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 call us now for

• Indoor, purpose built storage units

• Dry, secure and clean

• Undercover loading bay

• Friendly, helpful staff at all times

• Business or domestic customers

• No deposit needed to reserve a unit

• Units from £9 per week

• Business tariff available

• Discount for blue light members