GOWER NEWS Gower’s Hyper-Local News, Event and Information Guide
Easter news & events! Issue 11 30th March 2012
www.gowernews.co.uk
Expore Gower This Easter Whether you’re enjoying a staycation or visiting from afar there’s plenty going on around Gower this Easter holidays. During this past week we’ve been blessed with some gloriously sunny weather - let’s hope that the weather remains settled over the holiday period. As usual, Chris Ridgway will be providing us with a local weekend weather outlook via the Gower News website - www.gowernews.co.uk - be sure to check it out! Early in March I had the pleasure of accompanying Dan Santillo on one of his photography workshops - you can read more about my early morning sunrise adventure and Q&A session with Dan later in this issue. For a reasonably gentle coastal path walk this Easter, check out the route Dan and I followed from Caswell Bay to Pwlldu Bay. If you’re looking to ‘grow-your-own’ this year, then why not give Chilli growing a try? On the 31st March 2012, visit the Gower Wildflower Centre for a Chilli Growers’ Fair organised by Andrew Brooks of Gower Chillis. The event promises a large range of specialist chilli seeds and plants to buy, a ‘chilli doctor’ stand for all your questions about chilli growing, a new range of fresh chilli sauces and a whole host of specialist chilli themed food. How ever you spend it - have a very happy Easter! Ian Ambrose | Editor Sign up to our e-newsletter to receive your next copy by email - register at: www.gowernews.co.uk
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GOWER NEWS 30th March 2012 Editor / Design / Illustration Ian Ambrose
Happy Easter
Publisher Gower News | www.gowernews.co.uk editorial@gowernews.co.uk Gower News is an independent and privately owned online publication. Distribution This e-publication is freely distributed through Gower News’ e-newsletter and online media network. www.gowernews.co.uk Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Gower News or its Editor. Gower News does not accept responsibility for the products, goods or services featured or advertised throughout this epublication. Gower News does not personally endorse any business, organisation, product or service featured in this publication. Every effort is made to ensure the information contained within this publication is accurate and up to date. The contents of this publication are subject copyright and must not be reproduced in any way without the express prior permission of the publisher.
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Langland Bay
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Contents Hyper Local News 6-9 What’s On 10-15 Feature: Swansea Quadrant Centre 16-17 Local Produce and Craft Events 18-19 Feature: The Changing Seasons 20-23 Feature: Gower as a Watering Place 24-27 Feature: Snappy Spring Sunrise 28-29 Feature: Q&A with Dan Santillo 30-31 Advertorial: Dan Santillo Photography 32-33 Walking the Gower: Caswell Bay to Pwlldu Bay 34-37 Gower Surfers’ Map 38-39 Connect with Gower News 40
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Hyper Local News According to new data, plastic-wrapped doggy-poo is a threat to beach cleanliness. Last year Gower News featured the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch Big Weekend 2011 - a number of local beaches were surveyed and litter-picked as part of the nationwide event. Data from last year's Beachwatch surveys has revealed an 11% rise in the number of doggy bags found on beaches. According to the the Marine Conservation Society, this data shows dog owners are poop scooping but leaving the bags with their contents on the beach rather than binning responsibly. With the promise of fair weather during the Easter break, Gower beaches are certain to receive plenty of visitors. Whilst some of Gower’s beaches ban doggy visitors for part of the year, the ban itself does not take effect until 1st May. With the arrival of summer-like weather ahead of the official ban, some of Gower’s most popular beaches could very well see an increase of both human and canine beach visitor this Easter break. Swansea Council service around 400 dog waste disposal bins. Dog owners who do not clean up after their animals face a fixed penalty notice of £75 This year’s Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch Big Weekend will take place over the weekend of 14th - 17th September 2012.
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A giant jubilee cake, created by Neath Port Talbot College bakery students, will be sold in aid of local charity at the third Gorseinon Food Festival on Saturday 28th April at the Canolfan Gorseinon Centre. The cake will be cut at midday by Simon Wright, the festival's patron, Swansea Sound presenter, Kev Johns and Bill Sweetman, the festival chairman. Simon, who is a food writer, broadcaster and presenter of BBC Radio's 'Wales on the Menu', will also demonstrate how to cook some of his favourite Welsh dishes with his wife, Maryann during one of the show's cookery sessions. The festival will have over 100 food and craft stalls including local True Taste of Wales award winners, and UK Great Taste awards. One winner is Gowerbased Jayne Roderick from Welsh Special Treats who recently won two Gold Great Taste awards from the Guild of Fine Foods for her lemon extra marmalade and raspberry and melon jam. She said: "This is one show I wouldn't miss. The atmosphere is great and I love the opportunity to meet new and regular customers. Everyone will be welcome to try free samples of all my preserves". The festival will run from 10am to 5pm with Swansea Sound and The Wave broadcasting 'live' from the show between 12am and 2pm. It promises to be a great family day out with free entertainment for children throughout the day from The Disney Store VoluntEARS. Music will be provided by the newly formed Gorseinon Town Band, Loughor Town Band and acoustic guitarist, John Dignam. Entry £3.00 per adult, under 12’s free. There will be free park and ride facilities from Parc Melyn Mynach, and free parking and shuttle facilities for Blue Badge holders at Bako Wales. The Canolfan Gorseinon Centre is at Millers Drive, Gorseinon, SA4 4QN.
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Getting to and around Mumbles and Gower by Bus this Summer. Starting on Sunday 6th May, the Gower Sunday Explorer makes a return this year and will run on Sundays and Public Holidays until Sunday 30th September 2012. Pa r t f u n d e d by t h e S w a n s e a Ru r a l Development Partnership, this year the Gower Sunday Explorer will feature two-hourly direct buses from north Gower to Swansea with some starting back at Rhossili. Combined with the two-hourly south Gower route (Rhossili Port Eynon - Oxwich - Pennard - Swansea) there will be the option of a tour around A red double-decker at Gower and stop-offs en route. Southgate terminus. On 26th February 2012, A number of Gower businesses currently offer Southgate was visited by discount deals to holders of bus tickets - these include: the Gower Heritage Centre, a blast from the past! Perriswood Archery, Three Cliffs Coffee Shop and the National Trust Visitor Centre. First Day Swansea Bay tickets are valid all over Gower, Mumbles, Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and most of the local Valley at ÂŁ4.50 for unlimited travel for a day; ÂŁ12.00 buys unlimited travel for the week in the whole area.
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Kate Jenkins: New Face on ITV1’s Countrywise Kitchen Kate Jenkins from Gower Cottage Brownies has announced that she has been lucky enough to be chosen by ITV as their new face on ITV1's Countrywise Kitchen. Kate will also be at this year's Spring BBC Good Food Show at Bluewater, Kent from 12th-15th April 2012. Gower App Released Carl Gilbert, of Liquorice Allsorts Apps, has developed an iPhone / iPad application to help to promote tourism in Gower. “The application, Gower Visitors Guide, is a fully interactive visitor guide that will always be up to date,” said Carl. The App can be viewed in the iTunes store and currently costs £1.49 http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gower-visitors-guide/id497469650? ls=1&mt=8 Forest Fun in the Easter Holidays Tuesday 3rd & Wednesday 4th April 2012, 10am - 3pm at Park Woods, Gower. Suitable for 8-11 year olds at a cost of £20 a day - a 10% sibling discount is available. Booking essential. Contact: Forest School Swansea Neath Port Talbot, Bishop's Wood Countryside Centre, Caswell, Swansea, SA3 3BS. Telephone: 01792 367118
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Local Events Chilli Growers’ Fair Saturday 31 March 2012 Following on from their ‘successful’ Chilli Festival in Port Eynon last September, Gower Chillis is hosting a celebration of chilli growing from 10am on Saturday 31st March 2012 at the Gower Wildflower Centre, Blackhills (follow the road opposite Swansea airport - it’s near the end). The event promises a large range of specialist chilli seeds and plants to buy, a ‘chilli doctor’ stand for all your questions about chilli growing, a new range of fresh chilli sauces and a whole host of specialist chilli themed food. With free entry and parking, this event should appeal to gardeners, foodies and chilli-lovers alike. In the meantime follow Andrew Brooks from Gower Chillis as he aims to eat chilli every day in 2012 as part of his Chilli Challenge! Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GowerChillis/178808168860310 Twitter: @AndrewBr00ks Telephone: 07854 319768 Email: andrew.brooks@gowerchillis.com
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WhatsOnGower.co.uk For a full listing of Gower events we know about, please visit: www.whatsongower.co.uk CAR BOOT SALE
Gower Crafts and Aritisans (GCA)
OXWICH BEACH CAR PARK, GOWER 7AM TO 12PM Each Saturday in April & May commencing 7th April 2012
A newly formed group of craft producers and artists, mainly based in the rural area of Swansea. The g roup promotes the work of local artisans with a view to developing a recognisable brand that denotes quality local produce. Gower Crafts and Aritisans would like to share their love for crafts to all; they look forward to meeting you at their forthcoming events.
Party for Parkinson's UK Monday 9th April 2012 10.30am to 2.30pm The Shop, Pitton Cross Caravan Park, Rhossili, SA3 1PH
• 31st March 2012 at the Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill.
Selling a range of merchandise from Parkinson's, plus locally m a d e We l s h c a k e s , j a m s , handmade cards, cakes and coffee.
•29th April 2012 at the Gorseinon Craft Festival.
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Local Events Coming Up... 2012-03-31: Chilli Growers' Fair - Gower Wildflower Centre, Swansea 2012-03-31: Easter Fun at The Gower Heritage Centre, Swansea 2012-04-01: April Fool's Fancy Dress Parade Mumbles to Blackpill 2012-04-03: Penmaen Burrows Walk with Swansea's Gower AONB Team 2012-04-07: Car Boot Sale at Oxwich Beach Car Park, Gower 2012-04-07: Cotoneaster Clearance at Pennard Cliffs with The National Trust, Gower 2012-04-07: Easter Trail at Southgate Car Park with The National Trust, Gower 2012-04-07: Three Cliffs Coastal Flowers with The National Trust, Gower 2012-04-09: Party for Parkinson's UK at The Shop, Pitton Cross Caravan Park, Rhossili 2012-04-11: Mumbles Hill 'Mutt Strut' with Swansea Nature Network 2012-04-14: Gower Ornithological Society's Woodland Birdsong Walk through Clyne Woods, Swansea
E i g h t h G o w e r Wa l k i n g Festival: 9-24 June, 2012 Centred on Britain’s first AONB, the Gower Walking Festival is a great opportunity to see the wonderful scenery and abundant wildlife of the Gower peninsula and surrounds. Opened once again by Derek Brockway, ‘Wales’ Weatherman Walking’, this year there are 73 guided walks and activities for experienced walkers to leisurely strollers. Specials this Jubilee year are the ‘Collect a Castle’ walks, the two-day Gower 40-Miler and the Edgar Evansinspired Captain Scott Connection. New walks include Passionate Pilgrims, Orchids at Oxwich, Romans, Monks and Ironworkers, a Singing Walk, Only Dogs Allowed, and Stand-Up Pa d d l e b o a rd i n g, w i t h t wo beginners’ sessions and a Coastal Cruise. Old favourites remain, such as Worm’s Head, Kilvey Hill, Copperopolis, and the Quality Food and Sights Walk as well as C a n o e i n g, C o a s t e e r i n g a n d Kayaking. We'll finish the Festival with a foot-stomping Twmpath. For a fuller flavour of the Festival, visit the new website at www.gowerwalkingfestival.org
2012-04-14: North Gower Eggcase Hunt
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WhatsOnGower.co.uk
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April Fool’s Day Fancy Dress Parade The City & County of Swansea, The LC, and Project Piece are inviting Children under 12 years and their families to:
Spring Into Action
In a Sponsored fancy dress parade along the Prom From Verdi’s, Knab Rock to the Junction at Blackpill
on Sunday, 1st April, 2012 at 10.00am To Support Swansea Taking Children's Interactive Theatre Projects to Haiti, 2012. Helping Haiti to love all its children & build a sustainable future together.
Prizes
For the most extravagant fancy dress for girls & boys (various age groups) & for top two highest sponsorship contributions. Free LC Waterpark Vouchers and refreshments for all entrants
Parade to be started by The Lord Mayor of Swansea
Free to enter: Simply collect a sponsorship form from one of the outlets listed below, The LC Verdi's restaurant (Knab Rock) The Junction (Blackpill) Tourist Information Centre Swansea Tourist Information Centre Mumbles, or request an e.sponsorship form by contacting: angelasmith@projectpiece.org.uk or marketing@the-lc.co.uk
Registration for the event starts at 9.00am, for a prompt 10.00am start All children must be accompanied by an adult All proceeds to be donated to the Jean-R. Cadet Restavek Organisation Registered Charity number 272801969
Remember to bring your completed sponsorship forms along to the event together with your donations collected. Thank you - Stay Safe & See you on April Fool's Day for a whole lot of fun and frolics! (We welcome latecomers, so if you simply want to join us for the parade, a small charge of £2 each will apply)
Screenfocus
Exhibition & display systems
‘Vox Pop’ conducted by Ceidiog Communication pictures by Adam Davies.
Swansea people have been telling of their love affair with the city’s Quadrant shopping centre.
Nes Isaac, originally from Perth in Scotland, has lived in Swansea for over 70 years. She said: “I like it because I can sit and wait for friends before we go for a cup of tea. I like the all the shops too. I have to come by bus nowadays since I can’t drive anymore but it’s easy to get to. It doesn’t take long from Yns Forgan where I live to get here.”
Miss Wales, Sara Manchipp, at the Quadrant Centre in Swansea.
Full-time mum-of-one Yasmin Shipperley, 21, of Gowerton, Swansea has a different reason for liking the Quadrant so much – hygiene.
Fashion photographer Jonathan Creemer, 35: “The fact it is under cover is a big plus and there is a really wide range of shops too. It’s just an ideal meeting place which always seems to have a friendly atmosphere.”
Yasmin said: “Honestly, I have never seen the place dirty or untidy. It means a lot when you have a baby. I am a stickler for hygiene and cleanliness to be honest and I have to say I have always been impressed with the Quadrant.
Pontarddulais Produce and Craft Market Second Wednesday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm The Institute, 45 St. Teilo Street, Pontarddulais. 885890 Mumbles Produce and Craft Market Second Saturday of every month between 9.00am - 1.00pm The Dairy Car Park, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles. 361012 Chilli Growers’ Fair Saturday 31st March 2012 from 10am Gower Wildflower Centre, Blackhills Lane, Fairwood, Gower Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre Second Saturday of every month between 9.30am - 1.00pm Canolfan Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon. 893266 Pennard Produce and Craft Market Second Sunday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm Pennard Community Centre, Pennard. 448399 Penclawdd Produce and Craft Market Third Saturday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm Community Centre, Banc Bach, Penclawdd. 850147 Clydach Produce and Craft Market Last Saturday of each month between 10.00am - 1.30pm Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach. 07707 787791
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‘Local Produce Highlight’ Chilli Growers’ Fair Saturday 31st March 2012 Following on from their ‘successful’ Chilli Festival in Port Eynon last September, Gower Chillis is hosting a celebration of chilli growing from 10am on Saturday 31st March 2012 at the Gower Wildflower Centre, Blackhills (follow the road opposite Swansea airport - it’s near the end).
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The Changing Seasons: Spring in Full Swing by Chris Ridgway As many Gower News regular readers will know (or to any new readers who don’t), my backg round and professional life involves Earth Science. Throughout this new season of Gower News’ e-Publications, I hope to bring you a perspective of Gower through the natural rhythms of nature. Also, where I can, I want to introduce a historical human / cultural context to the rhythms of the natural world. In my view, our ancestors were more in-touch with the vagaries and subtleties of nature than we are today; their folklore and traditions marked the changes of the year and account for the various festivities we mark today in the modern calendar. So whether you live in or around Gower, or are just visiting, you too can understand and appreciate the natural beauty of Gower’s landscapes, habitats, wildlife, ancient monuments and weather that is all around you! It’s important to appreciate natural Gower with the changing seasons as it ushers in ever-changing scenery as the year progresses - each season with a different cast of players, which enriches the environment and wildlife of the Gower peninsula and its hinterland.
March has now unfolded and we move in to April; the clocks have gone forward and the days are get longer as the unceasing changes to the seasons continue. We recently reached an important day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere: the Spring Equinox which occurred on the 20th of March 2012. As I have written previously on the Autumn Equinox, it represents to us on Earth the moment in time when the Sun appears directly over the Equator. In reality it represents a moment in time when the Hemisphere is neither tilted towards or away from the Sun. For us in the Northern Hemisphere it signifies the start of the Northern Hemisphere “summer” - where, due to the Earth’s tilt (23.5°), we begin our tilt towards the Sun - meaning increasing hours of daylight and warmth all the way to the Summer Solstice, which this year occurs on the 20th of June. Our ancestors also noticed the significance of the Spring Equinox as the rebirth of the year and nature springing back in to life. In the Celtic tradition this time of year was known as Ostara or Eostre, in the Welsh tradition it’s known as Gwyl Ganol y Gwanyn. Ostara or Eostre was believed to be a goddess who, after the death of winter, was reborn bringing life to the countryside. It’s likely the Romans introduced the Christian Easter traditions into the calendar at this time of year due to this pre-existing ancient Celtic tradition and its association with the resurrection or rebirth of life.
“If April brings its Horn it’ll bring forth Hay and Corn”
Without the knowledge of modern Science, it was understandable that our ancestors would have noticed - as we can see today around the Gower and its hinterland - the first dusting of green amongst the hedgerows and woods as the buds of the Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Elderflowers burst out their green leaves, associating it with the ‘re-birth of the woodlands’. Also in amongst the hedgerows, flowers like the Celandines and Coltsfoot can be seen with their bright yellow flowers. On warmer days butterflies that hibernated over the winter, such as the bright yellow / green Brimstone, can be seen fluttering around along with Peacocks and Tortoiseshells. This time of year also sees the arrival of the first of summer migrant birds; if you listen carefully, the songs of Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs can be heard in amongst the trees and hedgerows. It’s a good time to take a walk in amongst Gower’s woodland habitat as the trees haven’t fully opened their leaves - you can see as well as hear birds simultaneously, enabling you to associate the call with the bird. Also, the more elusive and shyer birds, like Woodpeckers and Jays, can be seen and heard flying and calling in amongst the tree tops. In the next few weeks we are likely to see the arrival of the more illustrious migrants: Swallows, Swifts, Martin’s and Cuckoo’s from their long migration from Africa. These extraordinary bird migrations, from Africa and Southern Europe, is triggered by the equally extraordinary profound affect of the motions of the Earth as it orbits around the Sun. However, it must be remembered the subtleties of spring started back around the middle of February. This, in part, is a result of our geographical location in the SW British Isles and the marine influence on our Microclimate which raises the temperatures by only a few degrees (compared to other parts of the British Isles) but enough to start the Spring season. So it’s reasonable to say that by the Spring Equinox, Spring in South Wales is literally in full swing! For those who want to take a dip in the sea around the beaches of Gower, beware! As the Spring sunshine brings warmth to the land, the sea, paradoxically, at this time of year is at its coldest! This is because the oceans take longer to warm up than the land, so the warmth that built up in the sea from last year has been slowly realised back into the atmosphere over the winter months. Technically speaking, the seas around Gower can be warmer on Christmas Day than the land! By March/April time, the sea has fully relinquished its stored heat and is relatively cold compared to the land. So if you’re heading to Gower’s beaches this Easter and fancy a dip - you’d best wear a wetsuit!
Gower as a Watering Place By Frances Bevan Frances Bevan was formerly a history correspondent on the Swindon Advertiser; she has written extensively on people, places and events in the history of Swindon. Frances has a number of blogs, of which ‘Dear George...’ is one. --The ‘Dear George...’ blog tells the real-life story of 15-year-old George Bevan who left home to begin an a p p re n t i c e s h i p i n h i s u n c l e ’s ironmonger’s shop in Llandudno; the blog focuses on subsequent correspondence between the boy and his family in Gower that was to run for over 50 years. If you would like to read more about the Bevan family from Gower visit: georgebevan.blogspot.co.uk --© Text and Images Courtesy of Frances Bevan - ‘Dear George...’
The Gower peninsula, a mere 19 miles long and just eight miles wide at its broadest point, is today a thriving holiday destination. The topography is varied with coast, cliffs, sand dunes and salt marshes, woodland and open common, and is particularly popular with walkers and water sport enthusiasts. Gower was just as popular in the summer of 1920 when 89 year old Ann Bevan wrote to her son George: “I hear all the lodgings are let in Horton, Porteynon & Overton & crowds come by Motor nearly everyday.” But the young George Bevan had a vision for the future of Gower as ‘a watering place’ much earlier than this. In the 1870s Ann and Silvanus Bevan farmed 140 acres at Bay View Farm, Overton where they grew a variety of crops including corn, oats, barley and h a y, t u r n i p s , S w e d e s a n d potatoes. Their main income came from sheep and wool. They also kept a few cows, some fowl and sold a horse once a year at Swansea market.
“I hear all the lodgings are let in Horton, Porteynon & Overton & crowds come by Motor nearly everyday.” The farm had been in the family for several generations, but as the third child in a family of eleven George knew he would have to make his living elsewhere. One option was to go to sea as did so many of his cousins, but one uncle, his father’s youngest brother William, had gone into business as an ironmonger. When 15 year old George Bevan left his Gower home in 1876 to begin an apprenticeship in William’s ironmonger’s shop in Llandudno his plan was to return to Swansea and open his own business there. Visits home were few and far between but George never lost his love of all things Gower. He kept up with local news through a steady stream of family letters and he was a regular reader and occasional contributor to The Cambrian newspaper. In August 1880 he sent the following letter to the editor, signing himself ‘A Constant Visitor.’
Sir, Your Correspondent “Incognito” has given us a glowing description of Rossilly and its neighbourhood but has left unmentioned scenes in Gower equally as beautiful and as grand. The beauty of the bay of Oxwich has been appreciated by the many excursionists who have visited it and the ivy mantled walls of its castle has won the admiration of both tourist and visitor. Reynoldstone situated on the side of Cefn Bryn near to the celebrated Arthur’s Stone is a spot full of charms for the visitor from town and Penrice situated amongst the woods with its castle and Roman encampment is a fine field for antiquarian studies and the Botanist will find among the woods choicest specimens of ferns & wild flowers & Horton and Porteynon possess fine sands for bathing and the scenery is grand. The reason these places have not been the resort of health & pleasure seekers is that there is but little accommodation and for the present there seems to be no remedy for this defect as the land being left in the present holder entail he is unable to sell the freehold of his land and no one cares to build on another’s land and so Gower remains almost unknown. But the Gowerian looks forward to the time when the laws of entail shall be abolished and the ground landlord can sell the freehold of his land where stately dwellings shall be reared and Horton & Porteynon be extended to meet each other forming a Grand Crescent and promenade along the beautiful Bay, when a magnificent pier shall extend from the centre and pleasure steamer find regular employment in conveying the crowds of visitors who shall resort thither to breathe its salubrious and health giving air when the bay shall be crowded with pleasure boats and the sands be covered with merry children building sand castle for the rising tide to wash away.
When instead of the solitary pillar box a grand post office shall be reared and the telegraph flash their wants to every part of the land, when the whistle of the railway engine shall rouse the drowsy cattle in their meadows and a station illuminated with gas from porteynon gas works be erected on the slope on moorcorner hill. Hoping their expectations may be realised. I am Sir ‘A Constant Visitor’ It was all going so well until the mention of the Port Eynon gas works! Having completed his apprenticeship George went into business with the help of his uncle. He moved not to Swansea as he had once dreamed, but to neighbouring Colwyn Bay where William could keep an eye on his investment.
// A SNAPPY SPRING SUNRISE // When I received an email from Dan Santillo earlier in the year inviting me along to a spring sunrise landscape photography course, I jumped at the chance to learn from the local photography expert. Arriving at Bracelet Bay car park, I met up with Dan and another of his course attendees just before sunrise. Grabbing our kit we headed down onto the rocky bay below to set up ready for the sunrise with Mumbles Lighthouse in the foreground. The weather during the weeks leading up to the event had been much the same: rather dull and cloudy. In fact, just before heading out of this house on the morning of the sunrise photo shoot the heavens opened and cast doubt on a productive landscape photography session. Thankfully, as we finished setting up our camera equipment the weather improved and the rain stopped completely. There was still a fair amount of cloud around however, which meant that the sunrise was not at its most visually stunning. Having said that, I managed to get a reasonable picture of Mumbles Lighthouse which I later digitally edited - the end result is shown below.
Dan Santillo (left) offers some helpful guidance to one of his landscape photography course attendees.
// Q&A with Dan Santillo // When did you first become interested in photography? It was from an early age, maybe 10, when I was given a small, bright red Konica for my birthday. My father had always been interested in photography, making us wait for ages whilst he composed photos, so that probably helped too. It was much later that I began to take photography seriously though. How long have you been a professional photographer? Since April 2005, so seven years now. Have you always worked as a photographer? After completing my A Levels, I did a degree in Satellite Communications before working as an Embedded Systems Software Engineer for Acterna and then Nokia. Whilst working at Nokia, I took a three week road trip in western Canada with three friends, kayaking up lakes, walking, camping, etc. and I decided that I didn’t want to waste my life away in an air-conditioned office. I set a date 18 months in the future and on that date, I quit my steady job and moved from Guildford to Swansea to start work as a Freelance Photographer. What is your most favourite photography subject matter? Whilst the coast is stunning and one of my favourite subjects, it has to be, without doubt, the mountains. Who or what inspires you most in the world of photography? I always struggle with this question. Many photographers will be able to reel off a list of who inspires them, but whilst I admire many people’s work, there is no one person who I would say inspires me. I’m at my happiest when I’m in the mountains, feeling the freedom of the open air with views as far as the eye can see and such beauty surrounding me. I suppose you could say it is the landscape itself inspires me.
What do you like and dislike most about your job? Taking photos is what I like the most and a close second is meeting people and selling photos at my exhibitions. What I dislike most is having to market myself – if I could take photos and then sell them without having to do lots of marketing, I would be very happy. If you had the opportunity to photograph any landscape in the World, where would it be and why? New Zealand. I went there for three weeks on my honeymoon and the diversity of the landscape is incredibly vast, from glaciers to mountains to geothermal pools to volcanic beaches to rain forests and so on. Three weeks wasn’t enough – I think three years would be much better! Do you have any photography tips for people enjoying the sights of Gower this Easter holidays? 1. Get up early or go home late. Photographers often talk about “golden hour” – an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, the light takes on a sort of golden glow. 2. Take your time. Don’t rush into taking photos, spend a while looking around and thinking about what will make a good photo. 3. Get down low. Crouching down to take photos can often give a better viewpoint. 4. Be original. Trying unusual angles can be more rewarding than taking the same view that everyone else takes. 5. Don’t be afraid to get wet feet. You can get great shots looking back to the beach with the sea in the foreground. When is your next photography course? I am running a Three Cliffs and Rhossili workshop on Sunday 24th June. We spend 3 to 4 hours at Three Cliffs Bay before moving on to Rhossili Bay for a couple of hours and sunset. Where can people see your work next? My next exhibition is in the Ostreme Centre in Mumbles from Saturday 2nd to Tuesday 5th June, 10am to 5pm. I am also in Brecon Market Hall every third Saturday of the month.
// DAN SANTILLO // Dan Santillo is a well known local photographer of Gower landscapes and a regular exhibitor of his work locally. He is currently running a series of workshops aimed at helping others improve their photographic skills. Originally from Cornwall, but now living in South Wales, Dan Santillo is a professional photographer specialising in landscape photography of Gower and the Brecon Beacons. His photographic work of famous Gower landmarks has been published in a number of magazines, both locally and nationally. One of Dan's images of the Culver Hole at Port Eynon is featured on the cover of the Ordnance Survey Landranger Map - 159 Swansea & Gower. A regular early-bird in order to capture stunning sunrise images, which Dan sells at local exhibitions and via his website www.dansantillo.com, Dan is now spreading his wings a little further by offering his services as a tutor to others with a passion for capturing on film the beautiful Gower landscape. Dan said: "The group workshops take place in various locations around the area with a fairly loose agenda so the day can be adjusted depending on what everyone wants to do. "Most landscape photography topics can be covered. "Group size is limited to 5."
Dan Santillo Professional Photographer and Writer telephone: 01792 862376 | mobile: 07917 358724 email: dan@dansantillo.com |web: www.dansantillo.com | twitter: @DanSantillo
Caswell Bay Coastal Walk to Pwlldu Bay A gentle to moderate 3 mile linear walk from Caswell Bay to Pwlldu Bay via Brandy Cove. Words and pictures by Ian Ambrose | Editor
Public Transport:
2 or 2A bus service operated by First Cymru. See www.FirstGroup.com
Parking:
Caswell Bay has a large council operated car park. Parking charges vary according to season.
Facilities:
Caswell Bay (awarded a Blue Flag in 2011) benefits from public toilets, cold outdoor showers, a beachside cafe, surf lesson providers and a number of seaside shop units selling buckets & spades and fast food. Opening times of facilities vary. Caswell Bay benefits from RNLI Lifeguard provision between May and September. Dogs are NOT permitted on Caswell’s beach between 1st May and 30th September. Access to Bishop’s Wood (part of which is ancient woodland) is accessible from Caswell Bay car park. Seasonal activities run by Bishop’s Wood Nature Centre take place from time to time and are usually advertised on the Gower News website.
Caswell Bay The coastal footpath from Caswell to Pwlldu is fairly gentle with the odd moderate incline along the way. BEWARE that the footpath can get very close to the cliff edge in places so caution should be exercised at all times.
View this GPS tracked route by visiting Gower News on Runkeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/gowernews/activity/73404229
Cottages at Pwlldu Coastal Walk to Pwlldu Bay
Sheer Drop Pwlldu Lane
Pwlldu Bay
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3 mile | linear walk Moderate | 2 hrs
Bishop’s Wood Start and Finish
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Caswell Bay
Mumbles
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Brandy Cove
www.walkingthegower.co.uk
Caswell Bay
Cliff Path Dangers!
The footpath from Caswell to Pwlldu can be accessed by following the path up along the road. From the car park entrance turn right up the hill. Alternatively, if the tide is out then you can walk onto the beach and turn right just past the slip. Walk along the beach until you reach the footpath at the end of the bay just in front of an apartment block. Climb the steps (these are quite steep so please take care, especially when the weather is wet) turning left at the top. Continue to follow the footpath beware of a sheer drop to the left of the footpath a short distance away.
Brandy Cove
The footpath continues and provides some breathtaking scenes along the way. The first place of interest to be arrived at is Brady Cove. Leave the footpath and bear left down onto the cove below. As you step on to the raised beach you may notice a grated entrance to the left - this appears to have been worked on recently. The area was once mined for Lead and it’s claimed smugglers too used the area for their illicit activity once upon a time; maybe this provided Brandy Cove with its present spirituous name. Continue along the coastal path by leaving the cove the same way, bearing left at the top. From here the path meanders slightly as it follows the rocky coastline to Pwlldu Bay. There are no facilities at Pwlldu Bay, but if you take a picnic and a flask of tea/ coffee then this really is a charming place to spend an hour or two. Relax and soak up the fresh sea air in this tranquil part of the Gower coastline. If you’re accompanied on this walk by canine friends, then a fresh water stream can be found at the top of the bay behind the bank of pebbles. This can be a real treat for the dogs especially if they have had a long trek and the weather is warm. Don’t forget: you can share you walk pictures with us via our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/gowernews
3453
Remember, going in the sea is a potentially dangerous activity. This is a guide only. Take notice of all local advice and signs. Please exercise common sense and caution.
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0'((1$3&(! To adjust for British Summertime, add 1 hour from 01.00 March 27th to 01.00 October 30th For approximate low water time, add 6hrs 15 minutes.
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afternoon
-0m 8m 16m 79m 38m 87m 25m 52m 66m 66m 46m 04m 44m 75m 39m 12m 43m 07m 68m 12m 37m 45m 39m 20m 90m 51m 04m 50m
1 11.10 9.95m 23.33 12.03 9.90m ------ WSW 2 Ideal 12.24 13.21 9.65m ------swell: 9.55m 3 00.59 14.56 9.87m Bottom: Sand14.03 16.02 10.42m 4 Max/Min 02.44 9.89m rideable:15.24 8’/2’ 16.51 11.00m 5 03.51 10.59m 16.19 type: * Ì]Ê ivÌÃ 11.32m 17.05 17.33 11.52m 6 Wave 04.39 11.94m Best tide: High 17.48 18.14 11.94m 7 05.23 18.54 12.25m 8 06.06 Best 12.43m wind: SE18.29 19.33 12.45m 9 06.48 12.77m 19.10 20.12 12.52m 10 07.30 12.94m 19.51 20.51 12.42m 11 08.11 12.91m 20.31 21.31 12.13m 12 08.52 12.64m 21.12 22.15 11.64m 13 09.35 12.13m 21.56 23.06 11.01m 14 10.22 11.41m 22.47 15 11.21 10.61m 23.54 ------ -----12.55 10.21m 16 ------ ------ 12.38 Ideal swell: to S 10.01m 14.11 17 W01.23 14.26 10.15m 15.49 10.59m 02.58 10.30m 15.36 Bottom:18Sand 11.18m 10.93m 16.33 19 04.07 16.51Max/Min rideable: 12’/1’ 11.67m 20 04.57 11.51m 17.17 17.39 type: Beach, L&R11.93m 17.54 12.00m 21 05.36 18.19 Wave Best tide: 22 All 18.55 12.16m 06.12 12.17m 18.27 12.26m 19.00 23 06.46 19.29 12.19m Best wind: E 20.00 12.11m 24 07.18 12.21m 19.30 20.30 11.92m 25 07.49 12.06m 20.00 20.57 11.63m 26 08.18 11.82m 20.27 21.25 11.26m 27 08.46 11.49m 20.54 21.55 10.81m 28 09.15 11.08m 21.24 22.35 10.28m 29 09.48 10.61m 22.01 30 10.35 10.09m 22.58 31 11.45 9.69m -----@gowersurfersmap
9.78m 9.54m 9.60m 10.18m 10.90m 11.56m 12.10m 12.50m 12.75m 12.83m 12.71m 12.35m 11.77m 11.04m 10.34m 10.01m 9.93m 10.41m 11.02m 11.53m 11.87m 12.06m 12.12m 12.07m 11.92m 11.68m 11.36m 10.95m 10.47m 10.00m ------
1 00.18 9.73m 2 01.52 9.95m 3 03.07 10.59m 4 04.03 11.33m 5 40.51 11.97m 6 05.38 12.47m 7 06.24 12.80m 8 07.09 12.95m 9 07.52 12.88m 10 08.36 12.58m 11 09.21 12.06m 12 10.09 11.36m 13 11.07 10.63m 14 ------ -----15 01.00 10.19m 16 02.24 10.33m 17 03.33 10.78m 18 04024 11.25m 19 05.05 11.61m 20 05.42 11.84m Llangennith 21 06.18 11.94m 22 06.51 11.93m 23 07.23 11.83m 24 07.54 11.66m 25 08.24 11.41m 26 08.54 11.10m Rhossili 27 09.29 10.74m 28 10.15 10.36m 29 11.18 10.05m 30 ------ ------
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12.21m 1 06.34 12.24m 18.52 12.59m 12.50m 2 07.10 12.27m 19.28 12.52m 12.61m 3 07.44 12.19m 20.01 12.32m 12.55m 4 08.15 12.00m 20.33 12.00m 12.35m 5 08.45 11.71m 21.02 11.58m 12.01m 6 09.12 11.34m 21.31 11.09m 11.56m 7 09.43 10.90m 22.05 10.54m 11.03m 10.39m 22.51 9.96m 10.21 Easy –8 good for beginners and experienced surfers 10.47m 9 11.15 9.88m ------ -----9.93m 10 00.00 9.52m 12.35 9.59m 9.80m 9.51m 14.27 9.86m 01.45 11– for Caution intermediate and experienced surfers 9.64m 10.07m 10.54m
15.35 12 03.09 10.03m 13 04.03 10.77m 16.22 11.24m 10.65m 14 04.45 11.42m 17.03 11.85m Danger 11.25m 12.31m 17.43only 05.26 11.95msurfers 15– experienced 11.73m 16 06.06 12.33m 18.24 12.63m 12.10m 17 06.46 12.58m 19.03 12.80m 12.35m 18 07.26 12.69m 19.44 12.80m 12.50m 19 08.06 12.62m 20.24 12.60m 12.52m 20 08.46 12.36m 21.06 12.17m 12.39m 21 09.30 11.89m 21.52 11.54m 12.06m 22 10.20 11.26m 22.50 10.80m 11.55m 23 11.25 10.61m ------ -----10.90m 24 00.06 10.18m 12.50 10.24m -----25 01.39 10.04m 14.24 10.43m 10.25m 26 03.05 10.45m 15.39 11.03m 10.42m 27 04.07 11.08m 16.32 11.65m 11.03m 28 04.54 11.62m 17.15 12.10m 11.69m 29 05.33 11.98m 17.52 12.36m 12.19m 30 06.09 12.17m 18.27 12.43m
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17.46 18.32 19.14 19.54 20.31 21.06 21.40 22.12 22.50 23.40 12.01 13.35 15.11 16.09 16.53 17.33 18.10 18.48 19.26 20.03 20.42 21.22 22.07 23.03 -----12.59 14.33 15.51 16.48 17.34 18.15
afternoon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
morning
06.42 07.15 07.45 08.14 08.42 09.12 09.50 10.43 11.57 00.54 02.24 03.26 04.14 04.57 05.39 06.22 07.05 07.48 08.31 09.18 10.12 11.16 -----01.17 02.39 03.41 04.27 05.06 05.42 06.16 06.49
12.23m 12.16m 12.00m 11.75m 11.43m 11.02m 10.56m 10.09m 9.79m 9.58m 10.03m 10.74m 11.45m 12.04m 12.48m 12.75m 12.85m 12.77m 12.48m 12.01m 11.41m 10.83m -----10.13m 10.42m 10.92m 11.40m 11.76m 11.99m 12.08m 12.07m
morning
afternoon
13.15 14.41 15.42 16.32 17.18 18.03 18.47 19.30 20.12 20.56 21.42 22.36 23.41 12.19 13.43 15.03 16.01 16.45 17.22 17.57 18.30 19.03 19.33 20.03 20.31 21.03 21.42 22.36 23.48 12.36
9.67m 10.17m 10.90m 11.60m 12.18m 12.60m 12.85m 12.91m 12.76m 12.39m 11.81m 11.13m 10.51m 10.08m 9.96m 10.30m 10.82m 11.29m 11.63m 11.85m 11.95m 11.94m 11.83m 11.64m 11.39m 11.07m 10.70m 10.35m 10.14m 10.00m
afternoon
19.00 19.33 20.33 20.31 21.00 21.33 22.18 23.24 -----13.30 14.50 15.45 16.31 17.15 17.59 18.42 19.25 20.09 20.54 21.44 22.42 23.53 12.33 13.57 15.10 16.04 16.48 17.26 18.01 18.36 19.08
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
01.09 02.22 03.24 04.18 05.09 06.00 06.48 07.36 08.23 09.10 09.59 10.52 11.52 00.27 01.36 02.43 03.39 04.27 05.09 05.48 06.25 07.00 07.33 08.06 08.40 09.17 10.01 10.55 -----00.30 01.40
Horton
Port Eynon
gowersurfersmap
afternoon
10.27m 10.73m 11.33m 11.89m 12.33m 12.61m 12.72m 12.65m 12.40m 11.98m 11.43m 10.86m 10.37m 10.50m 10.41m 10.57m 10.86m 11.16m 11.40m 11.56m 11.62m 11.61m 11.53m 11.39m 11.21m 11.00m 10.76m 10.54m -----10.65m 10.86m
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A484 13.55 10.33m 1 02.46 15.02 10.92m 2 03.48 15.58 11.56m 3 04.45 16.48 12.10m 4 05.40 17.37 12.50m 5 06.33 18.24 12.74m 6 07.24 19.11 12.80m 7 08.12 19.57 12.67m 8 08.58 20.43 12.37m 9 09.43 21.32 11.91m 10 10.29 22.24 11.37m 11 11.17 23.22 10.86m 12 -----13 00.45 ------ -----10.13m 14 01.48 13.00 B4295 14.12 10.20m 15 02.51 16 03.48 15.15 10.52m B4271 16.06 10.92m 17 04.38 16.48 11.28m 18 05.22 17.27 11.55m 19 06.02 18.04 11.72m 20 06.39 18.39 11.77m 21 07.15 22 07.51 19.12 11.74m A4118 19.43 11.63m 23 08.27 20.15 11.47m 24 09.04 20.49 11.27m 25 09.45 21.29 11.04m 26 10.31 22.19 10.82m 27 11.26 23.21 10.65m 28 -----12.00 10.44m 29 01.04 13.10 10.55m 30 02.16 14.21 10.89m
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11.37m A48 A483 11.86m A4070 12.25m 44 A4067 12.51m 12.62m A484 A4217 12.59m 43 12.40m 12.09m 11.68m 11.23m 10.79m 10.34m A483 A4118 10.13m Sketty 10.18m Killay 10.46m 10.85m A4216 11.21m Swansea Tourist 11.48mA4118 Information Centre 11.65m Sketty Lane Plymouth Street 11.73m A4067 Swansea SA1 3QG 11.74m 01792 468321 11.70m Blackpill B4436 11.62m 11.50m 11.33m Oystermouth 11.12m ./1+[02%"-0+$%2+8-5++2#4:+, 10.93m Ideal swell: Big W to S 10.70m Bottom: Sand 10.75m Best wind: NE TO SW 11.04m
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3 08.20 11.49m 20.40 4 08.52 11.17m 21.14 5 09.30 10.79m 21.57 6 10.19 10.43m 22.54 7 "&(!&+$0#)/" 11.24 10.18m -----9.88m 12.41 8 Ideal 00.09swell: W to S 9 01.30 10.11m 13.57 Bottom: Sand15.02 10.67m 10 02.42 rideable: 6’/2’ 11Max/Min 03.38 11.33m 15.56 11.93m 12Wave 04.27 16.46 type: Beach, L&R 12.40m 17.35 13 Best 05.15tide: Not high 14 06.01 12.71m 18.24 Best12.84m wind: N19.11 15 06.47 16 07.33 12.80m 19.58 17 08.21 12.58m 20.46 18 09.10 12.21m 21.36 19 10.03 11.74m 22.30 20 11.00 11.25m 23.29 21 ------ ------ 12.03 22 00.37 10.33m 13.12 23 01.51 10.31m 14.23 24 02.59 10.58m 15.24 25 03.53 10.97m 16.14 26 04.37 11.35m 16.57 27 05.16 11.65m 17.37 28 05.54 11.85m 18.14 29 06.29 11.93m 18.48 30 07.02 11.90m 19.21
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Mumbles Tourist Information Centre Mumbles Methodist Church 520b Mumbles Road Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DH 01792 361302
afternoon
11.18m 11.39m 11.07m Wave3type:08.39 Beach, L&R 21.01 10.79m 11.14m 21.41 10.79m 09.15 4 tide: High 10.37m Best 09.59NW10.89m 22.28 10.52m 5 wind: Best 10.02m 6 10.53 10.67m 23.28 10.33m -----7 11.58 10.57m ------ -----10.21m 8 00.38 10.32m 13.08 10.67m Ideal 10.99m swell: WSW 10.58m 9 01.51 10.58m 14.18 11.16m 11.44m Bottom: Sand 10 03.00 11.06m 15.22 11.75m 11 04.00 11.62m Max/Min 16.21 11.89m rideable: 6’/2’ 12.25m 12.26m 12 04.54 12.13m Wave 17.17type: Beach, L&R 12.59m 13 05.45 12.51m 18.09 12.51m Best tide: Not low 12.76m 12.60m 14 06.35 12.74m 19.00 12.76m Best12.55m wind: NE 15 07.24 12.81m 19.49 12.57m 16 08.12 12.73m 20.36 12.34m 12.21m 17 08.59 12.49m 21.22 12.00m 11.72m 18 09.46 12.13m 22.08 11.56m 11.16m 19 10.35 11.66m 22.56 11.06m 10.65m 20 11.25 11.16m 23.48 10.58m 10.85m 21 ------ ------ 12.21 10.71m 10.66m 22 00.49 10.24m 13.25 10.43m 10.73m 23 02.00 10.16m 14.33 10.42m 10.99m 24 03.09 10.39m 15.36 10.65m 11.29m 25 04.06 10.80m 16.30 10.98m 11.56m 26 04.52 11.22m 17.15 11.30m 11.74m 27 05.33 11.56m 17.54 11.54m 11.82m 28 06.11 11.77m 18.31 11.68m 11.81m 29 06.46 11.87m 19.06 11.72m 11.71m 30 07.19 11.87m 19.39 11.69m 31 07.52 11.82m 20.13 11.61m
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PICK UP THIS GUIDE
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1 07.33 1 07.21 11.96m 19.39 11.79m Bottom: Sand11.79m 19.54 11.55m 3&(!$#1+&+$0)1 11.33m 08.06 11.61m 2 rideable: 2 07.51 11.76m 20.09 11.52mMax/Min 4’/1’ 20.27
12.37m 12.19m 11.91m 11.55m 11.12m 10.63m 10.10m 9.66m -----9.93m 10.52m 11.24m 11.88m 12.39m 12.73m 12.89m 12.86m 12.63m 12.18m 11.55m 10.86m 10.31m 10.49m 10.56m 10.96m 11.43m 11.81m 12.04m 12.14m 12.12m 12.00m
45
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afternoon
11.23m 15.24 11.64m 16.22 12.00m 17.15 12.26m 18.06 12.39m 18.56 12.39m 19.44 12.26m 20.31 11.99m 21.18 11.61m 22.06 11.17m 22.54 10.72m Three 23.47 ------ Crosses 12.10 10.46m 13.13 10.32m 14.21 10.40m 15.23 10.65m 16.15 10.94m 17.00 11.20m 17.41 11.39m 18.18 11.50m 18.53 11.54m 19.27 11.54m 20.01 11.49m 20.37 11.40m 21.16 11.26m 22.00 11.06m 22.54 10.85m 23.55 ------ 12.31 10.84m 13.43 10.95m 14.57
Supervised beach (see local signs for details)
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Ideal swell: WSW Bottom: Mixed Max/Min rideable: 10’/2’ Wave type: Beach, L&R Best tide: All Best wind: N
Windsurfing Kitesurfing Tourist Information Centre
Located in the heart of Swansea’s city centre...
http://issuu.com/gowernews/docs/gowersurfersmap2012 7.$&8*.&6"12
Easy – good for beginners and experienced surfers
The Dragon Hotel boasts 106 bedrooms, AA rosette Brasserie, Piano Bar, 18m heated swimming pool and a fully equipped gymnasium.
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Our superb location is within easy reach of Swansea's many attractions, beaches and vibrant nightlife.
SA1 5LS +44 (0)1792 657100 info@dragon-hotel.co.uk
A4067
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Ideal swell: Big W to S Bottom: Sand Best wind: NE to SW CASWELL ROAD
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Mumbles Tourist Information Centre Mumbles Methodist Church 520b Mumbles Road Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4DH 01792 361302
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www.dragon-hotel.co.uk
(see local signs for details)
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Ideal swell: WSW Bottom: Mixed Max/Min rideable: 10’/2’ Wave type: Beach, L&R Best tide: All Best wind: N
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Remember, going in the sea is a potentially dangerous activity. This is a guide only. Take notice of all local advice and signs. Please exercise common sense and caution.
GOWER NEWS www.gowernews.co.uk
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Issue 11 - 30/03/2012 - Copyright 2012 - All Rights Reserved