NWM - April 2023

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BREWED WITH SNOWDONIA WATER

HAND CRAFTED IN WALES

MAGAZINE

DEAR READER

Well, there is no denying that North Wales is a region full of amazing creatives as this issue shows!

Caernarfon based Beth Horrocks is a contemporary artist who specialises in pictures of beautiful North Wales. We have her to thank for our fantastic front cover image this month, and you can find all about her work – and her fabulous new studio – on page 21.

While Beth sells her art online as well as directly from her studio, artists Elly Strigner and Kath Martin have launched a series of pop up art and craft fairs in Old Colwyn in a bid to get their work – and that of other local artists – out there and seen. The fairs are a great way to purchase locally produced art at an affordable price.

Meanwhile authors Beth Haslam, Mike Leaver and John Williams are three authors

that all have North Wales close to their heart. Today Beth lives in rural France yet she still feels the pull of her North Wales home, while Mike writes out of a converted truck in the coastal town of Porthmadog. Finally John is a North Walian financial advisor turned children’s author – proving that it’s always possible to change careers in order to follow your dreams.

Read on to hear all about these amazing creatives – and perhaps gain a little bit of inspiration to boot!

We want to hear from you!

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Cato Crane Auctioneers

Happy Valley in Bloom ©Beth Horrocks

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

Contents

MAGAZINE

EDITOR Kate Hamilton

PUBLISHER Grant Hamilton

ART DIRECTOR Simon Marriott

ACCOUNTS Sian Roberts

CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission by North Wales Magazine is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of North Wales Magazine. Please note that some of the authors and companies featured may have paid in order to write their column or article. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information, editorial or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured, or any of the author’s opinions. All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed. North Wales Magazine is not associated with any newspaper group.

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COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

North Wales Magazine is produced in advance. While we take every care to ensure that our content is up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in regards to current COVID-19 restrictions. We absolutely do not encourage travel where local rules forbid it, so please check with both your local council, and the council of your destination, before planning any days out in order to ensure that your journey is legal and in line with current guidelines.

What’s on

The biggest and best events taking place in North Wales this April...

Saturday 1st

Blaze of Glory! (Spring)

Set in a 1950s Welsh Valleys’ community Blaze of Glory! follows the fortunes of a small group of miners who embark upon a musical escapade by reforming their Male Voice Choir to raise spirits following a mining disaster. At Venue Cymru tonight

1st – 10th Activity Trail

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Plas Newydd along their action-packed activity trail

Sunday 2nd

Danielle McIntyre Art

Danielle is a self-taught free-motion embroidery artist, who is inspired by cityscapes and landscapes. Danielle exhibits some of her work in Chester, Telford and Aberaeron, and also does tutoring. She will be at Afonwen today

5th – 10th

Unicorn Adventure

Follow Chirk Castle’s Unicorn on an adventure around ten Easter-themed activities

Friday 7th

Dafydd Iwan a’r Band

Modern-day Welsh icon and legend Dafydd Iwan comes to Theatr Colwyn tonight

Saturday 8th

Showaddywaddy - The 50th Anniversary Concert Tour

This tour marks the 50th Anniversary of Showaddywaddy. ‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last five decades, and they are performing at Venue Cymru tonight

8th & 9th

Eco Silver Jewellery by Sandra Roberts

Sandra makes her jewellery using Eco Silver, and then uses whatever pretty stones she can find to finish. Sandra is very happy to take commissions and discuss any of your own ideas – you can meet her at Afonwen this weekend

Sunday 9th

Bodnant Welsh Food Artisan Market

Enjoy Easter Sunday at the beautiful Bodnant Welsh Food centre in the Conwy Valley for a special Easter Artisan Market. The Artisan Market Company are bringing their superior shopping experience to Bodnant so you can peruse and purchase the finest artisan goods that North Wales has to offer

8th & 9th

No Man’s Land

Come to Bodrhyddan Hall in Dyserth this weekend to witness a multi-period living history event. Over 600 re-enactors will be performing firing demonstrations and living history displays. Live music and refreshments will also be available throughout the weekend

13th & 14th

Spinning with Jenni Frost

Jenni uses wool from her own flock of sheep to make her lovely hand spun items, to include cushion covers, scarves, hats and more. Jenni also has some lovely crochet babies and children’s clothes which are available at Afonwen

Saturday 15th

Colwyn Bay Artisan Market

North Wales’ biggest Artisan Market is back with a bang for 2023 with their ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’. Come and meet the Easter Bunny and take part in a special Easter egg hunt around the market! Also enjoy Punch & Judy, a magic show, balloon modelling, puppets, face painting, chalk pavement art and plenty of street fun and games

Thursday 20th

An Evening of Burlesque

Roll up, roll up... the UK’s longest running burlesque show is performing at Venue Cymru tonight. Burlesque has enraptured audiences for centuries. This sensational variety show brings together a bounty of beautiful stars for an unrivalled variety show

Friday 21st

An introduction to Welsh amphibians

Learn about frogs, toads and newts, and what you can do to help them in this online event hosted by the North Wales Wildlife Trust at 7pm this evening

Thursday 27th

A guide to Gors Maen Llwyd

During this springtime walk over the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s largest nature reserve, you’ll be looking for newly arrived migrant birds – hopefully the ospreys, newly returned from migration

27th – 29th

9 to 5 The Musical

Llandudno Musical Productions presents this fabulous show at Theatr Colwyn, with music and lyrics by the legend that is Dolly Parton!

29th & 30th

Jackie at Jewels

Another chance to pop along to Afonwen and take a look at Jackie’s lovely handmade jewellery and accessories

Sunday 30th

Birdsong Breakfast

Enjoy a spring walk through the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s lovely Nantporth Nature Reserve on the shores of the Menai Straits and explore coastal woodlands, followed by some breakfast!

Saturday 22nd

A talk by Andy Teasdale and Jim Langley

Join Andy Teasdale and Jim Langley for what promises to be a very interesting evening at the Moel Siabod café in Capel Curig. £10 per head with ticket sales donated to North Wales Wildlife Trust. Booking essential

Tuesday 25th

Crafty Sisters

The ladies make their jewellery using many different materials, to include resin, fused glass and beads in bright colours, as well as some tote bags and handmade greetings cards. They are at Afonwen today

Sunday 30th

That’ll Be The Day

Let the UK’s leading rock ’n‘ roll show take you on a journey through the golden age, from the ‘50s right the way through to the ‘80s. At Venue Cymru tonight n

A DAY BY THE SEASIDE

Where mountain air meets the salty sea breeze, Prestatyn boasts a unique favourable climate. Although when I visited recently, the salty sea breeze was more of a blustery, brisk wind, but it swept all the cobwebs away.

Prestatyn is the most easterly town on the beautiful North Wales coast, nestled between magnificent sandy beaches with a spectacular backdrop of hills. It has three north-facing sandy beaches, Frith, Central and Barkby, interspersed with rocky groynes. It's the perfect place to build sandcastles with the kiddies, watch them frolic in the sea in the warmer months, and just be beside the seaside. The promenade spans four miles and forms part of the North Wales Coastal path and the official start and end of the Offa's Dyke Path, a 180-mile (19.47km) walk from North to South.

I parked at Central beach, and the first thing that struck me was the titanic turbine towers standing 67m tall in Liverpool Bay, 5 miles (8km) off the coast of Prestatyn. North Hoyle is the UK's first major offshore wind farm, comprising 30 turbine generators making electricity for some 40,000 homes. The second thing that struck me was the seven women dressed for a dip in March! They call themselves the bluetits; they meet every morning throughout the year unless there's a storm, and brave the Irish Sea. They asked me to join them but, fortunately for me, I had forgotten to pack my swimsuit, so I politely declined, pulled my hat down past my ears and set off on my walk, donning my backpack with my flask full of coffee, a homemade sandwich and a bag of crisps for later. Taking your own not only saves money, but it saves another plastic cup from being accidently discarded, making its way into the ecosystem. However, beach cafés rely on our custom, but hey, they're usually happy to fill up your flask, and there's a swanky-looking café right on the central beach you can pop into.

I headed towards Rhyl on my walk along the prom, taking in the breath-taking views of the stunning North Wales coast. It's approximately five miles to Rhyl. The tide was on its way out with a calm rhythm, the seagulls screeched above, and driftwood and other exciting sea objects washed ashore. I love the beach in winter; it’s a magical place full of discovery. It’s quiet, too, just the odd dog walker.

Hazel Holloway has a day out in Prestatyn and finds seven babes a bathing and a ruin of a roman baths…

PRESTATYN IS THE MOST EASTERLY TOWN ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH WALES COAST, NESTLED BETWEEN MAGNIFICENT SANDY BEACHES WITH A SPECTACULAR BACKDROP OF HILLS

Did you know?

J Prestatyn was home to the first UK Kwik Save supermarket in 1965

J Pontins Holiday centre was the location for a 1973 film of the famous British TV series, On the Buses

J Harold Wilson, John Prescott, and Carol Vorderman were all born in Prestatyn!

J During the Second World War, the holiday camps in Prestatyn were used as billets for British soldiers

Prestatyn’s population remained at less than 1,000 until the arrival of railways and holidaymakers in the 19th and 20th Centuries. "Sunny Prestatyn" became famous for its beach, clean seas and promenade entertainers.

After my beach walk, I headed to find another free attraction. A well-preserved ruin of a Roman bath house! The Victorians were not the first people to find this place. It's tucked away between 42 and 42a Melyd Ave. I arrived in my car but walking from the town centre is possible. It's not signed posted, so best to consult Google Maps. There is very little known about the archaeological excavation. Was it a military base? How extensive was it? Was it associated with the lost Roman town near St Asaph and what's under all the other houses surrounding it?

Talking of the Romans, there's a giant sculpture of a Roman helmet which celebrates the heritage situated on Prestatyn Hillside. It's a stunning artwork embossed with pictures of Sessile Oak leaves made by the students of Prestatyn High School. The Sessile Oak tree is common to the area and symbolises strength and resilience. From Prestatyn, walk to the top of the High Street and continue straight up Fforddlas and then straight to the Helmet. Once you've taken it in and caught your breath again, continue past the Helmet and take in the view from the Prestatyn Hillside.

Prestatyn town itself has a beautiful Victorian High Street. The sea at one end and the Clwydian range at the other. It's charming and has a great selection of shops and places to eat – from snacks and fish and chips to fine dining.

I ended my day back at the central beach, watching the sun go down beyond the wind turbines twinkling in the distance and, of course, I treated myself to fish and chips… n

Fancy living in Prestatyn?

If you are considering a move to the seaside town of Prestatyn, make sure you check out this fabulous fourbedroom home on Gronant Road. This detached house has been extended by the current owners and offers five reception rooms, kitchen, utility room and an amazing games room which can accommodate a full-size snooker table. The impressive property is approached over an extensive driveway providing ample off road parking which leads to a garage, while out the back you will find a manicured enclosed rear garden with a variety of trees, shrubs and plants. It is currently on the market for £700,000 with Peter Large Estate Agents.

17-18th June 2023

POTS, PLANTS & FOOD FESTIVAL ‘23 at Bodrhyddan Hall

80+ MAKERS • PLANT STALLS • A VARIETY OF FOOD VENDERS HAVE A GO • LIVE KILN FIRING • £5 ENTRY (FREE UNDER 16) • DOG FRIENDLY

Andrew Niblett

James Hake

Sharon Lea

Christy Keeny

Bodrhyddan Hall and Gardens

Plant stalls galore!

Spring is here!

Easter Egg Hunts

Bring the whole family together this spring and enjoy Easter Adventure trails at National Trust Cymru places across North Wales.

Keep your little explorers entertained with a range of different trails that celebrate nature, history and beauty. Don’t forget all trails come with either a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg.

Please note normal admission applies, plus £3 per trail.

Plas Newydd, Anglesey | 1st – 10th April

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Plas Newydd along their action-packed activity trail. Dance like a bee, guess the egg and smell the flowers as you complete the Easter trail to earn your chocolate egg.

Penrhyn Castle, Bangor | 1st – 10th April

Become a wildlife detective at Penrhyn Castle this Easter as you search high and low for springtime animals. Play a game of hide and seek with a stoat and a mouse, or follow the rabbits through the maze on your way to earning your Easter egg!

Bodnant Garden, Conwy | 7th – 10th April

Go on a spring-filled adventure at Bodnant Garden, discovering nature and blossom along the way. Follow the Easter trail to the willow worm where you’ll be able to claim your chocolate prize.

Plas yn Rhiw, Llŷn Peninsula | 1st, 2nd and 5th – 10th April

Wind your way around the woodland and garden at Plas yn Rhiw this spring on a nature-inspired Easter trail. See what animals you can spot and how many flowers you can count.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham | 5th – 10th April

Follow Chirk Castle’s Unicorn on an adventure around ten Easter-themed activities. Weave in and out of obstacle courses, build the tallest tower and create your own Easter decoration on your quest to find the medieval golden eggs!

Powis Castle, Welshpool | 1st – 16th April

See the garden through the eyes of a robin and embark on a

ten-point activity trail at Powis Castle this Easter. From roosting on one leg and measuring your wingspan, to dodging your predators and finding feathers.

Festival of Blossom

Throughout spring, National Trust Cymru is celebrating the Festival of Blossom which includes all things blossom to inspire everyone, everywhere to celebrate the season.

Join the celebration at Bodnant Garden with ‘Bodnant in Bloom’. Pick up a blossom themed map to help you discover the rare and unique species as you wander along blossom scattered trails, take a selfie under a blossom branch and enjoy fruity treats in the tea-room.

You can also find a huge range of fruit blossom at Erddig, beautiful cherry and pear blossom at Chirk Castle and stunning rhododendrons at Penrhyn Castle and Plas Newydd.

Blossom Week | 24-30 April

The pinnacle of celebration will be from 24th to 30th April as the conservation charity launches Blossom Week. Here they’ll be inviting people to feel the power of Blossom by sharing images on social media, with the hope that the joyful sight of blush-tinted blooms will lift spirits and enable everyone to celebrate nature together.

Blossom at Erddig

Blossom at Bodnant

Easter at Erddig Easter family day out

North Wales is full of magnificent scenery - which can be seen at its best from the comfort of a seat in one of our steam trains.

We offer a range of round-trip scenic journeys into Snowdonia - with a mix of heritage and new build carriages you can relax in as you enjoy the passing scenery.

We'll be running trains most days until the end of October. Simply scan the QR code below for the latest information on our train services. Here you'll find details of all the journey options which will be available during your visit - and buy your tickets as well.

Recommended: Please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

No QR code scanner - then go to www.festrail.co.uk/trains

What will YOUR legacy be?

Wildlife adventurer Ann McCarter explains why supporting local wildlife in her Will is very important to her…

I was born six months before the War, opposite an extremely noisy rookery. As a child, I vividly remember visiting St Abbs in Scotland – there were thousands of seabirds along the clifftops, of course, but what impressed me most was a small yellow bird: a yellowhammer, which my Dad said was saying ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’ just to me. Later, I was pushed off to boarding school in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by acres of fields, the River Lune, countless birds and wild flowers. When I subsequently went to University in Dublin, it was such a relief to be in a city small enough for the countryside to be within an easy bus journey – I’m definitely not a city person!

After David and I married, we holidayed on Morecombe Bay. There, we began to learn the waders at low tide, and when Leighton Moss opened we got more ‘into’ birds. Soon, we started going on more exotic wildlife holidays, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit a lot of places in the world. I once volunteered to stay behind on Aldabra, north of Madagascar, in the middle of the Indian Ocean! I was there for about five or six weeks, getting to snorkel the second-largest coral atoll in the world – a truly terrific experience.

My first visit to Africa became a major influence on a hobby I came to practise in North Wales, when a friend lent me his wife’s camera and long lens. That started me off doing all sorts of slideshows for local groups; and I went to Crete for several years with a botanical specialist who taught me flower photography. I’ve now lived in North Wales for 58 years and practised all the techniques I was shown back at home.

David and I both knew how important it was – and is – to financially support wildlife and our local Wildlife Trust. The plants and animals surrounding us need a healthy

environment to live in; whilst we and the generations who will follow us need wild places to go, where we can all take a break from busy life and breathe in fresh air. To this end, we’ve been Wildlife Trust members for many years; David made a donation towards Minera Quarry Nature Reserve and subsequently left a legacy; and I’ve pledged a gift to North Wales Wildlife Trust in my own Will. I know that I’ve been very fortunate in life; and consider it a privilege to know that my own passing will one day leave a unique, local, living legacy. n

Orchid

© Simon Mills

In hot weather grassy areas stay cooler, and cool their surroundings; in extremely rainy conditions they soak up water and reduce flooding. Longer grass and a mix of plants increase this effect, better surviving dry spells due to their longer roots, and soaking up carbon too! Many people take great pride in the perfect lawn and turn away from letting it go wild, but there is a middle ground… more of a mown path winding through a swathe of beneficial plants and insects really!

Whether you go for a wildflower meadow or simply leave a patch wild for nature, we have some tips that can help your green patch become a real sanctuary for wildlife:

garden or

Love wildlife, love your lawn

There’s nothing better than the feeling of lush green grass under your feet – but did you know that your garden lawn could provide a haven for wildlife, and help protect against the impacts of climate change at the same time?

J Raise the blade on your mower and cut the grass less regularly; embrace daisies, dandelions, clover and other naturally flowering plants

J Reduce the frequency of mowing to once every three to four weeks to allow flowers to bloom and help the pollinators

J While keeping some areas short – as paths, sunbathing spots and foraging areas for birds – let the rest of the grass grow longer. This offers shelter to grasshoppers and other insects and, in turn, these creatures are food for frogs, birds and bats

J Allow some parts of your lawn to grow long for the whole summer so that caterpillars can feed and transform into butterflies and moths

J Turn a blind eye to the odd bare patch within a lawn –these provide excellent sites for ground nesting bees

J If you do want a luscious green carpet, consider growing hardy yarrow within your lawn or, where there is limited footfall, experiment with incorporating herbs and flowers such as chamomile and creeping thyme

So, why not make a pledge to nature this year and bring your lawn to life. You’ll be amazed how much more vibrant your garden will be as a result. If you don’t have a garden, why not try some butterfly or bee-friendly plants? Every little helps! n

Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

refined elegance of our KODO design language woven into the toughness of an SUV Carefully curated materials like real maple wood, high-quality leather, Japanese textiles and chrome details are combined in perfect harmony in a car completely designed around its driver If this is how we craft the details,

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PicturePerfect

Beth Horrocks is a contemporary artist based in Caernarfon. Here she tells us a little bit about her connection with this historic town…

Much has happened since Beth Horrocks’ first North Wales Magazine editorial last August, most notably in December she opened her very own gallery. Situated in Caernarfon’s fantastic new multi million pound Cei Llechi/Slate Quay waterfront development, with stunning views over the harbour and castle, it is sure to be a huge success.

We caught up with Beth to get an insight on what has been happening since we spoke with her last summer.

So you have a new gallery, tell us how this happened?

“It all began while waiting to participate in the popular ‘Race The Train’ running race at the end of July last year. The race starts at the Caernarfon end of the Welsh Highland Railway (just over the road from Cei Llechi). I had a little look around and was attracted to the fantastic buildings, little Welsh shops and the mixture of old and new architecture. There were some wonderful independent businesses; talented

photographers, a blacksmith with a working forge, a fab café, a traditional sweet shop making home made fudge, a tapas restaurant, gift shops and furniture upcycling, ice cream parlour and seamstress/upholsterer. It was a collective hub of creatives which I felt I just had to be a part of.”

Why choose Caernarfon?

Caernarfon is steeped in Welsh history, it’s a World Heritage site and I think people don’t yet see it’s true worth or give it the credit it deserves. It’s a place with so much potential yet to be realised.

Caernarfon as a location has so much to offer, on one side you have the beautiful Victoria Doc with the fantastic Galeri arts centre with its theatre, cinema and café overlooking the boats in the doc. The enormous castle in all it’s drama standing proud with it’s walls hugging the town, offering interesting historical walks into colourful Palas Street with

Photo by Gill Jones Photography

Photo by Gill Jones Photography

it’s lovely Welsh shops, architecture, quirky pubs, crêperie and cobbled streets. The Welsh language here thrives! It’s heart warming to know that if you start a conversation in Welsh, nine times out of ten you’ll be speaking Welsh for the remainder of that conversation.

What is Cei Llechi?

Cei Llechi used to be a bustling slate quay where Welsh slate was once processed and then shipped all over the world. My family has connections with the history of the quarries, both my Taid’s (grandad’s) were quarrymen in the Dinorwic quarry and my Nain (grandmother) also worked in the quarries as a cook.

As the slate industry became more modernised the buildings became disused and fell into ruins for many years. Lottery Heritage funding enabled the Harbour Trust and Galeri

Caernarfon to regenerate the whole site and create 19 individual commercial premises, along with some really cute holiday apartments.

This part of the town is a hidden gem! It’s situated between the fantastic new Welsh Highland Railway station and the magnificent Caernarfon Castle, which is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages and, what’s more, my gallery is on the first floor overlooking the harbour and castle – how lucky am I?!

Tell us more about your gallery…

My studio/gallery/shop is a very pleasing open plan space, where I feel completely relaxed to concentrate on my artwork. Out of the windows I can see the moored boats and the tide come and go from the harbour, the huge stone walls of the castle and the Menai Straits sparkling in the distance. As part of the existing old building it has a perfect gallery space, with tall ceilings for exhibiting my large pieces of work. It’s just perfect and I love it!

It ticked all the boxes for me, so my husband, my fatherin-law, myself and three kids got to work on it at the end of October and opened in December just before Christmas.

I’M IN THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING A SET OF BONE CHINA CUPS, TEA TOWELS, NEW 2024 CALENDAR, NOTE BOOKS, CUSHIONS AND JIGSAWS

Photo by Gill Jones Photography

It’s child friendly with a kids chill out corner equipped with bean bags, books and an awesome lego table for your children to get creative, so the adults can peacefully browse/chat with me. Outside I have a balcony, where dogs are welcome to sit in the meantime and have a drink. For anyone with mobility issues there is also lift access, so no excuses for not coming to see me!

I am super proud of what we have achieved and enjoy coming to work each day, I still pinch myself and can’t quite believe that it’s my gallery, it’s certainly a dream come true.

What are you working on at the minute?

I’m really looking forward to the longer days and warmer weather so I can concentrate on capturing the local scenery in its best light. There have been some gorgeous sunsets while leaving work these past few months, the castle provides such a tremendous silhouette. I’ll be working on this piece next month.

I’ve just finished a collection of drawings of Llandudno, which I’ve been meaning to do for a while now. These will be available at my gallery, also available at Benards gallery in Craig Y Don, near Llandudno and The Little Gift Company in Rhos-On-Sea.

What’s next for the gallery?

I’m in the process of designing a set of bone china cups, tea towels, new 2024 calendar, note books, cushions and jigsaws. All of which I aim to stock before the summer. I’ve just unpacked two boxes of fabulous books which I’m excited to add to my shop, these are mainly interesting art, coastal photography, coastal architecture, gardening, interior design and cooking books inspired from all around the world. I’m also stocking ‘Inis’ – a wonderful new fragrance inspired by the sea, it’s a beautifully fresh clean smelling fragrance which I’ve fallen in love with.

There’s a lot to do for one person, will you be taking on staff in the near future?

My husband does all my framing, so it’s not just me, but yes you are right, there is a lot to do. I am looking to hire someone part-time to take on various business administration and development duties as well as work in the gallery/shop. I can’t be here six days a week, with a family – it’s not fair on them. Plus I want to get out and about looking for inspiration and enjoy this beautiful country!

MY STUDIO/GALLERY/SHOP IS A VERY PLEASING OPEN PLAN SPACE, WHERE I FEEL COMPLETELY RELAXED TO CONCENTRATE ON MY ARTWORK

Photo by Gill Jones Photography

Do you have any new stockists?

Yes I do, Benards in Craig Y Don have been waiting patiently for a Llandudno collection, which I have finally managed to do. I’ve just signed a contract with the brilliant Exchange in Beaumaris too, they have offered me a wall on the first floor, which I’m really excited about, so you’ll find me there a couple of days a month.

Being from Anglesey, are you taking part in the Anglesey Arts Week?

Yes I am, Bay Tree Gallery in Valley, one of my lovely stockists is on the Art Trail... they will be showcasing two new pieces of my work, inspired by a recent stay on the North West coast of Anglesey.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

Firstly, I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who has purchased my work, it gives me a massive sense of achievement to know that people like what I do. Secondly, I’ve been working from home on my own for the last ten years, so meeting people in my gallery is just a breath of fresh air, I love it! If you like what I do and want to come and talk to me personally then please come down to the gallery and say hello, I’m open Monday to Saturday 10am – 3pm. If you can’t come and see me then everything is available online at www.bethhorrocks.com. n

Stockists

YNYS MON / ANGLESEY

Bay Tree Gallery - Unit 4, The Precinct, Station Road, Valley, Holyhead, Ynys Môn, LL65 3EB

Oriel Ger Y Fenai - Holyhead Road, Llanfairpwll Ynys Môn, LL61 5YQ

Oriel Môn - Rhosmeirch, Llangefni, Ynys Môn, LL77 7TQ

Plas Newydd House & Gardens (National Trust) Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6DQ

The Exchange - 6 Church St, Beaumaris, LL58 8AA

Pip & Darcy - 2 Wall Street, Beaumaris, Ynys Môn, LL58 8BS

LLŶN PENINSULA

Oriel Tonnau - 21 Stryd Penlan, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 5DE

Oriel Plas Glyn-Y-Weddw - Glyn-Y-Weddw Estate, Llanbedrog, Gwynedd, LL53 7TT

ERYRI / SNOWDONIA

Benards Gallery - 15 Queens Rd, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1AZ

Galeri Betws-Y-Coed - Holyhead Rd, Betws-Y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0BW

JUST LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS PURCHASED MY WORK, IT GIVES ME A MASSIVE SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE LIKE WHAT I DO

Oriel Beth Horrocks Gallery, Unit 19 (First Floor), Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 2PB

Follow Beth on Instagram #horrocksbeth FACEBOOK: Bethhorrocks.com

Want to hear read more about Cei Llechi? Head to: ceillechi.cymru

I’D

Photo by Wakemans.com

Let us look after all your holiday property needs. Our aim is to take the stress out of owning a holiday property so you can relax and know your investment is in good hands.

PANT Y FOEL WELSH GIN IS A COMPOUND RETRO GIN AND RUM PRODUCER BASED IN NORTH WALES. Small batch gin and rums including Amber, Sweetshop and Cherry Bakewell gins, Honey spiced and Smoked Ginger and Vanilla Pod (The Bear) Rums Please visit

Fair and square

North Wales based artists Elly Strigner and Kath Martin have launched a series of pop up art and craft fairs in Old Colwyn. Elly is an illustrator, animator and community arts facilitator, while Kath is an illustrator, animator and all round creative talent.

“We know a lot of creative people in our local area who are looking for ways to get their work out there and seen, but it can be so expensive and sometimes a bit of a gamble for artists to even find an outlet to sell their work,” explains Elly. “We had both become quite disheartened at how difficult and impersonal it can be to sell our work online, and it felt like we were constantly paying fees just to list our works on a website!”

Elly and Kath wanted to be part of an art and craft fair that would be inclusive, affordable for everyone involved, accessible and – most of all – fun! Their first pop-up art and craft fair, which took place in November 2022, was a success, and so this year the pair have decided to run them throughout 2023.

“We decided that we needed to put on our own event, in a local community space, and invited other artists and makers

in the area to take part,” continues Elly. “We love the venue in Old Colwyn – it’s community focused, fully accessible, cozy and welcoming. Our first event took place on 25th March. It included a range of stalls from artists producing prints, paintings, cyanotypes, jewellery, upcycled items, illustrations and much more. Kinect with Kat was also there offering Oracle readings, and there was a children’s stall with creations from the littlest members of the team too.”

The rest of the events taking place throughout the year will follow a similar theme, and there are still some spaces available for stallholders at some of the events. To get involved or to find out more, please email popupartoc@gmail.com n

Elly’s website and Instagram: www.ellystrigner.co.uk // @elstriggs

The Woolly Wife on Facebook and Instagram: @thewoollywife Kinect with Kat: www.kinectwithkat.co.uk

The dates of this year’s Pop-Up Art and Craft Fairs are:

New, affordable, art and craft fairs are taking place in North Wales in a bid to offer a fair deal for artists and customers alike…

A novel life

Mike Leaver wrote his three saga novels – the latest called ‘Newspaper Curtains’ – and his amazing-but-true autobiography ‘Yeti Seeks Mate’ largely on a laptop by candlelight in his truck. It has no electricity, mains water, or central heating, and he studiously lives on around £25 a week in Porthmadog, Gwynedd.

As a committed vegetarian and recycler – who has never owned a television or been tempted to consumerism –pensioner Mike, 70, hopes to persuade others to pursue his low-cost path to happiness.

Originally from the West Midlands, Mike’s chosen lifestyle has evolved over 60 years. He started with his parents in a council house; then in a seaside caravan; got a job and made a flat in an industrial warehouse; moved on to a houseboat; spent a few days in an estate car... and finally converted a lorry!

He spent lots of time and money converting his boat into a house. But when it eventually sank, homeless he survived in its recovered hulk by cannibalising it over three years!

“I had a motorbike and then a three-wheeler car to get around,” he explains. “But I gradually realised I wanted to be more comfortable while travelling to enjoy mountaineering, rock climbing, potholing, and sailing. And to have somewhere safe to write about it. So I bought a truck to convert. I have lived in my now-immobile lorry – which does have a kitchen, bed/sitting room, and even a roof-garden – in lovely Porthmadog for 23 years.”

As well as various careers, Mike is a self-taught craftsman. He has also enjoyed four epic trekking and mountain climbing adventures overseas, and is an active University Of The Third Age (U3A) member, playing table tennis and chess.

Mike’s early-years were among the bomb sites of post-war Birmingham council estates. Asthma meant he went to a more rural boarding school – a ‘dumping ground’ for weaklings. But Mike hated the school’s cruelty so much, his mum eventually moved him to a comprehensive school’s ‘delicate’ unit, mostly with girls. Many there thought he was weird, but he began to nervously interact with them in his own naïve way.

And finally, although Mike became very close friends with several ladies through work, somehow his lack of confidence meant he could only ever write about falling hopelessly in love.

“Following the launches of my ‘Yeti’ lifestory, and two other saga novels –‘Nork from Nowhere’ and ‘The Ice Cream Terrorist’ – which are mostly about orphans escaping cruel institutions to create a better future – I’m now addicted to creative writing and the joy it brings to readers,” concludes Mike.

“Newspaper Curtains was born purely from a childish game the teenage girls played in my school class. I just imagined ‘what if’, and the story – set partly in North Wales – formed from there.” n

NEWSPAPER CURTAINS: Who Really Knows What Lies Behind?

Two teenage girls – clever Janet and spoiled Priscilla – from opposite sides of the tracks in 1960s Midlands England are forced into prostitution in this engrossing tale of loss, liberty and love. A handsome, young English teacher and his corrupting father become embroiled in their tortuous journeys. But then a smart heroine Tara fatefully enters the fray on a secret detective mission. This saga combines a struggle against repression, with both feminine and asexual insights into love to produce a thought-provoking, yet stylishly old-fashioned, romantic rollercoaster. Price: £9.99. The Book Guild Ltd. ISBN: 9781915603173

Author Mike Leaver is a single, retired handyman who lives off-grid in a converted static truck on a business park in Snowdonia. And who writes books for pleasure…

Mike promoting his ‘Yeti Seeks Mate’ autobiography with Browsers Bookshop owner Sian Cowper; and (inset) his first two saga novels: ‘Nork From Nowhere’ and ‘The Ice Cream Terrorist’

Born and bred in North Wales

I’m a Welsh author living with my husband in France. Why France? It seemed a simple decision at the time. Well, that’s before everything went pear-shaped.

We set off with our chubby dogs on a French property viewing expedition which ended in spectacular disaster. Eventually, entirely by accident, we fell in love with a rural area we’d never heard of. Our experiences were so wacky I decided to write about them. Entitled Fat Dogs and French Estates, our adventures quickly grew into a memoir series.

Today, when I’m not writing, we’re working towards self-sufficiency, raising animals and taking in strays. Yet, despite loving our lives here in France, much of my heart remains in Wales. It inspired me to write about my upbringing, which was different. Very different.

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates is set in North Wales. From the craggy Snowdonia mountains to rugged moors, patchwork fields, and the ocean that washes our shores, my bewitching birthplace is exceptional.

I tell stories about growing up on a sprawling farm estate among animals. From as young as I can remember, life revolved around big ones, little ones, bitey ones and cuties. I recount summers on gorgeous Anglesey beaches, sailing misadventures on the infamous Menai Strait, and living in a castle stuffed with ghosts – which was unusual.

I share special Welsh myths, too. Many come from Mabinogion, with King Arthur, dragons and druids. They’re tales which enthralled (and terrified) children of all ages and still do. Schooling at an infamous crumbly boarding school followed. As my Pa said, “It was character-building stuff”.

So yes, whilst life here in France is bliss, there’s no doubt where my heart truly lies. As you’ll see from my eventful upbringing, it will always be in my treasured North Wales.

Croeso i Gymru! n

Beth Haslam is a Welsh author living in France, though, as she says, her heart remains in Snowdonia...

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Swooping in to save the day!

No matter how old you get, you need a good friend. Learning to stick together and lean on each other’s strengths is the dynamic duo in John Williams’ debut children’s book, Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie: The Deserted Cottage. Living in rural Billsborough County, a young robin called Raymond and his best friend Bonnie, a blue tit, get into all sorts of adventures. Raymond is plucky and brave. Actually, he can be foolhardy but he tries hard. Bonnie is a little younger than her friend but what she lacks in knowledge, she makes up for with common sense. Always right, she tends to be nosy and sometimes lacks concentration.

In The Deserted Cottage, we see the young pals waking with the firm intention of spending another day having fun. It’s mid-winter and they often visit nearby Fir Cottage where they can expect food and fresh water provided by nice old Mr Digweed. One snowy December day, Raymond and Bonnie meet up early and fly the short distance over to the cottage only to find it deserted and with no sign of food or water. Initially, they are just concerned about Mr Digweed’s health but, later that day, they discover that the forlorn-looking cottage has attracted the interest of two suspicious-looking strangers. Who are these intruders and what, exactly, do they want? How can two little birds help Mr Digweed and protect Fir Cottage? Where will they find help?

Unfortunately, there is also a threat to the birds’ habitat! It looks as though they might have to move away from the countryside that they love so much. Far from being fun, this turned out to be a very challenging day that the little feathered friends will never forget.

“As part of the first year of my recent history degree course, I was required by the university to study an ‘elective’ humanities subject for one semester,” explains John. “I chose ‘Writing for Children’ and, with no previous experience of this, I was tasked with authoring a short story at around 5,000 words. My tutor, himself a published author, liked my Raymond and Bonnie story and believed that there was scope to develop further stories involving this feathered pair. I was enthused by the experience and have since written another Raymond and Bonnie adventure.”

Ideal for ages seven to nine, this charming tale illustrated by Simon Goodway will have all young readers flocking around to hear what Raymond and Bonnie get up to next! n

Living in rural Billsborough County, a young robin called Raymond and his best friend Bonnie, a blue tit, get into all sorts of adventures but they stick together and lean on each other’s strengths.

In The Deserted Cottage, we see the young pals waking with the rm intention of spending another day having fun. It’s mid-winter and they o en visit nearby Fir Cottage where they can expect food and fresh water provided by nice old Mr Digweed. One snowy December day, Raymond and Bonnie meet up early and y the short distance over to the cottage only to nd it deserted and with no sign of food or water. Initially, they are just concerned about Mr Digweed’s health but, later that day, they discover that the forlorn-looking cottage has attracted the interest of two suspicious-looking strangers. Who are these intruders and what, exactly, do they want? How can two little birds help Mr Digweed and protect Fir Cottage? Where will they nd help?

Far from being fun, this turned out to be a very challenging day that the little feathered friends will never forget.

Available to order through all good retailers.

Paperback 9781803135304 | £7.99

https://johnwilliamsauthor.co.uk

Order online

Adventures with Raymond and Bonnie – The Deserted Cottage is the first of a number of short stories written by John Willimans and illustrated in colour by Simon Goodway.

It is available to preview and order at: https:// johnwilliamsauthor.co.uk

John Williams is a North Wales based financial advisor turned children’s author who has written a new book about two feathered friends…

Children’s author John Williams with his grandson, Henry

As funeral directors in Llandudno, North Wales Chris Lord-Brown and Jonathen Harty have over fifty years of combined experience. Serving both local and neighbouring communities, their expertise and knowledge combined with their extensive contacts have led to numerous families entrusting them to arrange and conduct the funeral services of their loved ones.

Together they run Lord-Brown & Harty Ltd. This independent, privately owned and professionally qualified funeral directors and monumental masons is situated in the heart of Llandudno on the North Wales coast.

They are proud member of The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), undergo regular inspections of premises and paperwork to ensure compliance, and abide by the NAFD's Code of Practice.

CHRIS LORD-BROWN

B.Ed(Hons) DipFD

chris@lbandh.co.uk

JONATHEN HARTY

B.Ed(Hons) DipHE FRAS

jonathen@lbandh.co.uk

www.lbandh.co.uk

12 Trinity Square, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2RA

THE STORY OF IRELAND

A brand new stage show featuring all of the best-loved Irish ballads and traditional favourites is coming to Rhyl this month…

The Story of Ireland is part of a 23 venue UK tour that is taking place throughout 2023, and it is coming to the Rhyl Little Theatre on Sunday 30th April.

All of the cast and crew are North West based, making this a very special production for a region with so many Irish connections. The show is a fully staged production with set, costumes, props, narration, poetry, music and song and will appeal to not only those with Irish blood but also those who love all things Irish. Who isn’t moved by beautiful ballads such as ‘Danny Boy’, ‘Town I Loved So Well’, ‘I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen’ – and who can resist toe tapping and clapping along to songs such as ‘Galway Girl’, ‘Tell Me Ma’, ‘The Wild Rover’ and ‘Black Velvet Band’ to name just a few.

The cast features Morgan Wild (The Wizard of Oz / Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf / Rapunzel); Tom Loughlin (Carmen the Opera / The Devil Rides Out musical / Cinderella); Julie Proctor (Ramsbottom Concert Orchestra / Bolton Symphony Orchestra / Ribble Valley Jazz Festival); Michelle Victoria Riley (Ada / Birdsong in Bedlam / Hearts Hands and Cake); Tom Collins (Edinburgh Festival / Cannon and Ball show / Keeping It Country TV); and Ryan Ireland (Celtic Christmas tour / The Devil Rides Out musical / Rock’n’Roll Roadshow UK Tour).

The role of Dara, the soprano, is played by Shelley Anne Rivers, who is fresh from her appearance on ITV’s Starstruck as Judy Garland.

So go on a journey across the Irish Sea to hear about the mass emigration, the effects of the famine, the building of the titanic, the 1916 rising – and Irish music spreading across the world. With a fantastic cast of seven actor/singer/musicians all based in the North West it really is a production that will showcase some of the wonderful talent in the region. n

Tickets available from Rhyl Little Theatre box office 01745 342 229 or www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk

Shelley Anne Rivers

Tom Loughlin

The sun will come out tomorrow

…or rather on May 15th when the smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Llandudno!

Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced the full casting for the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of their smash hit production of the musical ANNIE.

Jodie Prenger will star as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in Llandudno. Jodie recently joined ITV’s Coronation Street as Glenda Shuttleworth. Her West End credits include A Taste of Honey at Trafalgar Studios, Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, One Man Two Guvnors at Theatre Royal Haymarket and Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre. On tour she has appeared in Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine, Annie, Fat Friends, Tell Me on A Sunday and Calamity Jane. On television she has appeared in the BBC’s Shakespeare & Hathaway, Years and Years, Casualty and Waterloo Road.

Alongside her will be Alex Bourne as Oliver Warbucks, Paul French as Rooster, Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell, and Billie-Kay as Lily

St. Regis. The title role of Annie is shared by Zoe Akinyosade, Harlie Barthram and Poppy Cunningham. They are joined by three teams of young performers who play the residents of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage.

Completing the cast will be Emily Barnett-Salter, Alistair Beattie, David Burrows, Sergi Ibanez, Rosalind James, Belle Kizzy Green, Ellie May-Wilson, Martin McCarthy, Phoebe Roberts, Lukin Simmonds, Matthew Sweet, Dawn Williams and Tommy Wade-Smith.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search…

With its award-winning book and score, this stunning production includes the unforgettable songs It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow n

The smash-hit production of ANNIE comes to Llandudno for one week only from 15th May. For tickets please visit www.venuecymru.co.uk

Prestatyn Offers in Excess of £975,000

Ref: WP9826

• Prestigious Eight Bedroom Family Home

• Upper Prestatyn Location

• Outside Pool Room

• Views towards the Coast and Great Orme

Prestatyn £455,000

Ref: WP9827

• Business Opportunity via Annexe’s

• Great-Sized Plot

• Full of Character

• EPC Rating – TBC

• Detached Three Storey Home

• Sought After Location

• Landscaped Gardens

• Corner Plot Location

• Four Bedrooms

• Views towards the Hillsides and Coast

• Living Room with Balcony

• EPC Rating – TBC

Henllan Offers in Excess of £600,000

Ref: WE7527

Five Bedroom Detached Family Home

A Short Drive to the A55 Expressway

Great Sized Gardens

Close to Neighbouring Town, Denbigh

• Rural Location with Enviable Views

• Open Plan Living

• Benefitting from a Paddock

• EPC Rating – D 59.

Ref: RN1925

• Beautifully Presented Six Bedroom Home

• Village Location

• Private Gardens

•

£550,000

• Full of Charm and Character

• Additional Workshop

• Three Reception Rooms

Ref: WR11356

• Grade II Listed Extended Family Home

• Dating Back to 1850’s

• Within Close Proximity to the A55 Expressway

•

£350,000

• Wealth of Character Throughout

• Sought After Location

• Large Corner Plot

£525,000

Ref: WM1502

• Four Bedroom Detached House

• Situated in a Favoured Village Location

• Great Countryside Views

• Spacious Accommodation

• Ample Off- Street Parking

• An Ideal Family Home

• Private Driveway with Ample Parking

• EPC Rating - D 57

Cerrigydrudion, Ruthin

Bodelwyddan, Denbigh

Ysceifiog, Mold

£475,000 Brynaiu LL19 8RD

• Standing in an elevated position on Ffordd Bryniau is this superb detached four bedroom house

• It enjoys stunning panoramic views over the village of Meliden and towards the Irish Sea

• Having established tiered gardens, a double garage and carport with a good size driveway

£560,000 Bodelwyddan LL185UT

• A truly superior residence within Bodelwyddan village

• Four bedrooms, master with ensuite

• Views towards Bodelwyddan Castle

• The property has been extended & provides spacious accommodation with a garage

We hold the key s to makin g your dreams com e tru e!

£680,000 Meliden Road Prestatyn LL19 8LU

• This extended family detached residence is situated within Upper Prestatyn and is within walking distance of all amenities

• Having a sweeping driveway, garage and extensive rear gardens

• It offers spacious accommodation with a large kitchen/family room, spacious lounge, sitting room, snug, utility room and a cloakroom.

• Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate the size of the accommodation.

£179,000 Calthorpe Drive Prestatyn LL19 9RF

• A rare opportunity to acquire a plot of land backing onto Meliden golf course in a sought after location of Upper Prestatyn

• Having planning permission for a 3/4 bedroom family home

• To the first floor there will be a master Bedroom having the benefit of En suite and upstairs Lounge with panoramic views

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

One- and two-bedroom apartments are now on offer in this secluded location in Upper Holywell and, with prices starting from £97,500, there are several options to choose from.

These ready-to-walk-into homes on Old Chester Road enjoy easy access to the A55 expressway, and town centre amenities are almost on the doorstep.

For first timers who may be renting, a specialist mortgage adviser will be on hand this bank holiday Monday in the show apartment. You may be surprised at what you find –and your monthly outgoings might even be less than your current rental property.

So step into your new home and make a fresh start in your life at Copper Beeches…

If you are thinking of buying your first house, or even downsizing to make life a little easier, why not take a look this Easter holiday at the new homes available at Copper Beeches in Holywell?

Copper Beeches is located on Old Chester Road in Holywell. Call Peter Large Estate Agents on 01745 888 100 to arrange your appointment to view

Business NEWS

Rydal Penrhos hosts international rugby

Law firm appoints new debt recovery manager

Rydal Penrhos has a long tradition of playing rugby at a high level and last month the WRU chose the school as the venue for a friendly international between the U18 Women from Wales and Scotland. A friendly, prior to the 6 Nations Festival taking place later in the year, the teams benefitted from the sporting facilities and the accommodation that the school offers. The chef was on hand to ensure that the meals met some exacting nutritional standards and the weekend was hailed as a resounding success with a convincing win for the Welsh women. The match was watched by some very proud family and friends of the teams along with local residents and members of staff from the school. Rydal Penrhos is looking forward to welcoming the WRU back later in the year for more training camps and fixtures.

Penderyn is now exporting to 50 countries!

Penderyn Distillery were delighted to win the FDEA Award (Food and Drinks Exporters’ Association’s) ‘Alcoholic Drinks Exporter of the Year’ in a celebration in London. When they produced their first bottles in 2004, the company quickly established an export market to France, who are the main importers of whisky. Then they developed a market in Germany, and in the past six years the USA market has opened up, as well as China. Penderyn also exports to Australia, Uruguay, Philippines, Finland and Taiwan – plus around 40 more countries. Penderyn’s most recent results saw the international business grow by nearly 30% against the previous year, and its whisky sales by over 50%. It certainly seems the Welsh dragon is roaring around the world, and as the interest in whiskies from new producing countries grows strongly, the pioneers in this category from Penderyn will continue to lead the way.

A North Wales law firm has appointed an experienced specialist to lead its debt recovery team. Preet Poonia has joined Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, which has offices in Conwy, as the firm’s debt recovery manager, working with clients to help them reclaim their unpaid debt. Andrew Pegg, head of the dispute resolution team, welcomed Preet to the firm. “Preet brings a great deal of experience to the firm from her previous role as a litigation legal assistant at a national law firm in Birmingham,” he said. “Her expertise in civil litigation, mainly covering debt and asset recovery, will be highly valuable to our clients. She has experience of overseeing civil litigation claims from start to finish, including pre-litigation procedures, and in her previous role had the responsibility of ensuring each stage of the process, from issuing legal proceedings right through to enforcement, complied with the Civil Procedure Rules. I am delighted to welcome Preet as debt recovery manager here at Lanyon Bowdler, helping our clients recover the debts which are owed to them.”

Meetings, dinners and team building…

It’s great to getting back to in person meetings and events and at Rydal Penrhos there is an array of conference facilities to choose from including the prestigious Osborn Hall which holds up to 250 guests to the much more intimate venue of the Hovey Room with boardroom facilities for up to 15 guests.

The Ferguson Centre is the most contemporary of the facilities and can host up to 150 for a dinner or 200 delegates for a theatre style meeting. With state of the art AV facilities and a dedicated break out ‘café’ area, this is a great choice for those seeing to bring staff or customers together. Ideal for product launches, celebration dinners or perhaps a smaller team building event the events team at Rydal Penrhos will ensure that the event is perfect in every way.

And why not use the on-site sporting facilities to add to the event. How about a well-being session in the Fitness suite or perhaps outdoor activities using the lawns in the Quad, overlooked by stunning listed buildings.

And, of course, at any event the food is all-important. Rydal’s Executive Chef will ensure that your menus are tailored to your event and include options for everyone and those who may have some more exacting dietary requirements. As we

come into the warmer months, why not enjoy the beautiful New Field and end your day at the school with a BBQ?

The Events Team at Rydal Penrhos have experience of organising events at venues across North Wales, the UK and internationally and work with each of their event organisers to ensure that the day is perfect in every detail. n

Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team

Yma i helpu…

Mae ein swyddfeydd agor ar gyfer cyfarfodydd sydd wedi eu trefnu o flaen llaw ac er mwyn gollwng dogfennau. Rydym eisoes yn cynnig cyfarfodydd dros y ffôn a thrwy fideo.

Rydym ni’n cynnig ystod eang o wasanaethau cyfreithiol, sy’n cynnwys:

• Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl

• Amaethyddiaeth

• Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant

• Cyfraith Teulu

• Cyflogaeth

• Corfforaethol a Masnachol

• Anghydfodau

• Troseddau Moduro

• Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol

Here to Help…

Our offices are open for pre-arranged appointments and to drop off documents, we continue to offer meetings via telephone and video.

Offering a wide range of legal services including:

• Commercial & Residential Property

• Agriculture

• Wills, Trusts & Probate

• Family Law

• Employment

• Corporate & Commercial

• Disputes

• Motoring Offences

• Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER IN THE WORKPLACE

“It’s sometimes not what someone says, it’s how they say it.”

We should all look out for each other at work when it comes to mental health, and staff at a North Wales law firm have been sharing tips about how they deal with sometimes quite traumatic experiences in the course of their job.

“There are a lot of people in different legal departments dealing with difficult issues, such as family cases which might involve children, divorce or domestic abuse, and the evidence can be quite harrowing at times,” explains Debbie Humphries, of Lanyon Bowdler’s personal injury team. “Although we’re clearly not on the frontline, like ambulance staff or NHS workers, working with personal injury cases involves a lot of detailed evidence regarding extremely serious injuries, and that can have an impact on people’s mental health. Personal injury cases can be really difficult. We deal with everything from fatal claims and straightforward whiplash claims, to head injury claims, when someone’s life will never be the same again, so that can take its toll on the clients, their families and the lawyer too.

“You often end up becoming almost a part of the family over the course of a claim, which can last years, and it can be quite intense for everyone involved. We are very much a ‘work family’ and look out for each other, particularly when people are dealing with clients who have suffered difficult and challenging injuries.”

Karen Clarke, a colleague of Debbie’s on the personal injury team, says Lanyon Bowdler takes the welfare of its staff very seriously.

“As a firm we are very aware of how our work affects our mental health, and we make sure a range of support is on offer,” she said. “A number of staff are trained mental health first aiders, and we always ask twice. It’s a case of pausing and saying, ‘Are you really ok?’, and it’s sometimes not what someone says, it’s how they say it which will alert you to the fact that something might be wrong. If they are not ok, is there something that we can change in terms of their work environment, or are there difficulties at home which they need support or help with?

“We worked hard during the pandemic, and since moving back to the office, to give people the opportunity to maintain and improve their own mental health. There have been a range of initiatives, such as handing out booklets with local walks to encourage staff to take a break and get some exercise. Some have been more successful than others! An origami project ended up being somewhat too complicated for instance, but it’s all about providing activities to allow people to wind down and take some time for themselves. I think it’s absolutely vital that businesses take the time to encourage their staff to look out for each other, and I’m proud to work for a firm that does just that.” n

Debbie and Karen discuss mental health in the workplace as part of a new series of The Legal Lounge podcast, which can be found on your usual podcast provider or on the Lanyon Bowdler website at www.lblaw.co.uk/podcast

Debbie Humphries

Karen Clarke

EDUCATION NEWS

St David’s College girls’ rugby team shine

The Year 8 and 9 girls rugby teams from St David’s College played at the hugely prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens in London. It was a David and Goliath tournament as the school was pooled with Oakham school (1,000 pupils) Seaford (950) and Wellington (1,200). St David’s has just 260 pupils. From its humble beginning in 1939, the event has been held every year since, becoming one of the oldest continuous tournaments in the world. This year there were 32 female teams competing, and the girls narrowly lost against Seaford College but emerged victorious against Oakham and Wellington School.

WGU shortlisted for five Whatuni Student Choice Awards

Wrexham Glyndŵr University (WGU) has been shortlisted in five categories in the UK’s biggest student-voted awards. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) is the only higher education awards in the UK where institutions are solely judged and reviewed by students themselves across a variety of categories. WGU has been shortlisted in the Lecturers and Teaching Quality, Career Prospects, Student Support, Postgraduate and International categories. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in London on 26th April.

Adult and Community Learning

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has hundreds of part-time courses available at their campuses across North Wales. There’s no age limit to learning; you could be 18 to 80! Their students are from all ages and walks of life. And whatever course you choose, their tutors will be here to support you during your studies. Courses, which take place at all of their campuses, as well as in numerous, informal, communitybased venues such as libraries and community centres, include Access to Higher Education, Basic Skills – English & Maths, Courses for Leisure and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Their new part-time prospectus is available now, with information about all of the courses starting in April.

Success for Rydal Penrhos hockey teams

It was a successful couple of days for Rydal’s U16 and U18 boys hockey teams as they both walked away National Champions following the finals played in Cardiff. Both teams managed to secure their places in the finals, setting the stage for a thrilling contest to determine the winners of the coveted title. The U18 team faced Ysgol Glantaf from Cardiff and put up an impressive performance that resulted in a 3-1 win, while the U16 team was up against Ysgol Bro Caereinion from Powys and emerged victorious with a 4-2 win – securing the national title. The team displayed exceptional skills and teamwork throughout the competition, which helped them achieve their goal.

Learning by heart

As part of Rydal Penrhos’ strategy to support pupils onto the best higher education and work destinations, a number of initiatives are taking place to boost pupils’ Oxbridge prospects, including a series of recent online seminars.

Aiming high is a core part of being a Rydal Penrhos pupil. As a school, we look to ensure that children and young people always feel that their dreams for later life are not only encouraged, but supported by a broad and precise programme that can help bring those dreams to fruition.

Couple this with a widely felt appreciation across the school that any quality education must prepare pupils for the challenges of 21st Century life, and it is no surprise that Rydal Penrhos sets its gaze much further than GCSE or A-Level Examinations alone.

Preparations for higher education, and the application processes involved, are at the core of the Rydal Penrhos curriculum. This is true both within the timetable – our older pupils have regular lessons set aside to meet our UCAS and Careers Advisor, Mr Farnell – and outside lesson time during extracurricular sessions.

An example of the latter being put to good use was seen last month. A number of pupils from Years 10 to 12 attended online seminars organised by Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, with the aim of improving their chances of a successful Cambridge application. Gleaning crucial wisdom from some leading members of the Corpus Christi Admissions team, Rydal Penrhos pupils took part in four seminars, namely: An Introduction to Cambridge Admissions; Making Competitive Applications; Deconstructing a Cambridge Interview – Humanities; and Deconstructing a Cambridge Interview – STEM.

The two interview deconstruction seminars were a particularly valuable resource, as pupils got to understand on a granular level the factors involved in success or failure in a Law or Engineering interview, respectively. These seminars represent the latest examples of how Rydal Penrhos is preparing potential Oxford or Cambridge (Oxbridge) applicants. This is all the more important when one considers the notoriously difficult and

competitive process that is involved in securing a place at one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.

Several Year 12 pupils, who have until autumn this year to submit their Oxbridgeapplications via UCAS, are attending master class sessions online organised by various colleges from Oxford and Cambridge. As part of these sessions, potential applicants learn more specific details that are directly relevant to their desired area of study. Over the coming week, six exceptional Year 12 academics will attend the North West Schools’ Cambridge conference at Haydock Park, where they will have the opportunity to listen to Cambridge tutors representing a variety of academic fields.

Beyond online seminars and in-person events, at Rydal Penrhos all pupils are encouraged to take part in continuous super curricular learning (i.e. study further what they have already learnt in their lessons at school). This is true not just of our older pupils approaching exams, but all our children and young people.

After Easter, Mr Farnell will begin the KS3 Young Oxbridge course, which will cover philosophical issues beyond the curriculum, encouraging pupils to read more widely and think about issues they may not have encountered yet in their studies.

With this new scheme set to orientate younger pupils towards the potential of Oxbridge study, and their older peers already benefitting from an extensive supper curricular programme, Rydal Penrhos pupils can rest assured that they have every resource available to decide their future for themselves and make their dream university destination a reality. n

John Waszek is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos

Dysgu Oedolion a Chymunedol

Adult and Community Learning

Os ydych chi awydd cael dechrau newydd, datblygu eich sgiliau neu gyfarfod ffrindiau newydd a chael hwyl, mae gennym gyrsiau at ddant pawb!

Gyda channoedd o gyrsiau rhanamser ar gael, rydym yn cynnig cyfleoedd ar draws ein campysau yng ngogledd Cymru.

P’un ai’n 18 neu’n 80 oed, dydych chi byth rhy hen i ddysgu. Rydym yn denu myfyrwyr o bob oed, ac o bob math o wahanol gefndiroedd. A pha bynnag gwrs a ddewiswch, bydd ein tiwtoriaid ar gael i’ch cefnogi yn ystod eich astudiaethau.

Caiff cyrsiau eu cynnal ar nifer o’n campysau, a hefyd mewn safleoedd anffurfiol yn y gymuned megis llyfrgelloedd a chanolfannau cymunedol.

Whether you’re looking for a new start, to develop your skills or meet some new friends & have some fun, we have a course for everyone!

With hundreds of part-time courses available, we have opportunities at our campuses across North Wales.

There’s no age limit to learningyou could be 18 to 80. Our students are from all ages and walks of life, and whatever course you choose, our tutors will be here to support you during your studies.

Courses take place at all of our campuses, as well as in numerous, informal, community-based venues such as libraries and community centres.

Law firm tops the charts

A North Wales law firm is topping the charts on a national website which ranks solicitors and law firms based on direct feedback from clients. Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in Conwy, is ranked at number one in its local area across every category on the ‘ReviewSolicitors’ website – and is outperforming the national average for overall client satisfaction. According to the site, 94% of clients say they would recommend the firm to friends and family, compared to a national average of around 60%, and the same proportion, 94%, say they are satisfied with the outcome of their legal matter, compared to a national average of about 70%. Lanyon Bowdler is currently ranked at number one for every area, which managing partner, Brian Evans (pictured), said was a source of pride for the firm. “The ReviewSolicitors platform is a great way for people to evaluate their experience of dealing with law firms, and we very much value their feedback,” he said. “Our lawyers always strive to go above and beyond for their clients, and it is heartening to see their hard work reflected in such positive reviews.”

G4 comes to Rhyl

The UK’s No.1 vocal quartet have extended their exhilarating ‘G4 LIVE’ tour with more dates into 2023. Having exploded into the industry and the public’s hearts back in 2004 on the first series of The X-Factor, G4 continue to mesmerise audiences, year after year, with their unique style and unsurpassed trademark vocal harmonies. They have to be heard live to truly appreciate the power and passion of their voices. Fans, new and old are enthralled as they cheer, laugh and cry their way through this masterfully programmed set list that includes classic hits such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Creep, My Way, Circle of Life & Nessun Dorma. The group can be seen at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre on Thursday 27th April.

Penderyn – proud to be in the heart of Llandudno

Penderyn is fast coming up to their 2nd birthday in Llandudno on 21st May. The distillery, which has become one of Llandudno’s major tourist attractions, is on Lloyd St, and is just two blocks from the promenade in the former Old Board School, which has been fully restored, and also on the Red Bus route. In the distillery shop you will find Penderyn’s complete range of whiskies, and also Brecon Gins, Brecon Flavoured Gins, Vodka, Siddiqui Rums – plus their own Merlyn cream liqueur and many other gifts. They also have hampers filled with a range of goodies as well! Or you could book a tour which they run seven days a week. We have been rated ‘5-star’ on Trip Advisor, and have recently been awarded a Visit Wales Gold Award.

Hope House Children’s Hospices

are a lifeline to families in North Wales whose child is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, providing specialist nursing care and support free of charge whenever and wherever it is needed. But this work is only made possible by the charity’s incredible supporters and their generous donations, including gifts in Wills. “Gifts in Wills are crucial to Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith, because they help us to plan for the future and provide vital care for seriously ill local children for many years to come,” explained Director of Fundraising, Simi Epstein. “Every gift makes a huge difference, together they fund almost half of all the care that Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith provide to children and families, from respite stays, crisis care and symptom management, to end of life care and bereavement counselling.” Ben and Georgie’s daughter Freya (pictured) has needed Hope House since she was a baby. They say that for them, and many other families, the hospice is quite simply a lifeline. You can read more about Freya and the other brave children who have been helped at hopehouse.org.uk/family-stories.

Colwyn Bay artisan market returns

North Wales’s biggest artisan market is back with a bang for 2023 with their ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’ on Saturday 15th April in Colwyn Bay. There’s so much fun in store for kids, come and meet the Easter Bunny and take part in a special Easter egg hunt around the market. Also enjoy Punch & Judy, a magic show, balloon modelling, puppets, face painting, chalk pavement art and plenty of street fun and games. And of course the adults are in for a treat too... with a superb selection of artisan stalls, including arts, crafts, cakes, bakes, gifts and goodies galore! In addition, live music and performances will be taking place throughout the day – including a fun choir and the fabulous ‘Ghostbusters’ community band to keep us entertained.

Porth Eirias runners C25K success

Local social running club Porth Eirias Runners held their fourth ‘Couch to 5km’ (C25k) course encouraging all to lace-up their trainers and discover the joys of running. The eight-week running plan for absolute beginners, started on 9th January 2023 and took place along the promenade in Colwyn Bay. Led by newly qualified volunteer Run Leader Catrin Williams, they slowly built up their distance over the two months, and by the first week in March they accomplished 5km of running. On 4th March, they graduated the course, running the 5km Conwy Park Run alongside other members of the Porth Eirias Running Group who were showing their support. As a celebration of their achievement, they were presented with a C25k finishers medal and well-deserved cake!

Leaving a lasting legacy

Nothing says Spring like a beautiful oral print, so it makes sense that we saw it all over the runways this year. From bold and large, to delicate and ditsy, this trend is for all.

It’s all about a new colour wave this Spring / Summer and although it doesn’t feel like we’re quite out of Winter yet, Clare’s has a collection of beautiful, bright, tailored and oral styles to make the sun shine in our wardrobes at least!

Tailoring is becoming more and more popular coming into the warmer seasons thanks to the industry leaning into softer, slouchier shapes.

Orange instantly gives us a dopamine hit. Orange is back with a bang this year, and it’s making us all happy. Brighter than bright and unmissable pieces - a must for our summer collection.

Rev Your Engines!

Experience the thrill of driving with the iconic Caterham 7 sports car…

Experience the ultimate thrill ride with Seven Hire, the iconic Caterham 7 sports car rental company located in North Wales. If you’re a car enthusiast searching for the ultimate driving experience, look no further than Seven Hire. Their self-drive sports car will ignite your senses with its exceptional performance, accuracy, and control as you explore the stunning roads of the Snowdonia National Park and coastal roads of the Llŷn Peninsula.

Seven Hire prides themselves on providing excellent customer service and easy-to-understand pricing plans. Their daily rate of £199 includes everything you need to hit the road, including a 120-mile allowance, fully comprehensive insurance cover and full weather gear. As an added bonus, an extra driver can be added for just £50, allowing you to share the experience with a friend or family member.

Their meet and greet service at 8am allows you to get up close and personal with the amazing car, then you can embark on your adventure from 9am until 5pm. With preplanned routes just a click away, you’ll never miss a beat. From breathtaking views to heart-racing thrills, this region has it all!

Seven Hire also offers gift vouchers which are the perfect solution for every occasion. Not only will they allow your recipients to experience the thrill of driving a legendary Caterham 7 sports car, but they will also create lasting memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your Caterham 7 sports car experience today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. Their season runs from March 1st until October 31st annually, and with Seven Hire, the road is yours to explore! n

For further information, and to book a driving experience, please visit www.sevenhire.com

WELSH PRODUCERS SHOWCASE THEIR FLAVOUR

Welsh food and drink companies have been busy showcasing their products at one of the UK’s most prestigious trade events – Northern Restaurant & Bar 2023 – as part of a drive to promote Welsh produce in the region.

The Welsh showcase was part of Destination North West, a Welsh Government Food & Drink Wales Fine Food Cluster project, to expand the reach and awareness of Welsh produce and explore new market opportunities in North West England. The first major hospitality show of the year, Northern Restaurant & Bar 2023, was held last month at the Manchester Central Convention Complex and was attended by thousands of trade visitors looking to find new products and suppliers.

Ten Welsh food and drink producers exhibited under the auspices of the Fine Food Cluster and Cywain Micro Clients umbrellas.

“Northern Restaurant & Bar was an excellent opportunity to show the hospitality sector in the North West England area some of Wales’s fantastic products,” said Fine Food Cluster Manager, Jayne Jones. “It was a very busy, energetic show, and we had many visitors to our stand who were eager to learn more about Welsh food and drink. Welsh produce is making good inroads into the region, and Northern Restaurant & Bar followed on the heels of a very successful Welsh food showcase held at The Hollies Farm Shop in Cheshire just a few weeks ago. Such was the positive response from shoppers that the showcase was repeated the following week, and The Hollies have subsequently listed five additional Welsh producers.”

Welsh produce is taking a bite into menus in professional kitchens across North West England. Welsh chefs working in the area say they have seen an increased awareness of Welsh produce in North West England as chefs increasingly look to source quality ingredients from their near neighbours.

Harri Alun, Head Chef at the Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, says his dishes are influenced by his Welsh roots and the quality and provenance of produce from Wales. “I was brought up on a farm in North Wales, and I know the whole food chain,” he explained. “That’s important to me because you understand the work that’s gone into something and gives a sense of pride, and for me, there is nothing quite like PGI Welsh Lamb.”

As such, he is keen, where possible, to share his experience

and enthusiasm for Welsh produce. He does this by featuring Welsh ingredients in his dishes and creating celebratory menus for occasions such as St David’s Day.

Also by attending international events where Welsh produce is on display – namely the Seafood Expo Global 2023 show in Barcelona (April 25th -27th) where he will take to the Welsh Seafood stand and cook samples to order throughout the event.

“Events like Seafood Expo Global are a great opportunity to support Welsh seafood and see new products. As a chef, it is always good to be able to have that link to what’s being produced and what’s new.”

Dylan Owens is Head Chef at The Tunnel Club at Manchester City Football Club’s Etihad Stadium. He champions Welsh produce at every opportunity, not only because of the quality of the ingredients but also because it supports local independent businesses. Salt marsh lamb from Caernarfon, sea salt from Anglesey and Welsh cheese are particular favourites.

“I’m proud to say wherever possible we use Welsh produce,” said Dylan. “This enables us to talk to our customers on the ethos of the menu. Our carbon footprint is on everybody’s radar, there is no better sense of pride when talking to customers about quality of ingredients and also the story behind it from where it’s come from to the level of detail needed to produce. Post the pandemic it’s great to see independent businesses changing/creating new ideas by utilising the raw ingredients we have in Wales to create some fantastic produce which we can use in the stadium to enhance the experience of our customers.”

Dylan believes that, in a changing industry, it is critical to inspire and encourage the next generation of chefs to consider the quality and provenance of ingredients.

“Price is at the forefront of every catering establishment,” he concludes. “This doesn’t mean that quality or provenance of product should be jeopardised. Young aspiring chefs need to learn that quality needs to be at the forefront and that we can save cost by utilising the ingredients better.” n

Harri Alun

Dylan Owens

The Welsh showcase at Northern Restauarant & Bar Show 2023 (left to right) Lowri Pugh Davies (Cywain), Heidi Davies and Naomi Davies (Cascave Gin), Paul Cammack, (Alfie’s Coffee Co.), Andy Mallows (Mallows Beverages), Jayne Jones (Cywain) Nerys Adams (Cywain) , Lowri Edwards (Cywain).

Andy Mallows of Mallows Beverages

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay

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Why not try our guest/respite room to see if you would enjoy staying in an Abbeyfield House

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Funerals are for the living

Here are some other tips to save money on a fully attended funeral:

J Embalming or hygienic treatment is not necessary, except on rare occasions;

J You can have flowers from your garden or a small arrangement;

A funeral service has always been a ceremony to help mourners acknowledge the death of the person that has died and to express their grief in a safe environment. In recent years, there has been a rise of the direct cremation or unattended funeral. You only have to watch daytime TV to see numerous adverts for them. In 2022, according to the Sun Life Cost of Dying Report*, direct cremations accounted for 18% of funerals, which has remained unchanged from the previous year.

Feeling the pinch in your pocket

As a funeral director, we offer a direct cremation or unattended funeral service. We believe there is a place for them in the sector, however they aren’t suitable for everyone, and your decision shouldn’t be based solely on the cost. With the current cost of living crisis, everyone is feeling the pinch in their pockets and a recent BBC News article claiming that funerals are a waste of money and more people are opting for a direct cremation to save money highlighted this could be an issue.

Jeremy Clarkson also wrote an article in The Times and said “You live a life, raise children, make friends, travel and fill your days with laughter — and then no one comes to your funeral. No one. It all seems so dismal somehow, like saving money on groceries. I find that baffling because can you imagine not being there to say goodbye to your dad, just to save a few quid?” So how can you have an attended service, to say goodbye to someone you love, without spending more than you need?

How can you reduce the costs of a funeral?

The current average funeral cost across Wales in 2022 was £4,012*. Did you know that you can opt for an earlier cremation slot and save £215? Or utilise a farewell service available, that saves you £352. The farewell service allows for six people to attend, without an officiant, but may be the perfect alternative.

J You could share a funeral tribute to social media rather than in the local paper;

J Family or friends could bear the coffin rather than pay for funeral home’s staff.

Another option is to plan for the costs of a funeral in advance, be that through a life insurance policy that pays out to family on death, or through a pre-paid plan with your chosen funeral director. Both options offer payment in advance or pay monthly fees that can reduce the cost burden at the time.

The most important thing is to not rush your decision, to ask questions and work with your funeral director to discover what options are available to you that can save you money while saying goodbye in a dignified and special way. n

*

Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2023 www.sunlife.co.uk

Prices are correct as at 1 April 2023 based on cremations at Colwyn Bay Crematorium

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com

Kelly Owen is a funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an awardwinning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at www. tomowenandson.com

“Funerals are for the living. If we have not done for the dead while they were yet in flesh, it is too late; let the matter pass at the grave. Day by day we should live for those who are to die; and live so that we may die for those who are to live.

Funerals are for the living.” UNKNOWN

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WOOD FIRED HOT TUBS & BARBECUES

A highly successful author with over 100 books published during his career, Andrew Fusek Peters’s change of direction to photography over the past six years has been no less productive. Over 300 of his photographs have appeared in the national press in this time, including two appearances on the cover of The Times, as well as garnering praise in numerous prestigious competitions. Beginning in 2018, Andrew took on the new challenge of capturing the mesmerising sight of butterflies in flight, travelling throughout the UK and spending endless hours on the search for elusive species. With many seeing catastrophic decline since the mid-1970s, their proper appreciation and care is more urgent now than ever.

Andrew’s patience and perseverance have resulted in a collection of photography of a quality rarely seen before, with his innovative techniques preserving their flight sequences for the page. “Capturing butterflies in flight is a challenging process and I have spent years now studying butterfly behaviour and trying to anticipate how they will take off when nectaring and in which direction they will go,” he explains. “As their flight is what they are named after, it has felt like a long, tiring, but ultimately noble pursuit to explore their mid-air grace.”

On the technical process behind the photographs, Andrew states: “At between 60 and 120 frames per second in raw, this speed is fast enough, on the rare times I get a set in focus, to reveal the butterfly’s flight across the frame. I can then layer up some of these frames to show movement through space and time in a single final shot.”

A year among the butterflies

As the journey continued and his knowledge and experience grew, Andrew sought to get even closer to his subject, his macro-level images enabling incredibly detailed close-ups of features such as the eyes and wings and revealing ‘worlds within worlds’ as millions of tiny scales become visible.

From early spring butterflies, such as the Orange Tip, and overwintering and hibernating butterflies like the Peacock, through the year to the last, late butterflies – the blues and skippers – each graces the page alongside Andrew’s impassioned and informative writing, detailing the story behind each image and the conservation efforts needed to maintain each butterfly for the future. This is a timely combination of words and pictures which highlights so much of the natural beauty on our doorsteps that we might stand to lose. n

“This book captures the glorious beauty and heart-lifting spirit of butterflies better than any other.”

Patrick Barkham, author of The Butterfly Isles

“With so many of our butterflies in decline, this is a very timely book by one of the country’s best photographers. It’s a musthave for the bookshelves!” Iolo

Williams

“This book captures the beauty and movement of butterflies like no other. The flight sequences are sublime – they are pure poetry in motion.”

Dr Martin Warren, Professor of Biochemistry, Royal Society Industry Fellow

Andrew Fusek Peters’ remarkable new photographic book celebrates one of the UK’s best-loved species…

IN THE

STARS...

April’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant

ARIES (March 21st – April 20th)

On the 6th, the Full Moon prompts you to make a difficult relationship decision. Separating from a romantic or business partner will be sad, but that’s better than always feeling angry. The 8th is perfect for making some home improvements. Spending a little more money than usual will yield good results. It might be impossible to charm a gruff pessimist on the 14th; don’t even try. A surprising windfall on the 29th helps you buy up a cosy piece of property.

TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st)

People become more receptive to your ideas on the 3rd. Eventually, it will become obvious that you’re more thoughtful and intelligent. The Full Moon on the 6th warns against taxing your health with negative thinking. Your earning power becomes much stronger on the 11th; treat yourself to some luxuries. A jealous friend may try to make you feel guilty about indulging your sensual side on the 14th. Offer support for a relative’s bold plan on the 29th.

GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st)

Dwelling on negative thoughts on the 3rd will keep you from venturing into unknown territory. On the 6th, the Full Moon will send waves of disruption through your love life. You turn heads wherever you go on the 11th; someone with an exotic background will be especially attentive. Don’t let a forbidding authority figure spoil your enthusiasm for a creative project on the 14th. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th inspires you to host a party or casual get-together.

CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd)

The Full Moon on the 6th helps you decide to break away from an intolerable living situation. Friendship could turn into romance on the 7th when you find yourself attracted to a companion with a velvet voice. A fabulous career opportunity falls into your lap on the 11th. Don’t give in to your fears on the 14th, especially regarding travel. It’s important to expand your horizons. Doing something out of character will be lots of fun on the 29th.

LEO (July 24th – August 23rd)

Your best friend, business partner, or amour expresses dissatisfaction about your relationship on the 3rd. The Full Moon on the 6th exposes rifts in a friendship. The 11th is one of the happiest days of the year for you; going on a long-distance trip with your favourite person is a distinct possibility. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th finds you expanding your horizons; this is a great time to learn a foreign language. A passionate encounter brings great joy on the 25th.

VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd)

Travel plans could be delayed on the 3rd. On the 6th, the Full Moon brings disappointment about a financial matter. Getting paid less than expected will force you to scale back expenses. On the 14th, your business or romantic partner will express jealousy over all the time you spend at work. Try to strike a healthier balance between your personal and professional lives. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th inspires a passionate romantic encounter.

LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd)

While everyone remembers Russell Grant from his Breakfast TV appearances in the 1980’s, most people don’t realise that Russell was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a horoscope forecast to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). Now dubbed the “Royal Astrologer” Russell has appeared on numerous television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing. He divides his time between London and his North Wales home near Portmeirion.

www.russellgrant.com

Your desire to have fun is stronger than a need to be financially responsible on the 3rd. On the 6th, the Full Moon makes it difficult to establish firm boundaries with a needy romantic or business partner. You can’t keep jeopardising your emotional health for the sake of somebody else. The 11th finds you embarking on a grand adventure. Keeping separate bank accounts can prevent power struggles from erupting with your amour.

SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd)

A passionate argument with your best friend, business partner, or amour will make the 3rd a tense day. A romantic encounter on the 7th gives you an attractive glow. Don’t hesitate to put your passionate feelings into words on the 8th; a loving relationship will grow closer and stronger. The chance to purchase a beautiful home falls into your lap on the 11th. On the 20th, the Solar Eclipse marks the best time of the year to begin a rigorous health regimen.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st)

Power plays at work will drive you to distraction on the 3rd. The Full Moon on the 6th warns against spreading yourself too thin on the social front. The chance to work from home on the 7th makes you breathe a sigh of relief; you’re tired of long commutes and office politics. Your love life improves by leaps and bounds on the 11th. On the 20th, the Solar Eclipse inspires a creative project or love affair. Trust your heart over your head.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th)

Resist the temptation to manipulate someone on the 3rd. The Full Moon on the 6th causes you to make an important career decision. Walking away from a demanding job will give you more time for personal happiness. Fortunately, a lucrative work assignment will arrive on the 11th. On the 20th, the Solar Eclipse brings a lovely opportunity to make some home improvements or buy a big piece of property.

AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th)

A forbidding attitude toward a relative on the 3rd causes tension at home. A home-based business paves the way for financial stability on the 5th. The 11th draws love to you like a magnet. If you’re already in a relationship, give your amour a lavish gift. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th inspires you to try a hobby that appeals to your rebellious side. Brisk exercise gives you an attractive glow on the 29th that’s impossible to ignore.

PISCES (February 20th – March 20th)

A desire to travel will surge on the 3rd. Taking out an insurance plan can ease your fears and pave the way for an enjoyable escape. A moneymaking opportunity beyond your wildest dreams will arrive on the 11th; say yes to this exciting adventure. Don’t discourage a relative from pursuing a cherished dream on the 14th, even if it involves taking a risk. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th attracts a job involving education, publishing, travel, or all three; take it!

INSPIRED BY HOME

The striking Pembrokeshire bluestone used in ancient monuments at Stonehenge and Pentre Ifan is brought into the modern day in our evocative Capstones collection. These elemental objects contain an intangible sense of mystery…