NWM - January 2022

January 2022

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MAGAZINE

Way of Life Exploring the three diverse routes of The Wales Way

What’s On? GET OUT AND ABOUT THIS JANUARY

Castle Country

EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN OF CAERNARFON Whatever the reason we are here to help.

Cambrian Credit Union offers savings and loans to people who live or work across North Wales and Powys.

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MAGAZINE We want to hear from you!

DEAR READER Well, this isn’t quite the New Year that we were hoping to be welcoming in!

Covid has reared its ugly head once again, and now we face another winter stuck indoors. Or do we?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – we

month in North Wales Magazine. So, if you

are so incredibly lucky to be living in

want to see any of our previously published

beautiful North Wales with the countryside,

routes, then simply visit www.issuu.com/

beaches and mountains all right on our

northwalesmagazine where you will find

doorstep. So make the most of brisk winter

all of our back issues – each containing a

walks, and blow the cobwebs away while

different walking route that will ensure you

admiring our stunning scenery.

can still make the most out of our region during this rather unexpected winter…

And, if you are looking for walking inspiration, then turn to page 59 where you can find the detailed route of a circular walk around Bryn Alyn in the Clwydian range of hills.

We publish a new walking route every

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

J Keep in touch. Send in your contributions, letters, photos and press releases and become part of the North Wales Magazine family. editorial@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Subscribe. If you want to ensure that you receive each and every copy of North Wales Magazine then why not subscribe? All you pay for is the post and packaging. subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Advertise. If you own a business in North Wales and want to get your message in front of 20,000 local readers every month then drop us a line. Prices start from just £75. sales@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

In this issue:

Fresh air is the order of the day this January!

Cato Crane Auctioneers

CELEBRATING 36 YEARS OF HELPFUL SERVICE AND SUCCESSFUL SELLING

Email: info@catocrane.co.uk & sell@lowerpercent.co.uk

J Are you organising or taking part in an event that should be covered in our what’s on listings? Then make sure you tell us! whatson@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

www.catocrane.co.uk

Telephone Soon for Home Visit and Internet Appraisals

Front cover image © Shutterstock

Cato Crane Auctioneers Liverpool Auction Rooms 6 Stanhope Street Liverpool, L8 5RF Chester and North Wales Tel: 01244 680055 Wirral Tel: 0151 342 2321

NWM 2022 Page 3

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Contents

MAGAZINE

12

EDITOR

Kate Hamilton PUBLISHER

Grant Hamilton ART DIRECTOR

Simon Marriott OFFICE MANAGER

27 08 The big picture

The Point of Ayr Lighthouse

09 What’s on?

The best events taking place in North Wales this January

Three ways to explore our beautiful country

15 You and your pet

Getting out and about with your four-legged friend

Denbigh’s Victorian Asylum in pictures

19 Town in focus Exploring Caernarfon

37 Homes & interiors

Get inspired by homes that are on the market

47 In business

23 Music to your ears

North Wales business news and advice

The live music coming to North Wales this year

24 A story of hope

A tale with light at the end of the tunnel

27 Food & drink

The regions wining, dining and culinary scene

65

CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Gregory Steve Goodier Cai Ross Pete Greensmith Ashlee Smedley Russell Grant John Waszek CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

12 The Wales Way

16 Hospital history

Sian Roberts

51 Education

Learning in North Wales

56 Community News

A roundup of regional happenings

59 Walking

A Bryn Alyn circuit

63 Motoring

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 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.

The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured. 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.

Privacy Notice. You can read North Wales Magazine’s Privacy Notice in full at www.northwalesmagazine.com

A new location for an established brand

65 Where to stay

The best places to stay in North Wales

66 Horoscopes

What does January have in store for you?

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.

NWM 2022 Page 5

the

BIG MAGAZINE

picture

The Point of Ayr Lighthouse, also known as Talacre Lighthouse, is a Grade II Listed building situated on the Point of Ayr (funnily enough). The oldest lighthouse in Wales, it was built in 1776 by a Trust of the Major, Recorder and Aldermen of Chester to warn ships entering between the Dee and the Mersey Estuary. After over a century of service it eventually fell into disuse and was decommissioned in 1884. While it is now privately owned, the Point of Ayr Lighthouse remains a commanding figure on peaceful Talacre beach.

Mark Andrew Photography / Shutterstock.com

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MAGAZINE

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n o s ’ t Wha MAGAZINE

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

1st Zip World

8th RGC v Pontypridd

To kick off your 2022, Zip World is opening all of its sites so

Support RGC at Parc Eirias in a home game against

that you can start the New Year with an adrenaline rush! Visit

Pontypridd. Kick off 2.30pm. Free entry for Under 16’s. Tickets

zipworld.co.uk to find out more and to book activities

available on the day or in advance from venuecymru.co.uk

1st Christmas Train Services, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

8th Met Opera Live: Cinderella, Galeri Caernarfon

Steam in to the New Year with a train journey through

Laurent Pelly’s storybook staging of

beautiful Snowdonia. A lovely way to spend New Year’s Day,

Massenet’s Cendrillon is presented

sit back and relax and take in the views. For further details

with an all-new English translation

and to book visit festrail.co.uk

in an abridged 90-minute

1st & 2nd Aladdin, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

adaptation, with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as its rags-to-riches princess. Maestro Emmanuel Villaume leads a delightful cast,

This is the last chance to catch Aladdin at Venue Cymru this

which includes mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as Cinderella’s

panto season. It’s had great reviews and promises an hilarious

Prince Charming, soprano Jessica Pratt as her Fairy

family friendly show, so don’t miss out.

Godmother, and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe and bass-

Tickets from venuecymru.co.uk

baritone Laurent Naouri as her feuding guardians. Tickets

1st to 15th Beauty and the Beast, Theatr Clwyd, Mold

from galericaernarfon.com

9th A Night at the Opera, Stiwt, Wrexham

The acclaimed rock ’n’ roll panto written by Wales’ Christian Patterson is now on, with bonkers frocks, dazzling sets and the anarchic panto puppets! Ticket information from theatrclwyd.com

1st – 31st Jacqueline de Jong: The Ultimate Kiss, Mostyn, Llandudno Jacqueline de Jong is considered one of

North Wales Opera Studio presents ‘A Night at the Opera’, an exciting programme of staged excerpts from all the favourites in one evening, including La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, Magic Flute, West Side Story and more. Tickets available from stiwt.com

the crucial artistic figures of the post-war avant-garde. The first institutional solo presentation of her work in the UK is open now at Mostyn. Further details from Mostyn.org

1st – 31st Anathemata, Mostyn, Llandudno Anathemata is a display that interrogates the tradition of epic poetry within a tetrad of 20th Century avant-garde artists;

13th & 14th Eco Silver jewellery by Sandra Roberts, Afonwen Sandra uses reclaimed silver from the jewellery industry, to create her unique pieces, which she then finishes with whatever pretty stones she can find. Further information afonwen.co.uk

These four artists are presented alongside contemporary

15th RGC v Cardiff

artists Martin Bladh, Paul-Alexandre Islas, James Richards

RGC are home at Parc Eirias against

and Karolina Urbaniak through a display of manuscripts,

Cardiff. Kick off 2.30pm. Free entry for Under 16’s. Tickets

drawings and videos. Exhibition open now. Further details

available on the day or in advance from venuecymru.co.uk

David Jones, Antonin Artaud, Sarah Kane and Pierre Guyotat.

from Mostyn.org

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MAGAZINE

15th Gisda Giggles, Pontio, Bangor

26th & 27th Homemade Jewellery and Handmade Bags, Afonwen

Following the sell out success of

Elaine makes lovely pieces of

2020’s Gisda Giggles we have Gisda

jewellery, using many different

Giggles 2! A night of laughter to raise

beads stones and crystals, plus she knits cute little outfits

money and awareness for GISDA’s

for her teddy bear collection, whilst Liz makes gorgeous

youth LGBT+ groups. Local girl Kiri Pritchard-McLean (Live at

bags, using rich tapestries and embellishments. Further

the Apollo, Have I Got News for You) welcomes a hand picked

information at afonwen.co.uk

line up of the country’s best LGBT+ stars including Suzi Ruffell (The Last Leg, Live at the Apollo), Josh Jones (8 out of 10 cats), Ben Hodge, Sikisa Bostwick Barnes (Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club) and Leila Navabi (Live from Aberystwyth Pier).

Tickets from pontio.co.uk

16th Annual Mini Run to Llandudno

29th Blue Nation (plus support), The Motorsport Lounge, Llandudno Blue Nation are a 3 piece band from Birmingham. They use Riff based Melodic Blues Rock from a reservoir of influences, including Beatles, Cream, Zeppelin, Brit Pop

Annual mini run from Bromborough to Llandudno, organised

90’s, more recently Rival Sons and Vintage Trouble, to

by Wirral Minis. The run starts in Bromborough and heads

create their memorable sound. Their songs are delivered

along the coast road and up the Great Orme in Llandudno.

by three accomplished musicians, fronted with stunning

After a short stop the run heads down the Orme and it ends

vocals. All backed up with impressive gig experience, stage

on Llandudno’s promenade for a few hours. This event is

presence and great songs. Further details and tickets are

always a spectacular sight and free to spectators. 11am – 3pm

on Facebook.

20th & 21st Sunnyside Crafts and Gifts, Afonwen stools and hearts, plus many stitchwork items

30th Puccini Madama Butterfly, Rhyl Pavilion

to include cross stitch, hand painted boxes and

Back by overwhelming public

glasses. Further information at afonwen.co.uk

demand, this award-winning

Linda has made some lovely crochet dolls, wooden

21st to 23rd Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Opera returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique

With the car packed they

wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular

are ready for their road-trip

operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking

full of adventures. From

story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love

roadworks to royalty, castles

with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results.

to caves and ice-creams

Tickets from rhylpavilion.co.uk

to muddy puddles – there

30th Jimmy Carr Terribly Funny, Venue Cymru, Llandudno

is something for all of the family and their friends to enjoy, including Miss Rabbit, Danny Dog, Gerald the Giraffe and more! Prepare for the brand new Peppa Pig live show packed full of songs, games and laughter, it really is the best day ever

Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of

for Peppa Pig fans! Tickets from venuecymru.co.uk

terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or

22nd Rydal Penrhos Assessment Day Rydal warmly invites you to attend their Assessment Day,

people you know and love. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things. Having political correctness at a comedy show is like having health and safety at a rodeo. Now you’ve been warned, buy a ticket. Tickets from venuecymru.co.uk

which is for all year groups and will take place from 9am.

This is for any child looking to join Rydal Penrhos for September 2022 entry and the Assessment Day will all be

Please Note

conducted with consideration of COVID-19 safety protocols at

All events listed are correct at the time of going to press. All

the time. Anyone wishing to register can do so by emailing

events will be subject to current COVID safety measures, so

admissions@rydalpenrhos.com, calling 01492 530155 or using

please check that you are fully compliant before attending

the online form on their website. Further details are available

any event. We recommend that you check the event is still

from Rydalpenrhos.com

Page 10 NWM 2022

running before travelling.

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Image credit: Crown Copyright

o g o t Way The Wales Way is a family of three national routes that lead you along the coast, across castle country, and through our mountainous heartland…

The Wales Way consists of three distinct routes – The Cambrian Way, The Coastal Way and The North Wales Way – each with its own theme and character. The routes help position Wales as a destination for experience-seeking travellers who are willing to get off the beaten track and explore at a more leisurely pace. These routes have been designed as a starting point for planning your journey, on top of which you’re encouraged to add your own curiosity in order to make your own unique Welsh adventures...

THE CAMBRIAN WAY IS A COMPLETE NORTH-SOUTH JOURNEY ALONG THE MOUNTAINOUS SPINE OF WALES, RUNNING FOR 185 MILES FROM COAST TO COAST.

The Cambrian Way

are plenty of loops and byways to explore: the north coast of

The Cambrian Way is a complete north-south journey along

the Llyn Peninsula, Snowdonia, Pumlumon, Preseli... endless

the mountainous spine of Wales, running for 185 miles from

ways to discover your own secret places.

coast to coast. It winds through the Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons National Parks – and the big green spaces of the

The North Wales Way

Cambrian Mountains in between. At the north end you’ll find

The North Wales Way follows an old trading route for

the Victorian splendour of Llandudno. In the south is Cardiff,

75 miles along our northern coast into Anglesey. It’s the

our cosmopolitan capital city. Along the way, the route takes

trio of huge castles that immediately grab your attention:

in market towns, forests, lakes and reservoirs – as well as the

Beaumaris, Caernarfon and the walled citadel of Conwy.

old slate and coal mining heartlands. Connect with the Wales

Together with Harlech, this cluster of immense 13th

Coast Path and Glyndwr’s Way towards the Offa’s Dyke Path,

Century fortresses forms a UNESCO World Heritage site.

or try the Cambrian Way walking trail – the most challenging

There are plenty of loops and diversions too. From here

long distance walk in Wales.

you can explore the mountains of Snowdonia, the Menai Strait, and our largest island, Anglesey. It’s the gateway to

The Coastal Way

the Vale of Conwy and the Vale of Clwyd, where a string of

The Coastal Way runs the entire length of Cardigan Bay. It’s a

handsome market towns line the route down to Llangollen.

180-mile odyssey that threads between blue seas on one side

The Way also links easily with its sister Ways, public

and big mountains on the other. From Aberdaron to St Davids,

transport, and long-distance cycling and walking routes. n

the coast is dotted with harbour towns and resorts, fishing villages and secret coves. There are vast stretches of sand,

For further information on all three routes, along with

towering cliffs, and beaches of all kinds in between. There

suggested itineraries, please visit www.thewalesway.com

Page 12 NWM 2022

Image credit: Crown Copyright

The Cambrian Way

The Coatal Way Image credit: Crown Copyright

Image credit: Crown Copyright

The North Wales Way

NWM 2022 Page 13

MAGAZINE

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You & Your

Pet

DON’T STAY INSIDE – GET UP AND GET OUT! As we bid farewell to December and bring in a brand New Year,

great way to get your dog’s body and mind working, this can

it’s time to dust off those boots and head for the outdoors. Get

be done indoors or in a safe space like your garden. If you have

some well-needed fresh air in our lungs, stretch those legs and

a young dog it could be a fun way to introduce them to the

enjoy the wonderful scents of the wintry season.

outside and it can also be great for the older dogs, older dogs enjoy games, therefore, looking for a treat shouldn’t put too

I’m sure our pets are dying to hear the rattle of the key on the

much pressure on their limbs.

front door, excited to get those muscles moving.

If none of the above suits you, then we have a wonderful Dog January is a great time to get back into fitness for both

Park in petplace Abergele. It is set up so dogs can get their

ourselves and our four-legged friends. Apparently having a

daily dose of exercise whilst interacting with other dogs.

workout buddy makes the process easier and more enjoyable

If the weather is bad it’s the perfect place to tire out your

so grab your dog and head on out.

energetic pooch.

Some of us may have gained new family members over the last

Keep in mind that the temperatures drop in January and the

few months, that, due to the dark nights and stormy weather,

nights are still dark, make sure that you and your furry friend

perhaps have not seen as much of the outdoors as you may

are wrapped up and can be seen when out and about. Investing

have hoped and therefore will be overjoyed as the evenings

in a hi-vis dog coat and/or a safety light, such as an Orbiloc one

become lighter.

would make sure that you and your pet can be seen while out.

Don’t let the cold temperatures stop you and your pet from

With all exercise it is really important to be prepared, we have

maintaining your health and fitness this new year. Routine

a more in-depth article on our website to support you and your

is key for your dog, being outside will keep them happy,

dog on your health and fitness journey. Do remember you can

energised and avoid weight gain which can lead to a build-up

pop into our stores or speak to us on our social channels about

of pressure on their poor little limbs.

the types of harnesses and outdoor accessories we stock, we are here for you and your best friend. n

There are several ways to ease yourself back into fitness and at a pace that suits both you and your pet.

Walking is a wonderful way to start, if your muscles are taking a little longer than your dogs then you can always use an extendable lead giving your pet space to run and jump without putting the pressure on you.

Going to an open dog-friendly space is always great because you can throw a ball or set up cones and have a bit of fun whilst exercising.

Ashlee is the Social Media and Marketing Assistant at petplace. Animal obsessed, she has a fondness for all living things and the environment using her creativity to build awareness.

If you follow petplace on social media you will no doubt have interacted with Ashlee, she loves engaging with their customers and, most importantly, seeing all your wonderful pets.

If you just want to ease your dog in then hide and seek is a

NWM 2022 Page 15

Dr Richard Lloyd Williams of Denbigh who played a leading role in setting up and running the hospital The oldest photo of the Hospital, pre-1880 and discovered in a loft

A HOSPITAL WITH HISTORY Victorian photos discovered in a loft illustrate new book on historic hospital…

Photographs dating back to the 1870’s have been used to illustrate a new book about the first half-century of the first ever specialist mental hospital in Wales.

The book, written by Clwyd Wynne, a former nursing manager at the North Wales Hospital, hits the bookshelves just as planners have thrown a lifeline to the iconic Grade II* listed building in Denbigh.

THE BOOK, WRITTEN BY CLWYD WYNNE, A FORMER NURSING MANAGER AT THE NORTH WALES HOSPITAL, HITS THE BOOKSHELVES JUST AS PLANNERS HAVE THROWN A LIFELINE TO THE ICONIC GRADE II* LISTED BUILDING IN DENBIGH.

Victorian Asylum, the story of the North Wales Hospital from its opening in 1848 to the end of the 19th Century, is the first of three volumes covering the history of “The North Wales Asylum for the Insane”.

After the hospital closed in 1995, the buildings were neglected and fell into a state of dangerous decay, hastened by vandalism and arson attacks, before Vale of Clwyd-based contractors Jones Bros drew up ambitious plans to redevelop the site and save the magnificent original central building. Those plans have now been approved by Denbighshire County Council, subject to detailed agreement, paving the way for a project which will boost the local economy by £75 million and create 1,200 jobs.

“It’s got to be good for Denbigh and I’m glad that the original 1848 building is being retained and restored,” said Clwyd, who began his career at the hospital as a 19-year-old nursing assistant in 1965 and worked there for 30 years. “I’m pleased that it is a local firm that is carrying out the redevelopment because it will provide jobs for the area and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. At last something positive is being done.”

Clwyd, whose wife Carol was also a nurse, retired in 1999 after helping find new roles for the 500 staff who remained when the hospital closed in 1995 when there were still 600 patients. He then took charge of the Ablett Ward, the psychiatric ward of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan, named after Joseph Ablett, the wealthy

Page 16 NWM 2022

Matron Catherine Parry and colleagues with Dr Llewellyn Cox about 1900

Male staff in 1884

Hospital Matron Miss Pugh, late 19th Century Clwyd Wynne with his new book, Victorian Asylum, which charts the 19th Century history of the North Wales Hospital in Denbigh

benefactor from Llanbedr Hall near Ruthin, who donated

hospital. There was a strict regime for the patients but

the 20 acres on which the original North Wales Hospital

treatment consisted simply of work and recreation.

was built.

“Life was very hard for poor people in those times and often He is chairman and a founding member of the North Wales

it would have been easier for the patients who would have

Hospital Historical Society and as chairman of Vale of Clwyd

regular meals and clean and sanitary conditions,” continued

MIND is still involved in supporting people with mental

Clwyd. “Many of them probably lived longer as a result of

health issues.

being at the hospital – a lot of them were there for very many years. One of those admitted in the first week of the

In the book he documents how the five counties of North

opening in November 1848, died there in 1907.

Wales came together to plan and build the very first psychiatric hospitals in Wales. It also tells of the dreadful

“It wasn’t until the 1920s that any idea of treatments started

conditions in which unfortunate people were often kept if

and then it was very rudimentary, experimental and

they were judged to be insane by their families.

sometimes horrific. That was the case until the NHS was founded in 1948 – but from then on the hospital had a very

Dr Richard Lloyd Williams of Denbigh, the driving force

high reputation for the care and treatment it provided. At

behind the building of the hospital and later the visiting

the same time the people of Denbigh were very welcoming

physician at the hospital, described the conditions of a woman

and accepting of the patients and many strong friendships

found in appalling squalor in a room above a blacksmith’s

were forged and obviously it was a big employer and many

forge in Llangefni in 1844: “In the middle of this loathsome

families worked there for generations.”

chamber was Mary Jones, the lunatic, on a foul pallet of chaff or straw and here she had been confined for a period of 15

Clwyd, who wrote a brief history of the Hospital in 1995, is

years and upwards… seated in a bent and crouching posture

already halfway through volume two of the hospital story

on her bed of nauseous and disgusting filth.”

which will cover the years from 1900 to the foundation of the NHS with the third and final book taking the story up to

The hospital opened in 1848 with 200 patients, but by

its closure in 1995. n

1890 that number had trebled – many of those sent to the hospital from across North Wales came from the

Victorian Asylum is published by Fineline of Ruthin, and

workhouses which existed in most towns and it was

is available for £13.95 from Denbigh Museum. For further

cheaper for the county councils to keep them at the

information email denbigharchive@gmail.com

NWM 2022 Page 17

MAGAZINE

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Exploring

n o f r a Caern

For several years we had a caravan near Caernarfon at the village of Waunfawr and went to it most weekends during the holiday season. During that period we got to know Caernarfon very well as it was our main area to get the shopping we needed. But my association with the town goes back much further than that and dates from a school trip we were taken on to the magnificent castle in my early secondary school days. And down the years I have passed through the town or stopped off in it on many, many occasions – and still do so now when I can usually be found in the café at the Morrison’s store enjoying a hot chocolate and a bacon buttie after a day on the Snowdonian hills that border the Caernarfon to Beddgelert road. This often occurs during the colder winter months when the warm drink is much appreciated! But Caernarfon is a

day Caernarfon caters for the tourist trade in a big way as

delight to visit at any time of the year and attracts tourists

visitor’s flock to the town winter and summer alike. There are

on a year round basis. They are drawn by the town’s narrow

plenty of guest houses, inns and pubs, hotels, restaurants and

streets and its stylishly redeveloped and classy waterfront

shops. Most of the shops are to be found either in the centre

along with its spectacular castle.

of the town around Pool Street (which is pedestrianised and is the town’s main shopping street) and Castle Square (most

Geographically Caernarfon is located on the southern shore

commonly known as the ‘Maes’) which is the market square

of the Menai Straits opposite the Isle of Anglesey. It lies at the

for the town with a market being held there every Saturday

mouth of the River Seiont where it flows into the Menai Straits

throughout the year. Market Square was re-vamped in 2009

and creates a natural harbour which is always colourful with

at a cost of £2.4 million.

boats. Caernarfon is on the A487 approximately 8.6 miles/13.8 km south west of the city of Bangor and has a population

There are also shopping areas on Victoria Dock (Doc Fictoria)

of around 10,000 permanent residents. The mountains of

which was opened in 2008. The majority of the residential

Snowdonia border the town to the east and south east.

and retail sections of Victoria Dock is built directly beside a

Porthmadog is 19.4 miles/31.2 km away to the south while the

popular Blue Flag beach marina. It contains lots of residential

Alpine village of Llanberis in Snowdonia is eight miles/12.9

homes, bars and bistros, cafés and restaurants, shops

km to the east. The town is easily accessed by car and a good

and stores as well as a maritime museum and an award

bus network connects it to surrounding towns. Five railway

winning arts centre. Victoria Dock is stylish and modern and

stations have serviced Caernarfon down the years but the

very popular with locals and tourists alike. There are also

main line was shut and the track lifted in 1964 and 1965. The

numerous restaurants, public houses, inns, guest houses

current railway station is the northern terminus of the narrow

and hotels located in and around the town walls. These walls

gauge Welsh Highland Railway which opened on 11th October

include eight towers and two twin towered gateways and

1997. It is a spectacular line built mostly for the tourists and

form a complete circuit of around 2,625 ft./800 metres around

the station itself was modernised in 2018 and 2019. Modern

Caernarfon’s old town. They were built between 1283 and 1285

NWM 2022 Page 19

MAGAZINE

and today only a very small section

DESPITE ALL THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS CAERNARFON HAS TO OFFER, IT IS MIGHTY CAERNARFON CASTLE THAT IS AT THE TOP OF THE TOURISTS ‘MUST SEE’ LIST WHEN THEY VISIT THE TOWN

is open to the public with the walls being in the care of Cadw

Despite all the other attractions Caernarfon has to offer,

(the Welsh Governments historic

it is mighty Caernarfon Castle that is at the top of the

environment service). Both the

tourists ‘must see’ list when they visit the town. The castle

town walls and Caernarfon

is recognised around the world as one of the greatest

Castle (more of which later)

buildings of the middle Ages. It was built in the 13th Century

were designated (along with the

by King Edward 1st as a Royal palace and military fortress

castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and

and was as the very core of a Medieval walled town. The

Harlech) as a UNESCO World

castle was constructed between 1283 and 1330 at the then

Heritage Site in 1986. UNESCO

staggering cost of £25,000. The banded stonework and

describes the towns castle and

polygonal towers are thought to have been inspired by the

wall (along with the three other

walls of Constantinople and imperial Roman architecture

castles mentioned) as ‘the finest

with the impressive curtain wall, with nine towers and two

examples of late 13th Century

gatehouses, still surviving largely intact. Indeed, the castle as

and early 14th Century military architecture in Europe’.

a whole is still fairly complete which is hardly surprising as the building was built to survive assault and siege. Today the

Also in the care of Cadw, and often overlooked by visitors to

castle is under the care of Cadw and welcomes visitors. It is

Caernarfon, is the Roman fort of Segontium. These impressive

home to the regimental museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

ruins (mostly just the foundations remain) are passed by one

Caernarfon castle towers above the River Seiont and

of the major roads into the town and are well worth a visit. A

provides the quintessential view of the town. It is easy to see

Roman alter was found in one of the walls during restoration

why such a site was chosen for this impressive structure.

work carried out in the 19th Century. Segontium was founded

by Agricola in AD77 and was designed to hold a 1,000 strong

Caernarfon has hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1862, 1894,

regiment of auxiliary infantrymen. It was linked by Roman roads

1906, 1921, 1935, 1959 and 1979. Caernarfon was previously

to the main legionary bases at Chester and Caerlon. The Romans

spelt ‘Carnarvon’ and ‘Caernarvon’ but these were Anglicised

occupied the fort until about AD394 with no other fort in Wales

spellings and were superseded in 1926 and 1974 respectively.

being held by them for so long. Segontium is free to visit.

As towns go it is Welsh through and through and well worth checking out. A summer visit will be busy, especially in the

A short 656 ft./200 metres away from the fort is the Church

vicinity of the castle but you could always come in winter

of St Peblig which was itself built on the site of a Roman

when things are a little quieter – but not too much! n

temple. The Church is dedicated to St Peblig and the current structure dates from the 14th Century and is a Grade I listed building.

Also of interest is the statue of David Lloyd George located in Castle Square. It was sculpted by W. Goscombe John and was erected in 1921 when Lloyd George was Prime Minister.

He acted as the Member of parliament for the local area from 1890 to 1945.

Page 20 NWM 2022

Steve Goodier is an outdoor writer and photographer who specialises in North Wales. He has walked and explored all over the world and is the author of 11 walking books with a further two on Snowdonia due to be published shortly.

What to do Visit the castle Undeniably the biggest attraction in the town, Caernarfon Castle is well known for being one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

Complete with colour-banded octagonal towers, this architectural medieval marvel — connected to an impressive 734m circuit of town walls — was built on the site of a Norman earth-and-timber castle. Visit the Cadw website to buy your admission ticket online before you visit.

Take a slate workshop tour Situated just outside of the royal town, Inigo Jones Slate Works is open all year round. Originally founded in 1861 to prefabricate school writing slates, Inigo Jones had to find new products to sell when writing slates were replaced by paper. The owner at the time, Hugh Jones, started producing electrical panels in slate which proved to be very popular and the company rapidly expanded, sourcing its slate from the whole of North Wales. Workshop tours are available and there is a café on site.

Go for a bike ride The Lôn Eifion cycle track is part of Lôn Las Cymru (it’s route number 8 on the National Cycle Network) and it begins near Caernarfon Castle. This traffic-free route climbs 500ft over ten miles to its highest point, a radio mast south of Penygroes, before a gentle downhill stretch to the village of Bryncir. The entire length of Lôn Eifion has a tarmaced surface making it ideal for the whole family.

Take in a show Galeri Caernarfon includes a theatre and cinema, work units, art space, rehearsal studios, meeting rooms and a café bar.

A wide range of events are organised at Galeri Caernarfon every year so there’s bound to be something on when you visit – have a look at its website for up to date event listings.

Go on a family day out Gypsy Wood Park is a unique North Wales attraction that all the family will love. There are loads of things to see and do at its outdoor park in the foothills of Snowdonia – and it is a must-see attraction for all animal, nature, outdoor, train and fairy lovers. Primarily a summer attraction, Gypsy Wood will be open its doors in March.

NWM 2022 Page 21

MAGAZINE

LIVE IN NORTH WALES 2022

IMELDA MAY

NOEL GALLAGHER’S

HIGH FLYING BIRDS

BRYAN ADAMS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

LIGHTNING SEEDS THE K’S

02/04/2022 Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

18/06/2022 Stadiwm Eirias Colwyn Bay

02/07/2022 DCBL Stadium, Widnes

08/07/2022 Rhyl Events Arena

TOM GRENNAN

ONLY BOYS OLLY ALOUD MURS ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

SCOUTING FOR GIRLS

10/07/2022 Rhyl Events Arena

17/07/2022 Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

12/08/2022 Stadiwm Eirias Colwyn Bay

THE VACCINES FEEDER

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS

JAMES

PETE TONG

AND THE HERITAGE ORCHESTRA

13/08/2022 Stadiwm Eirias Colwyn Bay

ORCHARDLIVE.COM | GIGANTIC.COM Page 22 NWM 2022

! y a l p c i s u m e Let th There are some absolutely fabulous live music events coming to North Wales this summer…

Pete Tong

Olly Murs Jools Holland

Orchard Live, Wales biggest independent live music

performing at the Rhyl Events Arena on Sunday, July 10th. The

promotions company, is hosting an unmissable selection of

Bedford-born musician has had an incredible year, performing

shows in North Wales during 2022.

to sold-out festival crowds, and embarking on a mammoth 15city UK tour in support of his album ‘Evering Road.’

The amazing schedule kicks off with Imelda May at Pavilion Theatre in Rhyl on the 2nd of April. The Irish singer,

2020 saw the tenth anniversary of Only Boys Aloud, and last

songwriter and multi-instrumentalist will be celebrating the

year the group announced two gala concerts to celebrate

launch of her sixth studio album ‘11 Past the Hour’ with a great

this huge milestone. With young singers from every corner

live performance.

of Wales, join them as they celebrate a decade of music and memories with two gala concerts in Rhyl on the 17th of July.

Then, on the 18th of June, Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds is coming to Stadiwm Eirias in Colwyn Bay. The Oasis legend and

Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra are also

his full, formidable eleven-piece band are playing a massive

coming to North Wales on the 17th of July. Llandudno will host

outdoor show – it’s bound to be the show of the summer!

musical virtuoso Jools Holland and his illustrious Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as they perform at Venue Cymru.

Later on in the summer, on the 2nd of July, Bryan Adams will be playing just over the border at DCBL Stadium in Widnes.

ACCESS ALL EIRIAS will be closing the summer, with Olly

The show is part of platinum-selling and Grammy award-

Murs and Scouting for Girls playing at Stadiwm Eirias in

winning Adams’ ‘So Happy It Hurts’ tour to honour his new

Colwyn Bay on the 12th of August. Originally planned for

fifteenth album of the same name.

2021, Olly Murs highly anticipated show in Colwyn Bay show promises all the hits!

Then just a few days later, James, The Lightning Seeds, and the K’s will be performing at Rhyl Events Arena in Rhyl on the

The hottest ticket of the summer returns to Wales the next day,

8th of July. James will perform tracks from the new record and

with Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra playing Stadiwm

many more from their rich back catalogue, and the legendary

Eirias in Colwyn Bay on the 13th of August. With a brand-new

band will be supported by The Lightning Seeds and The K’s.

Ibiza Classics show for 2022 with re-workings of more iconic dance anthems, this is going to be a great way to round off the

Pop sensation and indie heartthrob, Tom Grennan will be

summer of music! n

NWM 2022 Page 23

MAGAZINE

Emerging from the shadows

Stephen Gregory finds more than a glimmer of hope thanks to a rare Brocken spectre in the Snowdonia mountains…

In these difficult and challenging times, especially now in

take in something of the history and culture of

the darkest months of the winter, we’re all looking forward to

Wales. Despite the gathering gloom, she

lighter, brighter days… when the restrictions might be eased,

was inexhaustibly upbeat, a force of

when the pandemic is controlled… or simply the coming of

youthful energy whose company

spring.

we were enjoying. She was talking and talking, in softly

One of the commonest metaphors bandied about over the

whispered French, not to

past couple of years is the idea of ‘light at the end of the

herself but to the little dog

tunnel’, a glimmer of hope. A pessimist might say it’s a train

she’d brought with her, a

hurtling horribly towards us, and our hopes will be dashed

terrier called Fitou.

into an even greater disaster. But I’m an optimist. For me, and millions of like-minded people, the idea of striving forwards

A dismal afternoon. My wife,

and upwards towards the light has a literally life-giving

who’d been a rock climber

importance.

in Snowdonia and in the Alps for many years and knew the

It was a grey and misty Sunday afternoon. Deep midwinter,

odd colloquialisms of life in the

when sunset was supposed to be around four o’clock, a dreary

mountains, said it was ‘claggy’. And

prospect of dusk and twilight. And we were driving through

indeed it was a claggy afternoon, a Sunday

Nantlle, under the looming masses of the abandoned and

smothered in mist and drizzle, as we nosed through the

derelict slate quarries. The mist clung like cobwebs, dirty

narrowness of Drws y Coed and up the steep road towards

and dark, to the scrubby forests of rowan and alder which

Llyn Dwyarchen at the higher end of the pass.

had somehow managed to colonise the heaps of spoil. It was a place of long-forgotten ghosts.

And yes, the sky was a little bit lighter. Up and up, towards a lightening in the grey sky… as though we might defy the

We drove onwards and upwards, me and my wife in the front

darkening day and break into sunlight before the sun itself

of the car, and Alix in the back. She was a thirteen-year-old

might slip below the horizon. As though we might dare

French girl, funny and fey and flippant, who had come to

to race the sun, and win something of its light and energy

stay with us for a few weeks and improve her English and

before it set…

Page 24 NWM 2022

We pulled into Rhyd-ddu, and parked at the little station of

her higher up. She was windmilling her arms in a strange

the mountain railway. Ours was the only car. Nobody with an

and dazzling dance, and as we arrived breathlessly beside

ounce of gumption would be walking on the Snowdon track

her we saw her face lit up by joy and the excitement of a

on a day like this one. It was an afternoon for hot soup in the

strange magic.

Cwellyn Arms, or tea and scones in Beddgelert. But Alix and Fitou bounced out the car and started up the path before we

The shadow of her body was cast onto the clouds above us,

could stop them, and so we followed, for their energy and

a kind of spectre of herself. We saw our own shapes thrown

youth were somehow magnetic, a force which pulled us up

into looming dark shadows… suffused with a halo of golden

and up, away from the darkness and towards a strangely

light, projected onto the sky.

glimmering light in the sky above us…

It was the phenomenon of the Brocken spectre. My wife had A strange light – what was it? As we hurried to keep up with

seen it before, in the Alps and in Snowdonia, when a walker or

the girl and her scurrying dog, the mist seemed to cleave in

a climber sees his own shadow larger than life and faraway,

from of us, as though the heat of our bodies and breath was

thrown onto cloud or mist.

turning it aside and melting it away.

The three of us, we waved our arms and posed. We were And so we broke into a world of gloriously golden light.

shape-shifters in a magical world. Until the sunlight started

Nobody but us – we were the only people in the whole world

to fade behind us, and we made our way down and down into

who had pushed upwards and upwards and found this

the gloom…

heavenly place of softly golden light.

So we found ourselves burrowing back into the darkness We climbed even further, and it felt as though we had

of a wintry Sunday afternoon. It was claggy, through Drws y

pushed the time backwards and our late Sunday afternoon

Coed and into Nantlle, where the ghosts were sleeping in their

had become a bright, fresh morning. The only humans, yes,

graves of slate… and back to the town of Caernarfon, as black

because all the others were huddling over their soup and their

as night and only six o’clock in the evening.

pots of tea in dimly fire-lit restaurants…

But me and my wife and Alix and Fitou, we were alive with the But we weren’t the only living creatures to have emerged into

energy of the ascent we had made. Up and up, into the light…

this magical world. The sky was whirling with gulls. They

tugged upwards by the unquenchable energy of youth and

soared and shimmered, silvery white. And by our feet, moving

lured into the sunshine by a miraculous spectre. The Brocken

like a mouse in the thickets of gorse and heather, there was

spectre – a phenomenon of the high mountains – which we

a wren, a tiny trog who belied his name by seeking out this

had shared with the gulls and a wren, defiantly alive in the

giddying upland… where time had stood still since the morning

deep midwinter.

and the sun was bright and warm. And a special phenomenon…

Real, and yet a metaphor for the hope of life and light which is Alix was calling to us and waving for us to hurry and join

always up there – within our reach. n

Stephen Gregory’s first novel, The Cormorant, which he wrote in Snowdonia 35 years ago, has been published several times in both the UK and the USA, and translated into German, Polish and Italian.

The new edition, which is available from Parthian Books, is its tenth publication.

NWM 2022 Page 25

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OF THE

Month

January Punch

January tends to be a time to hunker down and become all virtuous on the

drink front. But, if you think that this month is already depressing enough, then shun the traditional ‘Dry Jan’ and celebrate the start of the New Year with a warming winter fruit punch instead...

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 500ml Pimm’s

• Fill a large jug with ice. Then mix the

• 1.5 litres apple juice

juice and give it a good stir. Add the

• 500ml brandy • Ice

• 2 cinnamon sticks • Apple, sliced

Pimm’s and brandy with the apple

cinnamon sticks, the sliced apple and orange and enjoy!

• Orange, sliced

IN THE MIX

Of course, if you’d rather sit back and relax while somebody mixed your ideal cocktail for you, then why not visit Sheldon’s in Colwyn Bay? From a Margarita to a Mojito, it has quite the cocktail selection and is quickly becoming the place to go for cocktails in North Wales.

01492 339821 www.sheldonsbar.co.uk

NWM 2022 Page 29

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Llandudno

Food for thought

I think I might be in the minority here, but I really love

Then there’s the food. Quite often January diets are based on

January. For many, January is like the worst, most brain-

just that – diets. This is the month that people start measuring

deadening hangover imaginable, following the greatest

their muesli portions on kitchen scales, giving up alcohol, and

night-out ever. There’s the sombre ceremony of taking down

using curly kale to make milkshakes.

the bright, sparkly decorations and returning the house to comparative drabness once again – not to mention the painful

For me, food at this time of year is all about staying warm with

experience of hoovering up all the pine needles off the living

winter at its bleakest, so it’s soups, casseroles, stews, tagines,

room carpet. (When will we learn not to do this wearing just

cassoulets and one-pots all the way. When it’s cold enough

socks?)

outside to freeze the tail off a brass monkey (PG version), a quinoa and cucumber salad just isn’t going to hit the spot.

There’s a sense that the magic has been suddenly switched off, like a 17th Century Puritan stamping through your house,

Instead, reach for a couple of old, never-fail favourites to give

grabbing anything that looks like fun and throwing it into

you and your family some inner warmth as the wheels of

a sack of shame. All you have to look forward to now is the

2022 start to turn.n

annual tradition of joining a gym to rid yourselves of your surplus Christmas weight, knowing full well, that by February you’ll have given it all up and asked for a partial refund.

Cai Ross is co-owner and Maitre d’ of the award-winning Paysanne

Well, sorry everyone but January is a highlight of the calendar

Bistro in Deganwy, which has

for me. Firstly, my birthday lands three weeks in (as most

been serving French country-style

others are observing ‘Blue Monday’, officially the most

food to the fine people of North

depressing day of the year). As any January-born person will

Wales since 1988. He also writes

tell you, the pay-off is that your presents are markedly better

for Calibre Magazine, BBC Good

than the average because they were all bought in the New

Food, HeyUGuys.com and The North

Year sales.

Wales Weekly News

NWM 2022 Page 31

MAGAZINE

RECIPES SOUPE AU PISTOU

BOEUF BOURGUIGNON

(For the Pesto sauce)

the day you serve it, all you have to do is reheat everything.

J 4 garlic cloves

Serves 6.

J 1 large bunch basil

You will need:

J 125g pine nuts

J 1kg chuck steak, cut into fairly large chunks

J 125g grated Parmesan cheese

J 200g thick, rindless streaky bacon

J Olive oil

J 85g beef dripping (or butter if you can’t get any)

Serves 6

This is a classic, three day recipe, the beauty of which being that on

J 2 cloves crushed garlic (For the Soup)

J 100g button onions, soaked in hot water and peeled whole

J 2 potatoes, peeled

J 1 punnet whole button mushrooms

J 350g green beans

J Plain flour

J Brandy

J Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

J 350g courgettes J 2 carrots, peeled

For the marinade, you will need:

J 2 leeks

J 1 onion, 1 carrot and 1 stalk of celery, all sliced

J 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and de-seeded

J 1 bottle red Burgundy

J 250g Savoy cabbage, finely sliced

J 2 bay leaves

J 2.5 litres vegetable stock

J Salt and pepper

J 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

J 3 sprigs thyme J 2 tablespoons olive oil

J 2 400g tins haricot beans J 125g small macaroni

Put the diced beef into an earthenware pot and season. Cover with

J Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to season

the ingredients for the marinade, stir it together briefly and leave it covered overnight. Remove meat from the marinade and dry with a

To make the pesto sauce, place all the ingredients

kitchen towel (otherwise it won’t brown when you fry it). Strain and

in a blender with enough oil to give a consistency

reserve the marinade and vegetables.

of thick cream and blend thoroughly.

Heat the beef dripping (or butter) in a heavy casserole dish and Prepare the vegetables by chopping into small

brown the meat on all sides, transferring it to another bowl when it

chunks about the same size. Bring the stock to a

is browned. Do this a few chunks at a time and don’t crowd the pan.

rolling boil and add the vegetables. Simmer for 45

When that is done, place the vegetables from the marinade into the

minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Add

casserole and fry them for about five minutes until browned a little,

the haricot beans and the macaroni, and continue

adding a little olive oil if necessary.

cooking with the lid off until the macaroni is done.

At this point, return the beef to the casserole, together with any Drizzle the pesto sauce over your bowl of soup

juices which may have collected in the bowl, sprinkle it with a good

and sprinkle Parmesan over it all. Have some extra

tablespoon of the flour, stir in the reserved marinade liquid and a good

Parmesan on the table along with some warm

slug of brandy, season and let it simmer very slowly with the cover on,

crusty bread.

for two hours.

In a frying pan, cook the bacon and baby onions until golden in a little olive oil, place them in the casserole then fry the mushrooms in the

Don’t fancy cooking?

01492 582079 @PaysanneDeganwy

Page 32 NWM 2022

remains of the oil for 2 or 3 minutes and add them as well. Carry on cooking it slowly for another hour. Let it stand overnight again. To serve, heat it up the next day for one more hour. To add a little colour, add some freshly boiled carrots.

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FRIENDLY

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda, welcome to ‘Tryanuary’ 2022!

We have had a tough couple of years that have pushed us harder than we knew was possible. There have been good times, but tough times also.

It feels to me like a ‘new normal’ (whatever that may mean) is starting to establish itself, we are used to the differences in how we are living and spending our time. As things start to feel more comfortable, I think it is the right time to push my boundaries.

So while many will be doing dry January, I am going to do try January. The plan is to challenge myself with things that have always been on the edges of my tastes and what’s acceptable.

So lots of foods that I have never tried, but have no reason not to (other than things on the bone, I hate things on the bone).

The teams knowledge always manages to find that perfect So if I am going to be having that rack of lamb, Jacobs ladder

thing to test you. Why not put them to the test?

beef joint or a lamb shank, it only seems right that I start to push my boundaries in what I am drinking also. In recent

Or put yourself to the test, put your trust in them, tell them

times I have certainly pushed the boat out with beers and

how much you want to spend, what you like (either styles or

tried lots of new things. New flavours and styles in cocktails

characteristics – way more important to say ‘I like slightly

and spirits have also been tried (in moderation) recently.

woody but not too heavy’, than to say ‘I like Chardonnay’) and what the occasion is.

All that being said my taste in wines has remained fairly stable. Despite the best efforts of Tim and Mark, I am still no

See what gems they find to test your palate with. They spend

fan of French wines or Chardonnay. Ant has tried but Rosé is

a lot of time tasting and researching to get the best new wines

still on my ‘its ok but no thanks’ list. So it is time for me to do

onto the shelves to tempt you with, it would be a shame for

what I tell others to do, put my trust in the team and let them

that time to not be put to good use.

pick out some wines for me to try.

There are going to be a few changes to TGTG Wine Shop this The tasting counter has always made it easier to try new

2022. There’ll be more ‘Supplier and Wine Maker’ tastings,

things without the risk of ending up with a bottle or glass of

dedicated ‘Discovery Wine Courses’ led by Tim and Ant,

something that you really don’t like. The layout of the shop

‘Special Tasting Counter’ exhibitions, and new room centre

encourages you to stray out of your comfort zone.

display shelving offering range deals and offers. All in the

But nothing beats that personal recommendation, something

name of making TGTG the ‘Best Tasting Room’ ever!

that can perfectly complement that meal, music, relax in the garden, dip in the hot tub, or just feet up on the couch reading.

Felicidades; here’s to 2022! n

The Grape to Glass Wine Shop and Tasting Room

Tim Watson and his team run the Grape to Glass

8b Rhos Parade, Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, LL29 7RE

Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Rhos-on-Sea which,

Tel: 01492 545934

as well as offering wine from far reaching lands, also

www.thegrapetoglass.co.uk

stocks locally produced beers, wines and spirits

NWM 2019 Page 35 NWM 2022 Page 35

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME LLWYN Landscapes LTD Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance Contractors

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WOOD FIRED HOT TUBS & BARBECUES

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01745 582254 www.rnwilliams.co.uk Chester Street, St Asaph, LL17 0RE

HOMES & INTERIORS

NWM 2022 Page 37

MAGAZINE

CYFREITHWYR•SOLICITORS

Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team Yma i helpu…

Here to Help…

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.

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

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

Offering a wide range of legal services including:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl Amaethyddiaeth Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant Cyfraith Teulu Cyflogaeth Corfforaethol a Masnachol Anghydfodau Troseddau Moduro Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol

Commercial & Residential Property Agriculture Wills, Trusts & Probate Family Law Employment Corporate & Commercial Disputes Motoring Offences Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Swyddfa Conwy Office 1 & 2 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy LL32 8UB

01492 557070 info@lblaw.co.uk www.lblaw.co.uk Yr Amwythig • Bromyard • Conwy • Henffordd • Llwydlo • Croesoswallt • Telford Shrewsbury • Bromyard • Conwy • Hereford • Ludlow • Oswestry • Telford

Page 38 NWM 2022

Anthony Flint voted best in county for customer service Anthony Flint Property Consultants has been crowned the best estate agents for customer service in Conwy county at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2021.

The Llandudno-based estate agents took home the Best in County award in the sales customer service category at The ESTAS awards night recently. Managing director, Anthony Flint, said he was over the moon with the latest accolade.

“We don’t do this job for the recognition, but our team has worked extremely hard this year and thoroughly deserves the accolades,” he commented. “There is nothing better than the feeling you get when you find someone their dream home. That is what the job is all about. So offering the best customer service achievable is vital. You must also consider how stressful it can be moving home, so we want to make sure we are there throughout the whole process, making sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.”

The team at Anthony Flint Property Consultants in Llandudno

Now in its 18th year the awards, which are powered by ESTAS own customer review platform,

“You’ve had to work incredibly hard, you’ve had to adapt

recognise the best estate and letting agents for customer

your businesses, you’ve had to absorb considerable costs

service based on ratings from clients who have been

to follow the protocols and to enable things to happen

through the whole moving experience with an agent.

safely,” said Phil, who has hosted The ESTAS every year

This year’s results were calculated from over 200,000

since their inception in 2003. “Quite simply delivering

customer review ratings.

great service has never been more challenging – so The ESTAS Awards for 2021 are the most well deserved ever

“We were absolutely blown away with the feedback we

in their entire 18 year history.”

have received from customers and clients we have dealt with,” continued Mr Flint. “We only signed up to The

Simon Brown, founder of The ESTAS, added: “When we

ESTAS last year and the amount of feedback we have

started we wanted to create a set of property awards

received since is fantastic. We are always striving to be

which were completely pure, where winners were

the best we can be and receiving this kind of feedback

selected solely on customer service ratings from actual

allows us to constantly learn and develop to continue to

transactions. Eighteen years on, The ESTAS is now

provide a high calibre of customer service.”

the customer review platform of choice for property professionals, and the most prestigious award an agent, a

The winners were announced at the Grosvenor House

conveyancer or mortgage broker can win in the property

Hotel in London on 22nd October at the largest event in

industry.” n

the property industry in the past two years. The event was hosted by the country’s favourite TV property

For further information about Anthony Flint Property

presenter, Phil Spencer, in front of 1,100 guests.

Consultants please visit www.anthonyflint.co.uk

NWM 2022 Page 39

MAGAZINE

The Selling & Letting Agents

Sales / Lettings - 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel: 01492 583100 Sales - 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com

email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com

COLWYN BAY

RHOS ON SEA £229,950

OPEN EVENT SATURDAY JANUARY

• Spacious Two Bedroom Ground floor Apartments 22ND 2022 12 NOON - 2PM VIEWING • High Specification Throughout

BY APPOINTMENT 5 SOLD LAST • Allocated Off Road Parkingade FEW REMAINING • Superb Location Close To Promenade & Rhos on Sea Village

EPC

£659,950

• Simply Stunning Family Home • Enjoys Views Over Rydal Penrhos Playing Fields & Extending Over Colwyn Bay & The Sea • Detached Annexe With Potential For Income • Situated In A Highly Sought After Area

F

OLD COLWYN

LLANDDULAS £595,000

• Impressive Five Bedroom Detached House • Far Reaching Sea & Coastline Views • Quadruple Garage, Ample off Road Parking, • Enclosed Rear Garden & Good Size Balcony

website: www.fletcherpoole.com

£295,000

• Impressive Two Bedroom First Floor Apartment • Part Of A Newly Built Well Maintained Development • Private Roof Terrace With Panoramic Coastal Views

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00-5.30 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00

INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS

Page 40 NWM 2022

VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com

The Selling & Letting Agents

Sales / Lettings - 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel: 01492 583100 Sales - 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com

email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com

LLANFAIRFECHAN

CONWY MARINA £330,000

£365,000

• A well presented detached two bedroom former Coach House • Enjoying sea views, situated in a slightly elevated position on the outskirts of the village.

• Completely refurbished, retains some lovely character features • Gated driveway parking for two vehicles, low maintenance south facing garden, Garage with a utility area

• A beautifully presented and spacious ground floor apartment • Situated on the sought after Conwy Marina Development • Low maintenance rear garden and front and side gardens laid to lawn.

• Off road parking and garage.

EPC

F

DEGANWY

LLANDUDNO £195,000

• An immaculately presented two bedroom mid terrace cottage • Superb far reaching views over Llandudno, the sea, the cable car route • Extended and well planned accommodation, which is laid over three floors • Front path area, small walkway to the rear and a decked roof garden accessed from the first floor.

website: www.fletcherpoole.com

£238,950

• Light, spacious and well planned two bedroom purpose built top floor apartment • Enjoying far reaching views over Conwy, the castle, countryside, estuary and mountains.

• UPVC double glazing and Glow Worm gas fired central heating boiler.

• Outside there is one allocated parking space, plus visitor parking and communal bike store.

OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00-5.30 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00

INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com

NWM 2022 Page 41

MAGAZINE

£385,000

Tremeirchion Ref: WP6836

• Detached bungalow

• Two double bedrooms

• Two en-suites

• Garage and off-road parking

• Good sized garden

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• No onward chain

• EPC Rating G-19

£400,000

Prestatyn

Ref: WP9111

• Detached house

• Three bedrooms

• Two reception rooms

• Off-road parking

• Large gardens

• Located in Upper Prestatyn

• Close to the town centre

• EPC Rating TBC

£385,000

Mold

Ref: RN2102

Page 42 NWM 2022

• Semi-detached cottage

• Three generous bedrooms

• Original period features

• Beautiful kitchen/diner

• Picturesque village location

• Good sized gardens

• Off-road parking

• EPC Rating E-44

£525,000 Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd

Abergele

Ref: WR9229

OIRO £450,000

Ref: RN2086

• Spacious detached house

• Three bedrooms

• Detached family home

• Four double bedrooms

• Recently reduced

• Tiered landscaped garden

• Four reception rooms

• Gardens to front and rear

• Double garage

• Off-road parking

• Integral single garage

• Views to front and rear

• No onward chain

• EPC Rating E-44

• Ample off-road parking

• EPC Rating D-59

NWM 2022 Page 43

MAGAZINE

Page 44 NWM 2022

New location for an established brand North Wales Motor Company has announced that North Wales Honda is moving to a new location from the 1st February 2022.

Honda will share the KIA showroom on Argyll Road for nine

over two locations. Having all our staff in one location from

months, while its new showroom is being built. The new

1st February is going to be better for our team, and more

long-term location is next door to the Magistrates courts and

importantly our customers,” continued Jade. “As a team we

opposite the brand-new Marks and Spencer’s on the corner of

have worked tirelessly over the past nine years to deliver the

Argyll Road and Conway Road in Llandudno.

best sales and aftersales experience in North Wales in terms of facilities and equipment. With a state-of-the-art workshop,

“The relocation will offer an even better customer experience

new showroom, improved customer parking and used car

and we can continue employing more local people,” commented

sales display we are now aiming even higher.”

Jade Paveley, North Wales Motor Co’s marketing director. “The build has been delayed by Covid, and we are now playing catch

North Wales Motor Company was formed in 2021 to give its

up while ensuring the service we provide to our customers

customers more choice and a better aftersales service. Both

is not affected. Sharing the former Peugeot garage, we will be

Honda and Kia brands reside under the North Wales Motor

even closer to Marks & Spencer’s exciting new store, with Asda

Company name, and help the company to deliver a broad

also in walking distance. Our new home, when it’s built, will

range of petrol, hybrid and electric cars.

deliver an even better experience for our customer’s –whether it’s for an MOT or buying a new or used car.”

“The multiple choices we now offer in the centre of Llandudno provide numerous skilled job opportunities for local people

North Wales Motor Company’s technical manager, Ben Hall,

demonstrating our commitment to North Wales with the

has designed and overseen the build of the new workshop

investments we have made,” added Jade.

over the last six months. This new workshop benefits from eight service and repair ramps, two MOT bays and an internal

“We want to thank every one of our customers who have

paint shop. It has been future proofed with nine electric

supported us this year and we are truly excited to show

charge points.

you our new premises in the New Year. Our team are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have about

“The last few months have been difficult splitting resources

our move.”n

NWM 2022 Page 45

MAGAZINE

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T o y ou r l o ca l in su ra n c e b ro k e rs !

W e a r e b a ck in the o f f ic e a n d re a dy t o get y o u g r ea t co v e r a t the r ig ht p ri c e.

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* Cal l y ou r l oca l b r a nc h & qu o t e “ 1 0% OF F ” p ri o r t o qu o t a t i o n. O nl y v a l i d o n p o l ic y p r e m i u m s b e t we e n £ 2 0 0 - £7 5 0 . 1 0 % d is c oun t app li ed to pr e m iu m . A u th o r i se d an d r e g u l a t e d by t h e Fi n a nc ia l C o n d u c t A ut ho r it y ( 3 0 5 56 0 ) . R e g i s t e r e d in E ng l a nd & W a l e s ( No. 4 7 8 7 9 41 ) . R e g i st e r e d o f f i c e : 7 t h F l o o r , C o rn E xc ha n g e , 55 M a rk L a n e , L o n d o n , E C 3 R 7 N E

Page 46 NWM 2022

Business NEWS Rydal Penrhos hosts rugby league team Rydal Penrhos welcomed one of the country’s most

Castleford at Wembley.

prestigious rugby league sides from December 20th

Instead of going abroad

to 22nd, where St Helens utilised areas such as the

in the current COVID-19

fitness suite, sports hall and trained on Rydal Penrhos’

climate, St Helens have chosen to stay closer to home and

exceptional New Field playing area during their pre-

Rydal Penrhos took every possible precaution to ensure

season camp. They stayed at the school’s accommodation

their time at the school was safe in accordance with Welsh

throughout their stay and Rydal Penrhos staff put on a

Government guidelines. This is the latest high-profile club

special Christmas dinner for the squad and coaches at

or organisation to use Rydal Penrhos’ incredible facilities,

the Ferguson Centre. St Helens sealed a third consecutive

with Glamorgan Cricket Club and Cricket Wales holding a

Super League final thanks to two tries by Kevin Naiqama

recent coaching day at the school that was led by former

in a dramatic encounter against Catalans Dragons in

England international Matthew Maynard. During their time

October, which represents a remarkable achievement

at the school, the Saints’ first-team squad participated in a

and one that head coach Kristian Woolf is keen to build

special coaching session on Tuesday 21st December, which

on after agreeing to stay on for the 2022 campaign. Woolf

members of the Rydal Penrhos community were welcome to

led Saints to their seventh Super League title in his first

attend. A special presentation of the new first-team Rydal

season in charge, while he has since overseen their first

Penrhos kits by the visiting rugby league juggernauts also

Challenge Cup triumph in 13 years with victory against

took place.

The legal position of clearing snow As we move into the depths of winter, farmers and landowners are being reminded of their liabilities for clearing snow and ice from their property. Edward Nutting, an agricultural law specialist at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors in Conwy, says landowners need to take “reasonable care” to ensure people visiting their farm can do so safely.

“On private farm drives, tracks and paths where people need to walk or drive to reach the farm, as with all other owners and occupiers of property, there is a duty of care owed under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984,” he explained. “If you need to clear snow or ice, it should not make the problem worse, which can sometimes happen when snow is not properly cleared and is then replaced by black ice. Additional gritting may help demonstrate that reasonable care has been taken. Ultimately, it comes down to practicalities, and if the decision is taken to clear the snow, then as many steps as reasonably possible should be taken to leave it safe.” Edward added that extra care should be taken when it came to clearing other roads not on the farm, as councils were legally responsible for the public highway. “If a private person decides to clear the road and an accident then occurs, the injured party could have a potential claim against the person who cleared the snow – but only if it can be proved on the balance of probabilities that the clearance led to the injury. Of course, local councils do not have the resources to clear snow on all rural roads, so farmers will understandably feel the need to clear roads themselves. If snow clearing is needed where people have to gain access to the farm then it should be done thoroughly, and if there is the risk of thawing and refreezing it would be wise to apply grit to prevent or reduce the formation of ice.”

NWM 2022 Page 47

MAGAZINE

Page 48 NWM 2022

Expert Focus Dr. Kathryn Ellis, Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, explains what to expect from this diverse course…

How did you get into this career?

retired even. We’re always interested in looking at students’

When I was at school my interests were in humanities subjects,

experiences whether it be professional or academic, and we

specifically languages, English literature, and history. I was

always encourage applicants to get in touch with us if they’re

guided into a career in law and thought it was the natural

unsure. Some people feel like embarking on the degree is

progression from those subjects, utilising those analytical

beyond them which can hold them back. If they have an

and communication skills I’d learnt. However, when I started

enthusiasm for the subject and the ability to be part of a team

studying law I realised I missed the curiosity I had in studying

and acquire new skills, then we can support them.

the past and I didn’t truly enjoy it. I decided to follow my heart and change to history which was my main passion

What type of work are you involved with outside of the

and I’ve never regretted it. I think it’s incredibly important to

programme?

think about your career choices and skillsets but also study

I am fortunate that my career filters into other aspects of my

something you absolutely love. Throughout my studies I’ve had

life and my personal interests in a range of social and cultural

some fantastic research opportunities. I completed my PhD on

historical themes helps me to learn alongside my students. I’m

the procedural workings in the House of Commons in the 17th

particularly interested in the lives of women in Wales in the

Century, so I spent a lot of time in London in the House of Lords

18th Century, so my research is often on the same lines as the

record office and the British Library. I’m extremely fortunate to

kind of things I teach on the programme. I’m also the joint editor

have a career in a subject I love.

of a local journal ‘Transactions of the Denbighshire Historical Society’, which is also a platform my students can engage with.

What can students expect from your course?

We publish the best student essays that are submitted to us,

We’re interested in a range of themes on the Social and Cultural

so it gives students a real insight of what it’s like to have their

History programme, from crime and fashion to family life,

research published.

politics and art across a range of time periods, from the Roman era to the modern age. In the first year we concentrate on

What opportunities are open to students after they

building our students’ skills, so we help them with research,

graduate?

communication and essay writing alongside looking at the

History is such a broad degree and I think that is an advantage

subject matter. We look at the value of history in today’s society

as the current job market is so fluid. There are so many career

and consider how looking at the past can help us understand

routes available to our students because they learn such a

the present. In the second year we mainly look at the 15th-18th

diverse set of skills that can be applied to many professions.

Century period from Henry VIII and his wives to the American

We’ve had students go on to history-based work such as

colonies and the Georgians. We take the students on field trips

teaching, archiving, becoming a museum curator or working in

to a range of National Trust houses to give them an idea of

the heritage sector. Alternatively, we’ve had students who have

how people lived then. Students also have the opportunity to

gone into post-graduate study and utilised their skills to enter

complete a work placement whether it be in a record office,

into law, the finance sector, management and policing. There

museum or with the National Trust. Many of our students have

are so many routes to go down and countless careers that

gone on to gain paid employment from their work experience

require students of a certain calibre who can prove they’ve got

or continue in a volunteering capacity. The third and final year

the key skills of a historian – an analytical mindset, excellent

of the programme gives students the opportunity to use their

research skills, and strong communication.

skills and passions to create a specialised research project for their dissertation. They use the knowledge and diverse themes

What is your best advice for anyone wanting to pursue a

they’ve studied in previous modules to find a topic that they’re

history degree?

passionate about and want to explore in more detail.

Always follow your passions and get involved with any history related activities. There are so many opportunities to get

How can students get a place on the programme?

involved in volunteering or joining local history groups. Here

We’re keen to take on students that have a real passion and

at Glyndŵr we host taster days in the spring and summer

enthusiasm for history. We have our basic entry requirements

which offer a flavour of what the degree is like. We also host a

on the website where we look at related A-levels and things

number of short courses which can give applicants a good idea

like that, but we often have students who haven’t come

of what the programme entails and the academic level they

to us the traditional way and may be changing careers or

need to be at. n

NWM 2022 Page 49

MAGAZINE

Join Our Pre-School Safe, Happy and Thriving Children From aged 2.

Including Forest School, Coastal School, Swimming, Yoga, PE, Music, Ballet and lots more.

admissions@rydalpenrhos.com • 01492 530155 Page 50 NWM 2022

www.rydalpenrhos.com

Learning by heart Our Pre-School mantra is about trying new things, letting children explore the world we live in, have adventures, and learn along the way, thus allowing each child to discover more about themselves socially, physically, emotionally, and academically.

Provision both for those children that have been identified as having learning needs and those who are gifted and talented is vital to the early development of our children and something we track carefully with the use of a key workers allocated specifically to a child.

We are fortunate to have exceptional facilities that enable Wellies are an essential part of the uniform at Rydal Penrhos

our children to thrive further. Rydal Penrhos has its own

Pre-School… Creating happy, confident and resilient children

swimming pool, Forest School, Music rooms and Dance rooms,

and young adults has never been more important for schools –

situated just a stone’s throw from the Colwyn Bay beach,

a mission we take very seriously here at Rydal Penrhos where

which is the home for our Coastal School activities and, as we

children start from as young as two years old.

say, wellies are essential!

We are fast approaching a time when our new Pre-School

Communication is another of our most important jobs. It can be

children will never have known a time without COVID-19. Most

a nerve-wracking experience leaving your child in the care

of their life so far may have been spent with people wearing

of others for the first time, but Rydal Penrhos Pre-School staff

masks and they may potentially have had some or all the

are constantly keeping parents updated on the “Evidence Me”

normal activities small children take part in restricted in some

app, which shows what the children are doing during the day

way or another.

with photos and descriptions, encouraging interaction from family members.

Rydal Penrhos Pre-School is the perfect setting for young children, an education provider, not a nursery, an environment

Pre-School children also benefit from trips out to further

where it is all about helping the children to learn. An

enhance their overall experiences and early development

environment focused on building a child’s self-esteem and

along with wrap-around care for families until 6pm, and a

confidence by making sure they feel safe and happy. We

Holiday Club run by their very own teacher Ms. Spencer.

see each child as an individual with their own passions and challenges, and we treat them accordingly.

Pre-Schoolers are part of the Rydal Penrhos family. Everyone from Pre-School up to Year 6 eats, plays, and dances together.

It is honestly hard to imagine a more joyful place to begin a

Our recent Nativity Production “Lights, Camel, Action” was a

lifetime of education than at Rydal Penrhos Pre-School. The

fine example of this and an absolute triumph!

teaching team, headed by manager Letitia Spencer, who also teaches ballet and yoga which the children enjoy enormously,

Pre-School forms the bridge between home and school

have hit every challenge and hurdle that Covid-19 has thrown

and is a young child’s first experience of an educational

at them running, they have been making life not only normal

environment. It is therefore an important stepping stone in a

for the children but wonderful – with a song in their heart, a

child’s life and there is no better place than Rydal Penrhos for

spring in their step and an awful lot of giggling along the way.

this transition. n

Learning how to learn is one of the first skills taught and from as early as two, our children begin to learn the basics: how to read, write and work with numbers, following the “Foundation Phase Profile”. But this more traditional classroom education

John Waszek is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos

is extended and enhanced using the wider school facilities for dancing, music, PE (Physical Education) and swimming as well as exploring the forest and the coast.

NWM 2022 Page 51

Independent Day & Boarding School for ages 9-19 MAGAZINE

ISA Awards 2020 Winners

Award winning education set in a 30 acre Tudor Estate, nestled between Snowdonia National Park and the North Wales coastline

Outstanding Sports Provision (Small School)

ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022 OPEN

FREEDOM TO FLOURISH REGISTER AT WWW.STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK

GLODDAETH HALL, LLANDUDNO LL30 1RD | ADMISSIONS@STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK | TEL: +44 (0)1492 875974

Page 52 NWM 2022

EDUCATION NEWS Owain Evans invited to train with Wales U20 rugby squad St David’s College has revealed that

one of its exceptionally talented young rugby stars has been training with the Wales Under-20 squad. Owain Evans has also been selected for the squad to play against Scotland Development.

It’s a fantastic achievement as Owain, at 18, is training a year ahead of his age group. If he impresses the coaches at the WRU training academy at the Vale of Glamorgan, then he could be picked to play for Wales during the forthcoming Six Nations Under-20 Championships. It would be the first time a St David’s pupil has ever been

is hoping to further his studies at University. “Owain is

called to play for Wales, and it would be a dream come true

walking on water at the moment,” commented Director of

for Owain as he’s always harboured an ambition to play for

Sport, Dan Lycett. “He’s a very intelligent player with the

his country. Owain plays for RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru)

way he manipulates the ball. Wales became interested in

the regional team for the North Wales Rugby Development

him when RGC played the Osprey’s development squad

Region, Llangefni Rugby Club, and is Captain for the 1stXV.

and he ended up scoring three tries against them. He’s

Owain also excels academically and joined the school

fantastic off the pitch excelling academically, the world is

after gaining a raft of A* and A grades in his GCSE’s. He

very much his oyster.”

is studying maths, PE, physics and biology A-levels and

Image courtesy of Tony Bale

Motor vehicle student faces tense World Finals wait

A Rhyl College-based Motor Vehicle student who won a silver medal at the WorldSkills UK finals last year has gone one better, claiming gold in this year’s Vehicle Body Repair competition and being crowned the best new talent in the industry. 20-year-old Tiler Moorcroft-Jones now faces a tense wait to see if he has booked a seat on the plane to Shanghai to represent the UK at the global finals next year. The Coleg Llandrillo student pitted his skills against five of the best young Vehicle Body Repair students from across the length and breadth of the UK during the tense national finals, which were held at Cardiff & Vale College.

All six had to tackle a range of different challenges within a set time period. These included detailed jig work, changing a quarter panel within five hours, and repairing a wing without using filler. Tiler, who lives in Johnstown and is employed by Body Perfect in Wrexham, combines his work commitments with his training at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus. “I’m absolutely over the moon with the gold and can’t wait to see if I will be representing the UK in Shanghai next year,” commented Tiler, who now has ‘the full set’ medal-wise, after initially claiming bronze at 2019’s Skills Competition Wales finals.

NWM 2022 Page 53

EDUCATION NEWS MAGAZINE

and began accepting donations to assist the Conwy Home-Start appeal – a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support helping families with young children through their challenging times. This has once again received a tremendous response from the school community, with Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) collecting a huge array of gifts that were donated to the Prep across every year group.

Once all items were collected, members of the

Rydal Penrhos pupils support good causes

in order to give themselves time to wrap and distribute them

Rydal Penrhos is very proud of its charitable work throughout

to the Rydal Penrhos family for their incredible generosity,

the academic year. This is something that forms a key

which comes following a fantastic BBC Children in Need Day –

component of the school’s ethos and has been prevalent

complete with a day-long Dance-a-Thon – which raised more

across campus with initiatives and fundraising days for

than £1,600 collectively. A large number of items were also

worthy causes across the North Wales area and beyond

donated to the school’s annual Harvest Food Drive, which saw

during the autumn term. During the Christmas festivities, the

an exceptional amount distributed to the Conwy Food Bank

school launched a campaign to support those less fortunate

and the Kind Bay Initiative.

charity have collected these generous donations to local families in need. The school is enormously grateful

Celebrations at official opening of Xplore!

Wrexham’s Science Discovery Centre has had its long-awaited official opening, marked with a special ribboncutting ceremony. Xplore!, which is now based at the heart of the town centre on Henblas Street, has been open to the public for some months and has already welcomed a number of visitors including Minister for the Economy, Vaughan Gething MS. However, due to the pandemic, this was the first opportunity staff, stakeholders and dignitaries have had to safely gather together to celebrate the launch of the centre in its new location. The centre, run as a charity owned by Wrexham Glyndwr University, first opened on the university’s campus in 2003 as Techniquest Glyndwr – and continued to grow until reaching the stage when new premises were needed. In moving to Henblas Street, the centre has breathed life back into a space which had remained empty for many years, a building fondly remembered by local people as the old TJ Hughes department store. The centre has been developed with a multi-million pound investment from Wrexham Glyndŵr University, the Inspiring Science Fund (Welcome Trust) and the Targeted Regeneration Investment Programme (TRIP) for Wales. At the opening ceremony, the Deputy Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Brian Cameron (pictured) was on hand to cut the ribbon.

Page 54 NWM 2021 2022

NWM 2022 Page 55

MAGAZINE

Community

News

Why do people choose the Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Society?

Residents come from all over to settle in North Wales. Take Jenny, who had her own interior design company in South Africa, visited North Wales to stay with a friend and decided she loved North Wales. She decided to move to Abbeyfield after realising she needed more support and has been there since 2016. Jenny enjoys

Safety number one priority at North Wales law firm Staff at a North Wales law firm have reassured

painting and keeping in touch with her friends and family all

clients that safety remains the number one priority

over the world. Meanwhile Pam, a keen Bridge enthusiast, moved

as they continue to provide legal support throughout

to Glan Conwy from Cheshire after a very successful career as a

the Coronavirus pandemic. Edward Nutting

physiotherapist, and subsequently decided on Abbeyfield as she

(pictured), of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors in Conwy,

could remain independent and still enjoy Bridge while taking

said that although lawyers were currently working

advantage of not having to cook and clean. Pam has been with

from home whenever possible, they were easily

Abbeyfield since 2019. Abbeyfield also has people local to the area,

accessible to speak to clients. “The advice in Wales

such as Myfanwy who had a long career as a teacher in North

has been for people to work from home for some

Wales and, at 90 years old, still walks daily to Rhos promenade.

time now, so we are well used to working remotely,”

Gwladys, a local to Rhos-on-Sea, can see the house she was born

he said. “But I want to be clear to clients old and new

in from her lounge window. She has a large extended family close

that our offices are still open to receive documents,

by but decided to move into Abbeyfield in 2016 to stop her family

and our lawyers are very much available. We are

worrying about her being lonely, despite their many visits. Oliver

trying to continue the practice of meeting clients

was a hospital doctor and has enjoyed a long retirement but his

by video call, or of course a good old-fashioned

family decided after the loneliness of the pandemic he needed

telephone call, but we are still happy to meet face-to-

company and good food. If you are looking help a family member

face if that is the preferred option. Anyone visiting

to move, Abbeyfield has a guest room at Alexandra Road where

our offices in Conwy can be assured that safety is

people can come and experience communal living before deciding

the top priority, and all necessary precautions will be

on their future.

taken.”

www.abbeyfield.com

www.lblaw.co.uk

Page 56 NWM 2022

Calendars, diaries and almanacs

Have you had your new calendar yet, or opened the pages of a new diary? In the past, at the start of a new year, the old printed almanac would be removed from a string on the side of the mantelpiece, replacing it with a clean new one. The almanac predicted the minor events of the coming months, and also included fair dates, a calendar, some poems, and some advertisements. It was also where older people would record the main events of the farm, often in fairly garbled handwriting. Between the publication of the first in 1680, and the last in 1953, many printers published several sets of Welsh almanacs, hundreds of which are in the National Library’s collections. The pioneer was Thomas Jones ‘the Almanacer’ (1648-1713). A native of Tre’r-ddol, near Corwen, Jones moved to London as a youngster, turning his back on the craft of tailoring, and started printing instead.

By license in 1679, he obtained an official monopoly on printing Welsh almanacs, and the following year he published his first almanac, beginning a popular annual series that lasted until the year of his death. After moving to Shrewsbury, Thomas Jones made an invaluable contribution to the literature of Wales by publishing books, but it was as a publisher and printer of the annual almanac that he gained the affection of the ordinary folk, and reached a wide audience. People looked forward to reading his vague prophecies, details of his own sweaty diseases, as well as his sardonic criticism of contemporary society. Today, we will buy printed calendars or diaries in shops or use them on our computers. But, when turning the leaves of the old almanacs during the Christmas season, one can’t help thinking of the generations of homeless vagrants who travelled from door-to-door, and from area-to-area in Wales, to sell these little booklets in the past. They earned a few pennies for their labour, a little bit of profit in the harshness of winter. To learn more about the Almanacs the collection at the Library, visit: https://www.library.wales/discover/digital-gallery/printed-material/the-welsh-almanac-collection Maredudd ap Huw (Curator of Manuscripts)

North Wales entrepreneur unveils new leg cover The founder of North Wales’ Limb-art has unveiled a world first – a “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!” prosthetic leg cover. Former Paralympic swimmer and medalist Mark Williams, who lost his leg in a cycling accident at the age of ten, has designed the eye-catching leg cover. It depicts the famous Gwrych Castle and contestants from this year’s show.

“As the hit show is being filmed right on our doorstep we wanted to show our support by making the world’s only ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!’ prosthetic leg cover,” explained Mark. “I set up Limb-art, which designs and manufactures prosthetic leg covers, to help other people who have lost a leg. As well as giving prosthetic legs a better shape, our eye-catching leg covers allow the wearer to express their personality and gives them confidence. They are also a great talking point. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been stopped in the street and been told my leg looks amazing.” Limb-art has won numerous awards for its prosthetic leg covers. Last month Mark was named as ‘Entrepreneur for good’ winner at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. www.limb-art.com

NWM 2022 Page 57

Ymunwch â ni yn un o’n

digwyddiadau

agored

Yn bersonol neu ar-lein

Join us at one of our

open events In person or online

Cadwch le/ Book now

wgu.ac.uk/open

Walking

world

A BRYN ALYN CIRCUIT

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J Distance: 3.7 miles/5.95 kilometres J Time: Allow around 2.5 – 3.0 hours J Start: Park in the large layby on A494

The Clwydian range of hills roughly run along the border between

just south of Llanferres between Mold

Denbighshire and Flintshire and have been designated an Area of

and Ruthin. The layby has a bus stop

Outstanding Natural Beauty. These lovely summits offer superb high-level

and an information board for Bryn

walking on mostly good paths and give stunning views in all directions.

Alyn in it

Be prepared for steep ascents and descents if you intend to explore them, but generally they are friendly and benevolent hills which rise to their highest point on mighty Moel Ffamau at 1,821 ft./555 metres. From most areas of the Clwydian Hills towns such as Ruthin and Denbigh look tiny far below you and seem a long way away with the network of farmers’ fields

J Grid Ref: SJ 187598 J Nearest postcode: CH7 5SN J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 265 – Clwydian Range

J What to expect: This walk uses a

that surround them making pretty patterns in the landscape. Offa’s Dyke

combination of field paths and hill

Long Distance footpath follows the crest of the Clwydian range on the final

paths and tracks which are fairly

stages of its epic 177 miles/285 km from Chepstow in the south of Wales to

clear throughout apart from in one

Prestatyn in the north. The Clwydian Hills also have a chain of high-level hill

small section. It also involves some lane

forts along them and the largest of these (which is also one of the biggest

walking. There are plenty of steep ups

hill forts in Wales) covers around 21 hectares and is on the 1,440 ft./440

and downs with some rough going in

metre summit of the hill of Plenycloddiau. This month’s walk climbs to one

places and one or two awkward stiles

of the more unusual of the Clwydian tops and does a circuit of Bryn Alyn

to negotiate. You will need full hill

on reasonably good paths and tracks. Bryn Alyn is a limestone summit and

walking gear and a map and compass

has three separate tops the highest of which rises to 1,338 ft./408 metres.

with the ability to use them. The route

Our walk does not visit the highest summit, which is not the best viewpoint

should be avoided in bad weather

anyway. We do however climb one of the summits which is a magnificent spot with great views in all directions. Although not long, this is a strenuous walk with plenty of steep ascents and descents, but the reward for all the

J Dogs: OK on leads J Suitable for: Experienced hill walkers J Refreshments: Best heading for Mold

effort is an airy outing in spectacular surroundings. Bryn Alyn was once

or Ruthin where there are cafés, pubs

ignored in favour of some of the other Clwydian peaks such as Moel Ffamau

and shops. There is also a café at

but things have changed here and the hill is now gaining in popularity

Loggerheads Country Park north of

and is especially loved by dog walkers. On this outing you will encounter

Llanferres

fields, forests, limestone features and open fell side in this varied round.

You will need full hill walking gear and a bright day if you want to get the best from this outing and don’t forget the camera as you will get plenty of opportunities to use it!

NWM 2022 Page 59

WALK DETAILS

Pen-y-M

START/ FINISH

2

5

4

Near the start

3

3 Retrace your steps back to the track and go left to pass through a gate and descend beyond on a grassy track. In a short distance take a faint path left before a low maker post by bushes is reached – if you reach this you have gone too far.

START

Follow the path as it become clearer to pass through a wall gap and reach a gate in a fence. Cross an awkward stile right of the

Exit the layby over a stile near the bus stop at the

gate and take the path beyond towards a quarry. Descend the

north end by a sign for Bryn Alyn. Take a track up

main path steeply towards buildings below to cross a stile in a

the right side of a field beyond the stile. Cross a

fence and wall. Once over continue ahead to reach a lane.

https://openstreetmap.org/copyright

https://openstreetmap.org

Copyright OpenStreetMap and contributors, under an open licence

bridge over a brook to cut half right over a field to pass through a gate by a hedge. Continue by a hedge

Points of interest on this section

right with a stream next to it to pass through another

J The massive quarry you see on this section is Burley Hill

gate into woods. Cross a stream on stones and planks

Quarry where limestone is quarried.

and follow the path by the stream to pass by a metal beyond. Rise steadily in trees to pass through a gate

4 Go left on the lane descending to a junction left with a driveway for houses. Leave the lane to fork left towards the

and continue in the woods beyond to pass houses and

houses to reach a gate and stile right and follow the footpath

reach a track junction by a ‘byway’ sign.

sign to cross the stile and go left to pass buildings and rise

barrier. Continue uphill in the woods on the path

beyond to reach a fence corner. Follow the improving path besides the fence. Rise steadily to cross a stile and shortly go 2 Go right to pass houses and shortly after the track becomes

left down steps at a path junction. At the bottom of the steps

surfaced reach a stile and footpath left. Cross the stile to take

cross a stile to continue ahead on a path to reach a junction

the marked footpath beyond rising steeply through trees.

with a track.

Follow the path as it winds a steep way up through woodland.

Take a few paces forward to reach a track and go left on it and

5 Go right on the track through trees to reach your outbound route by houses. Go right on your outbound route to pass

climb steeply – the angle eases further on as you pass through

through a gate and continue on your outbound route to pass

a limestone valley. Then the track steepens again – continue

the metal barrier. Continue by a stream to cross it on stepping

on the main track to curve left to join a fence. Continue on the

stones and planks. Pass through a gate to go down the left

track and just after it bends right (and just before it rises to a

side of a field. Pass through another gate continuing on your

gate) take a narrow path left to climb to one of Bryn Alyn’s three

outbound route to cross the next field and cross a bridge. Rise

tops and a great viewpoint passing through a broken wall just

up a track beyond the bridge to cross a stile back to the layby

before you reach it.

and the start.

Climb to exit the trees and cross a stile left of two small gates.

Points of interest on this section

J Bryn Alyn is a limestone summit and has three separate tops the highest of which rises to 1,338 ft./408 metres

J The views from the top we visit are extensive and include Mole Ffamau which is the highest summit in the Clwydian range at 1,821 ft./555 metres

A WORD OF CAUTION

Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.

You also must ensure that travelling to any location does not breach any current lockdown restrictions.

Page 60 NWM 2022

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MAGAZINE

Need to expand your class space for the January fitness rush?

Rydal Penrhos’ sporting facilities and pool are available to hire/rent For more information contact events@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155

www.rydalpenrhos.com

Page 62 NWM 2022

e m o c o t s g n i th f o The shape Once the Christmas season comes to a conclusion and the cheeseboard, wine and other treats become a distant memory, the time comes to focus on health and either maintaining or boosting fitness levels.

New Year’s resolutions about getting in shape are

training camps with us. The school’s incredible New Field

commonplace throughout most households in the United

sporting venue – which has its own pavilion – regularly hosts

Kingdom. Blowing away the cobwebs in January after the

Cricket Wales youth matches and has seen iconic figures such

festive period is something many aspire to – but find difficult

as Andrew Flintoff attend.

to accomplish for one reason or another.

Rydal Penrhos has a vast array of facilities, including a Sports It can be quite overwhelming with social media filled with

Hall and Fitness Suite that can be used for netball, basketball

posts about body transformations and adverts for cut

and indoor cricket nets, with the astroturf surface providing a

price gym membership. Couple this with work and family

floodlit training area for pupils and clubs across the region to

commitments and it’s not hard to see why many people fail to

utilise.

meet their objectives.

The school also has its own outdoor cricket nets area, no There are a plethora of fitness groups and trainers that can

fewer than five immaculate rugby pitches, seven outdoor

help you accomplish your individual goals in the short and

tennis courts, two squash courts, four Eton Fives courts and

long-term. For any groups such as this looking to expand,

a dedicated short game golf area for anyone wishing to hone

Rydal Penrhos has first-class facilities to give them and those

their bunker, chipping or putting skills.

attending another major boost.

The school was recently used by three-time defending Super League champions St Helens for a special pre-season camp to further testify the outstanding facilities available that are used weekly by local clubs and teams in addition to prestigious organisations such as Cricket Wales and Glamorgan Cricket Cub, who recently held a coaching day at Rydal Penrhos.

This also includes Welsh youth rugby, cricket, netball and hockey squads who hold residential

“THE GREAT FACILITIES AT RYDAL PENRHOS HAVE ENABLED ME TO OFFER MY CLIENTS AN ELITE, SPACIOUS AND FOCUSED ENVIRONMENT TO TRAIN IN. THE NEW MODERN EQUIPMENT, BIG SPACE AND HIGH LEVEL OF CLEANLINESS HAVE ALLOWED ME TO GROW MY BUSINESS OFFERING A WIDER RANGE OF FITNESS OPTIONS TO MORE PEOPLE.” SIMON LACEY (PERSONAL TRAINER)

And if that wasn’t enough, Rydal Penrhos has an RYA accredited Sailing and WaterSports Centre as part of its campus, and this is available to visiting groups. Rydal’s instructors can put together taster sessions or a day on the water for more qualified visitors, which has been part of the school’s history for more than 60 years – and something pupils absolutely love all through the academic year.

n

The school’s sporting facilities are available for evening and weekend hire and during all school holidays. For more information call 01492 530155 or email events@rydalpenrhos.com

NWM 2022 Page 63

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NWM 2021 Page 65

MAGAZINE

IN THE

STARS...

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

January’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant ARIES (March 21st – April 20th) Don’t be in a rush to make important decisions about love and other close relationships. Spend some time talking about your future as having a mutual goal to work towards will strengthen loving ties. Be honest about your feelings. Your other half will be secretly pleased to listen. They may even feel compelled to reveal a secret they’ve been keeping to themselves.

LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd) Embarking on a new venture is a fun idea as the year begins but you don’t have to act immediately. You would be wise to concentrate on tying up the loose-ends of any projects already begun. You’re determined to prove what you are capable of but trying to do too much at once will take a toll on your health. Think about getting outside more and getting some exercise.

TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st) Thoughts on travel and all the holidays you had hoped to enjoy in the last few years but haven’t had a chance to, could lead you to making a booking. Knowing that very soon you will be heading off for a welldeserved break will feel exciting and liberating. News from overseas around the 8th could cause some havoc when plans may need to be rearranged quickly.

SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd) You’re on the lookout for new ideas and you won’t be disappointed with plans that come under discussion as the year begins. On the downside, retrograde planets suggest that in your eagerness to try something new you could take on more than you can handle. Avoid problems by tackling one thing at a time and this will ensure steady progress.

GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st) There will be advantages and disadvantages to your overactive imagination. As the year begins, creative ideas will make jobs you are working on more interesting. At the same time, any suspicions you may have about someone not being loyal or trustworthy should be kept to yourself. These thoughts will prove to be unfounded and could ruin a special relationship.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st) You had been intending to spend less over Christmas only it may not have quite worked out as you had hoped. It’s a New Year, so make a new start with your finances. When you feel in control of your financial situation, life may not necessarily get easier but you will worry less and be able to relax and have more time to devote other things.

CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd) Sit tight as the year begins. When it comes to partnership concerns, this isn’t the time to rush things. Your patience will pay off later in the month when joint matters will improve dramatically. If there is anything in a friendship or love affair that needs to be cured, this is a good month to do what you can to restore your relationship to good health.

LEO (July 24th – August 23rd) Take good care of your health. Make it a resolution to get plenty of rest, prepare nourishing meals and exercise regularly. If you have become too reliant on an addictive medication get professional help to overcome this problem. Arguments in the workplace won’t bode well for your job and can be avoided if you keep well away from someone you don’t normally get on well with.

VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd) If you’re unhappy with a present romance don’t be too quick to break off this relationship. It may be you have reached a stage where you need to spice things up and find exciting things to do together. Suggesting fun ideas will keep boredom at bay. Whip some romance into your relationship before you both start losing interest.

Page 66 NWM 2020

CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th) The new moon in your sign as the year begins makes this a great time to gain a greater understanding of where you are at in life.

Whether you are thinking of relocating or making a fresh start in your career, the important thing is to express your feelings, state your intentions and then make a plan on how to bring this goal about.

AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th) Strengthening your spiritual and emotional foundations will be a priority as the year begins. You might feel as if you have lost sight of your long-term aims and as if you are going nowhere. Spending more time on your own will make you realise how little you need to cultivate contentment. You’ve been concentrating too long on other people’s needs and not your own.

PISCES (February 20th – March 20th) Mystical and spiritual matters will be a big attraction as the year begins. You will be keen to find out more about other people’s beliefs and religions. This will lead to some enlightening conversations.

Discussions will be deep and meaningful and you could discover you have become the person your family, friends and workmates want to confide in.

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