Books&Poetry DEAR DIARY…

Embark on a year-long journey through Wales with John Gilbey’s new book, Country Diary Wales

TheGuardian’s Country Diary is the world’s oldest newspaper column of its kind, and has been chronicling the beauty of the British countryside since 1906. Over the years, John Gilbey has contributed over 100 articles, and Country Diary Wales brings together 50 of his insightful journeys through the Welsh landscape in a beautifully illustrated volume.

Seasonal secrets

Starting with spring and following the year’s cycle, each walk is brought to life through John’s informative and evocative writing. His pieces delve into the local history, geography, and the flora and fauna encountered along the way, capturing the essence of each season with sensory detail and a profound sense of place.

The routes span from Ceredigion, where John is based, to Gwynedd, Powys and Pembrokeshire, showcasing the diversity of Wales’ natural landscapes, and are accompanied by original photography by the author. Whether it’s traversing the rugged coastal path at Aberystwyth, wandering through livestock-scattered uplands in Gwynedd or revelling in the tranquillity of bluebell woods, Country Diary Wales is a chance to share in the magic and serenity of these awe-inspiring landscapes.

“Country walking has always been important to me, and has become more so as the years pass,” said John. “Contributing to the column has let me share elements of the Welsh countryside, in all its moods, with

Local Books

The year is 1966 and Aulis Price leaves her Welsh home and teaching job to marry Sta ordshire farmer Martin Peverell. She looks forward eagerly to her new life at Abbotshall, the beautiful Georgian farmhouse which is the Peverell family home. Aulis takes as her role model Martin’s elegant and competent mother, Mollie. But the young bride soon finds that Mollie – and Abbotshall – are not all they seem. Behind the dignified facade lurks conflict, between youth and age, the past and the future. A sinister secret overshadows Abbotshall and all who live there.

As Aulis struggles to adjust to a new life, she determines to remain true to herself. Meanwhile she sees her beloved Martin caught in a battle of loyalties. Can Aulis take him with her into the future or will she, too, be sacrificed to Abbotshall’s past?

Writer Elizabeth Cottrell won a scholarship to Cambridge many others. I hope that collecting the 50 walks in this book, together with photographs I took along the way, will let new readers explore the countryside with me.”

A trusted voice

John is a highly regarded writer and photographer based in West Wales. His work has graced the pages of New Scientist, Geographical, Times Higher Education and Nature. With a background in environmental research and a lifelong passion for landforms and ecology, he brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to his exploration of the landscape, and the Guardian column has established him as a trusted voice in nature writing.

Country Diary Wales is a treasure trove, a book to be savoured and returned to time and again. It o ers readers an opportunity to reacquaint themselves with familiar places or discover something entirely new in John’s immersive narratives and stunning visuals. Published by Gra eg, priced £14.99 from bookshops and has a PhD in History. The daughter of a Welsh coalminer, her first job was teaching in Sta ordshire, where she married a farmer, an experience reflected in this, her first novel. She then pursued a career in research, writing on industry, finance and education. A regular broadcaster, she became a panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions, but expressions of personal opinion had to stop when she became a Special Adviser in the Departments of Culture, Employment, Education and Agriculture.

A short story prize in a writing competition encouraged her to try fiction. Elizabeth is widowed, and lives in her native Wrexham with her daughter Alexa.

The Ceremonious House is published by Pegasus, price £10.99

How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

In her darkly comedic debut novel, Mackie takes readers on a wickedly entertaining, delightfully twisted journey. Blending humour with a touch of suspense, this is a page-turning tale that will leave you gasping, laughing, and questioning your own family dynamics.

The story follows Grace Bernard, a woman deeply dissatisfied with the life she has been given, who begins to imagine various scenarios in which she could free herself. But as her fantasies grow into elaborate plans, she discovers that reality is far messier and more unpredictable than fiction.

Mackie’s writing is razor-sharp and infused with wit, the characters both relatable and utterly unpredictable. From the overbearing mother figure to the aloof father and rival siblings, she captures the complexity of family dynamics with precision and nuance. Beneath the humour lies a deeper exploration of identity, the pressures we face to conform to societal norms and the toll on our mental well-being.

The Queen of Bloody Everything by

Joanna Nadin

Set in the 1980s and ’90s in a small English town, the story follows Dido Jones, a witty and observant young girl as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and a changing world. At its heart is the relationship between Dido and her eccentric mother Edie, a glamorous free spirit who fails to o er her daughter any guidance during this tumultuous time. But as Dido grows older, their bond deepens and their lives become entwined in unexpected ways.

Nadin’s writing is filled with warmth, humour and a keen eye for detail. She captures the nostalgia of the era, immersing readers in a world of mixtapes, VHS and the everchanging landscape of pop culture. Evocative details bring the small town to life, transporting us to a time and place that feels both familiar and enchanting. Dido is a charming protagonist, navigating the ups and downs of adolescence with a mix of vulnerability and resilience, while Edie is a captivating presence, leaving an impression on Dido and reader alike.

Afterwards

Still is the water that ran over land. Silent the nightingale perched on my hand. Gone is the sunshine, timid the wind. No longer the rain falls so soft on my skin. Empty the mind, the mind that once knew

Such wonderful things so beautifully true. Departed the feelings of love, hate and fear.

Our hope now an ocean of pitiful tears. No silvery Moon its magical kiss

Shall fill up the heart of a lover with bliss, And Mother Earth cries now so hungry for Love, Her spirit so broken she bleeds for us all. Could this be a dream, a nightmare, a fake? Can anyone tell me… or am I awake?

Rob Caskie

WHY WORRY

Why worry, Events will happen when they do, Why worry, Life still goes by, that’s true.

Why worry, As the time flies by, Why worry, Do what you want, at least try.

Why worry, Just be with the people you love, Why worry, Just be kind over and above.

Why worry, Don’t stay at home, don’t censor, DON’T worry, Be brave, have an adventure.

Platypus

A strange animal is the platypus, Evolution played this strange act upon us: Neither fish nor fowl but a primitive mammal, Yes, a most peculiar antipodean animal. Systematists and scientists faced a task When there was no one to ask: Was this an evolutionary joke Or the design mould rather broke? No, nature is sometimes a little queer When faced with an object quite unclear! However, when Dr Shaw resolved the issue of pedigree All on-lookers then did agree: This is a creature with an ancient history, Wrapped in isolation – now no longer a mystery.

Yes, he was a surprise, he really shocked us, This ornithorhynchus paradoxus!

Norman Marshall

Mick Lewis

How Lucky We Are

We don’t know how lucky we are, Fabulous views near and far. Living in the Shires day after day, Beautiful countryside just a stone’s throw away. So ditch the car and take a hike, There’s plenty out here you’re sure to like!

Garry Thomas

We want your poems! Share your creativity – we print our favourite poems every issue. Send to Poetry Page, Shire, PO Box 276, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 1FR or email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk