North Wales Magazine - February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

!

EE FR

MAGAZINE

Music to your ears

TOP 10

Fasc inat Fact ing s!

A NORTH WALES CHOIR GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

LOVE IN LOCKDOWN ROMANCING AT HOME INSIDE J Business J Food & drink​ J Homes & Property

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MAGAZINE

DEAR READER It doesn’t seem like long ago when we were putting together our January issue, which was so full of hope and optimism! And yet here is our February magazine which has, once again, been produced from the confines of lockdown…

I think that we’ve all had enough of the

So, if you are looking to escape to either

situation now, and are beginning to wonder

the coast or the country in order to take

when it will ever end. Certainly, putting

advantage of the fresh air, then turn to our

together a monthly magazine while trying to

Homes & Property section on page 37 for

juggle the joys of homeschool is no mean feat,

some property inspiration. Not only does

and I genuinely don’t know who dislikes it

North Wales boast a great lifestyle, it is also

more out of the kids and I!

offers incredible value for money – so if you’re looking to relocate to the region read on…

But we are very lucky in that we are able to walk to both the beach and the woods, and the children can take their scooters along the prom. Doing lockdown in a city centre must be another challenge altogether.

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

J

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 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...

Front cover image © shutterstock

Working, resting and playing at home!

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NWM 2021 Page 5

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Contents

MAGAZINE

EDITOR

12

Kate Hamilton PUBLISHER

Grant Hamilton SALES MANAGER

Scott Lawson ART DIRECTOR

Simon Marriott OFFICE MANAGER

Sian Roberts CONTRIBUTORS

08 The Big Picture The stunning Snowdonia National Park

16

11 Valentine’s Inspiration Celebrating at home

Steve Goodier Cai Ross Pete Greensmith Sally Ann Harding Russell Grant Karen Bates Stephen Gregory CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

12 Photo Finish A cottage full of history

whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

15 You and your Pet

01492 472052 2nd Floor, 23A Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7RS

Feed the birds

16 A Choral Society

25 Food & Drink

The past and present of The Fron Male

The regions wining, dining and culinary

Voice Choir

scene

19 The food of love

37 Homes & Property

A musical love affair

Get inspired by homes that are currently on the market

22 Did you know?

51 North Wales In Business

Top ten trivia

Business news and advice

57

57 Education Learning from home

61 Walking The ascent of Mynydd Rhiw

64 Community news

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 roundup of regional happenings

66 Horoscopes What does February 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 2021 Page 7

the

MAGAZINE

BIG picture

The beautiful Snowdonia National Park can be viewed here from the top of Crib Goch, a knife-edged arête which happens to be the most challenging route to the summit of Snowdon.

In fact this exposed scramble must only be attempted by very experienced mountaineers who have a head for heights… As a result, this absolutely stunning view from Crib Goch, which means ‘Red Ridge’ in Welsh, isn’t seen very often – so please enjoy it today from the comfort of your sofa!

Page 8 NWM 2020

NWM 2020 Page 9

Distilled and bottled at the Clwydian Range Distillery, nestled in the heart of the North Wales Countryside.

Marmalade and Bay Leaf Gin The sweet tart taste of this wonderful fruit paired with the fragrant aroma and complex flavour of the dried bay leaf is like nothing else

Open seven days a week 9am until 6pm, serving everything from grills, sandwiches, afternoon teas, lunches.

Why not choose something off our cake table or luxury Belgian chocolate counter.

Gift Shop – Range of gifts for the house or presents for all occasions.

• Takeout • Outdoor Seating • Highchairs Available • Serves Alcohol 01492 544358 / contact@coastrhos.co.uk Find us on Coast Café Bar and Grill Rhos-on-Sea Promenade

https://www.facebook.com/COAST-cafe-bar-gift-shop-754632051382003

Lemon and Lime Gin A well balanced smooth citrus gin with light herbal characteristics.

Predominantly Juniper in flavour with a zesty hint of Lemon and Lime Blackcurrant Gin Bold and Tangy Blackcurrant Gin with a hint of spice.

Plum Crumble Gin Comforting, ripened Plums with a hint of soothing Vanilla.

LOVE IN LOCKDOWN Read on for some romantic inspiration for Valentine’s Day…

Above: Cariad Gin has a wide selection of gins and gift sets available Left: Afonwen has a range of sweet treats and homemade meals available to take the hassle out of Valentine’s Day

But, if you don’t fancy cooking, then fear not because Afonwen’s fabulous restaurant, Edenshine, has taken some of its most popular dishes and made them into oven ready meals for you to have at home.

Many are freshly made and frozen for convenience, so all you need to do is defrost and Clogau has an array of beautiful pieces that are sure to make the perfect gift

heat – it couldn’t be easier. Many of the dishes have a mash potato top making them gluten free, and short crust pastry topped dishes are also available.

Valentine’s Day is looking rather different this year, what

And since Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a

with romantic breaks and meals out off the menu. What

sweet treat, Edenshine adds in some specials each week

you can do of course is make some effort at home, and the

such as homemade bread & butter pudding with custard and

best way to start off a romantic evening in is with a special

homemade gluten free cheesecake. Its home baked meringues

aperitif – and nothing quite fits the bill like a G&T!

with cream and berries are always a success, as well as the rocky roads when you want something yummy and full of

Cariad Gin is distilled and bottled at the Clwydian Range

chocolate.

Distillery, nestled in the heart of the Flintshire Countryside.

You can order a wide selection of gins and gift sets including

Finally, why not make the evening extra special with a gift?

Marmalade and Bayleaf Gin, Blackcurrant Gin, Plum Crumble

Clogau has an array of the most beautiful and romantic pieces

Gin and Lemon and Lime Gin. Taster sets are also available

that are sure to make the perfect gift for your loved one this

which are presented in a beautiful gift box which allow you to

Valentine’s Day.

sample a number of gins paired with recommended tonic and dehydrated fruit so that you can decide which is your favourite.

Its iconic Tree of Life collections feature a combination of berries, leaves and vines creating an elegant and organic

Cariad Gin also stocks natural soy candles which can be

design. Clogau also has classic ‘Cariad’ pieces – the collections

purchased individually or as part of a gift set so that you can

mere name is the Welsh word for Love – radiating sentimental

set the most romantic of tables ready for the main course.

value and tenderness. n

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MAGAZINE

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A HOUSE FULL OF HISTORY A winter’s walk resulted in a fabulous image for one local photographer – who dug deep to unveil the fascinating history behind this particular home…

Hedd Williams, a professional photographer from the Conwy Valley, recently took this shot of an old abandoned cottage just above Llanrwst – and he began to wonder about its history.

“I posted the image to Instagram as usual, and asked if anyone knew the history of the place,” explains Hedd. “Before long it had been posted on all popular North Wales pages such as @ northwalestagram, @thewalescollective, @ukshot and many more.”

Many people contacted Hedd through both Instagram and Facebook, telling stories about the cottage, and eventually he was messaged by the family that owned the property.

“As I live near Llanrwst myself, coincidentally I already knew the family,” says Hedd who, after talking back and forth with family members, was given a phone number of a very interesting man called Dei Bryniog, who went on to explain more about the little house…

“Towards the middle of the 20th Century my father, John Davies, looked after the cottage, watching the sheep and caring for the animals,” explained Dei. “The cottage is situated on Mynydd Yr Oerfa, which loosely translates to ‘cold mountain’. I would often visit the cottage with my two brothers, Tom and Arthur.

“The cottage was also used as a place for musicians to meet up and play together,” continued Dei. “I’ve heard some names from famous Welsh poets and musicians come up, such as Dilys Cadwaladr and R Davy Jones.”

After John’s death in 1982 the cottage was left unused for years. And then, in 1987, a storm blew the old slate roof off and damaged the cottage. The roof has since been replaced with the metal roof seen in the photo.

“The interesting cottage was also the first house in the area to have a telephone line, as a previous occupant of the cottage was a doctor and needed a phone in case of emergencies,” added Dei. “The last thing that Dei told me is that hundreds of people have offered to buy the cottage, but it simply isn’t for sale,” concluded Hedd. “I hope that it will stay in the Bryniog family for many generations to come.” n Hedd’s full portfolio can be viewed at www.heddfwilliams.com, or on Instagram @heddfon

NWM 2021 Page 13

You & Your

Pet

insulation, ensuring the inhabitants and their eggs don’t become too hot or too cold. Please remember that any wood that is exposed to the elements needs to be protected with a water-based, non toxic paint.

When’s the best time to put up a box?

Now, hence why Nestbox Week is in February. This is just before the new breeding season starts, however, saying that you may find some juvenile birds looking for suitable nesting spots during their first autumn/winter. Any nesting boxes that

YOUR GUIDE TO NEST BOXES

are in place later in the year can still be used and you may find some birds taking shelter during the cold winter months.

Where’s the best place?

Keep them sheltered from the weather, you don’t want them getting the brunt of a weather front; if possible a North East facing position is generally recommended. Make sure they

Here we are in February already, hoping that the depths of

are out of sight of any potential predators as well as high

winter are behind us and we can start looking forward to

enough off the ground so as not to be an easy target. If you

spring and those slightly lighter evenings.

have multiple boxes try to space them out as you don’t want to encourage any aggressive behaviour between your new

Many of our customers enjoy feeding their garden visitors

visitors.

throughout the year and some may have got involved in the RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch in January. Since lockdown

Looking after your nest box?

began we might have found ourselves spending a lot more

September to January is when you should be looking at

time in the garden, perhaps even being a little jealous of the

cleaning out your nest boxes and getting them ready for the

freedom the wildlife have over us!

next breeding season. Hopefully this won’t take you 4 months to complete and bear in mind that those juvenile birds may be

Nevertheless, in February we celebrate National Nestbox

looking for a home come Autumn/Winter so best to try and get

Week, this is aimed at putting the spotlight on breeding birds

it done in September if you can.

and encouraging everyone to put up more nest boxes in their local area.

We do hope this has been of some use to you. If you do shop with us you will be happy to know that during February

Why do nest boxes matter?

we are offering 25% off nest boxes to all our petplace plus+

There is a housing shortage for Wild Birds. The population of

customers.

many bird species have dropped as a result of this.

As always if you have any questions regarding Wild Birds,

Which birds use nest boxes?

Nestbox Week or your garden wildlife don’t hesitate to get in

When it comes to nestboxes, it depends on the type of birds

touch with a member of our team, you can pop into store or get

that frequent your garden or the ones you would like to attract.

in touch via any of our social channels or via our website. n

Nest boxes with smaller entrance holes will attract birds like blue tits, nuthatches and sparrows whereas open fronted boxes are perfect for robins & wrens. If you would like to house starlings, jackdaws or even owls in and around your garden you will require a nest box with a larger entrance hole.

What makes a good nestbox?

Nest boxes come in a variety of materials and designs but generally speaking look for a sturdy construction and natural materials like wood or fibre. Both of these provide great

Karen Bates is the buyer for petplace’s Wild Bird department – she has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with and buying for your garden wildlife. Although she is not currently store based you may have met her at the Llangefni branch many moons ago when she first started her Farm & Pet Place story.

NWM 2021 Page 15

MAGAZINE

Echoes around the world A North Wales choir with a rich history is hoping to take the classical world by storm with its latest album, Echoes

From being formed in a small village to competing at a local

Choir still to this day contains two members from their

arts festival in North Wales over 70 years ago, to becoming

original incarnation amongst over 400 members who have

one of the biggest selling and most revered choirs in the world

been a part of the choir over the years.

– not to mention becoming royal favourites along the way – The Fron Male Voice Choir have an incomparable history.

Releasing their debut album in 2007, the choir achieved double platinum sales and was nominated for a Classical Brit

And now they have announced the latest chapter in their

Award. Following this initial success, they toured extensively

remarkable story – their sixth studio album ‘Echoes’ – which will

with their albums having sold over a million albums

be released on 26th February in celebration of St David’s Day.

worldwide.

Formed in 1947 as a competitive choir in the village of

All of this incredible success has garnered a host of famous

Froncysyllte near Llangollen in North East Wales, The Fron

collaborators for The Fron Choir, having toured or performed with the likes of Alfie Boe, Aled Jones and Katherine Jenkins; as well as receiving the praise of Royalty with both Prince Charles and The Queen being fans.

The choir’s latest musical director, Leigh Mason, took over in 2010. Since her arrival the choir has gone on to achieve great

Page 16 NWM 2021

CHOIR BENEFITS THE NORTH WALES COMMUNITY IN THAT WHEN ASKED, WE ARRANGE A NUMBER OF CHARITY CONCERTS. WE ARE A BILINGUAL CHOIR AND OUR REPERTOIRE IS ADVANTAGEOUS WHEN WE PERFORM IN NORTH WALES.

On Echoes, their brand new album, The Fron Choir show the diversity of their rich sound, with both modernity and tradition well represented; from Welsh staples such as

success, winning competitions in Ireland and Cornwall, as well as

Llanfair (Willliams), O Iesu Mawr (David Charles) and Tydi A

at the world-renowned Llangollen International Eisteddfod. But,

Roddaist (Hughes) and American, Russian and Welsh sacred

for many of the choir members, the joy is simply in taking part.

hymns (The Lords Prayer, Spaséniye Sodélal) to Billy Joel’s And So It Goes, Aznavour’s She and musical numbers A Million

“Being part of the Fron means that I am doing a little bit to

Dreams (The Greatest Showman), Maria (West Side Story) and

preserve and further the strong tradition of Welsh choral

Bring Him Home (Les Miserables).

singing and the enviable reputation of this choir in particular,” explains tour manager Paul Wycherley. “We all get on so very

Echoes was produced by Jon Cohen, who has worked with the

well as a team that I consider each and every fellow chorister

likes of Katherine Jenkins, Nile Rogers and Joss Stone, as well

as a true friend. Without the choir I would never have met

as achieving a UK Christmas number one hit single with The

such a diverse group of guys.

Military Wives Choir.

With our albums being on sale across the world, we promote

With the COVID-19 pandemic making communal singing

North Wales as a whole to a massive global audience. I see

virtually impossible, it has been a difficult time for choirs to

this as developing further as the new album has that balance

say the least. However, with its richness of sound, Echoes

of traditional favourites and more modern pieces to attract an

displays all of the reasons that The Fron Male Voice Choir

even wider audience to the choir, the culture and, indeed, our

will continue to thrive and endure – both in its own local

local area.”

community, and all around the world.

Cyril Jones, concert secretary for the choir, agrees. “Being

“The hope for the future of the choir is that we will be able to

part of the Fron Choir means that singing enhances your

continue to entertain our audiences and also to recruit younger

wellbeing, encourages friendship and allows you to perform

members, which is something we have successfully done in

which boosts your confidence and, above all, enjoy,” he says.

the past,” concludes Cyril. “And, despite concerns for the future

“The Choir benefits the North Wales community in that

of choirs, we have started booking concerts for 2021 and 2022

when asked, we arrange a number of charity concerts. We

which gives us all something to look forward to.” n

are a bilingual choir and our repertoire is advantageous when we perform in North Wales. Our annual concert is held

The latest album from the Fron Male Voice Choir, Echoes,

in the William Aston Hall Wrexham and it is attended by

will be released on 26th February in celebration of St

communities from all over North Wales.”

David’s Day.

NWM 2021 Page 17

Coming to North Wales This Summer

LIONEL RICHIE

JESS GLYNNE

+ MEGAN MCKENNA + ROACHFORD

+ SPECIAL GUESTS

THURSDAY 3 JUNE 2021 RACECOURSE GROUND, WREXHAM

FRIDAY 4 JUNE 2021 RACECOURSE GROUND, WREXHAM

BRYAN ADAMS + SPECIAL GUESTS

FRIDAY 2 JULY 2021 DCBL STADIUM, HALTON, WIDNES

OLLY MURS

PETE TONG

+ THE FEELING

+ THE HERITAGE ORCHESTRA | IBIZA CLASSICS

FRIDAY 13 AUGUST 2021 STADIWM ZIP WORLD

SATURDAY 14 AUGUST 2021 STADIWM ZIP WORLD

Tickets: TICKETS:Ticketmaster.co.uk TICKETMASTER.CO.UK

Music’s in the air

Being holed up at home is the perfect excuse to listen to some Welsh classics says Stephen Gregory…

Spring is in the air – and I’ve got the very embodiment of

Hall for a pot plant or a bunch of roses, a larger than life

spring on the table beside me!

celebrity still very much at home in his local community.

Aled Jones… you can’t get much more of a local treasure than

Yesterday I went to our local supermarket (shopping alone and

him, born in St David’s hospital in Bangor and a schoolboy

wearing a mask) and came back with a bunch of daffodils…

at Ysgol David Hughes at Menai Bridge. A superstar

a quiver of tiny green arrows, each with a spark of yellow at

phenomenon when he was an angelic boy treble, world

the tip. Today they’re opening into golden flower.

famous for the purity of his voice, he was selling more

Right now we don’t feel like jumping for joy or frolicking like

Christmas records than Slade and Wizzard and Shakin’

the first lambs in the field, or bursting into songs of joy. But

Stevens could dream about!

I’m trying to be positive about the springtime. Every afternoon is a few minutes longer. Every day the sun is brighter and

Talk about songs of joy and a powdering of snow… Walking in

setting a bit later.

the air? You can’t go for a wintry stroll in Snowdonia without feeling the tingling magic of Aled’s music.

And songs of joy? Of course Wales is the land of song, and the hills are alive with the sound of music –even when they’re powdered with snow.

Katherine Jenkins? Well, I know she was born and brought up in Glamorgan, so she isn’t as locally North Walian as Bryn and Aled, but it would be churlish not to mention her. After all,

I’ve got our very own Bryn Terfel on the

we’re trying to lift our spirits this chilly springtime! Acclaimed

radio… such power in his voice, such

and treasured around the world for the perfection of her

authority and control, and yet so mellow

voice, her dazzling charm and perfect beauty, Katherine

and tender. He was born and raised just

completes our triumvirate of international superstars.

a few miles from where I’m sitting, south of Caernarfon in the rolling green farmland of Pant Glas. And even now that he’s so globally

And twiddling the dials of my radio, I find another one!

Alright, he was born in Stoke on Trent, but he spent his

famous, he’s a recognizable local figure. I remember, not so

schooldays and teenage years in Benllech on the

long ago, he was performing in a summer concert inside

island of Anglesey, and he was expelled

Caernarfon Castle… my wife was one of the local people

from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones in

involved as stewards, and she often recalls the special joy she

Amlwch… and right now, by pure

experienced, with the other stewards and organisers of the

serendipity and a testament

event, when they had the castle all to themselves a few hours

to the universal importance

before the concert itself, and Bryn was doing his final sound-

of music to the human soul, it

checks. They had their own private performance, serenaded

seems perfectly reasonable to

by one of the most celebrated singers in the world.

adopt Lemmy’s gravelly voice and bass guitar into our family of world-

And he would pop into my wife’s flower shop in the Market

renowned Welsh musicians. Lemmy

NWM 2021 Page 19

MAGAZINE

AND SONGS OF JOY? OF COURSE WALES IS THE LAND OF SONG, AND THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MUSIC – EVEN WHEN THEY’RE POWDERED WITH SNOW.

he’d played in London and in Europe, thousands of miles from the venues he’d thrilled across the USA, Steve put every ounce of his energy and soul into that little room… no more than 80 or 100 lucky people in a country hotel in a Snowdonian village.

Kilminster, the frontman of heavy-metal band Motorhead, now

Rock ‘n’ roll from Memphis Tennessee, all the way to Betws

sadly passed away, but the creative force behind more than

y Coed! And all the hit songs I’d been bungling as a teenage

20 albums which sold in their millions!

wannabe rock star!

I’m twiddling the dials on the radio again… and this time I stop

We tumbled outside. The Mini bumped into life and we drove

in the middle of a rock ‘n’ roll classic, which takes me back to

down towards the bright lights of Caernarfon. Me and Martin,

my schooldays in the 1960s and then to an unforgettable night

we didn’t speak a word, all the way home. We were numb,

in the Swallow Falls Hotel in Betws y Coed…

struck dumb, our ears and our very souls were buzzing.

Sadly, a few months later we learned of Steve Marriott’s

The unique voice of Steve Marriott, and it’s All or Nothing by

untimely death. I did another disbelieving double-take, at a

the Small Faces! In my final year as a boarding-school boy in

newspaper article announcing his death in a house fire. This

Colwyn Bay, I was a founder member of the school rock band.

April, 2021, will mark 30 years since his passing, just over

We were terrible, and our entire repertoire was three or four

30 years since we were lucky enough to feel his warmth and

songs by the Small Faces – enthusiastically awful versions of

thrill to his inimitable voice in the mountains of our native

All or Nothing, Little Tin Soldier and Itchykoo Park. That was

North Wales.

it. And on the last night of our schooldays we were allowed to perform our one and only gig, complete with a cloud of dry ice

Yes, Wales is the land of song. Whether it’s operatic sopranos

courtesy of our science teacher.

and baritones, boy trebles, heavy metal or classic rock – whether it’s home-grown or from further afield – the joy of

Thirty years ago, in 1990, I was in Caernarfon one November

music gives us hope and the courage to face the worrying

afternoon and did a double-take at a black and white

challenges ahead.

photocopied poster stuck onto a lamppost. Steve Marriott?

At the Swallow Falls Hotel? No, it couldn’t be… but worth a

Snap shut the computer, turn off the radio. The daffodils

phone call.

are opening ever more gloriously wider and there’s a nip of springtime in the air.

The landlord said yes, it’s tonight… and yes, it’s the real Steve Marriott.

Try to stay positive. It’s a joyful certainty – this afternoon will be longer and lighter than yesterday, and the sun will be brighter. n

A dismal, drizzly November evening. Me and my friend Martin, we bump-started the Mini and drove up into the mountains to the village of Betws y Coed, where I reversed the car onto a steep slope so she’d roll and bump-start easily after the gig. Just in time to grab a pint before the music started.

Music? The hills were pounding with the sound of music!

Steve Marriott and a bassist and drummer, his band called Packet of Three, and one of the best nights of live rock ‘n’ roll I’ve ever experienced. Hundreds of miles from all the theatres

Page 20 NWM 2021

Stephen Gregory’s new book, an anthology of short stories entitled ON DARK WINGS, is now out in the USA from Valancourt Books. It features 14 of his stories, many of them previously published in the Illustrated London News and the London Evening Standard, as well as a Christmas ghost story he wrote especially for the North Wales magazine. Search for ON DARK WINGS at www. valancourtbooks.com to order your copy, postage free!

With a grand opening scheduled for spring 2021, we are delighted to introduce you to the brand-new Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia and Wave Garden Spa. • 106 bedrooms • Luxurious indoor / outdoor spa • Flexible conference, meeting and event spaces for up to 300 guests • Lagoon-side dining at Zephyr’s Bar & Grill

• Surfing for all ages and abilities • Fresh water swimming and paddle boarding • Mountain biking • Indoor ninja assault course

NEW FOR 2021

The Hilton Garden Inn and Wave Garden Spa join the worldclass facilities at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, including inland surfing on a 300-metre freshwater lagoon, and award-winning indoor and outdoor adventures.

You’ll find us on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. Surrounded by the fresh air and big landscapes of North Wales, we're just a short distance from the medieval walled town of Conwy, and Snowdonia’s prettiest mountain village, Betws y Coed.

Adventureparcsnowdonia.com | info@adventureparcsnowdonia.co.uk | 01492 353 123

NWM 2021 Page 21

MAGAZINE

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Top

FunFacts Struggling to home school? Why not impress the kids with these fascinating North Wales facts…

1 We all know that Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

3

is the longest place name in Europe – but did you know that if you translate it into

Cardigan Bay is home to the

English you get ‘St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid

UK’s largest dolphin pod. They

Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave’? It’s probably less of a

can be seen making their way

mouthful in Welsh!

up and down the North Wales

2

improve your chances of getting

Wrexham is home to the oldest international football

a glimpse, pop down during the

stadium in the world. The Racecourse Ground has been

summer when you can expect to

used for various sports and activities including boxing and

up to 12 at once.

women’s wrestling, and in the late 1880s it was even used for the National Eisteddfod. Today the club has reached fame once again for having just been bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

4 The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason.

This is the tallest aqueduct in the UK, measuring a whopping 38 meters high.

When it was first built by Thomas Telford in 1805 it was the tallest boat crossing on the planet.

Page 22 NWM 2021

coast all year round, but in order

5 The Smallest House in Great Britain, also known as the Quay House, can be found on the quay in Conwy. This miniscule house, which has a floor area just 10 by 5.9ft was used as a residence from the 16th Century until 1900. It is reported that the house’s final occupant, Robert Jones, was 6ft 3 – and the rooms were too small for him to stand up in fully!

6 St Trillo’s Chapel in Rhos-on-Sea was built in the 6th Century on the site of a sacred holy well. It is believed that the altar is built directly over the pure water of the well, but the chapel is better well-known for its size, with only six people able to fit in the building at any

8

one time – making it the smallest church in the UK.

Did you know that North Wales could fit into Australia a whopping 1,222.89

7

times?! It may be relatively small

Forget the discovery of America being down to Christopher

compared to the land

Columbus, a Welsh prince called

down under, but our

Madog ab Owain Gwynedd sailed

wonderful region

from Wales in search of new land

certainly isn’t lacking in

and reached America – at least, according to local legend!

any other department.

This was in 1170, more than 300 years before Columbus’s

OK, apart from the weather…

voyage in 1492.

9 The world famous Snowdon Mountain Railway is a narrow

10

gauge rack and pinion mountain railway – and is

Lewis Carroll is believed to have had the idea

the only public one of its

of writing Alice in Wonderland while staying

type in the United Kingdom.

in Llandudno. The Walrus and the Carpenter,

It (usually!) takes thousands

who both feature in Through the Looking

of visitors every year on a

Glass, are two big rocks that sit prominently on

4.7 mile trip to the summit of

Llandudno’s West Shore.

Snowdon.

NWM 2021 Page 23

NWM

FOOD & DRINK INSIDE: recipes wine cocktail of the month

NWM 2020 Page 25

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OF THE

Month

Pink Champagne Margaritas Nothing says “I love you” quite like these gorgeous Pink Champagne Margaritas. These rose-coloured cocktails are the perfect accompaniment for your romantic Valentine’s evening in – anything to make the night stand out from the crowd and all that!

INGREDIENTS 1 cup Champagne / 2 cups pink lemonade ½ cup tequila / ½ cup triple sec ¼ cup lime juice / Lime slices Toppings — sugar sticks rimmed with pink salt and/or sugar INSTRUCTIONS Combine all of the ingredients / Rim the glass with the lime slice and then dip in the sugar and/or salt / Serve with sugar sticks and a dollop of romance

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 2020 Page 27

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Food for thought

And on it goes, like some endless black

forward to feeding. In Paysanne, the key

& white Norwegian film from the 1950s

component is the chatter and laughter of

in which a bearded fisherman sits in the

the diners as they eat with their friends.

corner of his sparse kitchen sobbing for

Whenever people complement us on the

two hours while his wife plays a mournful

atmosphere, I always tell them “You’re the

cello in the background.

atmosphere!” That’s a sound I’m really missing at the moment.

“Yes, it’s bad,” we all said back in April. “But at least the weather’s fantastic! Imagine if

Still, there are worse problems to have so

this had happened in a cold, wet January!”

ad astra per aspera and all that! Our dining

Cai Ross is co-owner

chairs will be filled once again with the

and Maitre d’ of

Yes, this midwinter has been bleak

friends and family we’re missing right now

the award-winning

indeed. Like many of you, I have been

– and soon too.

Paysanne Bistro in

whiling away the hours experimenting

Deganwy, which has

with new recipes and trying to make

Right now, one of the most pressing

been serving French

mealtimes as exciting as possible. On

matters for parents is how to keep our

country-style food to

New Year’s Eve, we got dressed up to the

children educated, entertained and away

the fine people of North

nines and waited on the kids as though

from their iPads. Cooking with your kids

Wales since 1988. He

they were in a restaurant. They then paid

is a great way to spend your time with

also writes for Calibre

back the favour by waiting on us, which

them, teach them a vital life lesson and

Magazine, BBC Good

was not a 100% success – our daughter

complete the Home Economics section of

Food, HeyUGuys.com

recommended red wine with the fish!!

their school curriculum!

and The North Wales Weekly News

Every now and then, the preparation of

Here are a couple of nice and easy recipes

meals has highlighted a vital missing

for slightly older children. You can help

ingredient – friends and family; the

with the more fiddly bits like the peeling

people sat around your table that you look

and chopping. n

NWM 2021 Page 29

MAGAZINE

RECIPES

CHICKEN SOUP WITH RICE

MAC & CHEESE

One of my son’s favourite books when he was younger

What child doesn’t love this classic American comfort food

was Chicken Soup With Rice, a book of months by Maurice

dish? You can use it as something of a base, by adding

Sendak. As a project, we decided to actually make some –

whatever you like to it, or just tuck straight in.

and it turned out to be lip-smackingly good!

Serves 4

Serves 4

J Olive oil

J 175g dried macaroni pasta

J 2 chopped garlic cloves

J 50g butter

J 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped

J 50g plain flour

J 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

J 600ml full fat milk

J 2 sticks of celery, chopped

J 1 teaspoon English mustard

J 1 teaspoon dried tarragon

J 175g grated Cheddar cheese

J 2 litres of light chicken stock J 600g free-range chicken thighs

First, boil the pasta in salted water according to the time

J 200g long grain rice

on the packet. Drain and set aside in a saucepan. Make a

J Finely chopped parsley

Béchamel sauce by melting the butter over a low heat, then

J Salt & pepper

stirring in the flour. Turn the oven to 180˚C (FAN).

Into a large saucepan, add a good glug of olive oil. Over a

Remove the pan from the heat and very gradually add the

medium heat, gently fry up the onions until they are soft

milk, stirring all the time. Try if you can to stir the mix to a

and golden. Then add the garlic, carrots and celery. After

paste before adding more milk. Continue all the milk Cai Ross until is co-owner

a minute, carefully pour in the stock. Stir, then add the

is used up, then return the pan toand theMaitre hob. Keep d’ of stirring

tarragon and the chicken. Season with salt and pepper,

(carefully – it will be hot) until it starts to bubble up. Then the award-winning

then bring to the boil. Drop to a simmer, cover with the lid

add the mustard and two thirds of the cheese andinstir Paysanne Bistro

and leave for 15 minutes.

away until everything is incorporated.

Deganwy, which has

been serving French Add the rice, stir it all up then keep simmering for another

country-style food to

15 minutes. Carefully lift out the chicken thighs and put

the fine people of North

them in a large bowl to cool for a few minutes. With a pair

Wales since 1988. He

of forks, take the meat off the bones and shred it. Return

also writes for Calibre

the shredded chicken meat to the soup. Add a handful of

Magazine, BBC Good

chopped parsley, season again if necessary, then serve!

Happy once. Happy twice. Happy chicken soup with rice!

Page 30 NWM 2021

Food, HeyUGuys.com

Don’t fancy cooking? and The North Wales 01492 582079 Weekly News @PaysanneDeganwy www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk

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Raise your glass

Give a little love February has arrived, the month of love. If there is something we all need right now it is love. In trying times we support and care for each other, there is a lot of love around at the moment.

Here at The Grape to Glass there is always a lot of love, especially when Tim is around with his passion for wine, and educating others in wine. Mark has a similar passion, and Ant’s passion grows by the day.

We all love wine, and we enjoy helping you to find the wines that you love. We enjoy supplying you with your favourites, the ones you know, the ones you don’t need to think about, you just enjoy, and buy over and over.

More so we enjoy helping you explore, expand your horizons and search out some new favourites. As with any search for a new love, the path isn’t smooth, some you will like, others you will dislike instantly.

pudding with lifted red fruits berries and a hint of cinnamon.

That’s why we want to help you to fall in love. Fall in love with

J Familia Torres, San Valentin, Spain

treating yourself, fall in love with exploring and trying.

This wine embodies love, first made by Miguel Torres as a Valentine’s present for his wife. ‘Parellada’ grapes present an

So here is a selection of something old, something new – but

off-dry style and ripe fruit character.

nothing blue, we are just falling in love, not got that far yet!

J Ladoucette, Côtes de Provence, Vallombrosa Première Cuvée Rosé, France

These are the wines that we are loving right now:

J Ruggeri, Argeo Prosecco Brut, Italy

A complex nose of sun kissed apricots, peaches, and violet floral

An elegant Prosecco with those classic tongue tingling tiny

aromas. A mineral, red fruit persistence and mineral finish.

bubbles, fresh green apple nose and palate, and long, crisp finish.

J ‘Flowers’, Vinho Verde, Quinta da Lixa, Portugal

J Riondo, Pink Prosecco, Extra Dry, Italy

A lip-smackingly delicious Vinho Verde, with aromas of apple

This traditional Prosecco balances acidity, softness, structure,

and grapefruit alongside herbal notes.

and bubbles making it a perfect aperitif. The perfect start to

J Lagar de Cabrera, Syrah, Spain

Valentine’s evening.

Showstopping; opulent fruit with scents of rose petals.

J Davina Cava, Pere Ventura, Brut, Spain

Elegantly pairs well with love.

Fresh and intense, a Cava with beautiful notes of green apple, light honey, and a refreshing acidity.

Share the love by sharing your favourites with others – new favourites as well as the old familiar ones. Taste, share, educate,

J NV Champagne René Jolly, Blanc de Noirs, half bottles, France

enjoy. We may not be able to share together for now, but we will be able to once again – and we look forward to that day.

100% premium Pinot Noir, displaying gorgeous toasty richness, In the meantime, what better way to say “ I love you” on

intense zesty aromas and perfect balance.

Valentine’s Day than with a wine you both love? n

J Dandelion Vineyards, `Lioness of McLaren Vale` Shiraz, Australia

See you soon,

An impressive purity of fruit showing luscious scents of summer

Tim, Mark, Pete, Ant, Huw and Blu

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 NWM 2019 2020 Page Page 33 33

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HOMES & INTERIORS

NWM 2020 Page 37

New Home News Pure Homes recommends buyers get moving

Pure Homes, the North Wales headquartered housebuilder, has welcomed the Welsh Government’s reductions on Land Transaction Tax for homes purchased before 31st March 2021 – but is recommending that buyers act quickly before the deadlines, as the Help to Buy scheme is set to change in April too. The maximum price of homes sold under Help to Buy (Wales) will be reduced from £300,000 to £250,000. The equity loan scheme is designed to help first-time buyers and existing homeowners buy new-build properties in Wales with deposits of as little as 5% of the

New homes to meet growing demand in increasingly popular area

Castle Green Homes started 2021 with a vision to quadruple

house price. Pure Homes has current developments in

the size of its business in the coming few years and it’s already

Denbigh, Llanfair DC and St Asaph – with plans already

making positive strides towards achieving this impressive

underway at Chester, Ruabon, Prestatyn and Frodsham.

goal. In Rossett, 132 homes will be built on Rossett Road. These

The housebuilder is expecting the town houses and

will be a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and will

apartments at Livingstone Place in St Asaph to be snapped

include the launch of three entirely new house-types, all of

up quickly, as the development offers luxury properties

which will be larger four-bedroom homes. A third of the new

which combine two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes

homes will additionally be classified as affordable across a

of exceptional quality. Luxmore Mews at Livingstone

range of tenures. It is anticipated that these will particularly

Place offers a fantastic range of three- and four-bedroom

appeal to young professionals and families given the site’s

town houses, while and the apartments offer a choice of

proximity to commuter routes to Wrexham, Chester and across

one or two bedrooms. All Pure Homes combine quality,

South Cheshire. Sales will launch in the autumn. Meanwhile, in

bespoke interiors and exteriors with the latest building

nearby Rhosrobin, outline planning permission is in place for

technology for homes with energy savings, fantastic

189 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes – a quarter of which

bathrooms, contemporary kitchens and modern amenities.

will be affordable. Gwyn Jones, Castle Green’s CEO, commented:

Show homes and sales offices are available to visit by

“These two sites both draw on the ever-increasing popularity

appointment and the Pure Homes team are currently

of the wider Wrexham area and we anticipate that both will

maintaining normal working hours.

create high demand.”

www.pure-homes.co.uk

www.castlegreenhomes.uk

2020 Page 39 NWM 2021

MAGAZINE

Anwyl supports working from home With 26% of Brits planning to work from

home either permanently or occasionally after lockdown, home office space is becoming increasingly desirable in a new home. While once considered a luxury ‘extra’, a home office is now on more home movers’ wish lists as an essential requirement. Fortunately for remote workers in Llay, Anwyl has designs available to tick that box and more at its Maes y Rhedyn development.

According to a survey by market comparison website finder.com, two thirds of people say they are more productive while working from home, while 89% say they have reduced their expenditure by not commuting or buying lunch

SG Estates

out. In fact, the average home worker saves £44.78 a week or £2,329 a year – savings that

The progress at Maes Helyg in Llangollen is incredible, so much so

could be put towards more space in a brand

that local housebuilder SG Estates only has six plots remaining on

new home. Anwyl’s designs at Maes y Rhedyn

phase two, with prices from £250,000 for a three-bedroom detached

include the detached four-bedroom Kingsley,

property. Potential buyers are able to view all of the homes that SG

priced at £314,995. Ideal for families, the ground

Estates currently has available on its website, and all of the safety

floor of the Kingsley features a large open plan

precautions remain in place as the health and safety of its staff and

kitchen, dining and family room that spans the

customers is at the heart of everything that SG Estates does. So

rear of the property, with a separate living room,

please rest assured that any viewings carried out will be conducted

utility and study. Upstairs are four bedrooms

well within the guidelines for the housebuilding industry. However

and a well-appointed family bathroom. The main

viewings are strictly by appointment only so, if you would like to

bedroom boasts an en suite shower room and

arrange one, please give them a call on 07442 501438. Despite the

fitted wardrobes. The current range of three- and

lockdown, the housing market is well and truly open.

four-bedroom homes at Maes y Rhedyn is priced

www.sgestates.co.uk

from £234,995. www.anwylhomes.co.uk

Page 40 NWM 2021

It’s Time To Start Making Some Memories...

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Formerly Named

ar N keti ow n g O Su pe it n e

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M

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Llanynghenedl, Anglesey

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£365,000

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Brynteg, Anglesey

Spacious property with three bedrooms and three reception rooms, situated in the countryside with Circa. 3.16 acres of gardens /paddock, and outbuildings.

£525,000

For more details chat with James Jones: 01248 751000 or email: llangefni@tppuk.com

For more information on any of our properties please contact your local office or see more at our web site Am fwy o wybodaeth fe allwch gysylltu gyda’r swyddfa leol neu ewch ar ein gwefan am ragor o fanylion

A selection of the best property in North Wales

Menai Bridge, Anglesey

Wonderful residence overlooking the waterfront in the Old Part of Menai Bridge Town sitting alongside the Famous Thomas Telford Suspension Bridge.

£575,000

For more details chat with Emily Jacobs: 01248 355333 or email: bangor@tppuk.com

Caernarfon, Gwynedd

A fantastic Victorian residence with some superb original features, and views of the Menai Straits towards Isle of Anglesey.

£340,000

For more details chat with Kelvin Frazer: 01248 677 775 or email: caernarfon@tppuk.com

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

website: www.fletcherpoole.com

LLANDUDNO

COLWYN BAY £289,950

£314,950

• Immaculate Three Bedroom Penthouse Apartment • Light & Spacious Accommodation • Enjoys Panoramic Sea and Coastal Views • Part exchange considered

• Situated In A Sought After Location With Hillside Views • Two/Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow • Has A Wealth Of Potential • Off Road Parking

EPC

F

RHOS ON SEA

RHOS ON SEA £795,000

£229,950

• Two Bedroom First Floor Apartment • Beautifully Presented Throughout • Modern Open Plan Living • Situated in a Desirable Area

• Four-Bedrooms • Stunning Fully Refurbished Detached House • Enjoys Panoramic Coastal Views & Close To Rhos-on-Sea Village • Offers Spacious Modern Living

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Page 44 NWM 2020

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

website: www.fletcherpoole.com

CONWY

CONWY £350,000

£470,000

• A superb 4 bedroom semi-detached home within walking distance to Conwy town, beach & Marina • Steeped in history, dating back to the late 1800’s, the property has a QR History code attached • Sympathetically refurbished over the last twenty years retaining many of the original features • Gated driveway and a three car garage, gardens to front and side.

• Beautifully presented three bedroom detached property situated just outside the castle walls • Well planned accommodation • Gas central heating, mostly upvc double glazed.

• Waling distance of all amenities

EPC

F

GLAN CONWY

LLANDUDNO £165,000

£299,950 • A simply stunning two bedroom ground floor apartment situated in the beautiful Bodlondeb Castle • Ideally located within minutes walk to the town centre, promenade, beach and the Gt. Orme.

• Once a Gentleman’s Residence; the property was converted to an exceptionally high standard in 2007 • Retaining the original charm and character, yet with modern living in mind.

• A two bedroom semi-detached cottage enjoying lovely mountain and estuary views.

• Situated for easy access to the centre of the village, the A55 expressway & the medieval town of Conwy.

• Porch, lounge and kitchen, bathroom and two bedrooms. Double glazed windows and gas central heating.

• To the outside there is a low maintenance enclosed courtyard to the rear.

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 2020 Page 45

£530,000 Mount Ida Road Prestatyn

Cefn Meiriadog Ref: WE6923

Ref: WP8566

• Stone built character property

• Breathtaking views

• Four Bedrooms

• Spectacular Views

• Five bedrooms

• Feature Balcony

• Sought After Location

• Detached House

• EPC E-54

£495,000

• EPC C 77

Dulas Close Llanddulas Ref: WR10619 • NEW DEVELOPMENT

• Semi detached houses

• Three bedrooms

• Open plan living

• Stylish modern kitchen

• Ground floor toilet

£199,950

Aysgarth Clayton Road Ref: RH1585

£295,000

Blairmore House St Asaph Ref: WR9174

£525,000

• Wonderful Family Home

• In Need Of Some Modernisation

• Five-bedroom detached house

• Set in approx 2 acres of grounds

• No Onward Chain

• Stunning Gardens

• Landscaped gardens with stream

• Woodland & paddock area

• Close To Town Centre

• Countryside Walks Close By

• Spacious kitchen diner

• Annex - Bedroom & En-suite

Making property dreams come true throughout North Wales

Conwy based Mainly Money Matters can help with: First Time Buyers | Home Movers | Remortgages | Help to Buy | Buy to let | Let to Buy | Right to Buy | Holiday Lets | Shared Ownership

In addition: Life Insurance | Critical Illness Insurance | Income Protection | Buildings and Contents Insurance Contact us for a FREE initial consultation 07882 136015 siobhan@mainlymoneymatters.co.uk www.mainlymoneymatters.co.uk

Mainly Money Matters is a trading style of 163 Consulting Limited, who are an appointed representative of HL Partnerships Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

163 Consulting Limited is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 09011721. The registered company address is 60 Willclare Road, Birmingham, B26 2NT

Lending a hand

One thing that this global pandemic has taught all of us is that we cannot predict the future. When the coronavirus first took hold in March last year, I doubt anyone would have predicted that house prices would rise in Wales during 2020. Yet, Principality Building Society’s House Price Index* has shown exactly that. The average house price in Wales is now £196,165. In the third quarter of 2020 the area with the highest increase in price was Gwynedd, which saw a price increase of 14.6%.

The mortgage market continues

permanent home office, have you considering using equity

to be a tough place for those with

from your home to pay for these home improvements? I have

small deposits. However, there

some top tips if you are considering this as an option. Firstly,

have been some encouraging

do your research and speak to a local estate agent to find our

signs at that start of 2021 with an

what your property is valued at now and what the value could

increased number of mortgage

increase to when you complete the work. Secondly, speak

lenders offering 90% mortgages

to an independent mortgage broker about your remortgage

for both first-time buyers and

options, they will need to look at your income and outgoings

home movers.

to make sure you can afford the increased amount. Thirdly, make sure you have building quotes prepared before you

In September 2020 there was

remortgage so that you know exactly how much you need.

some good news for first-time buyers in Wales, as the Help to Buy Wales scheme which was due to end on 31st March 2021, has been extended until at least March 2022. However, the price cap

Whatever your current circumstances it is important that you regularly review your mortgage as it is likely to be your largest financial commitment – and you need to make sure that it is still the best fit for you. n

will be reduced from £300,000 to £250,000. * More information on the Principality House Price Index Over the last year the changes to lending criteria made by

can be found at: www.principality.co.uk/mortgages/house-

banks and building societies have been many. Changes

price-index

include how much they will lend you based on your income, their willingness to accept furlough payments as income, how they consider self-employed income and their readiness to accept bonus payments. With such challenging criteria to navigate, it is more important than ever to take advice from a mortgage broker, who will work to find you the best option for your circumstances.

If you don’t plan to move but spent much of last year

Siobhan Watson is the North Wales based mortgage and protection adviser for Mainly Money Matters, an independent and whole-of-market mortgage advice firm specialising in residential, buy-to-let and holidaylet mortgages.

daydreaming about a new kitchen, an extension or a

NWM 2021 Page 49

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

NWM 2021 Page 51

Business students go global Students on Wrexham Glyndwr University business courses have been given free global networking opportunities.

Wrexham Glyndwr University has joined institutions

a dedicated webinar

across the world in offering its students membership of the

explaining the work of

international Business Graduates’ Association network.

the BGA having already taken place for those

The British Graduates’ Association is an international

currently studying with

membership and quality assurance association, which has

the University. BGA

brought together leading business schools across the globe

Membership is the among

since its inception in 1967. As a member of the Association,

the latest additions to the

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s Business school joins those

work of Wrexham Glyndwr

at fellow BGA institutions across the world, including the

University’s Business

Paris School of Business, Glasgow University, Imperial College

school, whose academics have also been running research

London, St Petersburg State University, and many more.

projects at local, national and international levels over the

Dr Simon Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Life Sciences at Wrexham Glyndwr University

past year – seeking to change lives regionally, nationally “The BGA brings together world-leading businesses schools

and internationally with their work.

and we’re delighted that business students across our courses are able to enjoy the benefits of BGA Network

The schools industry-standard, career-focussed teaching

membership – as part and parcel of their studies with us,”

remains at the heart of its work – with fresh links being

said Wrexham Glyndwr University Dean of the Faculty of

regularly forged with businesses across the region and

Social and Life Sciences, Dr Simon Stewart. “As students at a

beyond.

Business School with BGA Membership, they get free access to the Association’s global network of students and graduates,

“While 2020 was not the year any of us may have

helping them to develop contacts in their subjects and

envisaged, we’ve been proud to have helped businesses

specialities around the world – and linking them to the global

large and small – and businesspeople from all walks of

business community.

life – over the past 12 months,” added Dr Stewart. “Whether we have offered that helping hand through our research,

“They can also benefit from the work of the BGA Career

through the staff development our courses can offer,

Development Centre, and enjoy discount offers, events, and

through our industry partnerships, or through our ever-

webinars alongside tools such as a CV builder. With a truly

expanding network of alumni, we’ve been proud to support

international outlook, our BGA Membership is yet another

the North Wales business community during a tough time.

reason why there’s never been a better time to consider

It’s something we’re certainly looking to continue as we

studying at Wrexham Glyndwr University.”

face the fresh opportunities that 2021 will bring.” n

Signing up is simple, easy, and free for all students on

To find out more about the Business Graduates

Wrexham Glyndwr University Business courses – with

Association, visit: businessgraduatesassociation.com

Wrexham Glyndwr University runs a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and short courses covering all aspects of business – with courses available both at the University’s North Wales campuses and delivered entirely online. If you are thinking about a degree in Business, you can meet Wrexham Glyndwr University’s academic team to find out more about their courses and the career options they could open up for you at a dedicated Experience Event.

Whether you are looking to set up your own business, retrain in your career or continue your education, North Wales Business school is the perfect place to take those next steps. The next Business Virtual Event runs between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, February 10th – for more information, and to book your place, visit: https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/Howtoapply/VisitGlyndwrUniversity/ExperienceEvents/

NWM 2021 Page 53

MAGAZINE

Business NEWS Boost your financial wellbeing through payroll savings Covid-19 has affected every one of us in some way or another and aside from the health toll it has caused, the financial impact has been far reaching. The unpredictable nature of the times in which we live has made a savings pot

Adapting to the new normal during Covid-19 restrictions

or person-centred finance more important than ever. With

We are all having to adapt to the “new normal” during

support the financial welfare of staff and contributes to

the Covid-19 restrictions, and lawyers at Lanyon Bowdler

ensuring ethical and affordable savings and loans for the

are reassuring businesses that help is always available.

local community. It costs organisations nothing to become

During the latest national lockdown, the law firm’s offices

a payroll partner and in doing so they are protecting their

in North Wales are open for appointments only, and anyone

staff, because research shows that when someone is more

requiring legal assistance is being asked to get in touch by

financially stable, they have lower levels of stress, which

phone, email or via the website in the first instance. Edward

makes them more productive and motivated – and less

Nutting, head of the firm’s Conwy office, said people’s

likely to fall absent. A study by the Chartered Institute of

safety was the most important priority, but by embracing

Personnel and Development found that money worries

technology lawyers could still provide support even in the

were the biggest source of stress to UK employees. Forty

strictest lockdown. “The pandemic has actually meant we

organisations are payroll partners with Cambrian Credit

have been very busy in a number of areas, with businesses

Union including local authorities, housing associations,

and individuals needing to grapple with a range of new

health boards and a whole range of private businesses.

legal issues,” he explained. “Specialists in our employment

Schemes such as this are essential at a time when

team have been working closely with businesses assisting

household debt continues to rise during such challenging

them with the intricacies of the furlough scheme and other

times. Covid-19 has caused a wide-spread economic crisis

government support packages. It’s important to stress that

but furlough, loss of earnings and unemployment has also

we are all here to help, whether at the end of a telephone

reinforced how important it is to become financially resilient

or on a video call, and where the situation requires, we

for the future. Even before the Coronavirus, the Money

can still arrange face-to-face meetings with strict safety

Advice Service estimated that 8.3 million in the UK were

measures in place. We would be grateful if you could use

over-indebted, and that 22 per cent of UK adults had less

our letterbox to drop off documents and avoid entering

than £100 in savings – making them highly vulnerable to

the building unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.

a financial shock. Cambrian Credit Union’s workplace loan

This pandemic has been, and continues to be, extremely

scheme allows staff to make repayments fuss-free, direct

challenging for all of us and we will continue to go above

from their salary. Loans come with no hidden charges and

and beyond to ensure our clients have access to the legal

no penalties for early repayment, with interest is charged

support they need.”

on the reducing balance.

www.lblaw.co.uk

www.cambriancu.com

Page 54 NWM 2021

Cambrian Savings and Loans’ payroll partner scheme, you can build up a savings pot or pay off a loan directly from your wages before you have the chance to miss (or spend!) it. For employers, a payroll partnership with Cambrian helps

Team Atherton win investor backing Atherton Bikes has secured the backing of a syndicate of eight angel investors from North Wales. Six new lead investors and 57 new angel investors registered with Angels Invest Wales in 2020 with angel investment activity across Wales reaching a high with almost £2 million being invested in nine deals. Lead investor syndicates invested £1.045m which leveraged £931.8k of match funding by the Wales Angel Co-investment Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Wales. Over 230 angels have now registered their interest in investing in From left to right: Dan Atherton, Piers Linney of Dragons Den, Rachel Atherton and Gee Atherton

Welsh businesses. Based in Llanrhaedr, Atherton Bikes Limited secured the backing of lead investor Rhys Owen.

As part of a syndicate of eight angel investors from North Wales, they raised over £76,000 with a further £76,000 from the Wales Angel Co-investment Fund. Dragon’s Den

investment Fund provides Welsh business with a key

star Piers Linney is also an investor in the business. “As

source of alternative finance through the encouragement

an angel investor, there are lots of benefits in sharing risk

of more active angel investment. The five-year fund

and knowledge with like-minded co-investors,” said Rhys.

supports the creation of angel syndicates and networks

“The long-term support of the Development Bank of Wales

across Wales by providing loans and equity up to

is also really important. By working together, we will create

£250,000 to investors looking for co-investment.

real value for Atherton’s.” The £8 million Wales Angel Co-

developmentbank.wales

Virtual networking event announced

Fully funded leadership programmes available 20Twenty (Bangor University) is offering fully funded leadership programmes to businesses in North

FSB North Wales is hosting

East Wales (Flintshire, Wrexham

a virtual networking event

and Powys). This CMI level 4

on Friday 5th February

programme helps managers make

at midday. This is a good

good decisions, improve their

chance to join this regular

performance, develop resilience,

networking group to meet

deal with complexity and simplicity,

other like-minded business

incentivize and innovate. An overall

contacts, nurture existing

theme throughout the programme is to help you develop your mind-set

ones and hear about what other small businesses are

to cope with challenges and change, and to develop mental toughness. This

doing to survive these tough

is the last fully funded cohort for the Chartered Management Institute Level

times. The FSB plans to hold

4 programme, and it is aimed at both managers and team leaders. Starting

these short sessions on a

on 22nd April, the programme takes just seven days over the course of

regular basis to allow the

three months, and is designed to build your leadership capabilities. Learn

regions small businesses,

how to confidently tackle common performance issues and deal effectively

whether they are members

with conflict, manage change effectively, build your skills in key business

or not, to form a virtual

areas such as marketing strategies and managing finance, and explore a

community. This event is

range of innovation strategies to harness new ideas to develop your area of

free to all.

responsibility. For further information on this fully funded programme, which

www.fsb.org.uk

has been valued at £4,000, please email Jackie Whittaker. j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk

NWM 2021 Page 55

MAGAZINE

Page 56 NWM 2020

Learning from home Some significant concerns were raised by Wales’ future

well as a huge timetable of live lessons, ranging from 25 for

generations commissioner Sophie Howe on the “patchy

Year 7 to 28 for Year 11. Years 12 and 13 are continuing to

and inconsistent” online learning methods being utilised

follow their normal timetable.

by schools across the country during the latest educational lockdown. This is not the case at Rydal Penrhos.

In addition, pupils are meeting with each other and their form tutors on a daily basis. Cooking is continuing and there will

While there remains plenty of uncertainty surrounding

also be some live sessions in the coming weeks that pupils

when schools will actually re-open, staff at Rydal Penrhos

can participate in from the comfort of their own kitchens. Live

have worked incredibly hard to put together a diverse and

workout sessions are taking place at the end of the day, led

engaging online learning provision that is not too dissimilar to

by our fantastic staff and attended by pupils and some brave

what they experience on-site.

members of staff, which have been implemented to improve wellbeing and take away some of the stresses of day-to-day life.

The school’s senior leadership team, together with teaching and support staff, are striving to ensure that each pupil’s goals

Pupils have also been provided with time to share and

are met and there is no loss of learning despite the current

reflect. PSHE lessons are being utilised, allowing children

COVID-19 restrictions. It has taken a considerable amount of

time to talk about their mental health and share any ideas

planning over recent weeks in readiness for the inevitability

that they may have.

of a second lockdown period. This was worth its weight in gold, with pupils of all ages hitting the ground running with

All these little things make a substantial difference. Attaining

a clear, concise online learning programme that has been

some semblance of normality in troubled times is absolutely

supported in full by the school’s incredible parent group.

critical to a child’s learning and with the structured online learning, together with constant support and guidance,

In our prep school the pre-school is open fully between 8:30

pupils at Rydal Penrhos are being put in the best possible

and 17:30, and is continuing with all lessons except swimming

position to maintain their high educational standards and

and coastal school. Reception and Year 1 have four live lessons

attain specific objectives. n

per day and one small group lesson, while Years 2 to 6 have six live lessons per day, plus form time and assemblies. All classes have 30 minutes of physical activity lesson each day, and specialist lessons in music, art, RE, Welsh and Spanish are continuing for all year groups.

Meanwhile, in the senior school, pupils have six form time

Sally Ann Harding is Senior School Head of Rydal Penrhos. She is about to embark on her 28th year at the school and her 40th in the teaching profession

sessions and five optional workout sessions each week, as

NWM 2021 Page 57

MAGAZINE

EDUCATION NEWS Glyndwr students chat to broadcasting professionals

St David’s College set to nurture pupils St David’s College aim is a simple one – to create

Broadcast professionals have given students at Wrexham

a unique whole person

Glyndwr University an insight of what it’s like to be

education centred on

at the heart of the action – and tips on building their

the individual, built on

own careers. BBC 6 Music presenter Nemone Metaxas

Christian principles, and

(pictured) and Radio Five Live presenter and podcaster

embedded in a family

Chris Warburton spoke to Creative Media Students at

atmosphere. Taking a

Wrexham Glyndwr University as part of the ongoing

“whole person” approach,

Creative Futures sessions at the university. The sessions

allows the college to find

– which were digitally-delivered through Zoom – allowed

the true gifts of every individual and tailor their education

the students to hear the industry professionals in

accordingly. St David’s take the time to discover and unwrap

conversation with senior lecturer at Glyndwr, Graeme

each child’s gift by cultivating their interests in academic

Park, and pick up advice on building a career in the

or extra-curricular areas, while recognising and nurturing

media, working with

extraordinary character traits. Its bespoke education package

audiences – and how to

allows each child to grow much further than just simply

deal with fast-moving

gaining the knowledge to pass exams.

news stories and celebrity

www.stdavidscollege.co.uk

interviews. Nemone, who currently presents the 6 Mix on 6 Music, talked to students about how she worked her way from reception at Kiss 102 in Manchester through to Radio One, 6 Music and beyond – as well as talking about her work as a qualified psychotherapist. “I would stay after my stint in reception and writing sales reports, and learn how all the equipment worked,” she explained.

“I felt at home in the studio and I just wanted to know how it worked, I wanted to be able to play records, I just kind wanted more of it – but it meant 12-hour days of doing reception, staying behind, and then going and doing my bar job – but I did it.” Speaking afterwards, Graeme added: “Glyndwr’s Creative Futures events may be somewhat different right now – but our guests have adapted brilliantly and these two sessions really played to Chris and Nemone’s strengths. I’d like to thank both of them very much.” www.glyndwr.ac.uk

Rydal Penrhos reforms CCF Centre The Combined Cadet Force at Rydal Penrhos has gone from strength-to-strength since its reformation. It has quickly become a hugely popular addition to the enrichment programme and continues the rich history of tradition regarding the Armed Forces and the school. Captain Alun Brown, Sergeant Phil Hilton and other dedicated staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that the CCF scheme not only got off on the right foot, but also provided each pupil with some valuable skills, a sense of belonging and additional responsibility that is sure to serve their overall development well throughout the remainder of their education and in later life. The group has its very own CCF Centre located onsite, which is their base for weekly sessions and for special events. It also has a new archives area, where visitors can delve a little deeper into the CCF over the decades at Rydal Penrhos, offering an insight into the history of the Cadet Corps and reminding us of its important role in offering current pupils more amazing opportunities to extend their learning. This area includes a recent gift donated by Professor Robert Atenstaedt, a current Prep School parent, who came across an old Rydal Penrhos Officer Training Corps badge from years gone by, which now takes pride of place within the centre. The CCF Centre, although yet to be officially opened because of current COVID-19 regulations, offers pupils at the school one of the best training facilities in Wales and indeed the UK. rydalpenrhos.com

Page 58 NWM 2021

NWM 2020 Page 59

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• Home Cooked Lunch • High Tea • Breakfast Provisions • All Bills included • Community Alarm Service • Washing and ironing done weekly • Room cleaned weekly We can help arrange a visit to any of our houses whilst adhering to Covid-19 policies to see if the prospect of communal living is for you.

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Walking

world

THE ASCENT OF MYNYDD RHIW

There are some spectacular and remote walking locations at the western end of the Llŷn Peninsula, and as a destination for a walk

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J Distance: 3.5 miles/5.63 kilometres J Time: Allow 2.5 – 3.0 hours J Start: There is small free car park on a minor

in North Wales it is well worth exploring and getting to know. Many

lane just before a cattle grid – the lane runs

of the routes can be fairly challenging and the sea is nearly always

north from the village of Rhiw. The car park

in sight with the views generally stunning. This route is not too long

is at the northern end of Mynydd Rhiw and is

and would make a good morning or afternoon outing but could easily

marked on the Ordnance Survey map just east

be made longer by making a lunch stop along the way. The walk

of the stone axe factory

climbs to the summit of Mynydd Rhiw which at 997 ft./304 metres is the highest point at the western end of the Llŷn Peninsula. The actual top is a raised rocky area with a trig point and is near a high communications mast which is visible for miles around. The upper areas of Mynydd Rhiw are a superb place to be with extensive views

J Grid Ref: SH 237298 J Nearest postcode: LL53 8AD J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey OL Explorer 253 – Llŷn Peninsula West

J What to expect: The walk uses paths and

in all directions. This little gem of a hill rises above the stunning

tracks which are generally easy to follow but

sweep of Hells Mouth (Porth Neigwl) and you will get great views of

can be rough and get muddy after heavy rain.

it on the climb up Mynydd Rhiw. Other points of interest in view as

Route finding is straightforward and there

you climb and traverse the summit are the isolated top of Carn Fadryn

are a few stiles to cross. There is a reasonable

and the distance triple topped Yr Eifl Massif in the Rivals hill range

amount of steepish ascent and a longish

as well as the distant Snowdonian peaks. The walk is a neat circular

descent at the end of the walk.

paths and tracks that are straightforward to walk on and the descent

J Suitable for: Fit regular hill walkers of all ages.

J Dogs: OK on leads J Refreshments: Abersoch and Aberdaron are

from the top back to the car park is easy to follow. Mynydd Rhiw takes

the nearest villages of any size. Pwllheli is

its name from the small village of Rhiw which is just south of it, and

further away but has more facilities in the

on the lower northern slopes of the hill there are the remains of a

way of shops, cafés and pubs

one which starts by exploring the lower slopes of Mynydd Rhiw along some charming footpaths. The higher terrain across the summit has

Neolithic stone axe factory comprising of five circular hollows and this is considered the most important site of its kind in Wales.

NWM 2021 Page 61

2 Museum Porth Swtan or Church Bay

National Trust

Gadlys

Nature reserve Other touristfeature Parking

MAGAZINE

Swtan

START/ FINISH

WALK DETAILS

Park and ride, allyear

Park and ride, seasonal

Pen-y-Mynydd

Phone; public, emergency Picnic site

START

Preserved railway

Exit the car park to go left down the lane. Shortly go right over

Public house(s) Public toilets

a stile and take the descending path beyond that heads half left.

5

Recreation, leisure or spo r ts centre Slipway

Keep a wall over right to descend to a surfaced access track just right of a cattle grid.

Theme or pleasure pa rk Viewpoint

3

Visitor centre

Points of interest on this section

Walks or trails

J As you descend the field the mountains of Snowdonia are

Water activities (board)

Water activities (paddle)

visible in the distance while nearer to you is the isolated summit

Water activities (powered)

4

of Carn Fadryn with the pointed tops of the Yr Eifl massif in the

Water activities (sailing)

Watersports centre (multi-activity)

Rivals beyond

World Heritage site / area

2 Cross the track and go half right to reach a wall right of a gate. Head downhill with the wall left to pass the cottage of

The summit of Mynydd Rhiw

Great Orme

Torbant. Continue downhill by the wall to pass through a gate.

Follow the descending path beyond and as it opens out pass https://openstreetmap.org/copyright

https://openstreetmap.org Llandud

no Cab

le Car

post and crossroad of paths and go ahead to a second marker

Copyright OpenStreetMap and contributors, an open licencePick up the cottage or Nyth-y-Gog still keeping the under wall left.

post and crossroad of paths and go ahead again. Rise under

an access track and continue on this. At a surfaced area and

overhead cables to cross another awkward stile in a fence/

junction of tracks continue ahead (half right really). In a short

wall. Go ahead to a track and go right on this towards the mast

distance take a path right which rises into coniferous woodland

on Mynydd Rhiw. Rise to a point about 100 metres before the

and soon becomes wider. Near the forest end reach a marker

mast and buildings where the track splits. Stay left and in a few

post and fork in the path. Leave the main path to go half right

paces go left on a wide track to go right and walk along a rocky

on a narrower path. Exit the forest via a stone stile in a wall

ridge to the trig point on the summit of Mynydd Rhiw.

and take a path half right which rises above the track left. Pass through low trees and continue on the path as these thin out.

Points of interest on this section

At a junction of paths (by a little marker post) continue ahead

J As you climb Mynydd Rhiw take time to look back for some

through fern and scattered trees. Rise to a track and continue

spectacular views of the bay and beach of Hells Mouth (Porth

to climb to a marker post. Here take the right fork to rise to a

Neigwl). This was much feared by sailors and a ship caught

wall. Continue ahead over a high stone stile taking the rising

between its enclosing jaws was almost certainly doomed. The

path beyond. Continue between walls and then with a wall right

beach is great for surfing but very dangerous for swimming

to pass a cottage. Pass through a large gate to reach a surfaced

J Mynydd Rhiw - at 997 ft./304 metres this is the highest point

track. Go right passing a cottage to rise steeply to a lane.

at the western end of the Llŷn Peninsula

3 Go left down the lane to curve right around St. Aelrhiw’s Church near a junction left. Rise beyond the Church for a short

5 From the summit descend the rocks towards the mast to take a wide track towards the mast and buildings. At a track

distance to a point where the lane bends left just after The

junction take the main track to reach the mast/buildings. Go

Rectory right.

right in front of these to descend past two upright telegraph poles to reach a track. Cross it and go half left on a rising track

Points of interest on this section

to pass a wind shelter on an elevated mound. Descend to pick

J St. Aelrhiw’s Church is dedicated to the sixth century St.

up a wall right and when this bends right a track comes in half

Aelrhiw and dates from the 18th century but is built on the site

left from behind. Stay ahead on the main track to descend and

of a much older building

re-join the wall. Cut left to follow it again. When the wall bends right and the track goes right stay ahead on a track to reach a

4 Leave the lane to go right and then pass through a gate left and leave the approach track to the Old Rectory. Go half left up the field beyond to pass a telegraph pole and fence corner.

Continue half left to the top left corner of the field and a junction of walls. Use steps to cross a stone stile over an embankment and continue to rise up the left side of the next field. In the top left corner cross an awkward stone stile. Go ahead past a telegraph post to reach an access track. Go left for a short distance and as you reach a fenced off white house, take grass track right by a telegraph pole. Rise up the hillside to a marker

Page 62 NWM 2021

track junction. Go right to descend to the car park. n 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.

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MAGAZINE

Community

News

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay – a safe haven for you to enjoy life

Romantic retreat

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay, a

from it all, then look no further than Llety

registered charity, is highly

Tyddynmawr, a beautiful bolthole with

respected and experienced

amazing views. Surrounded by the peace

both in the local community and

and tranquillity of Southern Snowdonia, Llety

nationally, attracting people

Tyddynmawr forms part of a lovingly restored

from all over the country, mainly

stone farmhouse, on a mountain farm, just

through recommendation such is

three miles from the historic town of Dolgellau.

the ‘feel good factor’ surrounding

This private, one-bedroom annexe has the

the houses. We offer safe, secure accommodation in three houses in

most stunning, panoramic views, with direct

Colwyn Bay and Rhos on Sea. All the houses are in lovely residential

access to the Cader Idris mountain footpaths

areas, part of the community and have good access to the local shops and

straight from the doorstep. Throw open the

amenities. Our houses are professionally run and emphasis is on caring

French doors and take in the fresh mountain

for the residents’ well-being; providing home cooked meals, cleaning and

air while admiring the breath-taking scenery.

company while allowing them to continue living a full and independent

A very romantic spot which is ideal for a

life, following their own interests. Our houses have been renovated to

couple which is looking for pure privacy.

a high standard, including lovely gardens for the residents to enjoy.

www.originalcottages.co.uk

If you’re planning a summer break away

Prospective residents can arrange a visit to our houses while adhering to Covid-19 policies to see if the prospect of communal living is for you.

The Society has welcomed two new residents in recent weeks, while adhering to Covid-19 rules. Abbeyfield can take all of the worry away from you and ensure you are safe and well cared for, while being in the company of likeminded people. Don’t sit at home feeling lonely and worried for the future, join our lovely residents in the Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Society. www.abbeyfield.com

More people in North Wales sign up to Cambrian Savings and Loans

in the current economic turmoil. From January to December

It’s been a tough year for many people across North Wales

to deliver Tenancy Saver Loans, enabling those struggling

but as the only ethical, community-based savings and loans

with debt arrears across the region keep their homes. The

provider in the region, Cambrian Credit Union is recording

majority of Cambrian’s offices stayed open on reduced hours

significant membership growth. In 2020, the credit union

as tighter restrictions were imposed on essential travel

welcomed more than 1,600 new members, extended its digital

by the Welsh government. But that didn’t stop the team

accessibility and has worked hard to keep some offices

from opening a new branch – in the premises of a defunct

open at key times despite the Coronavirus lockdown. “The

Money Shop – on the High Street in Rhyl to coincide with

challenges we’ve all faced in 2020 have been unprecedented

International Credit Union Day. “Cambrian Credit Union is all

and our staff have gone above and beyond to help members

about community and we have certainly played our role in

access savings and loans with minimal fuss despite the

the locality by helping people wherever possible at this time

difficult circumstances, said general manager Ann Francis.

of need,” added Ann. “We look forward to the coming year in

“We treat everyone as a person, not a credit score, and that

the hope community life will begin to return to normal. But

person-centred approach has seen membership grow at a

whatever lies before us Cambrian Credit Union will be here

time when times aren’t straightforward.” As the largest credit

serving the needs of those communities to the best of our

union in Wales, Cambrian has been issuing a greater number

abilities.”

of smaller loans, supporting those who need a helping hand

www.cambriancu.com

Page 64 NWM 2021

2020, they loaned £2,144,500 to 3,500 members across the region. Cambrian has also partnered with Welsh Government

Septic tank legislation has changed – is yours up to code?

The handling of wastewater in rural locations may not

at first sound like a subject that would grab everyone’s immediate interest, but changes in legislation over the last 14 months now mean that property owners, or residents living in properties that use a septic tank or water treatment systems, face increased legal responsibility to ensure that they are complying with the new regulations

Local business wins top award

or may face penalties. The “General Binding Rules” mean

Local estate and letting agents, auctioneers and chartered

must have plans in place to replace it or upgrade the foul

surveyors – Williams & Goodwin The Property People – are

water solution within a reasonable timescale, typically

delighted to have received an award in the inaugural Bangor

12 months, or sooner if the property is due to be sold. So,

First High Street Business Awards. Voting was cast by

what are your options? Connect to a mains sewer – if one

members of the public, in several categories with the offices

is close enough. Install a drainage field – only if you have

of tppuk.com, based on the longest High Street in the UK

enough suitable land. Or replace your existing septic tank

being recognised as: Best Independent Business in Bangor.

with a more efficient, modern sewage system. If you would

“The Bangor High Street Awards aimed to celebrate the

like to discuss your requirements then Clarke Contractors

hard work and contribution of the many great businesses

are a North Wales based company which has a wealth of

on our local High Street, and in such a challenging year for

experience and so can offer advice and is happy to help in

everyone it was an honour to be voted the winner by the

any way it can.

many customers we have been able to carry out business

info@clarkecontractors.co.uk

anyone with a septic tank discharging into a watercourse

with this year,” commented office manager Nadine Parry.

Bangor High Street has over 300 businesses with Williams & Goodwin being delighted to be shortlisted in a number of categories. Melfyn Williams concluded: “We are honoured to be recognised and proud of our team at Bangor who have worked tremendously as a team to help people move this year, we believe its our people that set us apart and the experience or ‘service’ our clients receive is what makes the difference.” www.tppuk.com

A problem shared

If you have a problem which needs solving, Katie Baker (pictured), of Lanyon Bowdler’s dispute resolution team in Conwy, is a good person to have on your side. The nature of her job means that people get in touch when they have a problem which needs resolving, often something that has been troubling them for some time – or has reached a point where they cannot see a resolution. Katie’s job is to listen to the issue they have, gather as much information regarding the issue as possible and then provide them with careful and considered advice on how best to resolve the issue. As a result Katie, who studied Law at Cardiff University before completing the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Christleton, finds that the best thing about her job is being able to unburden clients by working closely with them and finding a solution to their legal issues, however complex they may be. Litigation can be extremely stressful, particularly if you find yourself in a situation you didn’t expect to be in, so instructing a solicitor to handle your case should make you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders, and reassure you that there is light at the end of the tunnel. www.lblaw.co.uk

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

February’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant Aries (March 21st – April 20th) Friendships will be a little strained as January gives way to February. Your focus will be on making money, which could keep you from spending as much quality time with loved ones as you should. A work opportunity involving a cultural or charitable organisation could arrive during the second half of the month.

Libra (September 24th – October 23rd) Your love life could be a little chaotic throughout early February. If you’ve recently embarked on a romance, resist the urge to speed up the courtship process. It’s best to let your relationship develop gradually. Do you already have a partner? Caring conversations can pave the way to passion; don’t jump straight to physical gratification.

Taurus (April 21st – May 21st) February has lots of career opportunities for you, but you must be flexible when considering them. Taking a job in an industry that has never appealed to you could be a blessing in disguise. You might find you have a hidden talent for this kind of work. The New Moon on the 11th could be the catalyst that forces the issue. Be open to exploring influences and ideas.

Scorpio (October 24th – November 22nd) Family interactions will be stressful at the beginning of February. It’s possible several of your relatives won’t approve of someone who has entered your life and seems to have a deep effect on your thoughts and feelings. By the time the New Moon rises on the 11th, you’ll be ready to take a stand. If that means enacting a temporary separation from your kin, so be it.

Gemini (May 22nd – June 21st) Legal matters could occupy most of your time and attention. There’s a chance you’ll be disappointed by an official decision. If you experience a setback, keep your chin up. The New Moon on the 11th will force you to go public with a secret. If you’re unemployed, you could have a successful interview. A firm offer to work from home will arrive near the 27th, courtesy of the Full Moon.

Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st) A demanding schedule will exhaust you during the first two weeks of February. Take every opportunity to rest, relax and recharge your batteries during this busy time. On the 11th, the New Moon will put you in contact with someone who seems to deliberately misunderstand you.

No matter how many times you try to explain your intentions, they will attribute bad motives to you.

Cancer (June 22nd – July 23rd) Beware of mixing friendship and romance in early February. Although you may be irresistibly attracted to someone you’ve known for years, you aren’t well suited as partners. On the 11th, a financial windfall will come your way, but it will have strings attached. Carefully consider whether you want to be connected to someone who will manage the dispersal of a group fund.

Capricorn (December 22nd – January 20th) February’s financial opportunities won’t be what they appear. Resist the temptation to put all your eggs in one basket. The inspirational and energising New Moon on the 11th brings a potential packed patch for all financial matters, but you’ll have to be creative and share your forwardthinking enthusiasm with others to build a team of like-minded go getters.

Leo (July 24th – August 23rd) Striking a healthy balance between your personal and professional lives will be challenging at the beginning of February. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting your loved one on the 11th, when the New Moon will compel you to refresh your commitment. If you don’t, there’s a good chance the relationship will end. Your allure will be heightened during the second half of the month.

Aquarius (January 21st – February 19th) At the beginning of the month, family will pull you one way while you attempt to move in quite another direction. Anyone who tries to make you feel guilty for pursuing a dream doesn’t have your best interests at heart; they’re acting from selfish motives. The New Moon on the 11th will give you the courage to break away from a stifling situation.

Virgo (August 24th – September 23rd) Take good care of your health throughout the first half of the month.

Practicing relaxation techniques can alleviate persistent aches and pains.

Instead of over analysing problems, learn to release your anxiety. Cultivating contentment may be easier than you think, especially after the New Moon on the 11th. A dream job will be yours for the asking in late February.

Page 66 NWM 2020

Pisces (February 20th – March 20th) You might have to keep your thoughts to yourself at the beginning of February. Being entrusted with a big secret will make you worry about divulging sensitive information to the wrong person. It will be necessary to keep your thoughts organised and for most of the time, under wraps. The New Moon on the 11th will prompt you to undergo a spiritual journey.

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