Christmas supplement, North Wales Weekly News

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

Advertisement Feature

Christmas in Colwyn Cool Yule: Colwyn Bay's ice rink is one the 'coolest' places to go this Christmas!

Festive: Discover Old Colwyn’s fantastic shops.

Shop ’til you drop!

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LESSED with a stunning location, treasure trove of shops and a feast of festive events, the picturesque towns of Colwyn Bay and Old Colwyn can make all your Christmas wishes come true.

Set along three miles of awardwinning golden sands and a sweeping promenade trailing down from Old Colwyn, the bustling resort of Colwyn Bay truly comes to life over Christmas. Yuletide shoppers will discover a thriving retail scene and, with many stores getting into the festive spirit, Christmas is the ideal time to visit the fantastic range of independent shops and local businesses, as well as expert beauty salons and hairdressers.

Renowned in particular for its independent outlets, the town is fast becoming the speciality shopping destination of North Wales and, from traditional shopping streets and street markets every Tuesday and Saturday to an indoor shopping centre, you'll find the perfect Christmas gifts and goodies. Plus, this Christmas, there's even a special late night shopping event on Thursday, December 18.

Just along the coast, the charming town of Old Colwyn is also well worth a visit. Home to a bustling community, the town's meandering

streets are filled with a myriad of shops and businesses and you'll discover an Aladdin's cave of delightful gifts as well as festive treats for yourself or the home. So, whether you want to deck your halls with beautiful holly wreaths or pick up a special gift, Old Colwyn has something to suit every pocket.

As for festive entertainment, you'll be spoilt for choice. At the Bayview Shopping Centre in Colwyn Bay be sure to you post your Christmas letter to Santa in the North Pole Post Box before December 12. The whole family will adore Colwyn Bay's fantastic open air real ice rink and Santa’s grotto (opposite the train station) from December 13 to January 4, or, for some traditional Yuletide merriment, book your seat at Theatr Colwyn’s festive production of Snow White from December 20 to January 3.

In addition, both towns also offer an abundance of great places to enjoy a bite to eat, as well as dozens of nearby attractions for those looking for a family day out.

Whatever you're looking for – Colwyn Bay and Old Colwyn have all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas.

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

Christmas in Colwyn Gift flair: The huge range of independent shops in Colwyn Bay make it an ideal place to hunt out that extra special present for a loved one.

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

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Christmas Music

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Chart battle on A not so silent night for Xmas Factor

I

T’S just not like it used to be, music at Christmas. Top of the Pops’ Christmas special might be dead in the water – unless Simon Cowell revives it – but Cowell and co have to take some responsibility for killing it off in the first place.

After all, each year they offer the winner of X Factor the chance to record a Christmas Number 1 single.

This year X(mas) Factor’s title rivals look set to include Take That, boxer Ricky Hatton, The Killers (with Elton John!) and previous X Factor starlet Leona Lewis. Don’t be surprised to see both Cliff Richard and Peter Kay have a crack at the top spot, too. Wouldn’t it be great if they attempted a duet?

So those are the sort of singles you can look forward to downloading this Christmas, but what about buying those CD album thingies for people still stuck in the dark ages? Well

they do still exist, and there are loads of them coming out in time for December 25.

Some big names are set to return to the charts in time to do battle for your musical pounds and shillings this Christmas.

Remember Dido?

Once she was a world conquering siren, but then she disappeared under a blanket of soundalikes and people with better voices. Well, she’s back with a new album called Safe Trip Home.

Has she judged her return to perfection, or has the musical landscape changed too much in her absence? We’ll soon see.

Another returnee to chart action will be Britney Spears.

Her album Circus is set for an early December release. But she’ll face some stiff competition from the likes of Ricky Martin,

Kanye West and 50 Cent, all set for chart assaults around that time.

Other likely chart worriers look set to include Missy Elliot, Il Divo, The Killers and Beyonce.

Oh yes, and Guns N’ Roses’ much vaunted and much delayed new album is even out in time for Christmas.

If you’re a lover of those more traditional Christmas albums, filled with carols and Bing Crosby covers, then worry not, as a veritable sack-load is on its way. Country star Faith Hill, songstress Sheryl Crow and Irish warbler Enya are all going to be vying for your Christmas ear with sentimentality, seasonal cheer and the odd jingling bell.

Heck, even Elvis has been resurrected this year to sing some Christmas duets. It’s the magic of Christmas, you see.

Happy listening.

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IT wouldn’t be Christmas without music. Whether your taste is for the best of Slade or the more traditional Silent Night, a good Christmas song can create a festive mood quicker than a mince pie.

So, to get you in the Christmas spirit, here’s a couple of carols to sing along to.

All together now...

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie.

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light.

The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth.

Little angels: Christmas carols are an essential part of the festive season.

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may his His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray.

Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today.

We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell, O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Deck the Halls Oer yw’r gwr sy’n methu caru, Ffa la la la la, la la la la.

Hen fynyddoedd annwyl Cymru, Ffa la la la la, la la la la.

Iddo ef a’u câr gynhesaf Ffa la la la la la la, Gwyia llawen flwyddyn nesaf, Ffa la la la la, la la la la.

I’r helbulus oer yw’r biliau, etc.

Sydd yn dyfod yn y gwyliau, etc.

Gwrando bregeth mewn un pennill, etc.

Byth na waria fwy na’th ennill, etc.

Ffa la la la la, la la la la.

Oer yw’r eira ar Eryri, etc.

Er fod gwrthban gwlanen arni, etc.

Oer yw’r bobol na ofalan’, etc.

Gwrdd â’i gilydd ar Nos Galan, etc.

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Christmas in Conwy Valley

Take some time out

A

Historic Conwy and its castle at night looking from Glan Conwy with part of the RSPB reserve in the foreground.

VISIT to the historic town of Conwy has everything you need to put the fizz into your festive

season.

A vibrant mix of old and new, the town boasts a wide array of independent retailers and high street stores, from supermarkets, bakers and expert butchers, where you can pick up everything you need for your Christmas table, to outdoor stores, fine jewellers and fashion boutiques where you’ll find dazzling party outfits and accessories, plus hair and beauty salons to help you look your best for the festivities.

Conwy also has plenty of eateries as well as many historic sites – from Conwy Castle to the majestic Conwy Suspension Bridge – there’s plenty to do during a festive visit to this beautiful town.

With an enchanting mixture of beauty and mystery, the pretty towns and villages in Conwy Valley are also an enchanting place to visit at Christmas time.

A lively market town, Llanrwst has everything you need to create a tasty festive feast, or enjoy some quality time with loved ones.

As well as butchers, bakers, convenience stores delicatessens and wine merchants, where you can pick up scrumptious local produce to tantalise your tastebuds and impress Christmas dinner guests, Llanrwst has cafes, hotels and restaurants where you can indulge in a delicious meal and refreshing drink.

The market town also has a swimming

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

Pearl of Conwy Relax: Escape the hectic bustles by visiting Fairy Glen, or beautiful Betws-Y-Coed.

Tony Mottram

pool and a sports centre – perfect for working off those extra Yuletide pounds!

Renowned for its breath-taking scenery, nearby Betws-y-Coed has everything you need to escape the festive frivolity and relax, unwind and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.

Built around a monastery in the sixth century, this pretty village is home to a number of cafes, tea rooms, hotels, guest houses and independent shops, including craft shops, convenience stores where you can pick up all your essentials, outdoor and camping equipment stores and tourist shops, where you can find a lovely souvenir for your festive break.

There’s also a number of natural beauty spots nearby, including the magnificent Swallow Falls waterfall and Fairy Glen.

Other areas worth a visit include the

picturesque spa village of Trefriw, renowned for its iron-rich water, and Capel Curig, which is popular with climbing enthusiasts as it’s surrounded by towering mountains including the Glyders, Moel Siabod and the foothills of the Carneddau Range.

Equally, Penmachno is a fantastic place to enjoy country walks, whilst the villages of Glan Conwy and Taly Cafrn boast acclaimed hotels, guesthouses and public houses where you can enjoy a glass or two of Christmas cheer.

So, whether you’re searching for a bespoke personalised gift, fancy a fun family day out, or simply want a bite to eat, a visit to the historic town of Conwy and the enchanting Conwy Valley has got Christmas all wrapped up.

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

Christmas in Llandudno

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Santa’s on his way for T

HE streets of Llandudno are set to come alive as the whole town starts the festive celebrations on Saturday, December 6.

Llandudno’s now annual parade is set to be bigger and better than before and has become a major feature for the town to start the Christmas festivities.

The parade will begin at 4pm from the railway station, leading to the Town Hall, with a whole host of people, costumes, pantomime stars, entertainment and bands all taking part.

This year’s parade also has the support of the local churches so will be featuring a nativity scene with four children on donkeys, including Mary and the three kings, creating a lovely Christmas scene.

There will also be more novelty themes including a south American samba drum band keeping the rhythm, Knights of the Empire with their excellent Star Wars costumes, plus four land trains and a vintage bus will be carrying children from local schools throughout the parade to ensure they get into the Christmas spirit.

Additionally, there will be an illuminated vehicle transporting the 20 beautiful carnival queens through the streets, as well as the

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town band and Welsh clog dancers to keep you on your toes.

Not forgetting of course, Santa will be making an appearance!

Also outside the Town Hall for an hour before the parade, Teenz ‘n’ Kidz will be showing off their skills.

Once the parade has arrived at the Town Hall, the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Billy Evans and Mrs Alwena Evans, will be switching on the festive lights and Christmas tree, adding a bit of extra sparkle to the town to brighten up those dark evenings while out shopping to find that perfect gift.

Don’t forget to check out this year’s pantomime at Venue Cymru, starting from Friday, December 12, Dick Whittington will be taking to the stage until Sunday, January 4.

John Challis, ‘Boycie’ from Only Fools and Horses, plays King Rat and is joined by BBC’s Torchwood star Kai Owen as Dick Whittington and John Evans returns as the Captain.

Venue Cymru is also hosting this year’s Llandudno Toy and Train Fair on Saturday, December 27, which will have around 50 stalls selling collectable diecast toys and model trains, transport books, videos and DVDs. And it’s not just the festive

All aboard: Festive fun begins at 4pm on Saturday in Llandudno.

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Super Market Prices . . . . . . . for luxury products Quality smoked foods, fish, shellfish, poultry and game Wholesale and retail • Really fresh seafood every day • Plus our special range of quality smoked foods smoked over Welsh oak on the premises Salmon, Trout, Sea Bass, Mackerel, Poultry, Sausages • Gourmet deli products Interesting sauces, garnishes, relishes and seasonings.

• Christmas Hampers are available and make excellent Gifts!

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Christmas in Llandudno

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

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the big parade parade that’s worth venturing outside for, Llandudno also boasts a whole host of wonderful shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Finding that perfect gift is never easy but Llandudno has a wide selection of shops that are sure to have that ideal present. Plus, if you need a break between all that shopping, there are plenty of cafes where you can grab a coffee and maybe a slice of cake (it is nearly Christmas after all!), or there are restaurants and pubs offering a delicious menu.

The Victoria Shopping Centre is ideal for finding your Christmas party clothes as there are men’s, women’s and children’s clothing shops offering a variety of styles.

Or maybe you’re searching for a great gift – there are beauty shops, toy stores, places to get a new mobile phone, as well as jewellers and cards shops.

The Victoria Shopping Centre has also teamed up with Ty Gobaith to create a tree of remembrance in the centre, where shoppers can buy a light in aid of the children’s hospice.

The shopping centre has a full decorations scheme and has donated the use of its giant tree for this charitable purpose. There will also be a Christmas display put on by Bodnant Garden

Let it snow: Colourful characters at last year’s parade.

Centre, designed for children, which will remain throughout the Christmas period.

People can buy a light by completing a coupon available at the display and sending it direct to Ty Gobaith. There will also be a book of remembrance in the centre.

Bev Bradley, fundraising manager of Ty Gobaith, is delighted at the idea of the tree of lights and said: “It’s great to have a presence at Christmas in

Llandudno’s shopping centre, and we hope we can raise awareness and money for the work we do.”

Sue Nash, Victoria Centre manager, commented: “There are many local families who have sadly lost loved ones, and this is one way of remembering them with a tree of lights. We expect that many other people will also want to support the charity and the work they do, and buying a light is one way of doing that.”

Beth fydd cost eich rownd nesaf chi?

How much will your next round cost you?

Christmas cheer: Father Christmas will be arriving in town this week.

Christmas Shopping in Llandudno 2008 Always great gift Ideas at the Victoria Centre!

See Rudolph and Percy Penguin at the Victoria Centre on Saturday 6th December for the Christmas Parade

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

Christmas health and beauty

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HRISTMAS is almost upon us, and that means party season is about to begin.

We all want to look our best, whether it’s a night out with friends, the work’s Christmas party or a family get-together.

From top to toe there are a number of salons in the area from Bangor, Llandudno and Conwy, and over to Colwyn Bay and down to Llanrwst, all offering a range of beauty services to have you looking fabulous this festive season.

A new hair style or colour can do wonders for your confidence, giving you a fresh new look. Stylists at local salons will happily provide you with advice on what style or colour will suit you best.

Or if you’re heading out for a special occasion, why not pop in and let the professionals do the hard work. Whether you want your hair-up, in curls or straightened they can get it just the way you want.

Beauty treatments can go a long way in making you feel

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Relax: A soothing massage will help take away stress. great. Why not try an exfoliating treatment – whether it’s just for your face or your whole body, it will leave you feeling refreshed and, more importantly, ready for a leg wax to show off those fine pins in your party dress!

An eyelash tint and eyebrow wax will help to ‘lift’ your face, while a rejuvenating facial will give you a beautiful radiant glow.

Your nails are sure to be on

show too, so maybe you want to stay simple with a luxury manicure or add a bit of length with either acrylic or gel nails.

You can even add a few gems to make them sparkle!

Plus, with summer long gone, who can blame you for wanting to add a little golden tint to your features? Many salons offer fake spray tanning, a safe way to brighten your complexion over winter.

Don’t forget, it doesn’t just

have to be all about you. Why not treat a friend or family member this Christmas with a beauty voucher? It’s something they’re sure to enjoy, and you can even offer to go with them – getting a little pampering yourself. Why not opt for a relaxing, luxury massage, ideal for after all the stress of Christmas?

Don’t wait for Santa this year, treat yourself early with a little pampering.

How to pick yourself up CHRISTMAS is a time for fun, merriment and festive frivolity. It’s the one time of year when everyone from your nan to your next door neighbour is inviting you to enjoy a glass of Christmas cheer and a mince pie or two.

But if planning your December diary is starting to feel like a military operation and the endless round of office parties, after-work

drinks, family celebrations and more is beginning to make your head swim, your waistline expand and the bags under your eyes big enough to carry a turkey in, fear not, because help is at hand.

From personal organisers to hangover cures, indigestion tablets, energy drinks, miracle make-up products that reduce the

appearance of fatigue, there’s a whole host of pick me ups and party ‘survival’ essentials on the market to help overcome festive overindulgences.

They may not help you forget drunkenly belting out ‘I Will Survive’ on the karaoke or shamelessly flirting with what’s-his-name from accounts at the office party, but hangover cures will

definitely help ease that throbbing head and churning stomach the morning after the night before. Drinking plenty of water will also help flush out toxins.

If you’ve overindulged on the old mince pies, eaten one two many turkey sandwiches or guzzled your way through yet another selection box, chances are you’ve got indigestion. To help ease the discomfort of indigestion or heartburn, there are many indigestion relief tablets and liquids on the market to choose from.

If the party season has taken its toll on your complexion, exfoliate to remove dead, dull skin cells and re-invigorate skin with a radiance boosting moisturiser.

Or, if you’re looking for an instant glow in time for tonight’s party, try using a make-up primer that’s packed full of reflective particles for a luminous complexion in next to no time.

Long, late nights spent sipping festive fizz combined with a hectic social schedule can leave you feeling tired and somewhat lack lustre. Try giving your energy levels a boost with an energising pulse point balm.

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Advertisement Feature

Revamp your home for Christmas

Give your house that festive, homely touch W

ITH Christmas fast approaching, we all want our homes to be in tip top shape so we can celebrate in style, and for when those unexpected guests turn up!

If you’re planning on any big changes to your home, now’s the time to shop, as sofas, furniture, beds and flooring can sometimes take a few weeks to be delivered, so it’s best to make an order as soon as possible.

With a complete change sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start. Wallpaper has made a big comeback this year, with bold patterns in various textures which add a touch of luxury to your room.

If you decide this is for you, then one wallpapered wall in bold patterns is the way to go, then either paint or neutral wallpaper is sufficient for the remaining walls.

Purples and golds are the latest colour trends hitting our stores. Combining the warming tones of purple and the more vibrant gold shades make a

Clearly stylish: Keep it simplistic with a stylish glass table. Picture from Next. beautiful contrast.

If you do opt for the deeper shades this season for your accessories and ‘finishing touches,’ then remember to

keep things light and simple with the flooring or maybe a fresh glass table to ensure your room doesn’t end up looking too dark.

Carpets are also making more of an appearance in people’s homes, but if you have pets or children then maybe just a comforting, yet stylish, rug may be the best option to stop those chills coming through if you have laminate or wooden flooring.

They may seem like such little things, but new cushion covers, curtains and vases can make a world of difference, giving your room the new lease of life it needs.

Even though many people opt for vertical blinds these days, it’s still best to have curtains, especially in the winter months, to prevent any draughts and to keep the heat in, creating a cosy room to spend the evenings in.

So if you’re thinking of redecorating before Christmas, don’t leave it too late or you’ll be getting your wall and wrapping paper confused. Start now so you have plenty of time to relax in your new surroundings over the festive season.

Budding: Be a little creative with this bud vase inspired by Arabic calligraphy.

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

The Place

o shop for an extensive range of beautiful and original gifts for all the family including accessories, scarves, jewellery, handbags etc. Skincare products such as Crabtree & Evelyn, Winter in Venice, Di Paloma also china and crystal and an exclusive selection of gifts for men and much much more.

So for that special individual present this Christmas come to: P L A C E S E T T I N G S ◆ 18 M O S T Y N A V E ◆ C R A I G - Y -D O N L L A N D U D N O LL30 1YS ◆ 01492 874011 Fr e e G i f t Wr a p p i n g S e r v i c e A v a i l a b l e

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DECEMBER 4, 2008

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Christmas in Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr

Seaside towns have lots to offer A

S the Christmas countdown begins, now is the perfect time to visit the peaceful North Wales seaside resorts of Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr.

Conveniently located between Bangor and the historic town of Conwy, both Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr are a pleasure to visit and provide the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of overcrowded shopping streets.

Blessed with outstanding locations surrounded by majestic countryside and bordered by beautiful beaches, the towns are easily reached from the A55, and with a friendly community and warm Welsh welcome they are the ideal place to get in the Christmas spirit.

Originally a popular Victorian resort and bustling quarry town respectively, charm and character are in abundance at both Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr and with a wealth of wildlife, beautiful scenery and selection of shops and businesses, they provide the perfect tonic to the stress of Christmas.

The friendly local traders can be relied upon to enter into the Christmas spirit and as a result

Santa’s on his way SANTA Claus will be making his annual trip around the towns of Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr this Christmas!

Just in time to check whether you’ve been naughty or nice, Santa – along with his little helpers from the Rotary Club of Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr – will be attract many visitors to the area.

From everyday essentials, gifts and festive foods to hairdressers and beauty salons, it’s a delight to explore what’s on offer.

As an added bonus, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr also offer an excellent selection of traditional pubs, takeaways and cafes which are noted for their warm hospitality and excellent food.

So why not take a break from shopping and relax while enjoying a warming drink or nourishing meal?

And following the festivities at the Light Up Llanfairfechan and Light Up Pen events at the end

making his annual visit on his colourful grotto to the streets of Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr.

Out every night during the last two weeks before Christmas, make sure you listen out for the sound of Santa as his float arrives on a street near you! of last month, the towns are now aglow with a merry, Yuletide atmosphere.

What’s more, Llanfairfechan also enjoys a milder climate than many parts of the North Wales coastline and, thanks to its sheltered location, is the ideal place if you want to escape the winter chill this Christmas.

So, for a festive day out with all the trimmings make sure you visit the charming seaside towns of Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr.

You won’t be disappointed with the choice on offer – right on your doorstep.

Stay local: Llanfairfechan, above, and Penmaenmawr, left, are great places to shop.

Station Road • Llanfairfechan • Gwynedd • North Wales • LL30 0AL Tel/Fax: 01248 680850

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o

Thank you for all your custom over the past year.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Diolch am eich cefnogaeth dros y flwyddyn diwethaf Noddig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda MONA BUILDINGS STATION ROAD LLANFAIRFECHAN

MERRY CHRISTMAS NADOLIG LLAWEN PENMAENMAWR LLANFAIRFECHAN

Telephone: (01248) 680715 Home: (01248) 680812

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Happy Christmas to Customers Old and New

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Christmas in Abergele

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Come to shop, stay to relax

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HETHER you’re searching for a festive day out, perfect gifts for friends and family or simply want to stock up on some delicious goodies, Abergele has it all this Christmas!

Originally a Roman trading settlement, Abergele was once a vibrant market town and, while the street markets may have disappeared, its bustling atmosphere and great selection of shops certainly hasn’t.

A popular destination all year round, Abergele takes on an added charm at Christmas with its sparkling festive lights and merry Yuletide atmosphere, visitors are all but guaranteed to leave satisfied.

Within the town’s pretty shopping streets there’s

PAINTB

everything from popular chain stores to a delectable assortment of successful local independent businesses, and shoppers here will find a friendly welcome and service with a smile.

So, whether you’re searching for a unique Christmas gift, want to stock up on delicious food, are keen to add that Christmas sparkle to your home, or fancy a spot of pampering in preparation for office parties, Abergele boasts much of what you could need.

Don’t forget to take time out on your shopping spree to sample some of Abergele’s superb local fayre either. The ideal spot for a relaxing lunch, between bustling shops, or a more leisurely evening meal, the town is home to a number of great places to tempt taste buds,

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Sparkling shopping: Visit Abergele for great gifts and a superb choice of places to eat and relax.

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Yule stroll: Take time out from the shops to visit Pensarn Beach.

Merry Christmas to all of my customers

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If it’s a festive day out you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed. Perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding countryside, Abergele is a great destination to make the most of those crisp winter mornings whilst enjoying a stroll along the promenade at nearby Pensarn or taking in the magnificent views at Moelfre Isaf – plus, on December 12, St Paul’s Church will be hosting a Christmas concert.

Conveniently located, just off the A55, it couldn’t be easier to reach Abergele and, with plenty of parking, it truly is the ideal place for all your festive preparations this Christmas.

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Christmas recipes

No need to wing it with cold turkey A

SK most people what the downside of Christmas dinner is, and they’ll probably say eating nothing but leftover turkey for days afterwards.

Trying to find something tasty and interesting to cook with the leftovers from a roast dinner is one of life’s perpetual struggles.

But not any more. With a little time and imagination, it is possible to create a delicious variety of turkey dishes which your family will want all year round.

Turkey stir-fry Ingredients: 100g turkey cut into strips 15g unsalted cashew nuts Red pepper, cut into strips Yellow pepper, cut into strips 40g mangetout, sliced 2 spring onions, sliced 1tbsp hoi sin sauce 2tsp soy sauce 1tsp sweet chilli sauce 3oz fresh stir-fry noodles Sprinkling of sesame seeds ● Heat oil in a pan and add cashew nuts and fry until just golden. Drain and dry on kitchen paper. ● Stir-fry the pepper strips for 3 minutes, then add the mangetout and spring onions, and fry for another 3 minutes. Set aside. ● Put more oil in a pan and stir-fry turkey for 3 minutes and mix together the hoi sin, soy and sweet chilli sauces and pour into pan. ● Add noodles and return vegetables to pan. Toss everything together over the heat for 2-3 minutes then serve sprinkled with the sesame seeds and cashew nuts.

Creamy turkey pasta

Did you know...?

Wok’s cooking: Turkey stir-fry is a delicious alternative to turkey curry.

● The scientific name for turkey is ‘meleagris gallopava’ which actually means chicken like ● 10 million units of turkey were sold last Christmas ● Two out of every three birds sold last December were frozen ● 87% of people claim that they couldn’t have Christmas dinner without turkey ● The average weight of a Christmas turkey is 12lb ● The first meal eaten on the moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin was cold roast turkey Source: www.britishturkey.co.uk

Ingredients: 2tbsp olive oil 450g turkey strips 100g lean back bacon, chopped 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced 100g closed cup mushrooms, wiped and sliced 2 tbsp grated lemon rind 175g fromage frais or low-fat cream cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley or basil 225-300g fresh pasta Grated parmesan

● Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the turkey for 3 minutes or until sealed. ● Add the onion and bacon and continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. ● Then, toss in the mushrooms, lemon rind and stir for 3 minutes. ● Stir in the fromage frais or cream cheese with seasoning to taste and cook for a further 1 minute. ● Stir in the chopped herbs and the cooked pasta, heat through for 1 minute and serve immediately with grated Parmesan to sprinkle on top.

Delicious: Creamy turkey pasta is a great way to use up any meat leftover from your Christmas meal.

The secret life of Santa

N

OW is a very busy time of year for Santa Claus, but our roving Weekly News reporter managed to catch a few words with the legend himself via a live grotto web link.

So, Santa...or do you prefer Father Christmas?

Well my real name is Brian but you can call me whatever makes you feel comfortable. I've got different names all over the world - Père Noël, Samichlaus, Mikulás. I think my favourite is Baba Chaghaloo in Afghanistan.

I like that one, it sounds kind of groovy.

Ok then....Brian.....how has your year been?

Well we’ve all had to tighten our belts this year what with the carrot crunch. But don’t worry, because the reindeer have been fed and presents will still be delivered!

Don’t you mean the credit crunch? Is that what it’s called in the North Pole then?

Actually I don't live in the North Pole any more, global warming has seen big changes as you can imagine.

Every year the water was getting higher and the straw that broke the reindeer's back was when the whole gang fell through thin ice on a training run. It took hours to thaw out all those nuts and bolts. Even Rudolph's nose went blue.

Eventually I would have had to swap my sleigh for one of those motorised rubber dinghy things, and I'm no James Bond I can tell you.

So now the team has moved to a remote part of Snowdonia. I've only been recognised a couple of times and I think they believed me when I said I was Captain Birdseye.

You've been doing this job for quite a while now. Things must have changed a lot?

Oh yes indeed! I suppose technology has its good and bad points but these days I wouldn't be without my TomTom sat nav.

The new sprout-fuelled sleigh is incredible as well, 0 to 60 in 2.3 seconds, plus I usually get plenty of free fuel from all those leftovers on Christmas day. It really is a green machine.

Of course getting my computer and broadband has revolutionised the way we take present requests from the children.

In the past it was all handwritten letters covered in sticky chocolate finger prints and to be honest it was a struggle to read some of them. Now you can email me your wish list or add me on Facebook. Just don't poke me or Mrs Claus gets jealous.

So what's on your Christmas wish list?

Oh, you know, the usual I suppose. An end to war and famine, a stable world economy....oh listen to me, I sound like I'm auditioning for Miss Christmas! For me it's all about giving to others and spreading joy to children around the world. I have no need for

material possessions really.

However, the new Wii Fit and a nice bottle of that 32-year-old Glen Elgin whisky wouldn't go amiss. And a Wrexham FC season ticket - I don’t wear this red coat for nothing you know.

Ok Santa...er sorry, Brian! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

SANTA TRAINS TRÊNAU SIÔN CORN 6TH/7TH.. 13TH/14TH.. 20TH/21ST DECEMBER

Hurry up... Don’t miss the festive familyfun with Santa and his helpers on our special steam trains from Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Phone or visit our website for details.

Advance Booking is essential for these trains.

Mae Siôn Corn yn Ddwy Ieithog - Santa speaks English and Welsh

FFESTINIOG & WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAYS PHONE: 01766 516070

WEBSITE: www.festrail.co.uk