is ideal for: ★ Dinner parties ★ Weddings ★ Children’s parties ★ Funerals

★ Birthday parties ★ Client lunches ★ Canapé receptions ★ Corporate events

Gourmet catering for groups, parties and events www.carolinemorgan.co.uk 01694 731 514 M: 07536 034 506 E: carolinehuntersmoon@hotmail.com

Buying your wedding dress should be a joyful and memorable occasion for all the right reasons. Choosing your dress is an important part of the lead-up to the big day and the team at Lady Jane Bridal, in Ruabon near Wrexham, aim to make it as fun, relaxed and comfortable as possible. They do this by giving each bride exclusive use of the shop on an appointment-only basis.

‘Our aim is to make a bride’s wedding dress purchase a happy and memorable experience,’ says Jane.

‘We endeavour to do this by allowing only one bride at a time in our shop – though they can bring along their family and friends, of course!’

Inside this bridal outlet you’ll find top makes and styles of beautiful wedding dresses, tiaras, veils, and petticoats from leading designers around the world. Lady Jane Bridal also stocks top quality unbranded dresses, with prices starting from only £99 and going up to £495. There is also a small selection of exclusive dresses, starting from £495.

At the shop you’ll have complete freedom to try on as many dresses as you like, in a warm, friendly and comfortable atmosphere, with no pressure to buy. Sizes range from 6 to 36, so there’s a dress for everyone, regardless of body shape, size or budget.

‘All the dresses in stock are available to buy and take away with you on the day if you want, or you can pay a small deposit and we can keep it for you,’ says Jane. ‘Should your dress need adjusting, we can help with that too. Our stock is constantly changing, so there’s always something new coming in.’

The shop offers daytime, evening and weekend appointments to suit.

Call 01978 799032 or visit www.ladyjanebridal.co.uk

The

Wedding Planner

Blushing brides

Something Dolly Blue…

Dolly Blue Bridal is a lovely, quirky boutique that has quickly established itself as a ‘must visit’ destination for the You’ve got engaged and set the date – so don’t wait to get style-conscious bride and her maids.

The Whitchurch-based salon has started on your beauty regime already won a prestigious nomination for ‘Best New Bridal Retailer’ at the Bridal Buyer Awards 2014.

There’s no point having the perfect dress if Bellisimo beauty salon in Ewloe, Flintshire, A refreshing alternative to outdated, underneath it you’re all lumps, bumps and has a range of in-salon pre-wedding beauty intimidating bridal shops, Dolly Blue scaly skin, and your pre-wedding nerves have packages, from three- and six-month hair, face has no snooty assistants, or rows of caused a major spot breakout on your chin. and body programmes, to nails and tans the identical dresses. Instead, this special boutique Start preparing for your wedding early with day before, all designed to get you looking aims to make your experience happy, some carefully chosen and perfectly gorgeous and feeling confident. relaxed and magical, and to help show timed beauty and relaxation ‘We can create a bespoke package,’ says the beauty and fun involved in treatments and you can be sure of owner Jane Bellis. ‘We really are a one-stop choosing the perfect dress. looking glowing and gorgeous on shop for all things bridal.’

‘Here at Dolly Blue, we are When choosing your your big day.

And Jane and her award-winning team of passionate about weddings, dress, stay true to Secrets of Eden Spa in professional makeup artists and stylists will especially bridal design,’ says your style. You’ll feel Llandudno offer a range of come to you on the morning of the day itself owner Adele Northcliffe. ‘Our most comfortable in luxurious treatments designed to make sure you stun your guests and groom aim is to inspire brides to be to pamper and destress, while as you walk down the aisle. ‘With our fully something familiar creative, unique and gorgeous. at the same time addressing mobile service, we can take the stress out of All our brides become friends that’s taken up a any specific problems you may the morning by pampering you and keeping – they can call, email or tweet few notches on the have. Treatments on offer you calm right up until you’re ready to walk us anytime, and there is no such glamour front include facials, from a 30-minute out of the door,’ says Jane. thing as a silly question.’ quick fix to an hour and a half’s The salon has a specialist range of skincare With a style that’s fashion forward luxury pampering treat. and cosmetics designed with brides in mind, to with a hint of vintage, Dolly Blue’s Body treatments include organic hot stone feel lightweight and natural and yet last all day. collections are far from your typical run-of-thetherapy and indulgence wraps, plus cleansing Bellisimo is also an exclusive stockist of Secret mill wedding dresses. The gowns have all been therapies to get you feeling and looking great Diva lashes, with a choice of five different hand picked from some of the leading lights both inside and out. In fact, there’s everything designs to complement your chosen look. Jane in the bridal industry, and all are beautiful, you need to ensure you look and feel beautiful also offers a hen-party package, with a VIP contemporary and individual. Dolly Blue also and healthy when it counts most. area, hair and makeup for all the girls, and a has fully qualified bridal seamstresses to alter For more information visit www.spa-clinic. glass of bubbly to kick off your night in style. your dress on site. Visit www.dollybluebridal. co.uk or call 01492 878189.

Visit www.janebellis.com or call 01244 536313. co.uk or call 01948 667759

Ssshhh… it’s a secret!

Perfectly prepared

Mum’s the word

As the VIP at a daughter or son’s wedding, every mother wants to look her best and shine too. Before you decide on your wedding outfit it’s a good idea to discuss it with the other mum and your daughter and daughter-in-law to make sure your outfits co-ordinate and complement – and certainly don’t clash.

Top tips for mums

• Dressy jackets are perfect to take you from day to evening, or during the summer a silk shawl or bolero works just as well – like this outfit by Cabotine (right), from www.out-of-town.co.uk • High-waisted skirt suits look glamorous and can be mixed and matched with other items.

• Longer jackets that skim your hips will give curvy women a more streamlined silhouette • If you’ve a petite figure, opt for a fitted dress and jacket combination to accentuate your curves, like this one (left) by John Charles, £699 from www.sochicbangor.co.uk.

• Think comfort. Experiment with different textures and styles for an outfit you feel confident in.

• Accessorise with a bag, but keep it small with only the day’s necessities in it.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 99

Mid Wales Premiere Wedding Venue

Your wedding day is as individual as you are and that’s why at Mellington Hall Hotel we tailor our service to meet your needs allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself, safe in the knowledge that everything is in the hands of the experts.

Licenced for civil ceremonies and partnerships Perfect for small intimate weddings (up to 30 guests) New for 2013, courtyard marquee (up to 60 guests) Luxury accommodation for up to 14 guests Beautiful mountain backdrop and sea views Contact Caroline Evans for a wedding package.

Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2NY 01341 241363 or 07767 473505 enquiries@plasgwynfryn.co.uk www.plasgwynfryn.co.uk

Dream Wedding Package - £2,800 Devotion Wedding Package - £4,500 Terms & conditions apply

Mellington | Churchstoke | Shropshire | SY15 6HX t: 01588 620 456 | e: weddings@mellingtonhallhotel.com

www.mellingtonhallhotel.com Yatter Yatter Mag Feb 13 .indd 1

Tel: 01745 832014 Fax: 01745 832284

reception@kinmelmanor.com

Set in the heart of the North Wales coast with beautiful countryside surroundings, The Kinmel Manor Hotel is the perfect wedding venue. With a reputation for fine food and excellent service we can assure you that you will have the most special and memorable day.

Our beautifully designed and decorated rooms can accommodate intimate civil ceremonies for just a handful of guests to the most lavish of wedding breakfasts for up to 300.

The Complete Celebration Package Let us take care of everything for just

£3,999 based on 50 guests.

PERSONALISED WEDDING PACKAGES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE contact us for more information.

www.kinmelmanor.com

www.shootershillhall.co.uk

11/02/2013 08:56:00

The

Wedding Planner

Get me to the church

Vintage style and modern luxury combine with a reproduction vintage car from Bespoked Wedding Cars

A question of taste From a greeting glass of champers to the cutting of the cake, make sure your catering is covered

The personal touch

When you’re planning the catering for your wedding you want to know you’re putting your arrangements in the hands of someone experienced, who you can trust. Caroline Morgan has 25 years’ experience in the Fans of classic elegance and style will love catering trade and is a chef demonstrator Bespoked Wedding Cars’ range of beautiful at Brompton Cookery School, as well as reproduction 1920s vehicles. The cars doing freelance and private cookery are designed and built using traditional demonstrations all around the county. methods and detailing to exacting A graduate of the Tante Marie School of Cookery and Radbrook College, standards for reliability and Caroline loves food. Based in safety, with as-new finishes and Shropshire, she prides herself on featuring all modern comforts.

In medieval times, sourcing only from the best Bespoked Wedding Cars’ local suppliers, using seasonal wedding cakes were aim is to help make your produce to create innovative made of wheat and day perfect and all you and delicious dishes. could wish Caroline and her friendly, were thrown at the for – with helpful and experienced bride as a symbol of team can cater for any attention fertility – good job that number of guests, from an to detail and intimate wedding breakfast for trend died out! quality, and six to a large event for 180. never settling Says Caroline: ‘I love to work for second best. with brides and couples to help make All the cars their wedding unique and individual. I have been custom-built think the secret is to listen carefully to what especially for weddings is required and then, taking into account individual needs and budget, I will create with matching ivory paint a personal menu to complement the work, black hoods, and wedding theme, ensuring it’s a day to pristine ivory interiors plus remember.’ For more information visit www. highly polished period carolinemorgan.co.uk or call 01694 731514.

detailing. So whether you want a single car for the bride and groom, or a matching fleet of cars for both families, the choice is yours.

As wedding car specialists Bespoked are dedicated experts, who pride themselves on getting you to your wedding in comfort, relaxed and on time. As the cars are especially made for weddings, they have been designed to make sure there’s plenty of room for the bride and groom – and to accommodate that all-important dress, no matter how extravagant it may be!

Bespoked is a family-run company, and treats every wedding as a family affair. The drivers are child-friendly and experienced in making sure your day runs smoothly.

When you book your dream car, it’s yours for the whole day, so bride and groom can relax and enjoy their time together, with stunning photos guaranteed.

Bespoked Wedding Cars cover Cheshire, Shropshire and north Wales. For more information visit www.bespokedweddingcars. com or call 01978 762015.

Why have one cake when you can have two?

If you’re a complete cakeaholic who can’t wait until the wedding day for a slice of the good stuff, drop a hint to family and friends: cake specialist Sugar & Spice in Wrexham are now offering engagement cakes as a way to celebrate and congratulate the happy-couple-to-be.

Proprietor Mike can conjure up cakes in all shapes and sizes, and decorated to your specifications, whether you want fruit, chocolate, carrot, coffee or lemon cake – or anything more unusual. And for the day itself, you can even have your tiers

in different types of cake so there’s something to suit everybody.

Visit www.cakesbysugarandspice.co.uk or call 01978 264355 to find out more.

Whatever you want…

Planning your wedding should be fun – and the last thing you want to be worrying about is whether the food will be OK on the day. But finding someone you can trust to organise the food and drink, and make sure everything is exactly the way you want it, can be daunting and time consuming.

Hughes Catering of Welshpool have a wealth of experience creating wedding feasts that reflect a couple’s individual personality and style. From a small buffet or barbecue to canapés and a full threecourse sit down meal for up to 500, Hughes pride themselves on creating tantalising food exactly as you want it. The fact that the company is approved caterer for the National Trust says it all.

Owner Jenny Morris says: ‘We can happily cater for all sizes and types of weddings.

Whether you’re planning seated dining, a buffet or just drinks and finger food, we will work with you to plan the perfect menu and management of your day.’

As well as the food itself, Hughes can organise your seating, flower arrangements and the finest tableware and linen – and provide everything from the seats to the cutlery, as well as trained, professional staff to provide a discreet service and make sure the day runs exactly right.

‘And,’ says Jenny, ‘we’ve got an eye for all those little details that add that extra special sparkle to the day – such as colour coordinated tablecloths, tableware and napkins to suit any floral display.’

Visit www.hughescaterers.co.uk or call 01691 830055.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 101

01654 781238 www.glandyficastle.co.uk

SUGAR & SPICE Wedding cakes Birthday cakes Ornaments & decorations Celebration cakes Christening cakes Ingredients

Where dreams are realised

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tel: 01 264 978 355

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Llyndir Hall Hotel & Spa Llyndir Hall Hotel & Spa have a reputation for providing the very best wedding celebrations. Including fabulous photo opportunities, exquisite food and a beautifully designed Wedding Suite.

Sensational Summer Wedding Package Available from June 1st to September 30th • Exclusive use of Llyndir Suite and Conservatory • Use of beautiful landscaped gardens and Italian Terrace • Red carpet welcome, with champagne for the Bride and Groom • Our event manager as your dedicated toastmaster • Beautiful cutlery, fine china crockery and crystal glassware • Crisp table linen

• • • • • • • •

Hand crafted Bride and Groom thrones Elevated candelabras Ceremonial swords for the cake cutting Elevated cake base and silver knife Resident DJ Bird cage centrepieces and mirrors Complimentary four poster bridal suite Complimentary upgrades to executive bedrooms for parents

Other wedding packages available include:

Classic wedding package - Executive wedding package Superior wedding package

For more information call 01244 571648 Llyndir Hall Hotel, Llyndir Lane, Rossett, Chester, Cheshire, LL12 0AY

Red Rooster Discos are a bespoke husband and wife team, Nicola and Dave, and have 40 years of experience.

Exquisite catering for every occasion Specialist outside caterers for wedding receptions, private parties, dinners and corporate events ensuring your event is both highly successful and memorable

• Weddings • Tea dances • Parties • Bespoke events • Red Rooster are a bespoke brand of mobile disco, like no other, playing all genres and decades of music to appeal to every age group.

“We consult thoroughly with you in order to tailor our service to your exact requirements.”

01745 890367 - 07765 093203 smiles@redroosterdiscos.co.uk www.redroosterdiscos.co.uk

★ Bar facilities & wine list ★ ★ Your own specially selected wines & liqueurs ★ ★ Chilled beverages ★ ★ Tableware & equipment hire ★ ★ Management of catering sub contracts ★

Tel: 01691 830055

info@hughescaterers.co.uk - hughescaterers.co.uk

Call Today: 01492 878101

6 PENRHYN CRESCENT, LLANDUDNO, LL30 1BA

www.caemorhotel.co.uk

Cae Mor Hotel

A luxurious wedding venue in north Wales

Set in the stunning crescent of Llandudno’s Victorian promenade, Cae Mor Hotel provides an ideal venue for small to medium weddings for up to 55 during the day and 70 for the evening reception.

To take some of the strain out of organizing your special day we have put together three all-inclusive packages starting at £55 per person with the aim of helping manage the budget for your wedding, we can even offer you exclusive use of the hotel from as little at £6500.00 subject to restrictions.

We also offer

PRE-SHOW DINING for just £13.95 for two courses.

Located right next to Venue Cymru, Cae Mor Hotel is the ideal place to enjoy a meal before catching a show.

We also have a large private car park for our guests to use.

At So Chic we specialize in elegant occasion wear for Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom and Wedding guests. We make shopping for that special day an enjoyable experience in a relaxed environment, with friendly service and professional advice.

Harthill Weddings presents...

LABELS INCLUDE: • IAN STUART • CONDICI • JOHN CHARLES • LUIS CIVIT • • IRRESISTABLE • ANN BALON • OLVIS LACE COLLECTION • • GINA BACCONI • JOSEPH RIBKOFF • •

18th & 19th October

nners of Three-timesNwi WEAR SHOP STstOC sional Wear Shop caSIO OcCA VOTED BEBe anEd lesRE WAstLES WaTH STWe WErth th IN NORTinHNo 11 /13 20 12 in 11/ ers 20 nn wi l ING NNna RUtio YEARS na

NEW! mother of the bride range now available

Bridal Fashion Shows 5 tipis on the wedding lawn Wedding Suppliers to discuss your ideas Caterers to discuss sample menu ideas Florists, Wedding entertainment

Visit us at 154 High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1NU

www.sochicbangor.co.uk

01248 372283 email: carysd@tiscali.co.uk, info@sochicbangor.co.uk

Opening times: Monday-Friday 10am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm Evening appointments are also available.

Bespoked

Wedding Cars

1930s vintage style and elegance for your wedding day. Stunning Open Tourers and Landaulets. Bespoked wedding cars provide a high quality service to help ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and is extra special.

Tel 01978 762015

www.bespokedweddingcars.co.uk Email: bespokecars@btinternet.com

www.harthillweddings.co.uk Harthill Road, Burwardsley Chester CH3 9NU

Suppported by

Make wrapping up warm for autumn easy with a 100 per cent cashmere scarf-shawl from Plum & Ivory, £200. www.plumandivory.co.uk

Aphrodite sterling silver necklace, £550; matching earrings, £175.

Necklace also available in 9ct yellow gold (£1,500), www.exclusivejewellery. co.uk

Fashion & Shopping fashion EVENTS

Dresses by Michaela Louisa, £155 (left) and £148.

Out of Town, Oswestry

h Passion for fashion, 7th sePtember, Queens bar, LiLLeshaLL haLL, shroPshire Afternoon tea, fashion show and clothes sale, with major high street brands at rockbottom prices. Tickets £15. In aid of Hope House hospice.

Call 01691 671671

WE LOVE Coat by Junge, £165.

Jenevieve, Llangollen, www.jenevieve. co.uk

Leather panel jacket, £145, and chunky woven scarf, £49, by Sandwich. From www. poppyvarden.com

h rock’n’swaP, 25th sePtember, nunsmere haLL hoteL, cheshire.

A ladies evening with clothes swapping, shopping, hair and beauty demonstrations, a buffet and live music, all for £22.50, to raise vital funds for The Neuromuscular Centre.

Call 01606 861733 or visit www. nmcentre.com

h change of ‘a’Dress: 29th3oth sePtember, abbeywooD estate, DeLamere, & 6th-7th october, Peover goLf cLub, cheshire Hundreds of Fashion Events gorgeous, Planning a fashion show gently used, or sale? Let us know at designer and ‘posh editorial@yattaryattar. high street’ co.uk or call us on 01978 clothing and 813-035 and we’ll tell all accessories our readers! plus home décor. In aid of St Luke’s Hospice.

Call 01606 555687.

Top, £99, and jeans, £79 by Passport. Out of Town, Oswestry

Walking on Air ankle boots

by Caprice, £89. Fab Feet, Oswestry. www.out-of-townoswestry.co.uk

h LaDies’ evening, 17th october, bwLchgwyn schooL, wrexham An evening for ladies to indulge their love of shopping, with stalls and a fashion show. Licensed bar and snacks. Organised by Friends of Bwlchgwyn School.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 105

Fashion & Shopping

Jacket, £139, and dress, £89, by Passport. Out of Town, Oswestry, www.out-of-townoswestry.co.uk

A phoenix from the flames

When Village Crafts in Betws y Coed suffered a major fire three years ago, you could have been forgiven for thinking this unique and eclectic shop’s days were numbered. But rather than accept defeat, the familyowned company instead took the opportunity to completely redesign the premises and revamp its offerings by adding a unique range of products to its collection.

As well as old favourites such as Charlie Bears, Dansk jewellery, ceramic tiles and nightlights, Village Crafts ‘He’s always also offers some rather different products from the UK and further afield. Quality collectables such as asking: ‘Is that new?

Spanish porcelain from Lladro sit side-by-side with I haven’t seen that Coeur de Lion’s beautiful handmade jewellery before.’

It’s like, why from Germany, which in turn rub shoulders with a wide range of Welsh products, including don’t you mind your own lovespoons and locally made woollen rugs. business? Solve world Plus the shop stocks the complete range from hunger.

Get out of my Ironbridge-based Edge Sculpture, makers of striking, contemporary sculptures and busts. closet.’ Michelle Since the shop reopened 20 months ago, it Obama has been going from strength to strength, says manager Sally Jones. Village Crafts is definitely a place for people who are looking for something a little bit different, and as well as great products, visitors will Iris Earrings, £15, Phase Eight find help and advice at hand from the well-informed and friendly staff. ‘We aim to give people a special shopping experience,’ says Sally. ‘We have a modern outlook with traditional values, and we pride ourselves in offering a friendly and efficient service.’

Village Crafts, Station Approach, Betws y Coed LL24 0AE. 01690 710604, www.villagecrafts.net Aran cardigan, £90, by Carraig Donn. Trefriw Woollen Mills, Conwy, www.t-w-m.co.uk

Leather Animal Print Cross Body Bag, £25, M&Co

Jacket by Joseph Ribkoff, £355. So Chic, Bangor, www. sochicbangor.co.uk

Anita Necklace, £25, Phase Eight

A thing of beauty... … is a joy forever, and if you’re looking to give someone special a gift that won’t be forgotten, something sparkly or shiny could be the perfect option

Claret Bag, £35, Marisota

Chelsea boots, £85, Next

‘Jewellery has been given as a gift ever since man started making adornments,’ says Maureen Hooson of Mococo, the jewellery department store with shops in Chester, Liverpool, Mold, Ruthin, Wrexham and Birkenhead. ‘It’s a gift of love and a precious thing. It lasts an eternity.’

Mococo stocks a large range of jewellery from a variety of brands, including Pandora, Thomas Sabo, ChloBo and Clogau. ‘Pandora is one of the most popular brands, particularly the charm bracelets,’ says Maureen.

Mococo ‘Thomas Sabo also makes a bracelet that you can add charms to. Charm Maureen Hooson of bracelets are ideal gifts as you can pick one with charms to match the person’s character and personality.

‘For people looking for something a little more unusual, we stock jewellery from designer Shaun Leane, a multi-award-winning British designer who has worked with Alexander McQueen. I think his work will become the antiques of the future. We also now have our own range of jewellery, Mococo Mor, and an exciting development is that we’re working with a designer from Boodles to develop a range of engagement and wedding rings, so watch this space!’

If you’re unsure about choosing the perfect gift, the staff at Mococo are more than happy to help you find something suitable and whatever you choose it will come gift-wrapped and ready to be presented to the recipient. ‘At Mococo, we want to give people beautiful service, even if they’re only spending £10,’ says Maureen.

‘Every single bag that leaves our stores is packed with tissue, fragrance and a little Mococo chocolate or mint. Even if you order online, everything arrives beautifully wrapped – and the package itself arrives in a beautiful shiny purple bag. It’s a wonderful shopping experience.’

Visit www.mococo.co.uk to find your nearest store or to shop online.

106 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

OUT OF TOWN & FAB FEET The right clothing for everyday and that special occasion

Two floors of fashion inspiration The right clothing for everyday and that special occasion

DRESSING YOU FOR EVERY OCCASION

2 & 4 Upper Brook Street, Oswestry, SY11 2TB We are stockists of Steilmann, Emreco, Oscar B, Olsen, Poppy, Chianti, Pomodoro, Michaela Louisa and many more.

We are stockists of Steilmann, Emreco, Oscar B, Olsen, Poppy, Chianti, Pomodoro, Michaela Louisa and many more.

OUT OF TOWN: 01691 670288 FAB FEET: 01691 655622

Online shopping Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to go to big name sites to get a good bargain online. Lots of local retailers have great sites where you can find what you want, order it, and have your goodies delivered within days.

Here are some of our favourites…

Be.Loved Handbags

STOCK UP ON WINTER WOOLLIES AT TREFRIW WOOLLEN MILLS

Based in Wrexham, Be.Loved offer unique, real leather handbags, handmade by a team of British craftsmen with more than 40 years’ experience. They back up their claims of quality with a two-year guarantee on all bags. Although there are no quick ways to navigate the site, the range is quite small and it’s easy to find your way around. You can sign up for updates via email. Shipping costs £5 per bag for three to five-day delivery, but if your item is out of stock it can take up to three weeks to get to you. They can be contacted by phone if you’ve any queries.

Visit www.be-loved.me

Coed y Dinas (Charlies)

This Powys-based, family-run business has been supplying home and garden items for more than 30 years and now cater for those needs online.

They have a vast range of products from tents to kayaks to basic kitchen accessories, and popular outdoor clothing brands such as Barbour and Hunter. The website is easy to navigate, with price sliders so you can make your choice based on how much you want to spend, and you can even narrow down your search by colour. Delivery is free if you spend over £75, otherwise it costs £4.50, unless the item is over 30kg, then it’s £15.

Visit www.charliesdirect.co.uk

Mococo

There is no substitute for wool!

Attractive arans, classic cardies, fabulous fairisles, snug sheepskin bootees, warm woolly slippers, numerous knitted hats, gloves galore, sumptuous scarves, super socks, gents’ sweaters, terrific tweed caps and hats, sensual sheepskin rugs, cosy cushions, Trefriw travelling rugs, beautiful bedspreads and much more.

Visit www.mococo.co.uk

Nandora’s (Poppy Varden)

Trefriw Woollen Mills

Main Road, Trefriw, Conwy Valley, North Wales, LL27 ONQ 01492 640462 www.t-w-m.co.uk

!

Offering big names including Swarovski and Pandora, plus up-and-coming British designers such as Shaun Leane, this online jewellery shop has a very helpful gift finder. You can filter through what type of metal you want, which gem and even which collection from the list of designers. Delivery is free for purchases over £50, otherwise delivery starts at £1.50. All items are gift wrapped with a chocolate treat or mint included, and you can add your own personal message. They can be contacted by phone if you’ve any queries.

!

PRESENT THIS VOUCHER FOR A FREE HOT DRINK AND WELSH CAKE FOR TWO IN OUR TEAROOMS

This independently owned woman’s clothing company has been dressing the ladies of west Wales since 1947 and has now opened its online clothing store. The site offers clothing from more than 20 brands including Olsen and

Shop in the Clouds

Alongside its collection of all things Welsh – including adult and baby rugby shirts, love spoons and Celtic jewellery – this site offers collectables and teddy bears, and a range of other gifts. The site is small but easy to use, with just a small selection of what’s available in the shop itself. You can call them if you’ve any queries or can’t find what you want. There’s a sliding scale of delivery charges from £3-£12.

Visit www.shopintheclouds.com

Village Crafts

A diverse collection of jewellery, teddies and unique crafts and gifts are available on this site. Ranges include Betty Boop figurines, Welsh collectables, Lladro porcelain and Edge sculptures. You can sign up for email updates. The website is easy to find your way around by just looking through the categories and using the search bar. If you have any questions you can call them. Delivery costs vary according to item.

Visit www.villagecrafts.net

Top Tip

When online shopping look out for https:// at the beginning of the web address. The ‘s’ displayed after ‘http’ indicates that site is secure. Often, you don’t see the ‘s’ until you’re on the order page.

Holster and also a range of gifts including umbrellas, vintage silver teaspoons and bathtime treats. The website is easy to use with a filter function meaning you can shop by brand, colour and price.

You can sign up for email updates. Delivery is free on orders over £100, otherwise charges start at £3.99. There is a 14-day hasslefree returns policy. They can be contacted by phone.

Visit www.poppyvarden.com

Exclusive Jewellery

This online jewellery shop offers a range of beautiful, handcrafted, natureinspired mini pieces of art. Each piece is individually made by jeweller Lucy Copleston. The website contains a gallery of glittering past commissions using unusual gems which include opals and blue topaz gemstones. There is the option to buy readymade rings on the website but you can also commission your own piece of individual jewellery. The website is fairly basic which makes it very easy to use. You can also enquire about jewellery workshops here. All prices shown include p&p via special delivery.

Visit www.exclusivejewellery.co.uk

Write Here

Write Here is one of the leading fountain pen shops in the UK and the website has a long list of fine pen makers including Porsche Design and Visconti. The site also offers notebooks and diaries from G Lalo and Leuchtterm as well as art supplies. It’s easy to navigate the site, and you can call them if you have any questions. Delivery is free on purchases over £10, otherwise p&p is £1.50.

Visit www.writeherekitenow.co.uk

Make the Most Of

This online shop supports local and small-scale designers, artisans and small businesses and helps them sell their work. It is a collaboration of various people selling unique items for your home and wardrobe. With a mission statement ‘To humanise the faceless world of consumerism’ the site has bios of each craftsperson. Navigation is easy, through price, brand and even which room in your house you want to buy for. Delivery is included in the price of all purchases except furniture and bespoke items.

You can call them if you have any questions.

Visit www.makethemostof.co.uk

British Ironwork Centre

Based near Oswestry, this family-run business offers a host of products for home and garden. As the name suggests, the majority of items are made of metal, from intricately designed loo-roll holders to sturdy and decorative garden benches, but there’s also a range of quirky gifts and kitchen items, as well as a bespoke collection of handcrafted metal artworks. The site is organised into obvious product categories, and there’s a quick and handy search option too. Shipping varies according to the items ordered. They can be contacted by phone if you’ve any queries about any of the products.

Visit www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk

Trefriw Woollen Mills

Makers of beautiful Welsh tapestry products, Trefriw offer a full online shopping service. With various products – such as bedspreads, throws, cushions and rugs – all available in different designs and sizes, the site makes it easy to choose your product, colourway and size. You can also order samples of fabric to make sure you know what you’re getting. Delivery costs vary according to the item ordered, but start at £6.24 for small items shipped by Royal Mail. Orders are posted within a maximum of three days and can take seven days to be delivered. They can be contacted by phone.

Visit www.t-w-m.co.uk

Countrywide

As its name implies, this online shop sells everything from agricultural equipment and farm animal feed to toys for your pets, products for your home and garden and clothing and footwear. The site is organised into departments accordingly, and also has a useful search facility. The site is functional rather than pretty, but is very practical and easy to use. Delivery is free on orders over £50, otherwise charges start at £3.95 for parcels up to 30kg. You can also order online and pick up your product at one of the stores if you don’t want to wait for delivery. There is a phone number for general enquiries.

Visit www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

Cherry Tree Country Clothing

A family-run business with a shop in Ruthin, north Wales, this site stocks just about everything you could possibly want for the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking for technical waterproof clothing, a country gentleman’s tweeds, or anything in between, it’s here, along with gifts, equipment, countryside guides and more. The site is split into sections but there’s plenty of overlap, so, for instance, you’ll find socks under footwear, obviously, but you’ll also find them in dog-walking essentials. There’s free shipping on orders over £75, otherwise delivery costs £2.95 for items up to 2.2lb, above that it’s £5.95. You can contact them by phone if you’ve any queries.

Visit www.cherrytreecountryclothing.com

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 109

ARBOUR HOTEL BARMOUTH BARGAIN BREAKS

Weddings Venue Rings Dress Cake Favours Flowers Transport

OFFERS AVAILABLE UNTIL 30TH NOVEMBER DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST 2 NIGHTS – ONLY £95 PER PERSON, PER BREAK 3 NIGHTS – ONLY £129 PER PERSON, PER BREAK

WEEKEND SPECIAL

BED AND BREAKFAST 3 NIGHTS – ONLY £105 PER PERSON, PER BREAK

Entertainment Music Toast Masters Hair & Beauty Photographer Honeymoon Jewellery

To get your business included call us today:

01978 813035

or email: advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

CHILDREN HALF PRICE ON ALL BREAKS

Style our fashion pages with your products!

One TheThe One StopStop singles and couples singles and couples friendly adult shop friendly adult shop

Call: 01978 813035

or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

ER

WINT

2014

TER B IN

IT

AK RE

. . y a w a o g in a r , Rain

IN V

Stocking a superb range of lingerie, footwear, Adult Toys, hen and stag gifts, R18 DVDs, Magazines and Male & Female Libido Enhancers

Get in touch today to find out how

W

BRO HURE AVAIC LABL E SEA FRONT WITH INDOOR POOL, RESTAURANT, BAR, LIFT, CAR PARK Arbour Hotel, The Promenade Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1NE Telephone: 01341 280459

Want your fashion products featured on our shopping pages?

AT I O N

Call:01978 813035 advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

OpeningHours Hours Opening Mon- -Sat Sat Mon 9.30am- -6pm 6pm 9.30am Late night nightclosing closing Late Friday7pm 7pm Friday

Present this advert to claim your 10% discount

TheFantasy Fantasy House The House 2 Mount Street (to the rear of Halfords opposite the Nags Head Pub) Wrexham - LL13 8DN 01978 262784 www.thefantasyhouse.co.uk

Crafty Offers!

Art events, craft ideas and local artists

our art lovers want to know what you’ve got planned!

Call: 01978 813035

or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk to be included

60 MINUTE INCISION-FREE FACE LIFT WITH

Silhouette Soft Face Lift is our fantastic new treatment redefining the face & neck restoring lost volume. Perfect for sagging jawlines & jowls, regenerating rosy apple cheeks, and giving you a fresh, rested, natural look with full facial expression and movement. ~ Incision free ~ 100% Absorbable Threads ~ Local Anaesthetic ~ Immediate and Long Lasting Results Available at our Shrewsbury Clinic or at one of our Satellite Clinics: Abergele 01745 355845 Betws-Y-Coed 01690 710244 Buckley 01244 547947 Llandudno 01492 873531(Matica) Penrhyn Bay 01492 548388 Menai Bridge 01248 714500 Porthmadog 01766 515870 Prestatyn 01745 851044 Rhyl 01745 799493

Please call for more information or to book a free consultation with our Medical Director Mr. Stewart Good MB ChB FRCS DA(UK) IMCRCS(Ed) Cedar House Clinic, Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury SY2 6LG Tel: 01743 271 404 www.cedarhouseclinic.co.uk (CQC Registered)

New pa ti consult ent ations

£37.50

Logo sizes

You’ll want to smile...

Logo sizes

The Denplan logo can be produced in a number of different sizes to suit different applications - from business cards to building signage. These six logo sizes are each designed for a specific role. Please ensure you use the appropriate sized logo supplied by Denplan and do not scale between sizes except where allowed.

The Denplan logo can be produced in a number of different sizes to suit different applications - from business cards to building signage. These six logo sizes are each designed for a specific role. Please ensure you use the appropriate sized logo supplied by Denplan and do not scale between sizes except where allowed.

30mm

40mm

General & Cosmetic Dentistry Size A - 30mm

For uses such as promotional items DENTAL where the strapline would be illegible.

Esthetique 30mm

Implants

Size A - 30mm

Esthetique

For uses such as promotional items DENTAL where the strapline would be illegible.

40mm

50mm

Size B - 40mm

Size C - 50mm

For use on 1/3 A4 DL literature, business cards and small adverts.

For use on A5 sized items of literature and A4 sized adverts and direct mail.

50mm

Size B - 40mm

Size C - 50mm

For use on 1/3 A4 DL literature, business cards and small adverts.

For use on A5 sized items of literature and A4 sized adverts and direct mail.

Clear Braces

Esthetique

Oral Hygiene DENTAL

Esthetique

60mm

80mm

Tooth Whitening DENTAL

Size D - 60mm

Created for use on A4 sized items of literature and A3 sized advertisements. It is also the preferred size logo to be used online or for 60mm DENTAL other screen viewed applications.

Esthetique

v

Size D - 60mm

Size E - 80mm

Created for use on A4 sized items of literature and A3 sized advertisements. It is also the preferred size logo to be used online or for other screen viewed applications.

For use on A3 Posters

Size E - 80mm For use on A3 Posters

Emily Wright

Telephone 01939 211150 www.esthetiquedental.co.uk

Large Format Logo Only to be used in situations like signage and exhibitions where people may be viewing from a distance and the strapline could become illegible.

Large Format Logo Only to be used in situations like signage and exhibitions Note where people may be viewing from a distance and the strapline could become illegible.1. The measurements shown here indicate the width of the logo from the left edge of the apple to the right edge of the word ‘Denplan’.

Note

Thomas Norlin

80mm

11&12 The Stables · Sansaw Business Park Shrewsbury · SY4 4AS

NOC595 12-11

@esthetique_uk

1. The measurements shown here indicate the width of the logo from the left edge of the apple to the right edge of the word ‘Denplan’.

EsthetiqueDental

NOC595 12-11

Colwyn Bay Society

AtÊ Abbeyfield Colwyn BayÊ weÊ aimÊ toÊ provideÊ aÊ peacefulÊ andÊ friendlyÊ atmosphereÊ whereÊ residentsÊ maintainÊ theirÊ independenceÊ withinÊ aÊ homeÊ fromÊ homeÊ environment.Ê WeÊ offerÊ safeÊ secureÊ accommodationÊ readyÊ toÊ beÊ furnishedÊ toÊ yourÊ ownÊ likingÊ thusÊ makingÊ itÊ feelÊ likeÊ home.Ê

What we provide • Affordable comfortable accommodation • Front door key for residents to come and Ê goÊ asÊ theyÊ please • 2 Home cooked meals in a friendly Ê communalÊ diningÊ roomÊ plusÊ breakfastÊ Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê provisionsÊ forÊ residentsÊ toÊ caterÊ forÊ Ê themselvesÊ inÊ theirÊ studio,Ê oneÊ bed Ê roomÊ suiteÊ orÊ bungalow • Morning and afternoon tea or coffee • Room clean plus your washing and Ê ironingÊ undertakenÊ weekly

• Community alarm service which is monitored 24/7 by an external Company for your peace of mind • Open door policy so that friends and Ê familyÊ canÊ visitÊ youÊ atÊ anyÊ timeÊ justÊ asÊ Ê theyÊ wouldÊ inÊ yourÊ home • No fuel bills to pay as this is all Ê includedÊ inÊ theÊ monthlyÊ rent • Lift or Stannah Chair Lift to access the Ê upstairsÊ accommodation

All three houses have conservatories and mature gardens for you to enjoy WeÊ haveÊ aÊ varietyÊ ofÊ accommodationÊ toÊ suitÊ yourÊ needsÊ throughoutÊ ourÊ threeÊ properties.Ê

PleaseÊ contactÊ GeneralÊ ManagerÊ AnnaÊ HamblettÊ onÊ 01492Ê 533724Ê

OrÊ alternativelyÊ emailÊ abbey-colwyn@btconnect.comÊ forÊ moreÊ information.Ê www.abbeyfieldcolwynbay.co.uk

Health& B Beat skin irritation It’s National Eczema Week from 14th-21st September, and sufferers of this irritating and often unsightly affliction will know how debilitating it can be.

Although it’s often difficult to pinpoint the cause, the number of people with eczema has doubled every decade since petroleum-based detergents became commonly used for washing and paraffin oil became the dominant oil used in skin care.

The British Association of Dermatology reports that one in every five children in Britain will be affected by eczema at some stage, so it’s important to know how to deal with it when it arises. We asked the experts at MooGoo, a natural skincare brand for sensitive or problem skin, for some top tips on managing eczema.

• Eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to something, and can be caused by internal or external stimulants, so try to find out what the body is reacting to (admittedly, this can be tricky sometimes). A food diary is often a good start.

• Be mindful of what you’re using to wash your children’s hair and body or any other products being used, as these can aggravate the skin. Choose petroleum oil-free products wherever possible.

• Apply balm to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Follow with a soothing moisturiser every day (even when eczema has calmed down) to keep skin in as healthy condition as possible.

• Avoid too-hot baths and showers as this can dry and irritate the skin even further, which you definitely don’t want.

• Parents – take comfort in the fact that most children grow out of their allergies and eczema. Visit moogooskincare.co.uk for more information.

Grab a FREE Eczema Starter Kit!

MooGoo products are now available at Dudley Taylor on Longbridge Street, Llanidloes as well as online, and to celebrate, they are offering Yattar Yattar readers the chance to bag a free gift. The first 30 readers to go to the store with this copy of Yattar Yattar will be given a FREE Eczema Starter Kit. So don’t delay, get down there today!

&

The power of music

Face up to autumn with healthy skin, look after your teeth, and discover beauty treatments to keep you looking young

Beauty

Pendine Park are passionate about the power of music. Residents at the care home enjoy regular music therapy sessions with staff, the Halle Orchestra and Welsh National Opera – and this year they were at Llangollen Eisteddfod, sponsoring Bryn Terfel in Sweeney Todd. They also held music workshops with the Halle for residents and children, to show how music can be used to enrich lives in care homes.

One of the residents who helped keep up the beat was 95-year-old Edith Williams. ‘I’ve been taking part in the workshops with the people from the Halle for about three years and I enjoy them so much,’ says Edith. ‘Joining in at the Eisteddfod has been really good.” Another resident, 70-year-old Christine Jones, said: ‘I joined in with my tambourine and I really enjoyed myself. Playing and singing in these sessions with your friends is marvellous and it’s good that we can do it with fantastic musicians like the ones from the Halle.’ To find out more visit www. pendinepark.com or call 01978 720242.

Get happy teeth!

Esthetique Dental Practice in Shropshire has been designed to provide a calm, relaxing and discreet environment. Led by Thomas Norlin (DDS, Odont Lic, Dipl) and Emily Wright (BDS), Esthetique Dental’s services range from preventative and general dentistry for all the family through to cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

Patients are always given time to discuss treatment, and are never made to feel rushed.

The team understand how some patients may feel uneasy about their visits and they all take pride in making the experience as relaxed and as positive as possible.

The practice believes that preventative care and education is the key for good oral health for both adults and children. Thorough dental examinations are provided and patients are advised on the best ways to help prevent decay and gum disease, or how to treat them early before problems advance.

For those patients who are looking to improve the beauty of their smile, perhaps considering tooth whitening, cosmetic orthodontics, dental implants or amalgam removal, Thomas and Emily have many years’ experience in cosmetic dentistry and will spend time finding the solution that’s right for you.

Teeth are for more than just chewing; many people live their lives covering their smile, hiding behind their hands when laughing or talking because they feel embarrassed by their teeth. By understanding patients’ fears – whether of pain, inconvenience or expense of treatment – this practice can help anybody seeking quality dentistry by offering a wide range of options and finding an individual solution for each patient. For more information visit www.esthetiquedental.co.uk or call 01939 211150.

Giving life with blood Donations of blooD saveD sam RoDen’s life. this is his stoRy… at the beginning of 2012, sam Roden from hale in Cheshire was a healthy, happy married father of two small boys. he had a good job and regularly competed in marathons and triathlons. suddenly finding himself struggling for breath, sam went to the University hospital south manchester (Uhsm) where he was taken into intensive care. his breathing and oxygen levels were extremely poor, and he deteriorated rapidly. sam’s situation was looking very grim and so the eCmo team were asked to help. eCmo is a technique that takes blood from the heart, removes carbon dioxide, adds oxygen and then returns the blood to the heart. the e eCmo team found that sam was suffering from eosinophilic Pneumonia, a rare disease in which a certain type of white blood cell accumulates in large numbers in the lungs. sam was on eCmo for 10 days, until his lungs had improved. ‘overall ‘ i was in hospital for five weeks,’ says sam, who now wants to do something in honour of the eCmo team at U Uhsm. ‘it occurred to me to take part in the london marathon but, instead of donating money, people donate blood – ie pledge a pint! i was given over 30 transfusions of blood and blood products while i was on eCmo, so it would be great to quite literally repay what i used plus more.’ For more information visit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 2323.

Put to the test Long-lasting mascaras Do those 24-hour mascaras really live up to their claims?

We asked four willing volunteers to put some wellknown brands to the test.

Here’s what they found…

Benefit They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, £19.50 Made my eyelashes look noticeably longer and fuller.

Lasted perfectly all day and was tougher to remove than other mascaras. Didn’t run when I cried at the cinema and gave a really effective result when applying extra layers for a more dramatic look, although when worn overnight it started to flake. **** Max Factor False Lash Effect 24 Hour Mascara, £11.99 Very impressed! Not only did it last the full 24 hours (overnight!), it actually gave really bold volume. At first I thought the brush looked weird, but on using it I really liked it – it has a dense amount of short plastic bristles which gave great control when you’re applying. Definitely does what it says on the tin.’ **** Clinique Lash Power Mascara, £18 This has a slim, tapered brush to reach tiny lashes, and definitely gives more of a natural look with no heaviness. It’s supposed to stay on for 24 hours until you remove with warm water, but though it lasted well and didn’t run, it flaked a bit by the end of the day. This was the only one of the mascaras tested that comes in brown as well as black. *** Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long Wear Mascara, £19.50 Another wash-off-withwarm-water formula, that claims to last up to 16 hours.

It has a slim brush to build without clumping and to reach tiny lashes, though it was a bit fiddly. I liked the mascara, though, it gave a nice, natural look that you can build on, and it lasted all day and into the evening, and was easy to just wash off. I also liked the sexy, bronze tube. ****

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 113

Health and beauty myths WomEn EAT 5LB oF LIPSTICk In ThEIR LIFETImE

We’ve all heard this one, but is it true? Well, actually, no. The average tube of lipstick contains about 0.15oz, so if a woman ate 5lb of it, that would equate to more than 530 entire tubes. Not even supermodels are likely to own that many lippies in their lifetime! OK, we concede that it is more than possible for some product to head south but (unless you’re a dog!), the amount is negligible.

TooThPASTE CuRES ACnE

While a dab of your favourite tooth enhancer may help to dry out a troublesome blemish, it contains nothing that can prevent acne from happening in the first place. In fact, many toothpastes contain an agent called sodium lauryl sulfate – a chemical known to clog pores and make problem skin even worse.

BRuSh youR hAIR 100 TImES

Did your grandmother insist that you give your hair one hundred strokes to ‘keep it shiny’? These might have seemed like words of wisdom when you were seven, but now it seems Grandma was wrong. Trichologists (people who study hair) say that excessive brushing can rip the strands out of their follicles and damage your tresses. Light brushing is best, to remove impurities and stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which nourishes follicles and keeps hair healthy.

Beauty insider

An independent life

It is inevitable that we will all reach a stage in our lives when we have to consider our living arrangements. And it may be that, although you – or perhaps, your parents – are not looking to move into a residential home as such, some extra care available on hand would be helpful.

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay offers independent sheltered living for still independent people looking for company and a community situation without being in a ‘home’.

This registered charity attracts people from all over the country to its three houses in Colwyn Bay The residents enjoy a tea party and Rhos on Sea, where it offers safe and secure accommodation.

All are in lovely residential areas, part of the community and with good access to local shops and amenities.

The emphasis is on caring for the residents’ wellbeing – providing home-cooked meals, cleaning and company while allowing them to continue living a full and independent life, following their own interests.

There are different types of accommodation available, depending on vacancies, but all rooms are en-suite, fully carpeted and with a kitchenette.

Resident Gladys moved to Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay eight years ago. ‘I chose Abbeyfield as I felt it would enhance my quality of life,’ says Gladys.

You can visit Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay at any time, and are welcome to take a relative or friend with you. Visit www.abbeyfieldcolwynbay.co.uk or call 01492 533724.

Ignore Microsoft – viruses can be good for you

By Stephanie Anne Lloyd

T

he changing of the seasons can wreak havoc with your skin. Switching on the central heating, cold winds and autumn rain all make it tough on your exposed epidermis but just a couple of simple changes to your skincare regime can make all the difference…

Try a serum If you haven’t cottoned on to these beauty miracles yet, do it now. You can choose one to suit your skin’s immediate need, without having to change the rest of your routine. Ark do eight Skin Response Serums (£42 each, www.arkskincare.com), each for a specific concern. The De-Stress Serum calms redness and boosts hydration – perfect for autumn-wind-battered skin; while the Antioxidant Serum helps to protect from environmental damage. Iconic Youth Serum from Merumaya (£34.50, www.merumaya.com) contains their own patented ‘repair elixir’ and protects skin from external aggressors such as cold and pollution.

Cleanse gently As the weather worsens your skin will thank you for using a gentler cleanser. Ark’s Remove Pre Skin Cleanse (£25) removes make-up and environmental grime, while containing nourishing ingredients to care. Follow it with the Age Maintain Conditioning Cleanser (£23) which contains prickly pear to stimulate the skin’s natural exfoliating process.

Oil yourself up Oils are closer to skin’s own natural makeup and are more easily absorbed, delivering benefits deeper and more effectively into the skin. Two favourites are St Kitts Herbery Nourishing Oil (£9.95, www.stkittsherbery.co.uk), a natural and silky textured product; and Clarins Blue Orchid Oil (£32, www.clarins.co.uk), packed with antioxidant Vitamin E. Target your skincare: If sudden temperature changes and closing-in pollution are leaving their mark on your skin as deepening wrinkles and age lines, hit back. The Skeyndor Corrective range (www. skeyndor.co.uk) for problem areas, has formulas designed to resurface and regenerate.

From £46-£99 they’re not cheap, but promise visible results in two weeks.

Preserve water Hyaluronic acid, a molecule naturally present in skin, is the most effective moisturiser in the universe. Two new products from Elemis deliver this ingredient straight to your skin in light but nourishing formulas. Hydra Balance and Hydra Boost Day Creams (£38 each, www. elemis.com).

OK, viruses are bad for computers, but like everything in life there are good and bad, so your super-computer of a body has evolved a really great way of killing off the bad ones and encouraging the good ones to flourish (eat your heart out Bill Gates!).

Your bodily mucus contains a type of virus called a bacteriophage (or phage for short) and these help to defend your immune system. The phages contained in your mucus specialise in cracking open and killing bacteria and if a nasty According to the British one gets through and gives you a cold or flu they ramp up production to fight it. The good news is that kissing – especially French style – does you good Association of Plastic by sharing your common human mucus. So enjoy a romantic evening with Surgeons, more than organic meat, lots of vegetables, candles and wine, and then swap mucus and bacteria to your heart’s content.

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Jackie Burnham of Rejuva Laser & Skin Clinic explains some of the treatments and techniques to steer you away from the surgeon’s knife It wasn’t so long ago that women looking for serious beauty treatments, but not wanting to go down the full-on surgery route, had a limited range of options.

Aggressive chemical peels, laser resurfacing, collagen injections and Botox were about all that was on offer. But the range of non-surgical solutions designed to reverse the signs of ageing is ever growing.

Our skin ages owing to sun exposure and, as we get older, decreased production of collagen. The most popular ‘no-needle’ treatments to combat ageing include three-dimensional skin tightening, resurfacing and contouring treatments using a system called Endymed 3Deep Pro. This works by heating up the cells deep within the skin, stimulating the body’s own healing process, to produce new collagen.

Skin rejuvenation treatments using Ellipse IPL2 – an intense pulsed light treatment that again heats deep within the dermis to stimulate healing – can remove age spots and uneven pigmentation, and diffuse redness.

Genuine Dermaroller is a non-invasive treatment using ‘micro-medical skin needling’ to stimulate collagen production deep in the skin With a team of six fully qualified and highly experienced beauty and aesthetic specialists as well as a consultant dermatologist, doctor and prescribing nurse, Rejuva Laser & Skin Clinic offers clients solutions to all their skincare needs. By combining the latest techniques and technology, Rejuva offers a full range of treatments to enhance and improve the appearance of your skin and personally design a treatments and maintenance plan just for you. To find out more, visit www.rejuva.co.uk or call 01745 590693.

114 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

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HEALTH ADVICE

The Best of Care Yattar Yattar talks to Sister Helen Cooper, ward manager of the private Ludlow Ward at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital

‘I

’ve been working on the Ludlow ward for 10 years now,’ says Helen.

‘When I started, we had 10 beds, but we’re now up to 16. We treat all orthopaedic conditions and surgeries here – hips, knees, spine, feet and hands – looking after the patients as they come to the clinic to meet their consultant, for preop assessment prior to surgery, and then as they recover. The whole process for Ludlow Unit patients is managed right here. We also handle day cases, but we find we tend to be busier with the bigger surgeries.

‘The consultants use the dedicated highdependency unit within the hospital as we have very good facilities, and we are able

‘All the money that the Ludlow ward generates is invested back into the RJAH NHS Trust’

together for a number of years which supports the delivery of safe, effective care.

We’re all really used to working together and there’s a great atmosphere.

Continuity of care ‘In 2009, a new outpatient unit was opened within the Ludlow Unit by the athelete Steve Cram who had previously attended the unit for a consultation with one of the surgeons. It’s great to have the outpatient unit with consulting rooms because we can manage the patient’s entire treatment here from initial consultation, through surgery, and on to post-op check ups, so the patients really do have total continuity of care. It’s a really important aspect for Ludlow – seeing the same patients through their whole time with us – you get to understand their concerns and we’re able to allay their fears and I think they are comforted by seeing the same faces throughout their treatment.

‘It’s a great place for patients – every room is private with an ensuite bathroom, there’s a television and wifi – people bring in their tablets and laptops. The food is really good (the food throughout the RJAH is excellent anyway) and we are able to cater for most requests. Anyone who has health insurance can be treated on Ludlow, we also see a certain proportion of ‘fixed cost’ patients – those who are opting to pay directly for their procedure. To give you some idea, a total hip replacement will cost in the region of £9,000-£10,000.

‘It’s just a really friendly team, everyone works well together and as a result, patients pick up on this, so communication with them is very good. Ludlow was nominated for a team award by the Senior Nursing Team, which we were thrilled with. It’s really great to see everyone’s hard work rewarded. Yes, we do get given a lot of cake by discharged patients, or those coming back for a checky up with the consultant!’

to contact consultants at short notice.

The consultants will see their patients post-op on a daily basis throughout their time on the ward. The other good thing about Ludlow is that we are all qualified orthopaedic nurses (which requires extra training after you qualify).

It’s about quality ‘Ludlow Ward has been accredited with ISO 9001, which is the international standard of quality for systems and management.

It is independently assessed every year.

We’ve found it’s a great help working to reach these standards – it’s all about reporting and systems, and it’s recognised by the major insurance companies. We’ve maintained this standard for five years now and the end result is better patient care.

‘We are also part of an internal process called STAR (‘Sustaining quality Through Assessment and Review’). This was initiated by our Director of Nursing Jayne Downey, and we use this as a quality assessment tool. It dovetails well with the ISO standards, so it’s good to have both.

‘All the money that the Ludlow ward generates is invested back into the RJAH NHS Trust, and all the processes and systems developed at ward level are shared with other teams throughout the hospital. We feel that this private unit has a really important role in contributing to the NHS standards throughout the hospital. We have really good staff retention here on Ludlow – the nursing team have been working closely

For more information, contact The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Oswestry on: 01691 404307 (Ludlow Private Unit) 01691 404420 (NHS) www.rjah.nhs.uk September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 117

Why wait for your hip and knee replacement?

HEALTH

Hip, hip, hooray!

Yattar Yattar talks to consultant surgeon Mr Wootton at Spire Yale Hospital in Wrexham about new techniques for minimally invasive hip surgery essential tool for MIS procedures. They are in use at Spire Yale, Wrexham, London and in hospitals in Europe.’

Q: What advances in hip surgery can you offer to patients?

A: ‘Our new ‘FLOTE’ table helps greatly in the procedure for minimally invasive hip surgery (MIS). We are the first UK pioneers of this procedure, and although it is more complicated for the surgeon there are great benefits for the patient, including a faster recovery and fewer complications.’

Q: How does MIS work?

A: ‘We use the ‘direct anterior’ approach, which means making an incision typically 6-8cm long at the front of the hip, with the patient lying on their back on the table. This improved procedure can be recommended to all patients having primary hip replacement operation, and obesity in a patient is no problem at all.’

Q: What are the advantages of MIS? A: ‘The main difference is that the surgeon does not need to divide the muscle, he is only cutting through the skin and the hip joint capsule – by going through the front of the hip, the muscles can be retracted to the side without damaging the tissue.

The table leg extension moves and rotates the leg during the procedure, and can provide traction to separate the hip joint if required, all while the patient lies on their back, which is the best position.

When inside the hip joint itself, MIS is a normal hip replacement procedure, following the standard methods.

Q: Are there any drawbacks?

A: ‘Because this is a new and more complicated technique to gain access to the joint, it requires surgeons to take on extra training to perfectly understand how to retract the muscles and work through a smaller incision. Some in the NHS might see this as a barrier to adoption, but in the US one-third of all hip replacements are done this way.’

Q: Do you think this procedure will become more popular?

A: ‘As with other surgery (such as for the shoulder) I think we will see this method increasingly adopted where appropriate as there are real and lasting benefits for the patient. I see already a lot of interest from patients in the UK about this, and that’s no surprise as people who do their research will see that it means you heal quicker, you leave hospital faster (an average of 2.2 days rather than six or seven), and there is much less risk of developing a limp (because of minimised muscle and nerve damage).

There is a reduced risk of dislocation, reduced blood loss during surgery, and a reduced risk of deep-vein thrombosis, all of which adds up to better patient outcomes,

‘There are great benefits for the patient, including a faster recovery’

Q: What is the table for?

A: ‘The FLOTE table represents an extra assistant if you like – it is designed to hold the patient’s leg in place, while allowing the use of x-ray to check the position of instruments during the procedure. My brother Malcolm, an engineer, designed the table following the specifications and requirements to be really effective in theatre. It attaches to any operating table, fits into the back of a car for transport, and is now an

and we see patients reaching their milestones for recovery and physiotherapy earlier. We saw this same pattern in the development of techniques for shoulders and knees, and for other surgeries.

Another nice outcome for the patient is that they can sleep on their side after surgery rather than only being able to sleep on their backs.

Q: How many hip replacements in the UK are minimally invasive?

A: ‘Hip replacement is the most common and most successful of all surgical operations – it is a procedure that is here to stay with everyone leading longer and more active lives. We therefore think that the minimally invasive techniques will continue to grow and develop – however in the UK the National Joint Registry shows that only 2-5 per cent of all hip replacements were done this way. This goes to show how much in the forefront of developing techniques is Spire Yale. I have found Spire to always be supportive of innovation, and this is a good example of that. Staff have taken to the training enthusiastically because they can see the benefits to the patient in the quality of care and how rapidly they recover.’ y

Mr JaMie Wootton, BSc, MB BS, FrcS Mr Wootton qualified at St Bartholomew’s Medical School in 1981 and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1984. His initial training was in general surgery and then he moved to orthopaedics, training in Norwich, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent and Australia.

The majority of his specialist orthopaedic training was in Australia, where he was based in a sports injury medicine clinic in Sydney. On returning to the UK he introduced techniques of arthroscopic knee surgery including ligament reconstruction and arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Mr Wootton’s initial consultant appointment was in 1992 at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. He also consulted at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, where he became the upper limb shoulder and elbow surgeon.

Subsequently he has transferred his specialist interest entirely to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital where he continues to have a broad range of interests, from sports injury medicine to rheumatoid surgery, and most recently in minimally invasive hip surgery.

01978 262462 www.spireyale.com September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 119

HEALTH ADVICE

Planning to stay in good health Don’t get caught out by unexpected dentist’s or optician’s bills. There is an affordable insurance option, in the form of a health care cash plan from WHA. We find out more…

W

hat if you went to the dentist tomorrow for your routine checkup, a quick scale and polish, and were told that you need a crown replacing at a cost of over £200? Or, at your next eye test, your optician suddenly told you that to be legal to drive you need a pair of glasses, with prices starting from £70?

Could your budget cope? The reality for many families these days is that they would struggle. Which is where a ‘health care cash plan’ such as those provided by the Welsh Hospitals and Health Services Association (WHA) comes in. Unlike most private medical insurance plans – which incur high monthly premiums, and aim to cover you for big eventualities that may or may not happen – a health care cash plan requires a monthly payment of as little as £6.28 and covers you for the sorts of eventualities mentioned above.

Making you healthier Chief executive of WHA Huw Cooke explains: ‘We help people with the costs of everyday health treatments and services, such as going to the optician and the dentist. These are things that are obviously going to be much lower cost than, say, having a new hip replacement with a private medical insurer, but people are going to encounter these things much more frequently.’

The idea of a health care cash plan is that, although it is a form of health insurance, you don’t actually have to be suffering any ill-health to be able to make use of the cover available. Membership of a plan can actually make you healthier – many people avoid visiting the optician or dentist because it can be so expensive for check-ups and new glasses or treatments.

But it’s well known that regular check-ups can identify serious problems such as oral cancer or glaucoma, for example, at an early stage. Health care cash plans will help to pay for new glasses and dental treatment, so there’s a greater incentive to make regular visits to the dentist or optician.

You don’t have to jump through hoops to get your cover or claim either, though you must be aged between 16 and 64 to take out cover, and your practitioner must simply be registered with the General Dental or Optical Council. WHA’s plans also cover complementary treatments – physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic and chiropody – and the practitioner must have an appropriate qualification or registration and insurance cover.

debit, though many workers are members through their employers, with subscriptions deducted from their pay. All the public sector in Wales (NHS, local government and civil service, for example) offer this option to their employees, as do an increasing number of private sector employers.

And WHA aims to fulfil its promises as quickly as possible.

‘WHA differs from most insurance companies in one very important aspect – we aim to send our members their cash benefits as quickly as possible and virtually all claims are processed within 48 hours,’ says Huw. And if you’re wondering what the catch is – there isn’t one. ‘We do encounter the ‘sounds too good to be true’ attitude,’ says Huw, ‘and what I like to say is: Well it is good, and it is true.’

Visit www.whahealthcare.co.uk for more y information, or call 029 2048 5461.

‘There’s a greater incentive to make regular visits to the dentist or optician’

Good and true For that previously mentioned premium of £6.28 per month, in a period of two years you can claim up to £80 towards dental treatment, the same amount towards optical treatment, plus £150 for various complementary treatments.

Cover is also provided for inpatient and outpatient treatments, and maternity.

You have to pay into the scheme for three months before you can make a claim, and you can pay by direct

120 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

About WHA

WHA is a not-for-profit organisation, so all money made goes to paying members for their treatments and ensuring the organisation’s financial viability. Chief executive Huw Cooke, pictured, explains: ‘We’re a fully regulated insurance company, so like any other such company, we have to satisfy the regulators, and prove that we’ve got enough capital to meet the promises that we make to our members.’

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Be your best

‘Excellent in every area’ ISI Inspection Report

Queen’s sixth form is a unique environment which allows students to learn and grow to reach their own individual potential. Girls are treated as young adults with interactive tutorial-style learning and a wide range of enrichment activities to develop debating and presentation skills and encourage leadership and teamwork. This, coupled with our tailored admissions and careers support, provides the ideal stepping stone to the best courses and to top universities: last year 98% of girls went to their chosen universities. Above all, girls enjoy the sixth form at Queen’s. They leave us well qualified, happy, confident, articulate and ready to seize all that life has to offer.

Email: jtaylor@queens.cheshire.sch.uk

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Top of the class From outdoor activities to academic accolades and brilliant fundraising…

All the latest news and achievements from our local schools

Going for gold at Abbotsholme!

Old boy and new head Will Lockett with his wife, Beth

Back to school for Will Former pupil Will Lockett, who attended Abberley Hall during the 80s, returns as headmaster of the school this September, succeeding retiring head John Walker, who has completed 18 years’ service.

Will, who began his teaching career in Wiltshire at Dauntsey’s School and continued at Bryanston School in Dorset, says he is delighted to be appointed as headmaster at Abberley Hall. ‘I was extremely happy here as a pupil and it is an honour to return to a school with such an impressive reputation on the national stage,’ he says. Will is married to Beth and they have three children aged 13, 11 and nine. Visit www.abberleyhall.co.uk or call 01299 896275.

Eyton Pupils step out for bone cancer appeal

Receiving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is a real achievement. Open to young people aged 16-25, the award tests mental, physical, team working and service skills, stretching participants and really taking them out of their comfort zones.

Abbotsholme School in Staffordshire produced 13 gold recipients last year and looks set to top that this year, with no less than 17 recipients.

Abbotsholme pupils begin doing their bronze award in year 9, involving hikes, camps, canoeing and kayaking activities and trips, and can continue to do silver in years 10 and 11. Gold is the pinnacle of Duke of Edinburgh.

The school is lucky to have a team of Duke of Edinburgh stalwarts including Joy Holmes, the Duke of Edinburgh award coordinator, and Rory Sellar – head of outdoor education – who was recently recognised for his 32 years’ service to Duke of Edinburgh. Tom Palmer, assistant head at Abbotsholme received his 20 years award earlier in the year too.

Over the last five years, Abbotsholme has achieved 78 gold awards which is a great tally. The school continues in its 125th year to go for gold as more and more pupils reach sixth form and choose to test their endurance with this award. Visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk or call 01889 590217.

Prom was out of this world!

From a vintage bus to a horsebox, This summer, 75 Lamborghini, Ferrari, Harley pupils from Eyton Davidson and even a Doctor Who School, Wrexham ‘Tardis’, the mode of transport set the undertook a tone for a glamorous and meticulously sponsored walk planned Marches School Year 11 to raise money Prom at The Lion Quays Resort for The Oswestry this summer. Parents, relatives, past Bone Cancer students and friends turned up in Centre Appeal. their hundreds to greet students as Taking part were they arrived. More than 150 students the Ellis family and 40 staff attended the event and and friends, supporting parent and teacher at the enjoyed a ‘red carpet’ style welcome, school Lois Ellis, who is currently receiving treatment before sitting down to a three-course from the Tumour Unit at Oswestry. meal, followed by a night of dancing Matthew and Lois’s son, Sion Ellis, 11, a student at away to the DJ. In between courses, Eyton School said: ‘The sponsored walk was great speeches were made by head boy and the money raised will be a massive help towards and girl Stuart Green and Emily building the new Tumour Unit. We would like to thank Ball, who described a all the families and everyone who has donated ‘tremendous five towards the fundraising events. All the money years at The will be a massive help to the new Bone Get in touch Marches, during Cancer Centre Appeal.’

Fancy a career as a journalist? which friendships Lois Ellis added: ‘All the staff at the have developed that will last a lifetime’.

If you’d like to do some work Tumour Unit have been brilliant. I would Meanwhile, other students went on an expedition experience in the fun and friendly like to thank everyone for all their to Romania this summer, where they assisted with support in helping raise this money.’

Yattar Yattar office and get a a house-building project and spent time trekking in Visit www.eyton-pri.wrexham.sch. real taste of the world of editorial the mountains. Visit www.marchesschool.co.uk or uk or call 01978 823392. For more production – we promise it won’t call 01691 664404 information about the Bone Cancer be boring! – email us at Centre Appeal visit www.rjah.nhs.uk Matthew and Sion Ellis

editorial@yattaryattar.co.uk

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 123

EDUCATION

Queen’s girls get on their bikes for charity

Tim Longman, director and grandson of the founder of The Firs School with new head Lucy Davies

New head brings taste of Eastern promise The Firs School in Chester welcomes a new head this month, following the retirement of Margaret Denton, headmistress for 17 years.

Lucy Davies, currently head of juniors at Al Khor International School near Doha in Qatar, is returning to Cheshire to take up the post.

Mrs Davies has strong family connections in the area and attended Rydal School in Colwyn Bay. She will bring an international dimension to the school and considerable experience of different approaches to learning and assessment. ‘I am exceptionally pleased to be leading and guiding such an outstanding school,’ said Mrs Davies. ‘The world is changing so quickly, it’s full of opportunities.

Our challenge is to ensure our children are happy, well adjusted and want to learn, and that they are able to grasp these opportunities.’

Lucy is married with four boys. Visit www. firsschool.net or call 01244 322443

A group of pupils from The Queen’s School in Chester have cycled more than 200 miles each from their school to Buckingham Palace to raise fund for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Headmistress Sarah Clark led the group of 18 girls and several staff on their epic five day trip.

The girls, all aged between 15 and 16, had been training for several months in preparation and travelled on cycle paths, canal tow paths and roads, staying in village halls and other schools with overnight accommodation. The funds raised will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust and The Queen’s School Commemoration Bursary Fund.

‘Our girls pulled out all the stops to make this happen,’ said Mrs Clark. ‘I’m very proud of them all. We had some very long days in the saddle but the girls got through it and they will have learnt a lot about themselves, and each other, in the process.’

The Q2Q2 bike ride is the flagship event for the school’s Fitness For All campaign: a campaign aimed at finding an inspiring sporting activity for all pupils – not just those that think of themselves as ‘sporty’.

Well done Queen’s!

Congratulations to the pupils at The Queen’s School for achieving some of the best GCSE results in the school’s history, which place them top of The Times GCSE League Tables 2014 for Chester

Getting a head start Meanwhile, three year 12 students from the school have won prestigious Headstart placements in science, technology, engineering and maths. The week-long courses provide an opportunity for 16-17 year olds to get hands-on experience of subjects before making their UCAS applications.

The girls – Elizabeth Wood Bowyer, from Wrexham, Priya Shukla from Chester and Emma Naylor from Tarporley – will be shown different courses and career paths available to them, get a taste of university life and meet role models from industry. For more information about Queens School, visit www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk or call 01244 312078.

Ruthin anchors new accommodation

Boarding pupils at Ruthin School have some brand new accommodation this year – in what was a historic hotel in the town’s centre. The school bought Ye Olde Anchor at the end of 2013 and completed a £1.5m conversion project in time to open the doors for this new school year. The conversion not only provides the vital space needed to house an increasing number of students. Now renamed ‘Goodman’ the boarding house has 30 single bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, plus communal facilities including a large kitchen/ dining area, common room and outside patio area. There is also a separate three-bedroom apartment for the housemaster’s family.

Principal Toby Belfield says: ‘The student population at Ruthin School is growing rapidly. Our acquisition provided the perfect opportunity to secure new accommodation and revitalise the building. These are very exciting times for Ruthin School.’ Visit www.ruthinschool.co.uk or call 01824 702543.

Thirty pieces of silver

Pupils from Wrekin College in Shropshire returned tired but happy from a very successful silver qualifying expedition this year, with five teams of very motivated pupils. Thirty youngsers are in the process of completing their silver Duke of Edinburgh award – a record for Wrekin.

The pupils’ routes took them from near Bridgnorth to the Long Mynd and then on to the Stiperstones over a period of three days and two nights. Their project on route was ‘Use and Abuse of Footpaths’. The weather was kind and at times a little hot but they all coped well. The teams were of mixed strength but were all successful and greatly enjoyed the challenge. Members of the public have commented on how impressed they were with the pupils, with one even calling the school to compliment the youngsters.

Visit www.wrekincollege.com or call 01952 265600.

124 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Three peaks of achievement Three second-year outdoor adventure students from Walford and North Shropshire College (WNSC) recently completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, reaching the summits of Ben Left to right: Sam Farmer, Nevis, Scafell Pike Lorenza Lee Lockyer and and Snowdon in Josie Sumner under 24 hours.

Sam Farmer, Josie Sumner and Lorenza Lee Lockyer had to compete with very challenging conditions such as gale force winds, relentless rain and inevitable blisters, but these factors did not deter them. The threesome walked a total of 24 miles and climbed 3,060m which took them 15 hours.

The rest of the time was spent travelling the 460 miles from Ben Nevis to Snowdon in a minibus while getting as much rest as possible.

The students completed this gruelling walk to raise money for charities they hold close to their hearts. Sam raised money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Josie for Cancer Research UK and Lorenza for Macmillan Cancer Support. In total, they raised £2,000 between them.

If you love the outdoors and being active, the Outdoor Adventure Diploma could be the course for you. For information visit www.wnsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688080.

Nurturing your child’s individuality Open • Experienced established since 1945

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www.firsschool.net For further information or to arrange a visit contact: The Firs School, 45 Newton Lane, Chester, CH2 2HJ. Tel: 01244 322443 Fax: 01244 400450 Email: admin@firsschool.net

open evening Come to our open evenings and explore the stunning school grounds and facilities. See learning come alive, with departmental experiments and displays. Excellent transport links to the schools for those living in Shropshire and Wrexham.

To find out more about the school sixth forms and forthcoming Information Evenings, please visit our school websites.

Independent primary education for boys and girls 3-11

Thursday 25 September

starts at 6pm with the Headteacher’s address

www.sirjohntalbots.co.uk Thursday 9 October 4pm - 8pm

www.marchesschool.co.uk

EDUCATION

Open Days You and your child can take the opportunity to visit the school of your choice, meet pupils and teachers, and get a taste of school life. Here is our pick of the schools in the region that are holding open days Abberley Hall, Worcestershire Activities open morning for all ages, Saturday, 27th September, 10.30am12.30pm. Visit www.abberleyhall.co.uk or call 01299 896275

Abbey Gate College, Chester The senior school is open on Saturday, 27th September, Abbeygate College 9.30am-12.30pm.

Aldford School (the Infant and Junior Department) is open Saturday, 18th October 9.30am-12 pm.

Visit abbeygatecollege.co.uk or call 01244 332077

Abbotsholme School, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire The next open day is Saturday, 20th September, when you’ll meet the headmaster and have a tour of the school with a pupil, and have the chance to meet key staff. Visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk or call 01889 590217

The grounds at Adams Grammar School

Adams Grammar School, Newport, Shropshire Open week for 11+ entry is from 29th September-3rd October. Presentations are held twice daily at 9.45am and 1.45pm (no need to book) and include a

tour of the school with an opportunity to also visit the junior boarding house and sports fields at Longford Hall.

Students interested in joining Adams’ sixth form in September 2015 can attend weekly presentations from October 2014 through to February 2015. There is also a boarding taster weekend, 11th-12th October. Visit www.adasmg.org.uk or call 01952 386307.

Ellesmere College, Shropshire

facilities. The junior, senior and sixth form sections are open. Visit www.kingschester. co.uk or call 01244 689520.

The Marches School, Oswestry Open evening, Thursday 9th October 4pm–8pm. An opportunity to meet staff and students, take a look at the facilities and find out more about the opportunities available to students who study at The Marches. A sixth form information evening will also be held on Thursday 16th October, 6pm-8pm. Visit www.marchesschool.co.uk or call 01691 664400

Full school open day, Saturday, 11th October, 1pm-4pm. Meet senior members of staff and heads of departments.

‘Education is our See the facilities passport to the future, for firsthand and tomorrow belongs to the enjoy one of the people who prepare for it best afternoon teas in the today’ Malcolm X county. Visit www. ellesmere.com or call 01691 622321.

The Firs School, Chester The Firs School open morning, Saturday, 4th October from 10am. A chance to visit the school and meet the teachers and staff. No appointment necessary!

Reception taster mornings, 15th October, 19th November, 20th January and 5th March, from 9.30am. For children considering entry to reception in September 2015. This is the usual admission route for Early Years children not already in The Firs’ Kindergarten.

Juniors at work morning, Thursday, 16th October from 9am. A tour of the junior school to see it in action. Visit www. firsschool.net or call 01244 322443.

The King’s School, Chester Open morning, Saturday, 11th October, 9.30am-12.30pm. An opportunity to meet the pupils and teachers and see all the

126 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

Moreton Hall’s new science facility

Moreton Hall, Oswestry, Shropshire The senior school open day is 4th October, from 10am, with the principal’s address at 10.30am. The sixth form information day is October 18th, starting at 9.45am. The sixth form scholarship assessment day is Thursday, November 6th 2014. Visit www.moretonhallschool. com or call 01691 773671.

Oswestry School The open day is held on Saturday, 4th October, where there is a chance to meet the new headmaster Mr Julian Noad.

For more information, visit www. oswestryschool.org or call 01691 655711

Pupils at Oswestry School work in one of the laboratory classrooms

Queens School, Chester Senior school open morning, Saturday, 4th October; sixth form open evening, Tuesday, 14th October; lower school open morning, Saturday, 8th November. Meet teachers, the headmistress and current pupils and get a feel for the school.

To find our more, visit www.queens.cheshire.sch.uk or call 01244 321507.

Ruthin School, Clwyd Open day Saturday, 15th November, 10am-1pm. Meet teachers and pupils and watch students taking part in a range of interhouse activities. Visit www.ruthinschool.co.uk or call 01824 702543.

St David’s College, Llandudno Open morning, Friday, 10th October, 9.30am-noon. Visit www. stdavidscollege.co.uk or call 01492 875974

Sir John Talbot’s School, Whitchurch Open evening Thursday 25th September at 6pm. The evening will provide the opportunity to attend a presentation by the headteacher, meet staff and students, take a look at the facilities and find out more about the exciting developments.

A WNSC student at work

Walford and North Shropshire College Open days take place at the various campuses during October: Saturday 11th 10am-2pm, Shipley campus; Wednesday 15th 5pm8pm, Oswestry campus; Saturday 18th 10am-2pm, Walford campus; Thursday 23rd 3.30pm-7pm, Aspire Centre. The open events are aimed at year 11 pupils considering their options for post-16 study. Prospective students and parents can tour the campus, meet the tutors and students and ask any questions Boarding at Wrekin College they have. Visit www.wnsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688000 to find out more.

Wrekin College Open morning is on Wednesday, 17th September 9am-noon. Prospective parents and pupils will be guided around the school by pupils during a normal working day, and have the opportunity to talk to the headmaster and teachers.

The sixth form open evening is on Thursday, 18th September 6pm-8.30pm, with a fun evening of talks from current and former pupils and staff, followed by a buffet supper. Visit www.wrekincollege.com or call 01952 265600.

Ysgol Clywedog, Wrexham Open day for next year’s year seven intake is 24th September 6pm. For more information visit clywedog.org or call 01978 346800.

90 acre grounds Exceptional facilities New science complex Indoor swimming pool Sports hall Rifle range Art & DT centre Large music suite Astroturf Riding stables Modern Language laboratory French alpine chalet We also offer a wide range of evening and weekend activities from calligraphy to abseiling.

Saturday 27th September

The Haberdashers’ Adams’ Federation

Adams’ Grammar School Newport, Shropshire

Founded 1656

“Outstanding” in all four categories

Family

- Ofsted 2013

Day and Boarding Grammar School Boarding for Boys 11-18

Open DrdayOsct 3 29th Sept &- tours daily Presentations 1:45pm at 9:45am &

•

• • • •

Outstanding alternative to the independent sector Affordable boarding – no tuition fees Academic excellence A caring and supportive environment Extensive extra-curricular programme

“Boarders achieve outstanding learning outcomes” - Ofsted Tel: 01952 386300 www.adamsgs.org.uk

Canvassing Opinion GILL CHETCUTI TAKES A LIGHTHEARTED LOOK AT THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF PARENTING Up until recently, I had successfully rejected any suggestion of camping. The reason for this is simple – I hate it. OK, maybe ‘hate’ is a little harsh. Perhaps what I should say is I love not camping. In fact, I would rather do almost anything else but camp, come family holidays. I’m not too picky; give me a nice comfy bed, endless hot water and a well-stocked bar in a quaint little gîte in the Dordogne and I’m happy.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not completely averse to roughing it Love it or (I once spent a weekend in a Premier loathe it, most Inn where the TV reception was a people have an bit sketchy), but I’d rather not, opinion on the great thank you. My reasons are many outdoors. Let us know and varied but top of the list has to be those treacherous blow-up what you think – mattresses. Specifically designed so email us at editorial@ that an intrepid outdoorsy type can yattaryattar. experience the joy of rolling off the co.uk edge in a cursing, bleary-eyed heap, they literally leave me cold.

I also hate the flappy bits of canvas that whip you in the eye when you try to sneak out quietly for a piddle in the wee small hours (don’t get me started on that!), and sleeping bags make me feel, appropriately, as if I’m in a straitjacket. While I’m at it, why anybody would want to toast marshmallows over a fire in a wet field when there’s wine and Pringles at home is beyond me.

In short, I like my mod cons. Therefore, when I agreed, after a barrage of wheedling from my nine-year-old, to unleash my inner Bear Grylls for two nights during the summer holidays, it was with a tentload of trepidation. However, I have to admit it was rather fun. Yes, it poured down for the entire weekend and I hurt my toe falling over a guy rope in the middle of the night but I will definitely do it again. Why? Well despite the many reasons to not bother, there’s one big reason why I will: my boy loves it (and my other half is rather keen too) and that’s good enough for me.

corner

Camping comedy, a new adventure playground, great gifts and terrific new reads – all for the little loved ones in our lives…

kids’ reads Yattar Yattar picks out some favourite New childreN’s titles

Peck, Peck, Peck, lucy cousiNs l This charming story about a little woodpecker, whose daddy teaches him how to peck, is likely to be an instant hit with young readers.

Reminiscent of Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar, Caterpillar the novice pecker bores holes into a variety of inappropriate things – Aunt Geraldine’s picture, socks, even a toilet – until he is shown the error of his ways. Jampacked with bright, cheerful illustrations and slightly offbeat rhyming verses Peck, Peck, Peck even has strategically placed holes cut into the book’s cover and throughout the story, which really Did You Know?

The first ‘Mr Men’ book, helps to make the story come alive.

Your youngsters will be giggling by Mr Tickle, came about page one. H H H H

King of the castle

Calling all princes and princesses, knights and dragons… The new when author Roger SuPertato, sue heNdra Welsh-castle themed play park at Plassey Holiday Park & Retail Village Hargreaves was asked Meet the superhero who literally has in Wrexham, north Wales is officially open and is ready to welcome by his son to describe eyes everywhere! The eponymous heroes and heroines of all shapes and sizes this October half term.

Supertato (a potato in a cape) is a tickle The new park, whose entrance is guarded by a knight and a dragon called to action when a naughty created by local tree carver Sion O’ Rourke, has slides to whizz down, pea makes a bold rope bridges to cross, a trampoline, climbing walls to conquer, and even a escape from the freezer. Narrowly zip wire, all ready for magnificent feats of derring-do. And while the kids enjoy missing being hours of fun, parents can sit and relax with refreshments from one of Plassey’s food and squished by a potato drink outlets or browse the craft and retail shops. masher, our spuddy There is no charge to use the play park, which is open all year round, and there is saviour endures also free onsite parking. Visit www.plassey.com to find out more.

New baby...?

a chase through cakes, and a series of narrow scrapes before the escapee (escaped pea!) is finally captured. Perfect for bedtime, this book is brilliant fun for parents and children alike. The illustrations are suitably zany, the plotline hilarious. Although the premise is delightfully silly, there is a serious moral to the tale – everybody is special in his or her own way. H H H

shower the newest member of the family with great gifts and fun toys this autumn For little Hell’s Angels, MJMark’s Rocking Motorbike ‘puck’, £175 from www. thechristeningroom.co.uk

Having trouble potty training? Try this Princess Potty Chair, with loo roll holder and magazine holder, £50. Also available for Princes! www. gooseberryonline.co.uk

WE LOVE This beautiful, handembroidered ivory silk christening robe by Sarah Louise is far too lovely just to be used for the one day. You’ll want to dress your baby in it for every outing! £179.90 from www. thechristeningroom.co.uk

How patriotic! Inch Blue Welsh Dragon baby shoes, 100 per cent leather, £18.

Also available in Union Jack, Scotland and Shamrock. www.gooseberryonline.co.uk

the Great Galloon, tom BaNks The Great Galloon, an enormous airship built by Captain Meredith Anstruther and manned by his incompetent crew of misfits, is preparing to play host to the wedding of the year: Captain Anstruther is about to marry the beautiful Lady Isabella, but disaster strikes when his evil younger brother comes aboard for the wedding and kidnaps her! We follow the crew on the adventure of a lifetime as they go in search of the missing bride and attempt to save the day... Slightly older children will enjoy this swashbuckling adventure, with its quite challenging vocabulary and thought-provoking subject matter.

Its ending is slightly disappointing but the story is well written with some real giggle-out-loud moments. H H

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 129

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Poet’s Corner

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If you’re a poetry fan, Write as fast as you can We would love to hear from you soon.

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Do you want to appear in Poet’s Corner? Send your poem to editorial@ yattaryattar.co.uk

Our John Lennon specs And daisy braid plaits Bell bottom jeans And multi coloured hats The sun always shone Without care or worry Hey there, slow down, Don’t make life hurry The Beautiful People So folk did say The season of love Oh happy day!

BY CELIA FORD

On Hill 62

We stand here in peace and remembrance You stood here in bravery and courage We will always be so grateful You gave your lives for all of us Through the horror and the pain, that we will never understand We walk in your footsteps, upon green fields You crawled in mud and watched how Your friends and comrades were blown to pieces We honour you and thank you for your sacrifice For if you hadn’t fought for us Our future would have been rewritten ‘Lest we forget’

BY MRS CA THOMAS

Beguiled

I do believe you’ve struck a chord that lies within my heart for I know now I’ll miss you lots while we are far apart I’ll think of you each day I breathe, longing more and more but I’ll not see those sparkling eyes till I come through your door and when I do it will be you with lovely laugh and smile that warms my heart with soft caress and doth my soul beguile

BY BRIAN STONE

School First Day

Wooden desks on wooden floors Wooden chairs and wooden doors Smell of lilac wax and pencil shavings Little coat hooks with picture paintings Lady teachers in summer frocks Some were friendly some were not Playtime biscuits with milk to drink I sat alone staring trying not to blink Classrooms all busy and clean Children flocking wanting to be seen Teachers scolding directing and telling Some very quietly, others yelling Not what I’d expected so enough was enough Home was my target so pack up my stuff Wooden doors behind me I ran for home It’s not very far so it shouldn’t take long At home I was quickly turned back again Apparently I had to learn to count up to ten Duration I’d thought was only meant for a day But alas there would be a much longer delay One day at a time was the way to look at it So that’s how I thought as I put on my jacket Might learn something more to add to my bow strings Although at five I’m already quite good at most things PETER G MACPHERSON

Local Author Review

Looking for the Way Jeremy Flint

JEREMY FLINT MOORCROFT BOOKS

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Inspiring local authors, great reads for the autumn, plus a roundup of regional literary events…

LOOKING FOR THE WAY

Look around… you ever wondered his works? What is the e, its object or purpose the best way to achieve e, too, so I embarked on a o find the fundamental e Universe. Sometimes simply cannot see he wood for the trees. Two systems of a small planet and he Universe works.

Book Club

Subtitled Two Systems of a Small Planet and How the Universe Works, this mellow, reflective Works work is one of those rare books that not only opens the mind to fresh ideas, but also encourages you to question fundamental concepts and rethink the factors that make life personally meaningful.

A fascinating study of Jeremy Flint philosophy and family life, the book’s recurring metaphor – comparing humanity’s resilience to the stoical properties of nature, in particular, trees – serves to illustrate how we are an extension of this natural energy and intricately connected to the world around us. Each illuminating section of the book is divided, not by chapters, but by branches, with each branch exploring a different area of a theory. Some of these ideas are rather deep and complicated, but the useful diagrams throughout help to define the more involved concepts. Particularly effective is the way in which Flint expertly weaves flashbacks to his daughter’s childhood (some 30 years ago), with gentle humour and his own, ongoing journey in search of what makes the universe tick.

Despite the fact that this is not light reading, it is insightful and fascinating in equal measure and although it will not give you the definitive answer to the meaning of life, it will certainly make you think.

Looking for the Way, published by Moorcroft Books, is available from Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes and Noble and Mold Book Shop.

If you are a local author and would like to be featured, just call 01978 813035 or email editorial@yattaryattar. co.uk

Looking for The Way Two systems of a small planet and how the Universe works

Meet the Author

Jeremy Flint tells us: ‘I was born in 1950 in Flintshire, north Wales, where I enjoyed an idyllic childhood playing on the banks of the River Dee, surrounded by fields and wildlife. I never excelled at school and later drifted into the world of engineering.

‘I worked my way up the career ladder, though at meetings I would introduce myself as a ‘time-served electrician working my way down’ as I often felt that my career progress took me further away from the truth I was seeking.

‘I became an Experimental Specialist – about as high as a technician could get without turning to the dark side of management!

(I always preferred science and physics; projects and people came and went but the laws of physics remained intact, off-limits to change by management, who would have happily changed them if they could!)

‘Now I’m retired I’m working on ways of storing solar energy while still puzzling over The Standard Model of particle physics. After a three-year study of the latter I have concluded that something fundamental is missing, but I fear I’m a little out of my depth. I’d like, one day, to write a sci-fi novel which explores these fundamental issues, again in a novel and thought provoking way.’ Watch this space...

Murder at the Maples Joanne Phillips

Flora Lively is not your average amateur detective. In fact, she’s not a sleuth at all but the owner of Shakers Removals, a financially struggling removal firm. At least they have some regular work – a contract with The Maples – a retirement village and home to Joy, Flora’s young-at-heart and somewhat eccentric friend.

However, Joy has a dark secret. Many years ago, desperate for approval from her friends, she was involved in a prank that left an innocent young boy seriously injured and killed his beloved dog.

But what has that to do with the creepy Mr Felix, and who is behind the strange incidents terrifying the residents? As Joy’s past threatens to catch up with her it is down to Flora to unravel the clues – but can she solve the mystery before Joy is transferred to the notorious third floor – a place from which few people return…

Murder at the Maples is a promising start to a new series of mysteries revolving around the unconventional Flora Lively. The gently paced narrative draws the reader in to engage with the characters and it is owing to Phillips’ exquisite writing style that the underlying sexual tension between Flora and Marshall (the infuriatingly laid-back American manager of the company), is a compelling subplot of its own.

132 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

As the story unfolds, so too does the palpable feeling of menace. However, the near-perfect balance of humour and whimsical charm coupled with a cracking plotline makes this a good, old-fashioned whodunit with a brilliantly modern twist.

Murder at the Maples is also available in audiobook format from Audible and Amazon.

Visit www.joannephillips.co.uk for more information.

Meet the Author

Joanne Phillips lives in Whixall, north Shropshire, with her husband and young daughter.

Originally from Chester, Joanne has had a variety of jobs – hairdresser, air hostess and librarian – but is now a committed author who divides her time between, in her words, ‘writing and finding creative ways to avoid housework’.

The author of three romantic comedies (as well as the Flora Lively series of Shropshire-set mysteries), Joanne was inspired to write Murder at the Maples after a family outing to the funicular railway at Bridgnorth.

But why set a mystery in a retirement village?

Joanne smiles at the memory as she replies: ‘I’ve always really enjoyed crime novels but, after becoming a parent, I found it difficult to read books with too much violence or with upsetting scenes. The idea for a ‘cosy’ mystery was born and Flora Lively sprung into life, ready to solve her first crime. The second book in the series – A Date with Death – is to be published in November.’

autumn reads l Silence Once Begun, JeSSe ball

When Oda Sotatsu, an unassuming salesman, loses a bet in a bar he is forced to sign a confession to a crime he didn’t commit – the abduction of eight people from a Japanese town. Sotatsu is duly arrested and interrogated but, much to the frustration of the authorities, refuses to speak to anyone – even his beloved family. As the innocent man’s execution date looms, a journalist, desperate to learn the secrets behind the silence, uncovers a complex story of deceit, honour and chance. Although the plot is somewhat convoluted at times, this is a gripping and thought-provoking read. Stick with it, you won’t be disappointed. H H H

l The huSBand’S SecreT, liane moriarTy

Mother of three Cecilia is happy with her lot until she discovers a yellowing envelope in the attic. On it, written in her husband’s distinctive hand, it says ‘to be opened only in the event of my death’. Overcome by curiosity she opens it and discovers John-Paul’s deepest, darkest secret – a confession that threatens to destroy everything in which Celia once believed. Although this book was rather slow to get going, once the stuttering introduction of characters was complete it picked up pace and became a moving and humorous easy-to-read novel. H H H l Mr MercedeS, STephen king

An explosion at New York’s Metropolitan Museum kills 13-year-old Theo Decker’s mother, leaving him emotionally and physically scarred. The family of a wealthy friend agree to take him in but the traumatised boy is inconsolable, and embarks on a downhill spiral of self-destructive behaviour driven by grief. Only the painting of the goldfinch, which Theo saved from the museum, offers him any solace – but is it enough? Tartt’s previous novels have been gripping pageturners but this one seemed to wallow in self-pity all the way. However, her trademark beautiful prose is a redeeming feature and the intricate plot is genius. H H

Fans of the undisputed master of suspense, rejoice!

Stephen King is back (not that he’s ever away for long) with this suspenseful tale of a driver in a stolen Mercedes who ploughs through a crowd of people, killing eight and wounding 15. Believing the perpetrator will strike again, retired homicide detective Bill Hodges vows to stop the maniac in his tracks before his killing spree escalates. This is King’s first proper foray into the detective genre but, as in the horror stories that are his forte, his graphic imagery still has the power to shock and discomfort the reader. It’s not as scary as King’s previous offerings but it will leave you more terrified of the man next door than the paranormal. H H H H

l caSeBOOk, mona SimpSon

l MayBe SOMeday, colleen hoover

l The gOldfinch, donna TarTT

Nine-year-old Miles rigs a walkie-talkie under his parents’ bed in order to have something to talk about at school. However, he gets more than he expected when he overhears them talking about their damaged relationship and impending divorce. Desperate to learn more he recruits his best friend Hector to help eavesdrop on telephone conversations and meets up with a private detective. This may sound like a plot from a children’s story but Simpson’s wonderful novel is actually a compelling study of a dysfunctional family and their clumsy attempts to appear otherwise. A dark tale in parts but overall a captivating read. H H H H

At 22 years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: she’s a dedicated college student, has a steady job and a wonderful boyfriend, and best friend Tori. However, everything changes when she discovers that the love of her life and Tori are hiding from her a devastating secret. Only her love of music and the mysterious man next door can stop her unravelling completely... Maybe Someday is a passionate tale of betrayal and romance – even if this is not your type of book you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by this one, as it’s quite un-put-downable. It’s also very funny and extremely well-written. H H H H H

Literary Events l Talk and Signing wiTh deborah harkneSS, waTerSTone’S birmingham highSTreeT, 10Th SepTember An evening with internationally bestselling author Deborah Harkness to celebrate the publication of her new work The Book of Life Fall. l book & a beer bookclub, booka bookShop, oSweSTry, ShropShire, 11Th SepTember The bookclub is reading Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World by the Dalai Lama. The group meets at the shop at 7.30pm to discuss responses to the title just read, and then retire to one of the local pubs to continue the discussion over a well-earned drink. Visit their website www.bookabookshop. co.uk for more information. l oxfam alderley edge communiTy book feSTival, feSTival hall, alderley edge, cheShire, 15Th-16Th SepTember Celebrate all things book-related while raising funds to boost Oxfam’s work tackling global poverty. The festival will feature storytelling sessions to entertain younger readers and sales of donated books. There will also be live music and refreshments available. l herbaceouS, wenlock bookS, much wenlock, 19Th SepTember An evening with Paul Evans, author of Herbaceous, and Mia Cunningham, Shropshire’s first Young Poet Laureate. l birmingham liTeraTure feSTival, library of birmingham, 2nd-11Th ocTober Headline events in the 2013 festival include a celebration of National Poetry Day featuring UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. The festival will also celebrate the opening of the new Library of Birmingham. l children’S day, wellingTon library, ShropShire, 4Th ocTober As part of the 18th Wellington Literary Festival, there will be a Children’s Day where kids can meet and chat to authors, poets and illustrators, listen to stories, enter competitions and have a go at caricature drawing. l an evening wiTh linda granT, waTerSTone’S liverpool one, 22nd ocTober Man Booker shortlisted author Linda Grant returns to her home city, and will be discussing her new novel Upstairs At The Party.

Teen reads echO BOy, maTT haig Set in a future world, changed drastically by global warming and massive leaps in technology, Echo Boy is a dystopian novel exploring what makes people truly human and separates them from the Echos – supposedly harmless android servants designed to look like their masters.

When 15-year-old Audrey’s parents are murdered by a malfunctioning android her only sanctuary is with creepy Uncle Alex... but whose side is he really on? Narrated by the alternating voices of Audrey and Daniel, the eponymous Echo Boy, this is an exciting and imaginative sci-fi thriller.

If you’re planning on buying one for the young adult in your life, do yourself a favour and read it first. H H H H Su SuMMer’S ShadOw, anna wilSon Summer’s mother is on a ventilator in hospital after suffering a horrific accident, so when Summer receives an emotional phone call which sounds like her mum saying goodbye, she automatically assumes she’s been the victim of a tasteless prank call. However, the next morning Summer learns the devastating truth – her mother died during the night, and now she’s being sent to live with relatives she’s never even met. Although this is quite a dark read, the book contains a good balance of spooky mystery, tentative romance and gentle humour perfect for young teens. The story itself is strong enough to make up for a predictable ending. H H H

l an evening wiTh Sophie hannah, waTerSTone’S mancheSTer deanSgaTe, 22nd ocTober A new novel featuring Dame Agatha Christie’s most beloved creation, Hercule Poirot, has been approved.

Bestselling author Sophie Hannah plunges Poirot into a mystery set in 1920s London.

Join Sophie to discuss The Monogram Murders.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 133

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PETS & WILDLIFE Animal advice, pet presents, wildlife events and precious pictures!

Promote your vet, kennels, animal charity, service or shop in our Pets & Wildlife section!

Call: 01978 813035 or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

Fun Family Festivities!

Find out how to keep your family happy over Christmas in our November/December Family Section.

Call: 01978 813035

or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

EDUCATION News, special events, school open days, pupil achievements, activities and trips

We’ve got it covered!

01978 813035

or email: advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk

Keep your business active through the winter season Do you offer experience gift vouchers?

Promote them in our November/December: Christmas issue with editorial in our Yattar Active pages.

Call: 01978 813035

or email advertising@yattaryattar.co.uk to find out more

FOSTERING

Make a difference Troubled teenagers can be challenging to look after, but this is a time in their life when the care and attention they receive is vitally important. Could you offer a loving home to a young person in need?

C

aring for teenagers is difficult enough when they’re well adjusted, happy, healthy kids and you’re their parent. But many teenagers don’t have the luxury of a stable home, perhaps because their mum and dad can’t cope at this time, or maybe they have lost one or both of their parents.

Fostering a child of any age is a very rewarding experience, and foster care is the best way to provide the stability and support that children need when they are unable to live at home with their own family, whether long-term or simply as a respite for their carer. And fostering teenagers can be especially rewarding.

Margaret has fostered children for 10 years and has just received an award in recognition of her ongoing and extensive commitment to the Fostering Service and Looked After Children.

‘I became a foster carer after my own children had left home and had children of their own,’ she says. ‘I have looked after more than 40 children now, including

a number of teenagers. One young person who lived with me for three years still keeps in touch, and now visits me with her own baby, which is lovely.’

CAROLE AND PHIL’S STORY Carole began fostering last October because she missed being a parent.

‘My own children were grown up and had left home, and I wanted to help another child to achieve their potential and to keep them safe.’

Carole and her husband Phil have found fostering a teenager to be both challenging and rewarding. ‘We’ve become more active, met new people and have learnt new things,’ says Carole.

‘Family and friends have been very supportive. Interestingly there is a lot of admiration from friends, and some wish that they could do the same.’

And of course there is immense

satisfaction in seeing how your care can help. Says Carole: ‘Our young person was able to stop smoking with our help, and seeing them starting to achieve things that had not been possible before has been amazing. It’s very rewarding when they start to talk about their achievements and to evaluate them.’

If, like Carole and Margaret, you could offer a home to a young person or child, contact Wrexham’s Foster Care team.

Like the children and young people they care for, carers come from all walks of life.

All you need is understanding, patience and commitment. Wrexham offers round the clock support to its foster carers and allowances to cover the costs of fostering. y Contact the Wrexham team on 0800 783 0618, or visit online at www.wrexham.gov.uk/fostering

A room to Spare?

Foster for Wrexham

Therapeutic and specialist foster carers needed Mae angen gofalwyr maeth therapiwtig a gofalwyr maes arbenigol hefyd

The need is great.....The rewards are greater

Ystafell iw shario?

Maethu i Wrecsam

MaeÕ r angenyn fawr....,MaeÕ r wobr yn fwy

0800 7830618 fostering@wrexham.gov.uk

Get out and volunteer! It does you the power of good to help others…

Room for improvement

RACHEL COMAN, VOLUNTEERING OFFICER AT CHIRK CASTLE, TELLS US ABOUT HELPING OUT AT THE NATIONAL TRUST

Help in their darke st hour

Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Cruse Bereavement Care provides free bereavement support within the county, helping people to understand their grief and cope with their loss.

This is a free service provided by dedicated volunteers, who receive ongoing rigorous and demanding bereavement training in by accordance with best practice. The range of services provided these caring volunteers are one-to-one pre- and post-bereavement support for adults, children and young people; telephone support; and group support. Volunteers also provide information and training for staff of local schools on the best way to support bereaved young people. Their work is carried out by either visiting the bereaved person at home or by interviews in counselling rooms. e Bereavement affects us all at one time or other and Shropshir Cruse offers each person the support that is appropriate for them. if If you would like to volunteer at Cruse Bereavement Care, or a have to like would who tion organisa or group a to you belong presentation or talk, visit wwwcruse.org.uk/shropshire If you are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one and 6812. would like to talk to someone in confidence, call on 0845 606

‘Volunteering is at the heart of the Volunteer room guide National Trust – without volunteers Di Stebbing the Trust simply couldn’t function. Our volunteers have different reasons for taking part, from developing new skills and meeting people to supporting the National Trust. Volunteering opportunities are more flexible than ever and I would like to tell you about our dedicated team of volunteers who help visitors enjoy the state rooms at Chirk.

‘We currently have 70 room guides at Chirk Castle with our youngest room guide aged 18 and our oldest aged 85. Most of our guides come on a regular day but some like to take a more flexible approach. The daily room guide briefings are great fun as the guides catch up and receive essential information for the day. You don’t need to know everything about the castle as we provide a comprehensive induction programme and you get to spend plenty of time with your fellow room guides.

‘There is also a social side to volunteering: in August we had our summer party – we laughed about the chilly weather, but did enjoy the yummy hog roast.

DO YOU KNOW A I’m now planning the autumn and winter activities.’

LOCAL HERO? If you would like to get involved or for more Is there someone in your information about volunteering at Chirk Castle, community who deserves to be contact Rachel on 01691 776310. featured on our volunteering

Keep smiling

Createasmile , a registered charity for ch autism, Aspe ildren with rger’s syndro me, Attention Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder, and other disabiliti pages as a local hero? special educ es and ational need s was establish Nominate them by emailing by parents of ed in 2009 affected child ren. Today, th and welcom information to us at editorial@ is unique ing group offe rs support an bringing suffe yattaryattar.co.uk d advice rers, and thei r carers, toge experiences ther to share and, crucially , reduce isola Run entirely by nosed diag was tion. n Gree ey Ashl 21, vo just lunteers, the In 1991, at the age of re de ceived some dicated team roof of his mouth. Although funding from has r with a rare form of cancer in the Afte .

The Morgan later and the Welsh Foundation t, the cancer returned 10 years Assembly Gov Ashley he underwent successful treatmen py, er thera nm pl ou radio of en ks gh t, wee ed al six l of which is straight back ery and into organising undergoing eight hours of surg ldn’t throughout no family events ves that he and his family wou rth Wales. was given the all clear but he belie ort.

Supp cer Createasmile help of Macmillan Can are always lo have coped so well without the s oking to incre awareness of me a grant to help with travel cost ase the above co Ashley explains: ‘Macmillan gave nditions and They on. we Lond in y lc awa s om mile 150 e everybody in over t men treat my ng havi was I need of help when selling advice. They or our financial worries, gave us coun also run pare helped us find our way through nt support groups so if yo ’ ions. cript pres f relie u, or a family yo and organised rapid pain for ey mon u know, could ided to hold an event to raise LOOKING FOR benefit from As a thank you, Ashley has dec some ow friendly and rs are planning to meet at Ludl ntee volu un of VOLUNTEERS? de team a rst and an He n. di ng Macmilla re pshi Shro h gu Sout id the ng an ce, call 0174 before undertaki If your organisation would 5 344303.

Rugby Club on 21st September help to like d like to be featured on Ludlow Cycling Festival. If you’ Tors 100K sportive, as part of the 07827 012090 . these pages, get in touch een14@googlemail.com or call eygr ashl act cont e, caus ey’s Ashl on (01978) 813035 or send an email to: editorial@ yattaryattar.co.uk

Lo ca l He ro

Hope for the best

Driving force

Thousands of older people across Cheshire rely on volunteer drivers to help them to do everyday things that most of us take for granted. Without them, simple shopping trips, hospital appointments and social occasions can be complicated and stressful. Age UK Cheshire East is looking for reliable drivers to help older people to become more mobile. Anybody can become a driver; they come from all walks of life, from retired people who want to keep busy to students eager to gain valuable work experience.

If you are a car owner, good with people, well organised, patient, kind and supportive and feel that you could help to make a real difference to the lives of older people, call 01625 612958.

A Shropshire business has recently made Hope House Hospice its charity of the year. The staff at Ludlow Food Centre were unanimous when it came to championing the charity that provides help and support to terminally ill and life-limited children and their families.

Tom Hunt, marketing manager at the Food Centre, said: ‘Hope House is an amazing charity and we will have lots of opportunities to support them and raise awareness of their work. At our recent Family Fun Day we were really impressed with the money raised but we want to do more.’

Since 1995, Hope House has helped countless young people and their families with respite care, home nursing and end-of-life care. The hospice also offers sibling counselling and bereavement support as well as the services of a social work team. It urgently needs to raise £4.7m to provide its essential services this year. Visit www.hopehouse.org.uk.

A ranger of opportunities We spend a day with the volunteers at Chirk Castle

I

t’s all go at the‘Ranger Hub’ at Chirk Castle. This medieval fortress has more than 480 acres of parkland to care for, and the ranger team are crying out for volunteers to help –but it’s not all outdoors.

‘Engagement is the buzzword at the moment,’ says assistant ranger Tom Moore, who is surrounded by books on wildlife, pencils and crayons, glue, skulls, leaves and birds’ nests, even a snail under a microscope. ‘The aim is to encourage children and adults to explore the estate, to make the most of the grounds.’

Volunteer Thea is helping Tom today – she’s a regular at the castle. ‘I get a lot out of it,’ she says. ‘You meet people from all around the world. One of the best things about volunteering here is that people are happy when you meet them, because they’re on holiday, or they’ve come for a day out!’

The changeable weather works in Tom and Thea’s favour, as families dive into the hub to escape the showers. The children stick leaves on to pictures of trees before going out to see if they can find the real thing.

‘We’re totally open to suggestions for volunteering,’ says Tom. ‘For instance if you’re enthusiastic about birds or bats, you could guide a walk. We also need people to help out with social media, and to help with all the things going on over Christmas.

Come and roast some chestnuts!’

There is plenty of outdoor work to do, too. Assistant ranger Mike Jones and his willing volunteer Will head off to check on some tree guards – vital for protecting the estate’s planting scheme from marauding sheep and cattle.

‘We need people who are happy being outside doing practical stuff,’ says Mike.

‘We need people for day-to-day jobs and special projects – for instance, we’ve just finished building the natural play area, with the help of Will and other volunteers.’

LEARNING NEW SKILLS Will has been helping out at Chirk on a work placement scheme, and he loves it and is getting a great deal from it. ‘I’m learning new skills, which is really useful,’ he says. ‘I’m hoping to go into countryside management eventually.’

The ranger team are keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in helping them, whatever their skills or whatever sort of tasks they might fancy taking on.

‘We can plan activities to people’s skills,’ says Mike. ‘We are completely open to offers and try to be as flexible as we can – it’s not slave labour! We really value the help of our volunteers – there are some tasks that just wouldn’t get done without them.’

Interested in helping out the Ranger team at Chirk Castle? Call 01691 776310.

HANDS ON… Volunteer Will and ranger Mike fix some tree guards (top) THE TEAM… Rangers Tom and Mike, with volunteers Thea and Will (centre) YOUNG MINDS… Tom teaches young visitors about wildlife and the estate

Castell Y Waun

Dewch i gael hwyl a chwrdd â phobl newydd.

Ymunwch â'n tîm o wirfoddolwyr cyfeillgar ... o arddwyr i ganllawiau ystafell, mae gennym rôl gwirfoddoli i bawb.

Chirk Castle

Have fun and meet new people. Join our friendly volunteer team...from gardeners to room guides, we have a volunteering role for everyone.

01691 776310 nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle/join-in/ rachel.coman@nationaltrust.org.uk

Elusen gofrestredig rhif 205846. Registered charity number 205846. © National Trust Images

Volunteering Gwirfoddoli

copy of Get your ttar direct Yattar Ya or – head to your do 44 or call to page 1

035 01978 8sc1ri3be to sub

Coming next issue...

We’ve got everything you need to prepare for winter and get ready for Christmas, so don’t miss your bumper next issue of Yattar Yattar, out on 7th November

l

Shop local this Christmas

l

Make an early resolution to forgo Amazon and tesco.com and support your local economy this year – we’ve done the legwork for you and found a host of brilliant local places to do your Christmas shopping. l

It’s lighting up time!

Want to know when and where your nearest Christmas parade is, and what time the lights are being switched on?

Or who’s starring in your local panto?

We’ve got it all covered… l

Festive feasts

Top recipe tips from local chefs and where to buy everything you need for your Christmas dinner.

Advertisers: with each issue of Yattar Yattar you benefit from l Two months’ coverage l Displays in all major supermarkets l 48,000 copies picked up giving you 110,000 readers! l Fantastic print and design quality l Highest readership in the region l Coverage throughout Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire

Yattar Yattar helps to keep you up to date with everything local and, best of all, it’s completely free to pick up in supermarkets! So, whether you’re looking for local events, special offers, advice for improving your home and plenty more, or just looking for a good read, make sure you grab the next edition.

For the best of Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire, keep an eye out for the Nov/ Dec 2014 issue of Yattar Yattar in a supermarket near you from the first week of November onwards!

A time for giving

Want to do something for charity this Christmas? We’ve got some great ideas on ways you can give back to your community and bring a little light to someone’s life this festive season.

PluS...

Great events and shows throughout our area, fashion for Christmas parties, winter holiday ideas, health and beauty tips and advice, plan the best party ever, plus loads of competitions with great prizes up for grabs and much, much more…

What would you like to see more of in Yattar Yattar? Get in touch! Email us at: editorial@yattaryattar.co.uk

Other local glossy magazines have a few copies on a newsagent shelf. Yattar Yattar supermarket stands hold 500 copies at a time – and they all get picked up! We have a much bigger audience for you…

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MOTORING

Service with a smile

New European directives have left some car buyers confused about what’s best when it comes to servicing their new vehicle. We speak to Dan Barber of Trotting Mare garage at Wrexham to find out what’s what

S

o, you’ve had your lovely new car for a year and it’s time for its first service. But knowing where to take it can be a minefield. Your local workshop down the road, who always looked after your old car really well, tell you they’re qualified and have the equipment to do the work, but the garage that you bought the car from have implied that you should only take it to one of the main franchised dealers or your warranty will be invalid. Who’s right?

Well it used to be true that only authorised franchised dealers could carry out under-warranty services on cars, but all that has changed with the Right to Repair Campaign and new EU legislation.

Now any garage can undertake the work – though obviously you need to be sure that any workshop you go to has well-trained staff who are up to date with the latest developments.

Dan Barber of Trotting Mare garage in Wrexham says: ‘We embraced this law at the early stages and have invested accordingly, with regular staff training courses, up-to-date diagnostic equipment and various software programs for technical information to allow us to provide manufacturer level of service to all makes of vehicles whatever their age.’

With cars these days more like computers on wheels, and with new proprietory innovations constantly being revealed by manufacturers, many garages couldn’t access the latest technology introduced by car makers. Under the new EU legislation, however, non-franchised workshops

now have the right to access diagnostic tools from car manufacturers, and to source spare parts from third-party providers, so they too can carry out any repairs and servicing – often at much lower prices. All of which also means you can rest easy taking your prized new car to your tried-and-trusted mechanic down the road.

‘Many motorists are inclined to stay within the manufacturer’s dealer network in order to maintain the dealer service history,’ says Dan. ‘That’s understandable, but you need to be sure that the value such a history adds to your car is justified by the extra cost. EU legislation means it’s OK to go where you want for servicing, even to a non-franchised garage, without invalidating your warranty.’

Words of wisdom Dan has this advice: ‘If you do go to an independent garage, make sure it’s VAT-registered.

Before you let them loose on your car, establish whether they’re using genuine manufacturer products or aftermarket ‘pattern’ items (which are often half the price and may be no different in quality). Ask for receipts and for part numbers to be noted on the service docket, and make sure that the service book is stamped after the work is complete. Understanding the terms of your warranty could save you a lot of money.’

Find out more about Trotting Mare at www. trottingmaregarage.co.uk or call 01978 711978.

01978 711978 Here at Trotting Mare Garage we have a comprehensive selection of motor finance packages to suit everyone’s pocket, including business contract hire, personal contract hire, finance lease and personal contract purchase (PCP) and direct purchase.

Choose from our massive stock of new and used cars for sale together with our used car finance deals available on HP, PCP and personal car finance. Our deals range from 6-60 months with deposits from as little as £99, you can drive away a new car for under £100!

We also offer fantastic deals on new and used vans for sale which include van finance lease, van hire purchase and van contract hire.

CAR LEASING

TECH SERVICES

CAR SERVICING

MOT

Personal Contract Purchase Benefits • • • • • •

Purchase of a new or nearly new vehicle Fixed monthly payments At the end of the contract you can either:Part exchange for another car Hand the vehicle back and owe nothing more Pay the optional final payment and own the car outright

‘We are confident that we can find the right deal for you.’

Visit our website to see our exciting range of vehicles:

www.trottingmaregarage.co.uk Overton On Dee, Wrexham , LL13 0LE

Tel: 01978 710435 Car Sales: 01978 711978

THE SEVEN THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT MAKING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

By Mark Lampkin, Chester and North Wales Leading Injury Claim Expert

As a personal injury claim expert of 25 years’ experience I want to share with you the seven things that you must know before you, a relative or friend make your first call following an accident that causes injury. I regularly see how innocent accident victims often make the wrong call, end up in the wrong hands and lose out on hundreds or thousands of pounds of their rightful compensation. Here is my simple guide to make sure that you get the best help should the worst happen and you were injured on the road, at work or out and about.

1. Why you should not ring your insurers first

Mark Lampkin:

Expert solicitor and specialist in accident claims

If you have an accident in your car or on your motorcycle and it was clearly your fault you should ring your insurers at the earliest opportunity, but if the accident was not your fault then you must take advice before making that call. Remember that insurance companies only owe a duty to their shareholders and not to you. A solicitor properly appointed by you will owe you a duty to make sure your interests are protected at all stages.

2. Why you should never call a claims company!

A claims company can do nothing else for you other than pass your details on to a solicitor. In the past the claims companies charged a fee to those solicitors but following the ban on selling cases in April 2013 they are now making money by taking a percentage of your case. Claims companies are allowed to charge up to 25% of your claim. What do you get for this? Nothing!

3. Why no win no fee is good for you

Despite the phrase “No win no fee” almost becoming a dirty word it is actually a brilliant system for any innocent accident victim.

Under this system a solicitor will work for them and will only be paid should they win the case. This means that good solicitors fight hard to win cases for deserving clients. If they win they recover most of their costs from the losing party’s insurance company and under changes introduced in April only up to 25% of a client’s case can go towards legal costs. This is a brilliant system where clients are guaranteed at least 75% of their claim.

4. Why your employer cannot dismiss you for making a claim

Provided you have worked for your employer for in excess of two years continuously you will have employment protection. This means that you cannot be dismissed otherwise than for a fair reason and if you are you could claim compensation for unfair dismissal. If your employer dismissed you for making a claim it is highly likely that a Tribunal would find that this was an unfair dismissal and would award compensation to you. Do not allow an employer to bully you into not claiming it is your right not to be injured whilst making profit for your employer and if you are you should and must claim.

5. Why you should not feel bad about claiming

It is not wrong to claim compensation for your loss and injury that has been caused by somebody’s negligence. Car drivers, employers and owners of public property all must be insured. Insurance companies skilfully use the media to create a public impression that it is wrong to claim. This reduces the amount of claims they face and means they pay out less money and make more profit for their shareholders. Do not be fooled and if you are innocently injured you should claim what is rightfully yours.

6. You do not need to use solicitors appointed by your insurers

Most insurers will charge you an extra premium for legal expenses insurance on your motor policy. If you have an accident they insist upon you using their solicitors normally because they have a financial arrangement whereby they make profit from this referral system. Some may even take a percentage of your case. The European Courts have ruled that if you have legal expense insurance you have a right to appoint your own solicitor with the benefit of that policy. It is often better for you to be represented by your chosen solicitor who is local to you rather than be appointed a solicitor who could be at the other end of the country.

7. The Three Year Rule

Following an accident that has caused an injury you normally have three years from the accident date in which to issue Court Proceedings. This date can be extended for children (before their 21st birthday) or where you did not know that you had sustained an injury for example in cases of industrial deafness, asbestosis and medical accidents.

Why choose Lampkins

I have built my business to serve people in the Chester and North Wales area who have had such accidents and to make sure that they are properly advised and represented at all stages. I appear on radio, TV and in other media as a personal injury expert and have a team of lawyers and assistants ready to help you. We aim to make you so pleased with our help that you will tell all your friends and family about us. Please see our testimonials on our website or listen to our client’s testimonials on Chester’s Dee 106.3.

We hope you will stay safe but when the worst happens we are here to help you put things right.

Call 01244 525725 or click lampkins.co.uk to find out how we can help you. Home and hospital visits arranged and we always offer a free interview for enquiries of whatever nature.

LEGAL EAGLE

Adding insult to injury

LEGAL EAGLE

If you have a legal question, tune into Dee 106.3 every Monday at 9am to catch Ask Lampkin.

Ask your question at www.lampkins.co.uk, and get your answer for free on the air!

A new bill before parliament has serious implications for innocent members of society who have been injured at work or in accidents, as our resident legal expert Mark Lampkin explains

O

ur Government seems hell bent on promoting the unsubstantiated If you have a legal claim that we are immersed in a e De into e question, tun compensation culture where health and at 106.3 every Monday safety has gone mad. I say unsubstantiated n. pki Lam Ask tch 9pm to ca because all the reports – and believe me I Ask your question at follow – show that claims rates have , co.ukthem ns. pki am w.l ww remained all but static for decades. r swe an r and get you The latest attack on the most vulnerable for free on the air! in our society – the innocently injured – comes in a Bill that addresses a problem that isn’t there, in a way that changes nothing and has been universally panned by lawyers of all disciplines. In fact, the Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism Bill 2014 will, I believe, introduce a risk that some seriously and even fatally injured innocent members of society will have their rightful claims for compensation defeated.

Basically the law of this country is that if you are injured by someone who owes you LampkinMaBio rk grewaup general or statutory duty of care you can rom Liverpool, d as where he later qualifie claim for damages and compensation. for king wor ally n 1990. Initi there have been some reports of an begSure, of large law firms he and law people claiming for whiplash when not se in personal injury 9.

199 in & Co really injured but we should remember also is own firm, Lampkin and firm rincipal Solicitor at the that only a tiny percentage of those who ice show n a weekly legal adv could claim actually do. k Lampkin This bill seeks to roadcast on impose an obligation Dee 106.3.

ularly writes n the ever g area of injury law, rights and in editorials dvice on a legal issues. experienced clist and also omplished n, playing xophone and assion for jazz.

upon a court, when considering a claim for compensation, to have regard to whether a defendant was acting for the benefit of society, had a generally responsible approach, or was acting heroically.

This is actually completely superfluous as Section 1 of the Compensation Act 2006 much more eloquently states that a court in such considerations should have in mind whether the consequence of a successful claim would prevent a desirable activity being undertaken. If so, then the judge can exercise his discretion to dismiss the claim.

This provision is basically the reason that we still have children’s swings in parks, because although they carry a risk of injury, swinging is a desirable activity, if you see what I mean.

HAvE-A-go HERoES go juMPIng In While the bill may have laudable intentions, it could lead to have-a-go heroes jumping in with reckless abandon, knowing they cannot be sued, when waiting five minutes for a trained paramedic to arrive would have saved the patient.

Think also about whether you would be prepared to send your child on that school canoeing expedition knowing that you have no legal recourse if the teacher takes them across the Bay of Biscay in a force

nine because the court must regard that school trips are ‘for the benefit of society’. tHE EMPLoyER nEEDS PRotECtIon? More worrying is the effect this may have on worker safety as the Government seems intent on reducing still further the need for employers to adhere to health and safety laws. The new law would allow the employer to ask a court to consider letting him off if he can show he had a ‘generally responsible approach’.

Can you imagine the judge saying to the widow that her dead husband’s employers are not liable for his death caused when a brick fell on his head when he wasn’t supplied with a hard hat that day because the employer had a generally responsible approach and supplied hats most days?

I have sufficient faith in the intellect and ethics of judges to be sure that they would not succumb to such nonsense but then, what is this pointless act all about? This government clearly believes that, to quote shadow justice minister Andy Slaughter, ‘the employer, insured and in charge of the accident site, needs protection from the injured employee unable to earn their salary and plucking up the courage to sue their boss.’ Words I am happy to echo. y

Mark Lampkin

Originally from Liverpool, Mark grew up in Preston where he later qualified as a solicitor in 1990. Initially working for a number of large law firms he began to specialise in personal injury law and founded his own firm, Lampkin & Co in 1999. He is the principal solicitor at the firm and features on a weekly legal advice show called Ask Lampkin which is broadcast on Chester’s Dee 106.3. Mark regularly writes articles on the ever changing area of personal injury law, claimant rights and features in editorials giving advice on a range of legal issues. He is an experienced motorcyclist and also an accomplished musician, playing tenor saxophone and has a passion for jazz.

Lampkin & Co, Aled House, St David’s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire. Lampkin & Co are regulated by the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority. are, rns Contact them on 08081 782110 for clear and honest advice for free, or visit the website at www.lampkins.co.uk next appointment. U-tu

or his dangerous inion, one of the most road. the on ou can ever do the second ning right is probably does . Twenty-twenty vision

MONEY EXPERT

A pensions revolution The recent Budget Statement has started a new pension revolution and is certain to affect retirement planning.

Emyr Evans has some advice There was a major surprise in this year’s budget – the chancellor’s decision to further weaken the link between pensions and annuities. In his speech he said: ‘Let me be clear. No one will have to buy an annuity.’ However, not all the changes will occur immediately.

FINANCE BILL 2014 There are a number of interim changes to pension tax law for defined contribution pension arrangements (such as personal pensions and money purchase occupational pension schemes – but not final salary schemes): The limit for capped income withdrawals – making withdrawals from your retirement fund to provide an income – is increased from 120 per cent to 150 per cent of the equivalent market annuity rate for new plans (and from the start of the next drawdown year for existing plans).

The minimum secure income (from state pension, occupational pension or pension annuity) for flexible withdrawals has fallen from £20,000 a year to £12,000 a year. Therefore, in theory you have full access to your pension fund,

and no cap on how much you can draw and no mandatory regular reviews.

You will have 18 months after drawing your tax-free lump sum before you must start to receive an income from your pension fund (this can still be set at nil).

New higher limits apply for converting small pension benefits into a lump sum (at least 75 per cent of which is taxable). For example, the ceiling on the value of single personal pension arrangements you can convert to a lump sum has risen from £2,000 to £10,000 and the number convertible into cash is now three pots, rather than two pots.

Your pension plan providers will need to make their own system and rule changes, to facilitate the changes so you may not be able to take advantage of them all immediately.

FINANCE BILL 2015 AND BEYOND This budget also included a consultation document, detailing other potential pension changes, set to be approved in next year’s Finance Bill. These include: The introduction of full pension flexibility for defined contribution schemes from 6th April 2015.

This would effectively scrap the £12,000 minimum income requirement, allowing you to draw from your

fund as and when you see fit. The tax-free lump sum of up to 25 per cent of the fund would remain, but the rest of your fund would be taxable as income.

The treatment of benefits on death is likely to change. Current rules mean any money remaining in your pension drawdown fund at death is subject to a flat tax charge of 55 per cent – if paid as a lump sum, which the Government says ‘…will be too high in many cases in the future’.

The minimum age from which you can start drawing benefits from your private pension is likely to increase. The government is proposing this minimum should rise in line with the state pension age (SPA) with the first move being from the current 55 to 57 in 2028, when the SPA reaches 67.

These radical reforms will almost certainly mean that most people’s retirement planning will need to be reviewed. With much greater flexibility, individuals will find a variety of pre-and posty retirement strategies available to them.

Contact us to arrange an appointment to discuss your retirement planning; we’ll be happy to help.

Emyr Evans is employed by Williams Financial Planning. Visit www.williamsfinancial.co.uk or call 01978 266501

Seeking financial advice and understanding financial markets can be a daunting experience with so many products and sources of advice now available.

For over 35 years we have been advising clients; helping them to make financial decisions easier and ensuring peace of mind over their financial affairs.

We provide Independent Financial Advice on: • Pensions • Investments

Williams Financial Planning Independent Financial Advisors 30 Chester Street, Wrexham, LL13 8TJ. T: 01978 266501

• Life Assurance • Inheritance Tax Planning

Enterprise House, The Courtyard, Old Court House Road, Bromborough, Wirral, CH62 4UE. T: 0151-644-4848

E: admin@williamsfinancial.co.uk W: www.williamsfinancial.co.uk

Going self employed?

Starting your own business can seem like a legal and financial minefield. Alison Ensor answers a question from a reader thinking of going it alone…

What trading options are available to me as a self-employed contractor?

With the economy improving now is an excellent time to start trading as an independent contractor. The prospect of a better work/life balance and an increase in your take home pay is always an attractive one. There are three main options to carefully consider when becoming self employed.

Umbrella payroll company You can become an employee of an umbrella company enabling you to claim certain expenses as tax free from the monies you earn. A good umbrella payroll company will advise on allowable expenses, calculate and pay monies due to HMRC, accrue your holiday pay, and only charge a fee for when you work.

Sole trader Many people believe that their only option is to work as a sole trader.

The advantages are obvious: you are in control of your own work making work-life balance easier and you can claim any legitimate business expenses tax free. The disadvantages are less obvious: you are the business with no legal distinction, and all profits are taxed and NI’d in the tax year they are incurred regardless of whether you personally have used that income or left it in your business.

Limited company The most popular option for the majority of self employed contractors, in whatever industry, is having a limited company. This involves being the sole director and shareholder. The principal advantage, apart from financial gain, is that the limited company is a separate

legal entity from the individual. The law regards the company as a legal person in its own right. The separation of business from individual is an advantage over the sole trader scenario. The director receives a tax-efficient salary and claims tax-free expenses. Profits are distributed, as and when required, to the shareholder by dividend. The director/owner, therefore, has more control over how and when the income in their possession is taxed.

There are also financial implications to your choice. Based on a 35-hour week at £25ph and with £150 tax allowable expenses your weekly take home in 2014/15 should be: Umbrella payroll: £643.69* Sole trader: £730.93* Limited company: £779.40* (*Note: for illustrative purposes only) Good luck with the new venture! y

Alison Ensor is senior partner at Foremans LLP, Chester. For more information call 01244 625500 or visit foremansllp.com

Call 01244 625 500 - email admin@foremansllp.com

Maximise your income as a self employed contractor

It’s the personal touch that counts...

Foremans specialise in advising contractors on the most tax efficient way to get paid based on their individual circumstances. We pride ourselves on having no hidden charges and providing a personal service to each of our clients.

With your own dedicated Account Manager Foremans offers an unrivaled customer service experience. We’re pleased to say that recommendation is still our most successful source of new client generation!

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Clayton House, Sandpiper Court, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QU For a free initial consultation call 01244 625 500 or visit www.foremansllp.com email us on admin@foremansllp.com

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ACROSS

1 A slap to follow Pili on Anglesey? Naturally! (5) 4 Where Anne Robinson, initially, can find herb records? (8) 8 A common behaviour of people with dementia (5,9) 10 He robs ox for an animal transporter (8) 11 Popular Shropshire music festival (6) 12 In an essential manner (9) 15 Something saved from the past (5) 17 Tom’s mousy friend! (5) 18 Decapitated and left! (6,3) 19 The ‘D’ in CAD (6) 21 Sounds like father is high up – better than normal (5,3) 24 Scorned creep on communication? (14) 25 Large bodies of ice that move slowly down slopes or valleys (8) 26 River Usk’s biscuits? (5)

DOWN

1 Traditional, children’s seaside entertainment (5,3,4) 2 Alcoholic beverage stored from six weeks to six months for aging before use. (5,4) 3 I seat an early 20th century French composer (5) 4 A religious leader in Iran with political and religious influence (9) 5 The Welsh Government’s historic environment service (4) 6 Available for use if needed (2,7) 7 The fastest milkman in the west? (5) 9 Those dedicated to breeding or raising livestock (5,7) 13 British mushroom with red cap and white spots (3,6) 14 Collections of statistics or facts published annually (9) 16 Low-slung, flared trousers popular in the 70s (4,5) 20 1988 summer Olympics louse? (5) 22 Darth __? Star Wars baddie (5) 23 Is Lee surrounded by water? (4) JULY/AUGUST 2014 CROSSWORD ANSWERS Across: 1 LEMMY 4 BELOW PAR 8 KANGAROO COURTS 10 WHISTLES 11 ADHERE 12 LIE IN WAIT 15 OXBOW 17 FUSES 18 GRUNT WORK 19 RELIVE 21 STRICKEN 24 ADULT EDUCATION 25 ON DEMAND 26 OPENS Down: 1 LIKE WILDFIRE 2 MANLINESS 3 YEAST 4 BOOMERANG 5 LOCK 6 WOUNDWORT 7 ARTIE 9 REAWAKENINGS 13 NASHVILLE 14 TRUST FUND 16 BROOKSIDE 20 LADEN 22 IDAHO 23 DEVA

YOUR STARS

Celebrity

Astrologer

BY GLORIA MANS

Aries

20th March – 20th April Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art which removes blockages so life flows freely – there’s more, but that’s all you need to know to show you could do with it in your domestic arrangements. The eclipse in Aries on 8th October is a sign that you’re being thwarted so rearrange things, change the dynamic and the energy will change too.

TAurus

20th April – 21st May sometimes when you think you’re going backwards, you’re actually standing still. That’s what’s happening with uranus, Neptune and Pluto at present. Not surprising you’re faltering and a bit confused. Pluto does change direction on 22nd september making a harmonious angle that’ll once again bring to life the transformation for you which started then seemed to stumble. Forever onwards!

GemiNi

21st May – 21st June Lavender is for harmony and lemon grass is for magic so if you want to make sweet music this autumn equinox carry some on your person. mars moving into your opposite sign sagittarius can either create questions where there needn’t be any or give you the answers you’ve been waiting for. it all depends on want you really, really want!

CANCer

21st June – 23rd July The pelican is famed for her mothering instincts – same as all Cancerians of both genders. We live in a world where security has become a prime objective but how can a person survive the pitfalls if over protected from all potential threats? You have to let go, trust and believe that what you’ve taught and what’s been learned is held in safe hands.

Leo

23rd July – 23rd August seasonal influences are powerful markers of life changes so when Jupiter and uranus in fire signs make a wonderful angle in the heavens in september start planning that move. An eclipse in Aries on 8th October brings old scores to an end and leaves the way clear. Breathe deeply, expand your physical and mental muscles and take the plunge.

Virgo

23rd August – 23rd September Vikings used rune symbols as a secret language; modern technology requires passwords as a secret entry to our private world of communication; and envelopes contain personal messages for our eyes only. it’s the last that will arrive sometime around the full moon in Pisces in early september: make sure its contents remain confidential. Addressee only!

LiBrA

23rd September – 22nd October There’s a time sequence between 4th and 25th October when mercury in your own sign appears to go backwards in the heavens. You’re advised to deal with any correspondence before or after these dates just to make sure nothing goes awry.

There’s a trickster energy here so don’t go blaming anyone for connection problems, put it down to circuitry phenomena.

sCOrPiO

23rd October – 22nd November You’ll feel less pressure come mid-september, as if what has been forcing you to act suddenly leaves the room. in some ways it has, mars has moved out of scorpio and the relief will be immense. We know planets do not cause events to happen, so what’s the mystery? That’s the difference between you reading this and me writing it!

sAGiTTArius

22nd November – 21st December Need to know about the obliquity of the ecliptic? it’s the 23 degree tilted angle of the earth toward the sun, the kind of item you like to have in your library to inform and educate others. All good when the occasion arises but not when somebody wants to talk about the price of potatoes.

Conversation is a two way street.

CAPriCOrN

21st December – 20th January Pluto changes course in september and so too should you. By that i mean keep moving forward, not sideways, not backwards just straight ahead.

The past is for remembering but the future you’ve yet to experience. An old proverb says if you keep looking behind you, you’ll trip over something in front of you. Don’t want that do you?

AquArius

20th January – 19th February Nothing happens very slowly then everything happens at once! This you will find as autumn takes hold. Like those who spin many plates at once, you do the same with ideas so you’ll handle a busy spell with aplomb. You are happiest when your mind is working fast and progressively, but remember that some others do not have your pace.

PisCes

19th February – 20th March Head in the clouds perhaps, but feet planted firmly on the ground is my advice as summer gold turns to autumn’s copper. You’ve a practical side but it’s often dormant, luckily October’s eclipses happen in signs favourable to your own giving a creative flow which can best be utilised in a realistic and functional manner yet still be inspiring.

Astrologer gloria Mans Gloria was trained in the art of astrology at the prestigious Faculty of Astrological Studies in London. This involved astronomy and the study of longitude and latitude of planets and the ‘relations’ they make through what are called ‘angles’. Astrology is also about intuition and understanding. Gloria has worked for many celebrities – Sally Burton, Richard Burton’s widow says: ‘Gloria makes a difference to your life.’ Other clients have included Jerry Hall and David Bailey.

Visit www.gloriamans.com, or email starglow@pc-q.net

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 145

Business Card.pdf

6/3/12

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e n a J y t n u A C

Business Card.pdf

M

(not one to complain...)

Hello, dear Natter Natter readers!

Y

CM

MY

I

CY can hardly believe how quickly this year is passing! It’s only a matter of months until Christmas, and I’ve yet to devise my pre-festivities diet sheet. Oh, I know I don’t need to lose any CMY weight, it’s for my friend Brenda. (The one with the part-time position at Holland & Barrett). She claims to suffer from water retention, but K I suspect she’s barking up the wrong dog, and what she’s actually retaining are Greggs sausage rolls. Anyway, this issue I’ve decided to shareRegistered my top diet tips with those of you 538427 Business as unfortunate as Brenda.

Annoyingly, Brenda is lack toast intolerant so masterminding a personal diet plan for her is somewhat tricky but generally, contrary to popular belief, all dairy is fine for dieters… except yoghurt. Oh, and milk. Cheese, butter and cream should be avoided too. In addition, if you’re really serious about losing weight, I would suggest the rather controversial technique of avoiding alcohol. (Although it’s fine to drink Tia Maria as that’s mostly coffee.) One thing you must never forget is that dessert is your biggest enemy. However, if you do find yourself succumbing to an ill-placed spotted dick or plate of banana fritters, eat them quickly before they have time to react.

Eat dishes containing plenty of fresh produce – my favourite is the oddly named walled-off salad – and drink plenty of water. Tea is a dieter’s best friend and has many wonderful health benefits.

(Experts say a cup of tea is always best when you’ve had a shock, so before Brenda drinks hers I sneak up behind her and bang together two saucepans.) Another of my tried and tested tips is simply to keep active – whoever joined the phrase, ‘A rolling stone gathers no moths’ knew what they were talking about all right!

Before I bid you all ado, may I draw attention to that tiresome habit (embraced by the achingly hip and trendy) of referring to food by its first syllabub? ‘Strawbs’, ‘toms’ and my personal bookbear, ‘mayo’ – can we stop this now, please? It’s ‘mayonnaise’. Thank you.

Aunty Jane x

Offering a Professional Quality Service l Over 25 years experience l Central Heating PAInstallation UL NELSON l Energy Efficient System Upgrades Matsons Croft, Hollybush Lane l Boiler Installation l Bathroom Installations Penley, Wrexham, Clwyd LL13 0NF l System Powerflushing M. 07918 263 T. 01978 710 897 l Oil Tank631 Installation info@coppercroftltd.co.uk l FreeE.Estimates l AllW. Work Guaranteed www.coppercroftltd.co.uk C

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Registered Business

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Until next time,

Can’t wait for more words of wisdom fro m Aunty Jane? Why no t find her on Faceboo k?

The kettle’s always on and she has cake...

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Competitions! Great prizes to be won, just

WIN!

A NIGHT’S STAY AT LLYNDIR HALL’S BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL SUITE HOw TO ENTER: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 24th October to: Yattar Yattar, Llyndir Hall Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

Llyndir Hall is a magnificent country house hotel near Chester on the border of north Wales. Visiting is an experience to remember whether you’re there for business, leisure, or are taking advantage of the beautiful landscaped gardens to get married. At Llyndir Hall you’ll get a red carpet welcome from the team who have an unrivalled reputation for providing the very best in wedding celebrations.

Not convinced? Now’s your chance to find out for yourself, as Llyndir Hall are offering you the chance to win a night’s stay for two in their bridal suite, along with a three-course meal in the hotel’s AA Rosette award-winning Garden Restaurant.

WIN!

a) Blue blanket

b) Red carpet

c) Silver sofa

Name ...........................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................ ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ............................................. Postcode .......................................

Contact number: .......................................................................

Email (please complete)...................................................................

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME ANY OTHER INFORMATION

A STERLING SILVER CHLOBO BRACELET HOw TO ENTER: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 24th October to: Yattar Yattar, ChloBo Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

The ChloBo brand of jewellery is synonymous with fashionable, carefree chic. Inspired by the beauty of Bali, founder Chloe Moss began designing her sterling silver and gold jewellery to reflect the heart and soul of the island. With themed collections such as Let’s Dance and Rainbow Wave, it’s no wonder Chloe Moss’s designs have been seen gracing the limbs of celebrities from Cheryl Cole to Peter Andre. We have a beautiful sterling silver and peace charm bracelet, worth £105 to give away.

WIN!

For your chance to win, simply answer the question below: what sort of welcome can you expect at Llyndir Hall:

For your chance to win, simply answer the question below: which island inspired ChloBo founder Chloe Moss? a) Bali

b) Baffin

c) Bute

Name ...........................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................ ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ............................................. Postcode .......................................

Contact number: .......................................................................

Email (please complete)...................................................................

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME ANY OTHER INFORMATION

TICKETS TO WALES RALLY GB CHIRK CASTLE RALLYFEST HOw TO ENTER: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 24th October to: Yattar Yattar, wales Rally Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

Wales Rally GB, from 13th-16th November, is the spectacular climax to the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship and you can see all the action at the Chirk Castle RallyFest stage on 15th November. There’s heaps of entertainment including live coverage on a big screen, a catering village, side shows and other attractions for all the family. And you’ll have the chance to cheer on Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke and Wales’s own Elfyn Evans as they go for glory – this is the first time Britain has had two drivers competing at the top level of rallying since Colin McRae and Richard Burns in 2003. For more information visit www.walesrallygb. com. We’ve got a family ticket to the Chirk RallyFest stage to give away.

For your chance to win, simply circle your answer to the question below.

How many years is it since two British drivers have competed at the top level of rallying? a) 7

b) 11

c) 14

Name ...........................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................ ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ............................................. Postcode .......................................

Contact number: .......................................................................

Email (please complete)...................................................................

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ME ANY OTHER INFORMATION

RULES OF THE COMPETITIONS DATA PROTECTION NOTICE Brillybox Publishing and Media Ltd will use your information for administration and analysis purposes and may contact you from time to time with relevant offers, information or for research purposes. Your details will not be passed on to third parties except the sponsors of these competitions. Please tick the relevant box if you do not wish to be contacted. COMPETITION RULES The promoters of these competitions is Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd, CDC Distribution Centre, Unit 13, Vauxhall, Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham. LL14 6HA. The competitions are open to all readers of our magazine and viewers of our websites except employees of the prize providers or Brillybox Publishing & Media Ltd and their immediate families. The winner will be the first person or persons drawn after the closing date who has completed the correct answer. No cash alternative is available. The winners names can be obtained by writing to the competition address with a self-addressed envelope after the closing date. The winner agrees to participate in any follow-up publicity. Brillybox Publishing may print the name only of entrants to this competition in subsequent issue(s) of Yattar Yattar. This is to enable competition entrants to fairly claim a promotional offer, for competition entrants only. By entering this competition you are giving permission for Brillybox to print your name only. No personal information will be printed. No purchase necessary, answers on a postcard are accepted.

148 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

cut out and enter today…

WIN! MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS! PAUL WALDEN & DEREK NICOL FOR FLYING ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT

THE BEST PARTY IN TOWN FEATURING THE CHART-BUSTING HITS ORIGINALLY MADE FAMOUS BY...

THE FOUR TOPS • THE TEMPTATIONS SMOKEY ROBINSON & THE MIRACLES DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES • STEVIE WONDER MARVIN GAYE • MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS LIONEL RICHIE • EDWIN STARR

tIckets to DANcINg IN the streets At rhyl PAVIlIoN

How to enter: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 17th october to: Yattar Yattar, rhyl Pavilion Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial estate, ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

After wowing audiences all over the UK and spending three years in London’s West End, Dancing in the Streets comes back to north Wales.

BRAND NEW PRODUCTION Experience the energy, excitement, and electricity FOR 2014 of Motown in this spectacular celebration of classic music from the heart of Motor City – Detroit. The Dancing in the Streets company will re-create the energy, style and music of the stars of the Motown stable, with classic hits such as I Heard It Through The Grapevine, and Please Mr Postman, from artists including The Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.

We have a pair of tickets for the show on 31st October to give away. For Photos of original West End cast

t

WIN!

a) Dakota

b) Detroit

c) Dallas

Name ...........................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................ ....................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................... ............................................. Postcode ....................................... contact number: ....................................................................... email (please complete)...................................................................

PleAse Do Not seND Me ANy other INforMAtIoN

A selectIoN PAck of BAttlefIelD sAusAges How to enter: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 24th october to: Yattar Yattar, Battlefield Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial estate, ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

The award-winning Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop just keeps on picking up accolades, and, as you can read in our Food & Drink section (p66-68), they’ve just won another gong for their farmhouse sausages from the Guild of Fine Foods. Part of the Albrighton Estate near Shrewsbury, as well as the farm shop, Battlefield also has a deli and butchery, plus the Sparrows Cafe. To celebrate its latest win, Battlefield are offering Yattar Yattar readers the chance to win a six-pack of sausages in a variety of flavours, including pork and Shropshire Blue. For your chance to win, just

WIN!

your chance to win simply circle your answer to the following question: In which city did Motown originate?

circle your answer to the question below.

What is the name of the cafe at Battlefield 1403? a) Pigeons

b) Kestrels

c) Sparrows

Name ...........................................................................................

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PleAse Do Not seND Me ANy other INforMAtIoN

WIN! A tWo-NIght stAy At VIllAge DAIry’s tAl y BryN guesthouse, Plus A tAste of VIllAge DAIry yoghurt PAck How to enter: Simply fill in the form with your answer circled, and include your name, address and contact number and send it by 24th October to: Yattar Yattar, Village Dairy Competition, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial estate, ruabon, wrexham LL14 6HA. Winners will be notified by email, so don’t forget to include your email address.

If you fancy a break in the quiet Welsh countryside, where all you can hear is the gentle, contented lowing of the cows on the hill nearby, Tal y Bryn guesthouse, the home of Village Dairy yoghurt, is the perfect place to stay. With excellent food and hospitality, superb breakfasts and more-than comfortable rooms, the house is in a great location for going for long, rambling walks or getting out on your bikes. Village Dairy yoghurts are made with milk from their own cows, using British fruit and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. We have a two-night stay, including breakfast, at Tal y Bryn (subject to availablity) plus a Taste

of Village Dairy yoghurt pack to be won. For your chance to win, just answer the question below (see page 66): what is the Yattar Yattar team’s favourite flavour Village Dairy yoghurt? a) Banoffee

b) Red Berry

c) Pineapple

Name ...........................................................................................

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PleAse Do Not seND Me ANy other INforMAtIoN

ConGrAtULAtIons to oUr LUCkY wInners from tHe jULY/AUGUst 2014 IssUe!

family tickets to Greenwood forest: Pam Blaze, Wrexham

Ludlow food centre barbecue: Chaz Lloyd, Shrewsbury & Sali Thomas, Denbigh

tickets to shrewsbury fields: claire Twamley, Prestatyn

tickets to jungle Book: Mary Jones, Holywell & Dawn Davies, Welshpool

tickets to royal welsh show: Christine Doody, Welshpool

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 149

Personalised rooms designed to suit your lifestyle

YOUR LETTERS

yattarchatter

Your news, views and opinions are welcome – write to us at Yattar Yattar, Brillybox Publishing, CDC Distribution Centre, Unit 13, Vauxhall Industrial Estate, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6HA or email to editorial@yattaryattar.co.uk. Please note we can only publish edited extracts from lengthy letters.

Although we do not publish addresses, we do not publish any anonymous correspondence.

hh h

hh r e Star lett h

On yer bike...

i am 70 years old and have been inspired to get cycling by watching The Tour de France.

What kind of bicycle would be suitable?

AlberT, FlinTshire I am not far behind you age-wise, but you need to think carefully about a safe place to cycle. Canal paths and forestry roads are safer, but avoid using busy lanes at first as you’re as likely to get ‘squished’ as to get fit. If you really want to cycle go to your bike shop and ask their advice. But why not consider walking and swimming – both are safer and more flexible, plus combined they exercise more muscle groups.

Use iT Or lOse iT

Letters sent to Yattar Yattar magazine may be edited due to space constraints

i’m scared of losing my marbles as i grow old; any suggestions? Tom, Cheshire The only good thing about growing old is that it is better than the alternative. I share your concern and believe in the maxim ‘use it or lose it’. I faithfully do the Sudoko and the Polygon puzzle in The Times every day as well as Yattar’s crossword, but for all that I am always hunting for my car keys, mobile phone or glasses…

COMMOn sense? nO ChAnCe OF ThAT!

Why are prices so high for flights and accommodation in the school holidays and yet we risk fines and a criminal record if we take our kids away during term time?

Elaine, Wrexham The simple answer to the first part of your question is simple capitalist economics: the more demand, the higher the price. It is understandable that schools who are under increasing pressure to climb performance league tables don’t want children to miss out on lessons.

The simplest answer to the problem would be to spread the holidays and have three two-week breaks at regular intervals, but politicians don’t often go for a common sense solution.

A TAxing qUesTiOn

JObs FOr The girls?

What are your views on the recent cabinet reshuffle that saw an influx of young females? Molly, mid Wales I am perhaps uniquely qualified to state categorically that life and career prospects are more difficult if you are a woman, but saying that, I do not agree with positive discrimination.

There should be a level playing field and the best qualified and most suitable candidate should get the job. Unfortunately women do not stick together and until they establish the equivalent of the ‘old boys network’ they will always be at a disadvantage in the workplace.

via an employer has the potential to cheat the tax system. If you are earning millions a year it is immoral to avoid tax that funds all of the services we all use. HMRC are cracking down on some of the most outlandish schemes. As an employee of my companies I pay PAYE and NI on my salary and also find it galling that others don’t, but I do think inheritance tax is wrong. You pay tax on your earnings, interest on any savings and 20% VAT on almost everything you spend and I think that is enough, to get taxed at 40% on what you manage to leave after you drop off of your perch is wrong. Again the wealthy avoid this by investing in forestry, farming and establishing trusts. It is a very unfair world.

how are wealthy people and companies able to avoid paying taxes on huge earnings while hMrC spends time chasing small tradesmen for every penny?

M. Alderton, shropshire The short answer is, ‘because they can’: there are various loopholes open to those who can pay specialist taxation experts to circumnavigate the tax system. Although Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs work hard to close these loopholes they are always behind the curve. The know that anyone not paying PAYE and National Insurance

yOU hAve TO believe in gOOdness

My wife was the lady who told you that you were brave to pick up the lost young girl in Manchester Airport and take her to the information desk until her mother could be found. With all of the paedophiles around most people wouldn’t touch any child that they didn’t know. Thomas, Chester Although I was really shocked to find about Rolf Harris, it has not dented my belief that 99.9 per cent of adults are imbued with the basic human instinct to protect the young whether that be humans or animals. If I see any child or animal in distress I will do everything I can to protect them even if it means justifying my actions afterwards.

A hAndle On CleAning

your article on washing your hands has one fatal flaw. You wash your hands but all the previous people who haven’t have infected the door handle so you just get re-infected. sheila, Oswestry Quite right – missed that bit didn’t I? Simply take some toilet paper and use it to turn off taps and open doors, disposing of it when you are well clear of the toilet area.

September/October 2014 yattaryattar magazine 151

YOUR LETTERS

More Balkan trouBle

I really enjoy reading Yattar Yattar but felt that I had to email to point out a number of errors in your response to a letter entitled ‘Balkan trouble’ in the May/June issue.

1. ukraine is not in the Balkans.

2. Crimea actually became part of ukraine in 1954, not 1984.

3. You imply that russia handed over Crimea to ukraine and now wants it back (‘just as Spain ceded Gibraltar to the uk but now wants it back...’) this is completely incorrect. the decision to take Crimea away from the then-russian Soviet Federative Socialist republic and give it to ukraine was taken solely by the then leader of the uSSr, nikita khrushchev.

Perhaps you will recollect that the uSSr was not a democracy and its leader did pretty much what he wanted to do, regardless of the wishes of the people. regardless of what one thinks about Find us on Facebook Badge President Putin, the Crimea was taken from russia without consent and one could argue that Putin has now righted that wrong. lISa PeterS, WrexhaM

What you’ve been saying about yattar yattar…

‘Great advert for the Aberaeron Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs, thank you Yattar Yattar magazine,’ Carys Jones ‘We love our Yattar Yattar magazine fix!’

Hey Doll! (Craft Parties & Workshops) ‘Thank you for our advert and write up on ‘Welsh in a Week’. The magazine looks great. I especially liked the column by Aunty Jane. Thanks again,’ all the team at Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden ‘Had chance to read your latest magazine today. Very impressed. Managed to take advantage of one of the ads to book some adventures with the kids in the holidays.

Great stuff…’ Nigel Evans

FORUM

Cosy or crowded?

Let’s have a sensible immigration policy

by Stephanie Anne Lloyd

CMYK / .ai

With roughly the same population as France but with only 20 per cent of its land area, the UK needs a sensible approach to immigration. I recently flew in to Manchester Airport and queued for over 30 minutes at passport control while it seemed that arrivals from all parts of the world sailed through in five minutes.

I believe immigration has improved our cuisine and know that the NHS would collapse without foreign doctors and nurses, but if a country as big as China can control its borders, why can’t we, given that we are surrounded by the sea?

Surely with nearly 64 million people on our small island we should become more picky about who we allow in? We do not need any foreign criminals, we have enough of our own, nor do we need any immigrants without a skill that is in short supply.

Immigration was higher in the UK than in any other European country in 2012.

I have watched the Border Agency television programmes where they raid businesses employing illegal immigrants. They arrest them and then release them with an order to return for deportation. Guess what? They disappear. I have also seen terrorists delay deportation for years by invoking their human rights.

Hopefully UKIP’s gains in the European elections might shake things up again.

I voted to join a trading group called The Common Market, I didn’t vote for a super state that can overrule our own courts. The EU is now like an alien green blobby thing spreading its slimy tentacles into every area of our lives. Like most things that creep up on their victims it is stealthy and is not detected until it is too late.

I want the ‘Great’ to stay in ‘Britain’ (along with Scotland) and to see a democratically elected government that devolves as much as possible down to the regions. We like the Common Market, but do we want to sleepwalk into becoming a tiny satellite part of an EU superstate? We need to loosen the red tape that Brussels has bound us with and return to the fundamentals of free trade.

We have given much to the world with football, industrialisation, the world wide web and more. Scotland has sent us monarchs, the telephone, tarmac and penicillin, not to mention the world’s best whisky. We have much to be proud of. We even, though massively outnumbered, fought for Europe’s freedom in two world wars.

This is the time when we should raise the Union Jack flag alongside the St George’s cross, the Scottish saltire, the Welsh dragon and the Northern Ireland standard, and unite to protect our people. We can celebrate and be proud of our regional differences whether it be at town, county or country level, but we are better and stronger when we unite and celebrate our democratic diversity.

‘For a lovely meal out we have the wonderful Cross Foxes just down the road, as featured in Yattar Yattar magazine.

A great source of information for local activities,’ Mother Goose Nursery, Penley

in particular the support we received from local businesses donating raffle prizes and plants. We managed to raise over £1,000. attached is a picture of the team on the day – thanks again.

MarIlYn BedWorth, GarthMYl, PoWYS

‘Thank you all very much for having me on work experience this week, it was great fun,’ Ryan Wharton-Jones ‘I think the magazine is great, we only moved into the area in the last 12 months and find it a wonderful source of information. Keep up the good work!’

Hilary Shemilt

Join the gang! Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/@yattaryattar and Facebook facebook.com/yattaryattarmagazine and join in the conversation

BelIeve It! thank You

I am writing to say thank you for printing details of our Parkinson’s uk tea Party on 15th June in your May/June edition. this was the sixth tea party we’ve held and was a great success this year, helped by having a very sunny afternoon. We would like to thank everyone who attended, and

152 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

I’ve just read your brilliant article ‘We just don’t believe it’. You have written what I and many others believe; perhaps you could post it on the internet for others to see, you never know a few MPs might read it and take note – but I doubt it. elWYn JoneS, PantaSaPh, nr holYWell As it happens, every edition of Yattar Yattar is uploaded immediately and available to read free online at www.yattaryattar.co.uk. Dare we say that maybe if more MPs looked us up, the country would be a better place!

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THE LAST WORD

yattaryattar on Keep flying high !

Don’t let fear of terrorists stop you doing what you want to do...

W

e all watched in horror as the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH-17 hit the headlines.

That nearly 300 totally innocent civilians from so many countries completely unconnected to the civil war raging in Eastern Ukraine could be killed instantly while flying at 33,000 feet suddenly introduced yet another dimension to terrorism.

We have accepted the need to arrive at the airport hours before our flight, throw away the bottle of drink we have bought, go through scanners and subject ourselves to a fairly intrusive pat-down and wanding if the buzzer sounds (which with an artificial hip is every time for me), take off our Fit-Flops for x-ray, and have bags swabbed for drugs and/or explosives. This we believe is necessary to prevent some suicidal maniac from smuggling a fiendish terrorist device aboard.

Finally, clutching your Boots Meal Deal sandwich and drink, you board and settle into your seat. Once airborne (knowing that the most likely time for crashing is takeoff) you relax and open your iPad or Kindle, feeling safe and secure in the knowledge that you don’t have to worry until it’s time to land.

tiresome shoe bombs But unfortunately, just as you have watched the horrific drama unfold across all the world’s media, so Al Qaeda, Isis and the myriad other terrorists groups must have also watched the news and had a lightbulb moment. No need for the difficult and tiresome game of smuggling shoe bombs, printer cartridges, bottles of hydrogen peroxide etc, through security – just bag yourself a ground-to-air missile and boom, job done, another plane load of infidels wiped out.

There will already be covert orders placed for such systems and plenty of rogue states such as North Korea will be

willing to sell them without too many awkward questions beyond ‘How many do you want?’, and stating that ‘We only accept cash’.

‘Simple,’ you think, ‘I’ll just avoid going on flights whose routes take them over dodgy war torn zones.’ OK if you want two weeks in Spain – although the French don’t particularly like us they’re unlikely to ply us with anything that doesn’t contain garlic – but go on a medium or long-haul flight and you’re going to be heading over some dodgy places. Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan et al are all criss-crossed with international flight paths.

I feel really sorry for Malaysian Airlines; two modern planes suffering a total loss of life and neither tragic loss their fault, although they weren’t great at handling the aftermath. I fear their brand is now toxic but it could so easily have been any other airline. There is little doubt that this latest episode was a mistake made by Russian-backed terrorists who mistook the plane for a Ukrainian military craft, but the genie is out of the bottle and next time it will be some other group of zealous idiots in another country who will want to down a passenger plane deliberately But even after these tragedies, flying

154 yattaryattar magazine September/October 2014

BY Stephanie anne LLoYD

is still the safest mode of transport. You’re much more likely to get killed in your car on the way to the airport.

I am due to fly to New Zealand soon and, apart from ensuring they’ve put a Duracell battery in the black box pinger, and obtaining the captain’s solemn promise that he will not turn off the transpoder, there’s nothing I can do except hope and trust that I do not become one of the rare statistics who die in a plane.

I’m pretty sure the Captain will resent my suggestions to take a longer circular route at a space ship altitude, so I will pre-load my Kindle with an engrossing romantic novel without any violence and lose myself in a world in which everything is like Disneyland with happy endings, and for a few hours forget how terrifying our world is becoming.

Destructive streak The homo sapiens species has developed a brain that is capable of doing much that is good, but on the other side of the coin we seem to turn every invention into a method of killing either other species or ourselves.

What is the destructive streak that runs through humankind? Why, when the majority want to live and let live, do some want to force their beliefs on others? Why, in the name of some God or religion (all of which have the basic tenets of love thy neighbour) do zealots feel the need to kill off anyone who disagrees with them?

I have now depressed myself writing this article, so I am going to walk barefoot on the grass with my faithful dogs and appreciate the small, wonderful part of north Wales that I am proud to call home.

After reading this you might well feel like doing the same. y

‘I will pre-load my Kindle with a romantic novel’

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