magazines
H omes & Gardens NORTH WALES ISSUE 4
E E R o FGrab y !ur copy
Linda
**interior design **garden products **winter care for birds **property advice **energy saving
Barker home accessories www.4northwales.co.uk
Nor
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Stoves
North Wales Stoves Ltd
“Quality multifuel and woodburning stoves competitively priced”
Flue pipe, flexible liners and pre fabricated chimney systems. Companion sets, fire screens, oak mantles, hearth materials and stove accessories. HETAS registered stove installation service available with free survey and estimate in the local area. Technical advice available in store, by telephone or email.
Manufacturers of heavy duty redwood picnic benches suitable for domestic and commercial use. “ bring a copy of this advert when booking your installation and receive a free gift”
Pen y Bryn Farm and Holiday cottages, Betws Yn Rhos, Abergele, Conwy. LL22 8PL.
Tel: 01745 822344 W: www.northwalesstoves.co.uk
fax: 01745 826583 E: northwalesstovesltd@gmail.com
FURNITURE WALES
DODREFN CYMRU
Sa 10a
s t r a t S e l
N A J m
n 2 Y R A U
2
01 2 , d
Leading suppliers of quality discounted furniture to both the retail and trade sectors NORTH WALES LARGEST FURNITURE SUPERSTORE & WAREHOUSE DODREFN CYMRU - FURNITURE WALES
UPHOLSTERY
BEDS
DINING
BEDROOM FURNITURE
ZONE 3 CIBYN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CAERNARFON, GWYNEDD. LL55 2BD OFF LLANBERIS ROAD. TELEPHONE. 01286 678838 OPEN: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00 TO 5.30, SATURDAY 10.00 TO 5.00, SUNDAY 11.00 TO 4.00 ALSO AT DUBLIN STREET, PORTHMADOG. GWYNEDD. LL49 9RH TELEPHONE. 01766 514819 OPEN: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.30 TO 5.00, SATURDAY 10.00 TO 4.30, SUNDAY 11.00 TO 4.00 WE ACCEPT VISA - MASTERCARD - MAESTRO ETC.
WELCOME
Welcome to North Wales Homes & Gardens Magazine. This is the latest title from Goodtimes Magazines - www.4northwales.co.uk Nathan Hales - Editor Paul Gibson - Designer www.firecrackerdesign.co.uk Goodtimes Magazines are part of 4 North Wales Publishing. Contact Us:
Email: info@4northwales.co.uk Tel: 01248 681060 www.4northwales.co.uk
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Terms and Conditions To place an order with 4 North Wales Print & Publishing will constitute an acceptance of the following conditions by the Advertiser Every care is taken to ensure accuracy of adverts, however, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for damage, loss or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert or other information. 4 North Wales Print & Publishing take no responsibility for the content of your ad. It is your responsibility to ensure that your ad is legal and copyright free. We are unable to accept ads which you do not have permission to copy. We reserve the right to refuse advertisements which may cause offence, or promote products or services which we deem to be inappropriate or indecent. We reserve the right to alter our distribution area without prior notice Descriptions of goods and services are required to be fair and accurate. 4 North Wales Print & Publishing cannot accept responsibility for views expressed, or for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers. Your company must be able to provide products or services advertised, to the residents and businesses of the distribution area of the publication you advertise in You must present your completed advert to us by the agreed date in your invoice or your advert may not appear in your intended publication. It is your responsibility to ensure that the advert is correct and in the file type requested. By booking your advert with 4 North Wales Print & Publishing you are agreeing to pay the full agreed price by the date stated on your invoice. In the case of late payments we reserve the right to exercise our statutory rights under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act of 1998. We also reserve the right to charge a debt recovery fee of ÂŁ40 in accordance with European law and interest from the date of the invoice to the date of full payment in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act of 1998.
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Gate Expectations
Manufacturers of made to measure wooden gates and side hung garage doors. Everything we manufacture is available made to your own sizes, in heights and widths, in a choice of Hardwoods (Meranti, Idigbo & European Oak) and Softwood (Scandinavian Redwood). Please visit our website or contact us (E-mail, Telephone or call into our workshops) for a full personalised costing.
Cut & Design 24
RPM Property Services
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/cut-and-design-24
01341 241577 01690 720456
Our shop:-
You can contact Paula at the following options: e-mail address- cutanddesign24@mypostoffice.co.uk
mobile no:-07917871714
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CB
ELECTRICS Everything you will ever need for your garden, outdoor furniture and gift ideas, all under one roof set in the stunning Conwy Valley.
01492 580 703 www.snowdonianurseries.co.uk
Period and Listed Building Specialists
Electrical & Property Maintenance / Upgrade to the very highest standard Enquiries: Tracy - 01492 549003 / On site: Carl - 07799261366 email: carl@brine.uk.net
Why throw it away, when you can
TURNEROUND REUSE est 2008
Full/part clearances undertaken. If you would like to use our services please telephone 01492 531070
GROES ROAD (Rear of Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, opposite Eiras Park), COLWYN BAY
A. Tynan Roofing
n Solar Panels n Re-Slating n New Slating n Velux Windows n All Lead Work
07526 981666
email: antonytynan@gmail.com
Selling and Letting Properties Throughout The County Of Conwy Since 1984
www.accentproperties.co.uk
Tree Services For North West Wales 01248 750 353 www.roundwoodtreetech.co.uk
Handy People 079 0993 0993 Kitchen Bedroom Living Home office
10 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd, LL30 1AB Tel :- 01492 874850 Web :- www.conels.co.uk
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The Local service for those Jobs you don’t have time to do
Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week
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& Heating Supplies LTD
Removals Home pack container storage european and overseas
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l Boilers l Radiators & Controls l Pipes & Fittings l Showers and Much More
Tel: 01248 422 244
property advice
Can visible mould and damp be good in a house?
Perhaps an odd question to ask, for how can visible mould and damp be healthy, beneficial or aesthetically pleasing? The short answer is that it cannot, but there is a BUT. This BUT is quite a big one as well. Being able to see mould and damp at least tells you that there is a problem. Many houses these days are ‘tarted up’ to sell to unsupposing buyers who take out minimal structural or condition surveys. The main way of making a damp house look OK is to ‘dry-line’ it. This effectively places a piece of plasterboard between you and the damp wall. Lovely. 6
property advice
Knowing that you have damp, and where it is, can take you on a voyage of discovery, especially with older solid walled houses. You will discover how these houses were made and with what materials, it can also tell you how they were designed to work and how they coped with mould and damp in their long history. After all people of 100 years ago didn’t want mould and damp either, so why has your house got it now? Damp can have several causes and this article will help you to identify where it might be coming from, how to deal with it permanently and which materials to use so that you work with your home rather than against it. To understand how these concepts and practices work, we first need to understand how these old solid walled houses worked originally. In North Wales, like many other parts of the country, people had to make buildings out of the local materials, so this meant a great deal of stone and slate was used to create walls and roofs. To bind it all together they used lime putty and a local aggregate (stone waste from quarries, sub-soil etc) The walls were either then left bare, or painted with a limewash (basically a watered down lime putty). The insides were rendered and plastered using a lime render (made from lime putty, local aggregates and some binder - sometimes horse hair, wool etc.) These materials were put together as a solid wall with dressed stone to the inside and out and any old rubble through in the middle as packing. These materials work together really well and they allow moisture to pass through
them (either as a vapour or a liquid). The inside of the building was drier than than outside as the basic building physics meant that the water was attracted to the outer parts of the wall (issues to do with surface area of the wall, internal and external air pressure, internal temperatures etc.) So these old houses basically kept the insides dry by allowing the water to move through them naturally. Yes they got wet when it rained, but the building physics and the thickness of the walls allowed this to happen in such a way that the building coped with it. So what has gone wrong? Time, does not stand still, and over the last few decades these old houses have been ‘improved’ using modern materials and techniques to accommodate new lifestyles. We now have central heating, better airtightness, inside toilets and bathrooms, double glazing, cookers and hobs rather than fires and chimneys and quite often concrete floors and wall renders. We have also been tempted into creating a modern feel to the house by using new smooth gypsum plasters and cheap oil derived paints and finishes. These features have fundamentally changed the way that old buildings are used and this in turn has changed the pressure points on them. The materials that we now commonly use are also placing a new and largely unknown pressure on the house. The effect has been to radically change the way that they function as physical structures and this in turn has led to the mould and damp that we now commonly associate with old properties. The new bathrooms and kitchens generate a huge amount of water vapour in the internal atmosphere. The removal of chimneys and the replacement doors and windows have radically reduced draughts (this is a good thing of course), but most importantly the use of cement renders, non breathing roof and wall insulation and the introduction of solid concrete floors has sealed the dampness in the house and especially the walls.
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property advice Where once water vapour and moisture passed through the structure, now it gets trapped behind impervious render. Where once air wicked away moisture from under the house, via air-vents under the floor, any rising damp is forced by the damp proof membranes into the walls (inc. internal walls). To make matters worse, the cement renders applied to the external walls, tend to crack over time as they don’t flex like an old lime render. This lets water in behind the render and then stops it from getting out again. Where does it go? I think that you know the answer now. To compound the problem, wet walls conduct heat better and this causes cold spots to form and this in turn is the breeding ground for mould. Cool and moist - lovely if you a mould spore! So mould and damp can tell us that there is a problem and also show us where it is. This then allows us to do something about it. It could be: clearing out blocked guttering and drains; cracked render; rising damp from the floor; failed seals around doors and windows .... BUT at least you can then do something positive about it. If you don’t know that there is a problem and it goes untreated it can cause structural failure in a house. Not what you want. The best remedies are the old ones. By working with the house and using breathable materials (lime putty renders, wood fibre insulation, clay plasters, natural paints etc.) you can reinstate the way that it once worked and let the house do the hard work of keeping itself dry. If you are looking to buy a house just bear these things in mind look out for: ‘blown render’ on the outside walls (it sounds hollow when you tap it); dry lined walls (again they sound hollow when tapped); worthless 20 year damp proof injection guarantees; flaky paint and rotting skirting. If in doubt buy a cheap damp meter and take along with you (note that dry lined properties will not appear damp to you or the meter, so a tap is essential). If the house is fundamentally solid, but damp and 8
mouldy, at least you will be going in with your eyes open and ready for the remedial work ahead. For more advice on refurbishing homes please visit our blog at http://ecohomecentre.blogspot.com Good luck. Peter Draper Director of RDE and manager of the Eco Home Centre. Eco Home Centre is run by Rounded Developments Enterprises (A not for profit company based in Cardiff that is dedicated to championing sustainable building in Wales.) 16 Wyndham Crescent Canton, Cardiff, CF11 9EH 02920373094 www.rounded-developments.org.uk RDE website www.ecohomecentre.co.uk Eco Home Online shop http://ecohomecentre.blogspot.com Eco Home blog www.sustainablebuildingresource.com Sustainable Building Wiki info@rounded-developments.org.uk
interior design
We offer a free planning design service using Articad computer aided design. We can supply only or see a project through from start to finish.
Duleek kitchen, the Duleek range comes in a wide range of finishes and styles, too many to mention all, to help create a contemporary kitchen. Price per plan.
Santos is a striking sliding wardrobe from Wiemann, pictured in american walnut/ black glass. Available in 250cm or 300cm widths, also available in olivewood/alpine white finish. Installed price starting from ÂŁ1450.
Malmoe is a stunning range from Wiemann, pictured in american walnut/high gloss cream. Available in a range of sizes from 50cm upto 400cm. An example price for a 200cm 4 door robe, installed price from ÂŁ849 .
Ultra high gloss black & ebony kitchen, highly contemporary which gives a stunning effect when mixing two colours together. Price per plan.
Calcutta Vanilla kitchen, traditional in style but in a vibrant vanilla finish this Calcutta door with it’s raised centre panel conjures up the feeling of both gradeur and comfort. Price per plan.
Tavola oak stained natura light oak kitchen. Rich and daring, the Tavola kitchen represents all that is sophisticated about contemporary kitchen design, available in a range of finishes. Price per plan.
Conels Furniture Ltd 10 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd, LL30 1AB Tel :- 01492 874850 Email :- info@conels.co.uk
Web :- www.conels.co.uk 13 9
Selling and Letting Properties Throughout The County Of Conwy Since 1984
Your Trusted Agent Call Us Today
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COLWYN BAY OFFICE
Tel: 01492 512705 sales@accentproperties.co.uk
View all our properties at: www.accentproperties.co.uk
We are specialists in quality kitchen & bedroom furniture free no obligation quote at a competitive price Conels Furniture Ltd 10 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd, LL30 1AB T 01492 874850 E info@conels.co.uk W www.conels.co.uk
CB
ELECTRICS Electrical & Property Maintenance / Upgrade to the very highest standard
Honest l Reliable l Tidy l Cost effective
• Conservatories • Rehau uPVC • Windows • Doors • Patios • Fascia Boards & Cladding
For a FREE Quotation please call
Enquiries: Tracy - 01492 549003 / On site: Carl - 07799261366 email: carl@brine.uk.net
01248 600011 Or visit our showroom at
High Street, Bethesda, Gwynedd LL57 3NY
ENERGY SAVING
B&Q’S ENERGY SAVING TIPS
It is estimated that those who take the time to lay insulation will save around £145 year on year. Every year households can save around £28 if just ten bulbs are switched to energy saving lights. Turn down your thermostat by just 1 degree and save on average £50 every year Heating n Check that the central heating is on when people are in the house as heating an empty house is a waste of energy and money. For example, set the heating to come on 20 minutes before the family gets up in the mornings and have it go off 15 minutes before they leave the house. n The right temperature for a room is between 18 and 21oC so check that the room thermostat is right. n The Energy Saving Trust estimates that a boiler accounts for about 60 per cent of energy bills. If it is more than 12 years old, it may be worth replacing. The Heatline Monza costs £499 and is one of the highest efficiency combi boilers around. n Hot water should be set for 60oC. Any higher is a waste of energy; any lower and there may be a risk of micro organisms forming. n Don’t turn thermostatic radiator valves off, even if you are not using a room. Sometimes they can stick when turned back on again. Set to the frost setting instead. n Insulating a home means that it will heat up quicker and less heat will be wasted. Cold draughts are not only unpleasant, but also indicate that your home is losing heat so invest in a draught excluder.
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n Ensure that loft insulation is 270mm (about 11”) and that it is between the joists of the loft. Cavity walls should also be insulated and it can usually be professionally insulated in just 1 day from the outside of a home. In the kitchen n Fridges should be set at between 3 and 5oC to keep food in good condition and electricity costs under control. n 18oC is the optimum temperature for freezers. Try to keep your freezer full as it will work more efficiently – you could use bread or even newspaper for bulk. n Washing clothes with modern detergents allow washing machines to work effectively at just 30oC. This uses 40% less electricity. n Try switching to a Quickwash setting on dishwashers. This can be surprisingly effective for lightly soiled items. n New appliances for a home should now be the most energy efficient models. Over 49 per cent of the electricity consumed by UK households is estimated to be from using kitchen appliances and this is more than double the amount of that the UK used in the 1970 in kitchens. n B&Q now only sells fridges, washing machines, freezers and dishwashers that are A rated or better. In fact, the EU Energy Labels that are
ENERGY SAVING on many appliances have had to be redesigned this year to show grades up to A+++. n Choose a tumble dryer with a sensor that will switch off when the laundry is dry. Try the White Knight tumble dryer from B&Q for £149. Lighting n Lighting accounts for about 20 per cent of an electricity bill. To reduce this, just change the light bulb n Incandescent and halogen light bulbs use some of the electricity they are supplied with for light, but they also produce heat. This makes them less efficient, short lived and more expensive to run than modern energy efficient light bulbs. Changing to energy saving light bulbs can mean that it uses up to 80 per cent less electricity and from B&Q they cost from as little as £1. n B&Q is launching LED lightbulbs next month which are now more affordable with prices starting from £8.98 for a pack of six. All the bulbs last between 15-25 years
year by people leaving appliances on standby. They have also calculated that powering IT equipment now accounts for about 13% of the average UK household electricity bill. n To reduce costs use intelligent sockets or extention leads. Plug a PC into the “master” socket, plug the printer, speakers and any other peripherals into the “slave” sockets. When turning off a PC, all the peripherals are then automatically turned off. These also work well for televisions – but do ensure to plug any set top hard drive recorders (e.g. “Sky plus”) into another socket so that TV shows are still recorded. n Investing in an electricity monitor highlights exactly where energy is being spent around the home. The Owl Monitor from B&Q costs £24.98 and has the benefit of being wireless.
Around the house n The Energy Saving Trust estimates that £1 billion worth of energy is wasted in the UK every
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H.C.S. PLUMBING CP’S CLEANING, SHOPPING AND IRONING SERVICE
& Heating Supplies LTD
n From one off cleans to weekly cleans. n From offices to private homes & holiday homes. n Proffesional person available. n References and proof of ID available.
l Boilers l Radiators
& Controls l Pipes & Fittings l Showers and Much More
n Reasonable rates and discounts for OAP’s. n Pet sitting and dog walking service also available.
TEL: 01248 680633 MOB: 07944 688137 www.cpcleaning.co.uk
GAERWEN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ANGLESEY Tel: 01248 422 244 Fax: 01248 422 255
Interior design
Linda Barker Interior decorator Linda Barker was instrumental in awakening the British public’s interest in home design with the BBC’s pioneering show Changing Rooms, and thus became one of the best known designers in the UK. The programme was a phenomenal international success in virtually every English speaking TV territory around the world and while Linda was with the show it reached its peak of popularity, attracting a UK audience of over ten million viewers per episode. Ever since then Linda has continued to develop her career as a writer, broadcaster and interior designer across the private and corporate sectors - while still maintaining a high profile presence in the populist media with TV appearances on such programmes as ‘I’m A Celebrity...’, ‘MasterChef’ and ‘Come Dine With Me’. Linda was also an extensively publicised designer of sofas at DFS for seven years.
‘Makeover Maestro’ (Radio Times readers). To date her global book sales exceed two million.
Among her previous awards and accolades are Designer of the Year (House Beautiful magazine) a This Is Your Life programme, TV Personality of the Year (Your Home magazine), Yorkshire Woman of the Year and Interiors
Since 2003 Linda has also run her own interior accessories mail order business www.reallylindabarker.co.uk
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Most recently Linda has become increasingly involved with the UK crafts movement, acting as an ambassador for the Crafts Council, running sell out master classes at the V&A Museum, and devising original handmade creations for numerous media projects.
Shining Star Chrome Tree £25.95
interior design
Overtly and unashamedly Christmas, this chromed metal tree is all about cosy candlelight and the reflection of bright, festive decoration. They would be lovely around a log fire, or up on a winter windowsill, but also imagine the impression when your guests see a line of them, glowing down the centre of your Christmas table.
Mirror Mosaic Platter and Vase Set £14.95 t
With strong North African design overtones, this handmade mirror mosaic set gives you a trinket tray or small serving platter, combined with a matching vase or tidy. It could make an unusual and glamourous desk top organiser set, or you could use them for food display and serving - think breadsticks and dip. The great thing about mirror is that it will reflect the tones around it, so surrounding these items with colour and candlelight will always be a winning design technique.
Love Hearts Metal Wall Decoration Sold in pairs at £14.95
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Shaker chic, with timeless appeal - this wirework wall decoration is the perfect piece of visual punctuation for a boring wall space or cupboard door. You could also experiment with hanging them from thread or ribbon so that they are free to slowly spin in a window or suspended from the mantlepiece. See also the matching Love Hearts Metal Hook Rack 17
Glow Heart Wall Hanging £12.95
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Interior design
Little lights in a decorative wreath or wall art display always look wonderful, but sometimes the wiring run or an outside location make it impossible to use mains electricity or candlelight. Where problems like that exist, this is your answer. The wire heart is decorated by water resistant LED lights, and they are powered by two little AA batteries, so you can pretty much hang this wherever you want - even out on the front door as we’ve done here.
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Pair of Silver Celebration Goblets £49.95
A beautiful gift boxed set of substantial and weighty drinking vessels. A hammered finish of silver, over solid brass, make these goblets wonderful to hold, to use, and to admire. For maximum effect at your parties and dinner table try frosting them in the freezer before bringing out filled with fizz or white wine.
Tips Choosing Colours wisely in your home- be totally honest about the type of person you are .... Bold and vibrant people can opt for eye popping colours particularly in a bathroom or hallway or in a dining room but if your gently weaning yourself off magnolia and beige then this might be a step too far. Choose a neutral palette of greys and vary the tones from room to room, keeping the woodwork a constant pale grey. Using Natural Light, let the sun shine in , quite literally and if you are in a northerly room then simply position large mirrors opposite the windows to double the effect of the available light. Make sure your curtains lie against the window reveals and not against the glass so as not to obscure the precious light. Use tie backs or hold backs if necessary.
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Proper composite stable doors ÂŁ699.99
any
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Free delivery during December and January!
Our composite stable doors are properly rebated in the middle, similar to a traditional timber stable door. We do not use unsightly aluminum sections or uPVC parts to make it draft proof. This is a bespoke composite stable door.
Front and back composite doors ÂŁ499
Prices do not include VAT
Telephone: 01948-770770
email: lesley@thestabledoorcompany.com website: www.compositehomedoors.com
www.compositestabledoors.com
GARDEN PRODUCTS
Arctic Spas Cymru Arctic Spas Cymru is a company that was born from a dream. The dream was to bring affordable luxury whilst melt away stress in lavish warm waters to the good people of North Wales. The hot tub was considered a new brand new concept in the UK, which can still be said today, therefore explaining the beauty behind such a modern ideal was certainly another mountain Arctic Spas Cymru had to climb on top of starting a brand new business, which we all know is a frighteningly exciting time. This family run company decided to bring a bit of the world renowned Arctic Spas brand over to the stunning North Wales surroundings for a variety of reasons. The facts that Arctic Spas manufacture their hot tubs from the very best materials and parts on the market, builds the tub for the harshest climate and with customer satisfaction always on the forefront of their minds are just a couple of these said reasons. Arctic Spas Cymru only deal in the best quality hot tubs on the market, in order to offer their customers the absolute best. Gareth, the head technician and owner of the company, has a background in gas engineering and plumbing, giving him the perfect platform to adapt these skills for the hot tub market. Gareth is happiest when he’s able to use a ‘hands on’ approach to work, and with a work ethic that is truly heroic, he always goes the extra mile for his customers to ensure that he delivers world class service and products at local prices. Gareth states: “If I wanted to sell cheap hot tubs, then there are several companies out there who are more than willing to provide me with some. I respect and value my customers so much more than that, so I am committed to providing a first class hot tub experience at all times.” With this commendable attitude, Arctic Spas 22
Cymru has grown from strength to strength, with the customer base growing on a daily basis and repeat customers promoting them by word of mouth. Since the appointment of new marketing officer and website guru, Ffion Davies, who has an eye for detail, the website has undergone a transformation, adding a stylish black background to highlight the fresh new products that are available. Ffion states: “Branding is so important, this is why I’ve decided to give the website a make over. Over the past couple of months I’ve branded our blog, twitter and facebook account as it’s imperative to keep all of our customers up to date, and offer as much advice about different aspects of hot tub ownership as possible. Online presence and business growth is my mission, and I personally put myself into all of my work.” The future definitely looks bright for this company, with their ideals and work ethic that have enabled the company to flourish over the past 5 years. For more information, please visit www.arcticspas-cymru.com
GARDEN PRODUCTS
Here at Arctic Spas Cymru, we love everything hot tubs. We specialise in a variety of first class hot tubs, which are affordable, luxurious and a stunning addition to your home and garden. We are experts in the hot tub industry, having growing with it over the past 5 years, and shaping ultimate sales services, supreme products, an after care service that is second to none and an unparalleled maintenance service, so you can rest assured that we are the perfect one stop shop for hot tubs and spas in North Wales. As each and every one of our customers are unique, we tailor make our hot tub packages to suit their individual needs and most importantly, budgets. One of our specialties is that we have a range of hot tubs to suit nearly every budget,
so whether you need a simple hot tub for your holiday home, or you want the top of the range tub with a variety of different add-on options, such as a sound system, a plethora of jets and pumps and dazzling lights, we can get you to your perfect tub. Please take a look at 6 hot tubs, 3 from Arctic Spas, and 3 from Jacuzzi, both brands that we specialise in for you to learn more about them and how they can not only offer a new place for you to enjoy the company of your loved ones, but also improve your way of life as it offers an array of health benefits too. To find out more, please visit our website: www.arcticspas-cymru.com
Entry Level – J-230 A jet lover’s paradise.
If an abundance of jets is what you crave, the J-230™ hot tub is for you. With 25 jets, the J-230™ is a jet lover’s paradise, all in an exquisite hydrotherapy setting for five. The J-230™ is a popular hot tub in the J-200™ series and features everything you need to relax in hydrotherapy. Rest your head against one of the three pillows for optimum relaxation. Rejuvenate, spend quality time with family, and entertain friends. Seats 5.
Mid Range – J-335 Pamper yourself. Targeted jets will spoil your feet, calves, back and shoulders making you long to indulge them again. The J-335™ includes a lounge seat, the famous Jacuzzi® Water Rainbow® waterfall, and an easy-to-reach control panel that lets you set your own temperature, massage and lighting preferences. And its jet-driven, warm-water massage is a natural beauty treatment. Suddenly, life is beautiful in the J-335™.
Top of the Range – J-480CD The J-480CD hot tub model showcases the Collection’s dramatic new curved profile. Behind the WaterColour™ feature, the shaped acrylic edge creates a vertical drop that plays up the waterfall effect - so you can relax as water flows over your shoulders. The J-480CD’s asymmetrical lines present a fresh spa silhouette, unlike any other. 23
GARDEN PRODUCTS
Surround yourself with a feeling of relaxation
Give in to the luxury of Jacuzzi hydrotherapy, cocooned in a world of cascading waterfalls and warm jet streams. 48 PowerPro® jets produce virtually any massage type, from deeply invigorating to tension-relieving. There are three therapy seats in the J-480CD hot tub, in addition to the lounge, each one designed to provide a targeted hydromassage for specific muscle groups.
Entry Level – Ellsemere
(Part of the Arctic Essential Series)
Our new Arctic Spas® Essential Series encompasses a range of designs all with a common goal – to provide the signature Arctic Spas® experience in a clean, simplistic design. This series maintains all the performance of the core Arctic Spa principals such as highly efficient operation, intelligent design of both form and equipment, and ease of ownership. The Essential series features no-nonsense designs which include our Self-Supporting Hull, our Heatlock® cabinet with Total Access™ and a durable, insulated rubber 4xFloor™ to protect the underside of the spa. This heat-trapping envelope ensures that the ongoing cost of ownership is kept to an absolute minimum. As with all Arctic Spas®, the Essential series is totally upgradable – at purchase or in the future. Add more advanced purification, entertainment or appearance options whenever you like! The Ellesmere is the modern version of the classic cedar tub. Its timeless profile and deep areas lend nicely to the uncomplicated pleasure of a relaxing soak. We have added multilevel seating areas for those not so tall, and those in between as well, and of course our ergonomically placed Pulse™ jets add to the experience. This one is perfect for any holiday home owners as its simple, cost effective and easy to maintain.
Mid Range – Coyote Armarillo
Comfortably seating up to 6 people, the Armarillo offers powerful therapeutic seats, along with subtler yet invigorating options. The lounger provides a full-body hydromassage with jets targeting legs, calves, feet, back. This elegant model leads the way in innovative design and spa-therapy. If you want the luxury of a lounger, and one big enough to cater to larger parties and your budget doesn’t stretch to the Arctic range, then this is the perfect one for you.
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Top of the Range – Arctic Cub
This hot tub has a sculptured single lounge chair and arguably the most comfortable seats in the industry. Built-in headrests, multi-level seating and armrests are standard features in this spa. The Cub has all the comfort and ergonomics of the larger spas, but in a more compact design. The Cub has been our editor’s choice hot tub on our website several times, and it is definitely one of the favourites amongst our customers. With the choice of a range of additional options you can add to your new hot tub, for example, Wettunes Sound System, Northern Lights or our new Bluetooth and Wi-Fi system where you can power your tub with your iPod, you really can make this tub your own.
Tree Services For North West Wales We are a specialist tree care company that has been established and working in North West Wales since 1996. We provide a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of tree work. We provide assistance from the first enquiry, from initial condition surveys - through liaison with local Authorities - to remedial works or even complete removal, we offer you a service carried out by experienced, qualified professionals. Our experience, expertise and efficient approach have ensured that we have become an established and trusted name throughout Anglesey and Gwynedd with a reputation for a courteous, professional service.
Roundwood Tree Technology, Fron Goch, Talwrn, Anglesey, LL77 7TB Tel: 01248 750 353 Mob: 07770 875 820 Web: www.roundwoodtreetech.co.uk
Arctic Spas Cymru
Unit 19, Llandegai industrial estate Bangor Gwynedd, LL57 4YH
01248 361 101
Relaxation all year round Are you looking for a brand new hot tub in North Wales? Are you in need of hot tub maintenance in Gwynedd? If so, then we are the perfect company for you. Arctic Spas Cymru are hot tub specialists based in Bangor, North Wales, and we pride ourselves on offering all of our customers a first class service and a fresh and modern approach to hot tub ownership. Our ethos is that purchasing a hot tub is an investment that will enhance your life in a variety of ways.
a r cti cs p as - cymru.c om
Step into the countryside and you’ll find more than just tractors, scarecrows and the occasional loopy local. You’ll find Firecrcracker design, a creative graphic design and printing studio with fresh ideas, sharp service and very tasty prices to match.
T 01248 853916
M 07515 880236
E info@firecrakerdesign.co.uk
W www.firecrackerdesign.co.uk
Everything you will ever need for your garden, outdoor furniture and gift ideas, all under one roof set in the stunning Conwy Valley. Following a comprehensive refurbishment of our long standing family run business, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our regular customers and new visitors alike. We have extended our shop area to include some innovative and fabulous new gift ideas. We have a brand new garden furniture section with some very different and unique designs and of course our vast and varied seasonal plants and shrubs continue to delight all year around. Snowdonia Nurseries, llanrwst road, glan conwy, colwyn bay, conwy LL28 5SR T 01492 580703 F 01492 573559 E info@snowdonianurseries.co.uk
www.snowdonianurseries.co.uk
Richard’s blog - SNOWDONIA NURSERIES
Possible Poinsettia Shortage! Poinsettias have become a vibrant part of our home decorations at Christmas time but don’t leave it too late if you’re planning to buy one this year as there could be a shortage. The severe cold weather last year resulted in astronomical heating bills for growers, coupled with reduced demand because people were unable to get out to Garden Centres because of the snow and
ice. Many growers lost money and have reduced or ceased production as a result. Growing conditions this year have been much more favourable; the high light levels have resulted in very bushy, brightly coloured plants and the mild weather will have been a great relief to growers, who, like the rest of us are facing massive increases in the cost of oil and gas. If possible always try and buy a British grown plant. This is not a matter of patriotism, it is because plants are fresher and better quality. Poinsettias do not travel well, they resent being stored for any length of time in the dark, or exposed to cold draughts. They hate being handled and dislike being encased in a plastic sleeve with no air circulation for long periods of time. If you can, buy your plant direct from the grower, or from a retail outlet where they are displayed unsleeved in a warm area with good natural light levels. Avoid plants which are showing any signs of wilting, or have yellowing leaves at the base of the plant. Also check to ensure the coloured bracts are unblemished. “Scratching” occurs in plants which have been roughly handled, caused by the leaking of the milky sap at the point of damage. The tiny gold “pips” in the centre of the bracts (cyathia) should also look fresh and intact. Plants which are under stress, or have been forced too early will often lose these pips which are in fact the true flower. In the home these pips will eventually fall off, but the beautifully coloured bracts will continue to give enjoyment for months.
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H omes & Gardens
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Wildlife watch
Winter care for wild birds Winter is a particularly important time of year to be aware of the needs of the wild birds in your garden and what you can do to help them survive the cold winter months. High-energy foods such as peanuts, sunflower hearts or fat cakes are vitally important when the days are short and the birds have limited feeding time. Surplus calories can then be stored up and burnt off during the night to keep warm. Wildlife advice Manager, Martin George, from CJ Wildlife says â&#x20AC;&#x153;it is important to be prepared and have extra bird food on standby. When temperatures drop and natural food resources become scarce the birds will be more reliant on the supplementary food we offer in our gardens.â&#x20AC;? These are some of the high-energy foods recommended by CJ Wildlife: Sunflower Hearts (600 calories per 100g) By offering sunflower hearts, time spent cracking open the husk is eliminated, enabling birds to save valuable time hunting for food and feed more efficiently.
Hi-Energy No Mess (550 calories per 100g) The range of seeds in this popular mix means there will be something that appeals to the vast majority of your garden birds. Gourmet Robin Blend (480 calories per 100g) This seed mix contains dried insects and soft fruits making it a firm favourite for Robins and other ground feeding birds,
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Premium Peanuts (560 calories per 100g) Peanuts are a traditional bird food and, being high in essential oil, popular with a wide variety of species.
Wildlife watch
Peanut Cake Tubes (600-700 calories per 100g, dependant on the variety) Made with a mix of high quality fat and peanut flour, peanut cakes provide the birds with an easy way to ‘top-up’ on essential fats and nutrition. Suet Ring The hand-made suet ring is bursting with highenergy goodness for your garden birds. It is formulated from fats, bound with peanut flour and seeds, finished with a generous coating of dried fruits and mixed seed. CJ Wildlife’s top tips for winter feeding: • Keep bird tables and feeders well stocked during the crucial months of October to April • Don’t forget to clean bird tables and feeders regularly to protect against the spread of disease • Ensure bird baths are kept clean and topped up. Any ice should be removed and replaced with warm water. • Feed high-energy foods such as sunflower hearts – they will appeal to a wide range of garden birds, even non-seed eating species • Don’t feed peanuts or fat balls in nets – birds can get their tongues and feet caught in the netting CJ Wildlife stocks a vast range of high quality bird food and feeders. Their premium feeders are designed with the birds needs in mind and are available in a number of colours, sizes and styles to suit all budgets. For more information or to request a free Handbook of Garden Wildlife call Freephone 0800 731 2820 or visit www.birdfood.co.uk quote C2152
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