JANuary 2020
! EE FR
MAGAZINE What’s othnly?
Your monlocal guide to ts even
Time to get fit!
MAKE 2020 THE YEAR YOU STICK TO YOUR RESOLUTION
The seven wonders of wales EXPLORING OUR AMAZING LANDMARKS
INSIDE J Competitions J Food & Drink J Homes & Interiors
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MAGAZINE
DEAR READER May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year?! This is the first time that we have published a January edition, and it is testament to our region that there are still so many events taking place at this time of year. There is absolutely no excuse therefore, not
a day adds up to quite a big change over the
to get out and about. Because, as we discuss
course of a year.
on page 31, getting out and moving around is absolutely the best thing that we can do for
So take this magazine as inspiration. Visit the
our health. It is said that a whopping 80% of
Seven Wonders of Wales. Go to as many events
New Year’s resolutions have been abandoned
as possible. Stroll around the art galleries and
by mid February, and when you think about
march along our fabulous beaches and, before
how extreme the majority of these resolutions
you know it, you will have improved your
are, that is perhaps no surprise.
health along with your local knowledge.
So start small this year, and make a realistic resolution that you are guaranteed to be able to stick to. Diets are out and walking is in! Small, incremental changes are the name of the game – because one small improvement
Kate Hamilton Founding Editor
J
In this issue...
Let’s all make an effort to get out and about this January!
We want to hear from you! 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 25,000 local readers every month then drop us a line. Prices start from just £75. sales@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk
Front cover credit: © Shutterstock
NWM 2020 Page 5
MAGAZINE
Page 6 NWM 2020
Contents
MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Kate Hamilton
09 What’s On
PUBLISHER
Your guide to local events taking place this January
16
The Big Picture
Anglesey is just as spectacular in the winter
19
Grant Hamilton
Beautiful boudoir
SALES MANAGER
Scott Lawson
16
MARKETING MANAGER
Carly Redgers
The photographer empowering local women
23
ART DIRECTOR
Simon Marriott
The seven wonders of Wales
CONTRIBUTORS
All of which are in the North!
26
Artist impression
Charles Tunnicliffe left quite a legacy
29 Competitions
19
There are two amazing prizes to win this month!
31
23
Fitness first
Is it time for a new you?
37
Food & Drink
The local wining, dining and culinary scene
49
CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk
Homes & Property
Get inspired by local homes and interiors
61 Walking Discover Dyserth Falls
64
whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk
31
Community news
A roundup of regional happenings
67
Steve Goodier Cai Ross Sally Ann Harding Frankie Hobro Alicia Cox Noelle Watson Lowri Llewelyn Julian Hughes Ali Hough Russell Grant John Crane Stephen Gregory Pete Greensmith Meurig Davies
In my opinion…
Our expert columnists share their thoughts
82 Horoscopes What does January have in store for you?
61
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
NWM 2020 Page 7
What’s on this...
JANUARY
2nd-18th
Jack and the Beanstalk The acclaimed rock ‘n’ roll panto continues into the new year with a brand-new script by Wales’ Christian Patterson, full of super slapstick, bonkers frocks, sparkling sets and the anarchic panto puppets! Phylip Harries shines as the Dame, Theatr Clwyd
1st
Porthdinllaen New Year’s Day Dip
4th
RNLI Porthdinllaen invites you to join the fun and meet the
Adult Flyers – Vertical Dance
crew this New Year’s Day. Held at Morfa Nefyn main beach,
Vertical dance is an exciting, emerging form of dance that
come in costume if you wish and brave the cold water! There
typically uses rock climbing equipment (ropes, harnesses,
will be a fee of £3 for those participating which includes a
abseil devices) to suspend dancers off the ground on a range of
medal and light refreshments after the dip at 11:30am. All
vertical surfaces. Join the fun at Venue Cymru at 3:30pm
proceeds go towards Porthdinllaen Lifeboat 1st
4th-5th
Join thousands of people dressed in ‘Roaring Twenties’
70 Years Young is André’s ultimate
costumes to brave the dip at Abersoch Beach to raise money
concert featuring musical highlights
for the Abersoch RNLI. Dip will take place at 12pm. Sponsorship
chosen by the Maestro himself from his
forms are available in the village at Abersoch Boatyard and
illustrious career so far. This unique
André Rieu: 70 Years Young
Abersoch New Year’s Day Dip
commemorative celebration will take
Abersoch Watersports shop
you on an unbelievable journey around the world. Bring your friends and kick off the New Year together in style, in the comfort of Ucheldre, with the most wonderful music
10th-11th
Take pART For two days enjoy 300+ workshops, drop-ins, talks, performances and loads of fun. Venue Cymru will host an explosion of arts and literature workshops and events. Visit the website for a complete schedule 11th
Harry Potter Festival Event Join Fleurble Laffalot at Venue 2nd-4th
Aladdin
Cymru between 3-4pm for a family friendly journey through
There’s still time for pantomime magic after the holidays at
J.K. Rowling’s much-loved books. Discover fun facts about the
Theatr Colwyn with Magic Light Productions hilarious stage
Harry Potter books as well as taking part in some of the key
performance
elements of life at Hogwarts
NWM 2020 Page 9
MAGAZINE
What’s on this...
JANUARY 11th
Anglesey Ultra The beautiful coastal Anglesey 10K, half, marathon and ultra-
14th
along cliffs shaped by the Irish Sea. Sign up with Endurance
Lucian Freud: A Self Portrait
Life to take part
For the first time in history the Royal Academy of Arts in
marathon course will take you over strenuous terrain and
London, in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts in 11th
Met Opera Live: Berg’s Wozzeck (Broadcast) Sung in German with English Subtitles, watch the
Boston, is bringing together Lucian Freud’s self-portraits. The exhibition will display more than 50 paintings, prints and drawings in which this modern master of British art turned his unflinching eye firmly on himself, 5.30pm & 8pm, Ucheldre Centre
operatic masterpiece set in apocalyptic pre-World War 1. Broadcast starts at
15th
5:55pm at the Ucheldre
An evening of Rugby with Sam Warburton
Centre
Take advantage of a one-off opportunity to share company and hear from the most capped Captain of the Wales International Rugby Team just after the World Cup in Japan and prior to the start of the 6 Nations Championships with Wales playing Italy in February. Tickets include a 3-course meal and charity auction at St. Georges Hotel in Llandudno
16th
ROH Ballet Live: The Sleeping Beauty
11th
Charity Fire Walk
This production of Sleeping Beauty has
Conquer the coals this January and raise vital funds for Marie
been delighting audiences in Covent Garden
Curie at the same time. Fire Walk will take place at the Mold
since 1946. A classic of Russian ballet, it
Rugby Club between 4:30pm-9pm
established The Royal Ballet both in its new home after World War II and as a world-class
11th-12th
company. The ballet is
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
sure to cast its spell over anyone who sees it. Broadcast
Join musician Andy Pidcock and members of the BBC
starts at 7pm at the
National Orchestra of Wales in a series of music workshops.
Ucheldre Centre
Andy will even let you try out various instruments from the orchestra and make some music! Doors open at 10am at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, 16th & 17th 12th
Wild Pheasant Wedding Fayre
Silver Jewellery by Sandra Roberts Sandra Roberts is making her wonderful jewellery at
All brides, grooms and wedding parties are invited to this
Afonwen. Made with Eco silver, which is reclaimed silver from
Winter pop-up Wedding Fayre, exclusively hosted at The Wild
the jewellery industry, much of Sandra’s inspiration comes
Pheasant Hotel & Spa from 11am-3pm
from nature, with all its lovely shapes and colours
Page 10 NWM 2020
NWM 2020 Page 11
GWENER / FRIDAY - IONAWR 24 JANUARY
GALERI, CAERNARFON GALERICAERNARFON.COM 01286 685222
What’s on this...
JANUARY
24th
North Wales Cabaret & Burlesque Festival Watch the Final Seren yn Codi (Rising Star) competition, featuring six of the hottest stars from the world of cabaret and burlesque, competing to achieve bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards. Show starts at 7:30pm
24th
Lovely Memories Made by Margaret Rose Sutherland This will be Margaret’s first time at the Afonwen centre, with her silk and contemporary art, mohair teddy bears, felt woodland animals with jointed limbs and head. She also
17th-22nd
makes beautiful patchwork memory bears
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
25th
Rey’s journey continues and the Skywalker saga
North Wales Author Expo 2020
concludes in ‘Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker’ at
A brand-new author showcase event taking place at the
Theatr Colwyn. Various showtimes available
Wrexham Enterprise Hub from 9am-6pm. Take part in workshops, listen to stories and meet interesting literary minds
18th
Craft & Artisan Fayre
25th
Set in the quaint, bustling 12th Century castle town of
Cyngerdd Santes Dwynwen
Beaumaris this Georgian hotel, plays monthly host to popular
Join Galeri Caernarfon’s resident pianist and singer and their
fairs in its ballroom with panoramic views of the Menai
special guest singer Lleuwen, in an evening of music filled
Straits and Snowdonia, accommodating 20 stallholders.
with love on Santes Dwynwen Day. Music starts at 7:30pm
Visitors receive free admission (10am - 4pm) and a 10% discount voucher to enjoy delicious refreshments in the hotel’s coffee lounge 19th
Imperial Hotel Wedding Fayre
25th
Nirvana UK + Special Guest MONKEY WRENCH (Foo Fighters Tribute) Hailed by Total Guitar as the best
Celebration Events Wedding Fayres
Nirvana tribute they have heard
are hosting the first Spring 2020
in years. NIRVANA UK, are
Wedding Fayre at the multi award-
a three-piece international
winning Imperial Hotel, on Llandudno’s
touring Nirvana tribute band
Promenade. Stop by between 12-4pm to
from Birmingham. Relive the
meet the team, tour the property, pick up a goody bag, a copy
live and loud experience at the
of Exquisite Weddings magazine and sample delicious food
Ucheldre Centre. Doors open at
and drinks
7:30pm 25th
Wedding Open Day 23rd
Clwb Comedi Club
Come to Talhentbont Hall between 12-3pm today and see for yourself
Little Wander and Pontio presents the January Comedy
what this amazing venue on the
Club featuring Rob Deering, Lloyd Langford and Danny
Llŷn Peninsula has to offer
McLoughlin. Show starts at 8pm at the Pontio Bangor
NWM 2020 Page 13
MAGAZINE
What’s on this...
JANUARY
31st
Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor is able to demonstrate weaving sticks and lucet cord makings at Afonwen today, where he makes woven scarves and cushion covers made from various yarns, including silk and alpaca 31st
Network She: Shine 2020 Business Event Are you starting your own business? Want to get advice from women who mean business? If so, pop this one on the calendar. With guest speakers like Danni Wallace, Jane Kenyon & Helen Williams, contact Ruth at Network She today to get your tickets or book a trade stand. The free event will run from 9:30am26th
Llandudno 10 Mile & Half Marathon
4:30pm at the Crowne Plaza, Chester
Start the year as you mean to go on, an ideal goal setter. Sign up with Run Wales to complete the challenge with the beautiful backdrop of Llandudno guiding your path
31st
WRU - Wales vs. Italy 31st Wales U20s play Italy U20s at
27th January – 1st Feb
Frankenstein
A new theatrical adaption of Mary
Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay this January. Gates open at 6:35pm, kick-off at 7:35pm
Shelley’s seminal 1818 gothic horror novel, Frankenstein, comes to Theatr Clwyd. Tickets priced from £10 are available at the Box Office
31st
29th
The North Wales Opera Studio will perform
ROH Opera Live: Puccini’s La Bohéme Puccini’s opera of young love in 19th Century Paris packed
Carmen Carmen by Bizet at Theatre Stiwt. Show starts at 7pm
with beautiful music will broadcast at the Ucheldre Centre at 7:45pm 29th
Emerging Tech Fest 2020
31st – 2nd January
The Gathering
Mike Peters of the Alarm invites you to Venue Cymru for a weekend of fantastic
Following the
music. The Gathering 2020 will be the
success of last
first UK show to feature the full electric
year, the 2020
ensemble of Mike Peters and The Alarm
event will bring
for some time and promises another eventful Gathering
together some
weekend for both fans and bands playing classics as well
of the most
as new songs like ‘Strength’ and ‘Sigma’. Tickets can be
innovative
purchased directly on The Alarm website
companies in Welsh technology with key sectors in North Wales such as tourism, energy and manufacturing, along with professional and business support. Doors open at 8:15am, free to attend
Page 14 NWM 2020
Are you organising or taking part in an event that should be covered in our what’s on listings? Then get in touch! whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk
MAGAZINE
Page 16 NWM 2020
The Big Picture Anglesey is the largest Welsh island coming in at 276 square miles – making it the fifth-largest island in Britain. You’ll find Ynys Mon, as it’s known in Welsh, located off the north-west coast of the mainland, separated by the Menai Strait. And off the island lies yet another island – Holy Island is Anglesey’s most westerly point and is home to large colonies of seabirds at South Stack which can be viewed from the RSPB’s Ellin’s Tower observatory. The reserve also has a visitor centre and a café with plenty of parking, making it a must-see when you come to Anglesey...
NWM 2020 Page 17
Sneak
peek Lowri Llewelyn talks to Lauren Hughes, the boudoir photographer helping women feel fabulous.
As another year bites the dust and the Quality Street tin sits empty, most of us are succumbing to the pressures of the dreaded January diet. But boudoir photographer Lauren sees things a little differently. From her studio in Rhos-on-Sea, she’s on a mission to help women celebrate their bodies just as they are. “Boudoir photography is something I had never come across until I got my first job in a photography studio,” she says. “One day we would shoot families, other days babies… and then we had a boudoir day. Three or four women came in, all different shapes and sizes, some more nervous than others. It was very feminine, with lots of girl talk – kind of like when you visit the nail salon and the women are all gossiping, spilling all to the technician! They would talk about their relationships, issues with their bodies, and by the end of the session they were usually completely naked without a care in the world. You come in feeling nervous, hating your hips, your cellulite, or your stretch marks, and leave feeling like a new woman. That is the magic of boudoir.”
NWM 2020 Page 19
MAGAZINE
As backlash mounts towards the media’s unrealistic and unattainable beauty standards, small but steady steps are being taken towards attaining fairer representation; most notably, in 2019 morbidly obese model Tess Holliday made the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. Though Lauren acknowledges Tess may be endangering her health, “From a photographer’s perspective, I think her message is great. She gives girls the confidence and love they should have for themselves, which in turn can help with physical and mental illnesses like anorexia and bulimia. I photograph women of all sizes and would love to photograph Tess just as much as any other woman.” But there’s a big difference between an internationally renowned model and regular women baring all for the camera. What, exactly, is luring so many of us to the studio? “I think boudoir photography gives women a taste of the spotlight. They say to themselves: ‘You know what, if she can do it, so can I’. You don’t have to be a model to pose in your Glamour and boudoir photography, of course, bring to mind
underwear; every woman is sexy in her own way.”
images of flawless Page 3 girls for most of us. “Boudoir is for everybody,” Lauren insists. “You might be celebrating a
As you may have noticed – no, she hasn’t been at the Quality
50th birthday, or maybe it’s a gift for hubby-to-be. It might
Streets – Lauren recently became a mother. Has her own self
just be because you feel like it.” And if the photos are a gift
image changed in that time? “Oh my God – nobody prepares
for that special someone? “I always tell my ladies to sneak
you for what your body goes through during pregnancy,
something out of the wardrobe – there’s nothing sexier
and especially afterwards! My body did not ‘bounce back’
than a woman wearing her man’s shirt!”
overnight. Unfortunately, that’s another false standard the
Page 20 NWM 2020
I USED TO THINK IT WAS THE ‘CORRECT’ WAY TO PHOTOSHOP EVERYTHING WE WOULD CONSIDER A FLAW, BUT OVER THE YEARS I’VE LEARNED IT’S NOT ABOUT ERASING OUR FLAWS, BUT ACCEPTING AND EMBRACING THEM
media has set. Of all the pregnant women I’ve photographed,
So, what exactly does a boudoir shoot involve? “I’ll
or even mothers after the fact, I have by far the most stretch
typically take the time to get to know a client before their
marks I have ever seen. But I’ve learned to love and accept
session. We chat and discuss outfits; I advise them to
them. They are evidence that my body made the most
bring as many as they want, because the more options I
beautiful boy I could wish for, and I couldn’t be happier. If
have, the more variation I can achieve. During the shoot
you’re reading this and thinking ‘I hate my post-baby body’,
I’ll usually have an assistant with me, who is responsible
don’t. You are a goddess!”
for helping my lady feel at ease and keeping an eye out for small imperfections like loose strands of hair, a tag poking
“I love making mums-to-be feel glamorous and unstoppable
out, or a dress that isn’t flowing in the right direction. I
whilst they’re feeling huge, exhausted and not very sexy,”
always have my ‘Independent Ladies’ playlist on, and will
continues Lauren, who specialises in maternity glam. “Being
use lighting to highlight a woman’s favourite and best
pregnant really takes a toll on your self image. When women
features. We sing along and have a giggle just like you
see my photos, they see women who are just like them: full-
would on a night out with the girls. The majority of my
time parents, working mothers, everyday people – all looking
friends were originally customers, so I really value the
amazing. It’s not all about size six models with zero cellulite;
friendships I’ve made through my job!” Lauren continues.
it’s about feeling empowered and beautiful during the most difficult time of our lives.”
“I have photographed so many women, all of whom have had different journeys through life. They’ve overcome
Whilst Lauren’s images are undoubtedly stunning, us
obstacles, and some have been to hell and back. But at the
creatives never stop learning. Has she made any mistakes
end of a shoot, they all have that sparkle in their eyes, that
along the way? “Photoshop is a huge subject when it comes
smile on their face and walk out feeling empowered.”
n
to boudoir – if you know your way around the software, you can pretty much achieve anything. It’s difficult to find an image that hasn’t been manipulated these days, especially on social media. I used to think it was the ‘correct’ way to remove everything we would consider a flaw, but over
To see more of Lauren’s work visit her on Facebook at @silhouettephotog, or to book your own session get in contact at info@silhouette-photography.co.uk
the years I’ve learned it’s not about erasing our flaws, but accepting and embracing them.”
NWM 2020 Page 21
Taith i Fienna Gwener 10 Ionawr, 7:30pm £17 | £16 dros 60 | £5 myfyrwyr a dan 18
A Journey to Fienna
Gŵyl y Gelli Gandryll a Pontio yn cyflwyno Hay Literary Festival and Pontio present
Behold, America: A History of ‘America First’ Noson yng nghwmni An Evening with
Sarah Churchwell
Friday 10 January, 7:30pm £17 | £16 over 60 |
£5 students and under 18
Theatr Bryn Terfel Iau 23 Ionawr, 7.30pm Thursday 23 January, 7.30pm
Theatr Bryn Terfel
£12 / £10
Trials of Cato + Tant
Gwe 17 Ionawr, 8pm
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
£14 | £13 gostyngiadau
Fri 17 January, 8pm £14 | £13 concessions
Theatr Bryn Terfel
Sadwrn 25 Ionawr, 11.30am + 2.30pm
Saturday 25 January, 11.30am + 2.30pm
£6.50 | £22 Tocyn Ffrindiau a Theulu
£6.50 | £22 Friends and Family Ticket
Stiwdio
Clwb Comedi January Ionawr Comedy Club Stiwdio Iau 23 Ionawr, 8pm
Studio Thur 23 January, 8pm
The Fureys Mercher 19 Chwefror, 7.30pm Wednesday 19 February, 7.30pm Theatr Bryn Terfel £20
£10.50 / £8.50 16+
Bangor
Studio
The original reference to the Seven Wonders of Wales actually comes from an anonymously written rhyme:
Lucky number
“Pistyll Rhaeadr and Wrexham Steeple Snowdon’s mountain without its people Overton Yew Trees, St Winefride’s Well Llangollen Bridge and Gresford Bells.” But, while the origin of the rhyme isn’t known,
Did you know that the Seven Wonders of Wales can all be found in the North?
that of the seven mentioned locations most certainly is. So, if history is your thing, read on to find out more about the seven most historic
Pistyll Rhaeadr
e
landmarks in North Wales…
Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, near Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant, is the highest waterfall in both England and
St Giles’ Church, Wrexham The 16th Century tower of St Giles’
Wales at an impressive 80 metres. Fed by water from the Berwyn Mountains, the waterfall is formed by the Afon Disgynfa falling in three stages into the Afon Rhaeadr below. There is a car park and café at the foot of the
miles. Referred to as a steeple in the
waterfall, making it a great place to
poem the tower, which is 135 feet high,
explore the Berwyn Mountains and
was completed in 1506. Over the pond,
surrounding hills from, with many
a half-size replica of the tower can be
walks available to suit a variety of
found at Yale University, which includes
walkers. And, if you fancy stopping
an original stone from St Giles’ tower. The
for a bit longer to soak up the
Grade I listed medieval Parish Church
atmosphere, a campsite is situated
itself is a whopping 180-feet long,
just a stone’s throw away from the
making it the largest of its type in Wales.
majestic waterfall…
e
Church in Wrexham can be seen for
Snowdon
The highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon stands 1,085 metres high. Located in Snowdonia National Park, Snowdon is the busiest mountain in the UK, and the third most visited attraction in Wales, with almost 600,000 visitors each year. The mountain can be climbed by a variety of routes, but the easiest way to reach the summit is via the Snowdon Mountain Railway which departs from Llanberis. And, whichever way you have reached the top, you can enjoy some refreshments at the Hafod Eryri visitor centre while admiring the stunning view.
NWM 2020 Page 23
MAGAZINE
e
The Yew Trees, Overton-on-Dee
These famous yew trees can be found in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, a church which dominates the high street of Overton-on-Dee in Wrexham. The majority of the 21 yew trees are believed to date back between 1,500 and 2,000 years, however one was planted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 in order to celebrate the 700th anniversary of a Royal Charter being granted to Overton
e
by Edward I in 1292.
St Winefride’s Well, Holywell St Winefride’s Well is located in Holywell, Flintshire. It is a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument that has attracted pilgrims for more than 1,000 years. Legend has it that the Well’s waters have healing powers, which perhaps explains why it is the oldest continually visited pilgrimage site in Great Britain. An onsite exhibition explains the history of St Winefride’s Well, and even displays crutches left behind by some of the reportedly cured pilgrims from the 19th and early 20th Centuries…
Llangollen Bridge, Denbighshire Llangollen Bridge was the first stone bridge to span the River Dee. Built in the 16th Century to replace an earlier bridge built under the direction of John Trevor, Bishop of St Asaph, it has been upgraded many times. In the 1860s the bridge was extended by adding an extra arch and a two-storey stone tower with a castellated parapet. This then became a café before being demolished in the 1930s to improve traffic flow. The bridge was then widened in 1873 and yet again in 1968, using stonework which toned in with the original structure. Today Llangollen Bridge is Grade I listed
e
and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Gresford Bells, Gresford
All Saints Church in Gresford makes the list, not for its size or beauty, but for its bells – which are still rung regularly for church services. A device means that all eight of the bell chimes can be rung by just a single person, and the bells themselves are renowned for the purity of their tone. Meanwhile, the Grade I listed 15th Century church has been described as the finest parish church in Wales, and has the most surviving medieval stained glass of any Welsh church.
Page 24 NWM 2020
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NWM 2020 Page 25
MAGAZINE
Look, and look, and look again… Stephen Gregory explores the legacy of Charles Tunnicliffe.
So, it’s January 2020. Twenty-twenty sounds good and
enthralling was my total and almost literal immersion into
positive, the numbers we use to denote a perfect clarity
the lives of Tarka the Otter and Salar the Salmon, the
of vision. Let’s hope that 2020 will be a year of clarity and
secret animal worlds created by Henry Williamson.
mutual understanding. So what’s the connection between the Brooke Bond tea And January. I’ve always liked the image of Janus,
cards and the books of Henry Williamson? It’s the artwork
with his two faces… one looking backwards with an
of Charles Tunnicliffe, one of the greatest naturalist-
expression of wistful nostalgia, the other looking
artists of all time.
forwards with hope and courage and strongly positive feelings.
Nowadays you can bring your childhood memories bang up-to-date, as I did last week, by going to the superb,
January, from the Latin word ‘ianua’, a door. So Janus
state-of-the-art Oriel Ynys Mon at Llangefni and seeing an
closes a door behind us, and he opens a new one, for a
exhibition of Tunnicliffe’s breathtakingly beautiful work.
new start, a New Year. Charles Tunnicliffe was born and brought up in Cheshire Looking backwards a bit further than last year, into
but, in 1947, after studying at the Royal College of Art in
my childhood in the 50s and 60s, I bump into some
London and also teaching art in London and Manchester,
treasured memories which resonate right up to the
he moved to Anglesey and settled there with his wife
present day. In those days the local grocer would deliver
Winifred. He had already established a reputation with
our groceries to the front door, arriving in his Morris
his illustrations of Tarka the Otter and his exhibitions of
Minor van and carrying a cardboard box of our weekly
work in London, and he was elected as an associate of the
supplies into the kitchen. And for me it was an exciting
Royal Academy. But from then on, right up until his death
moment, to open the cartons of Brooke Bond tea and feel
in 1979, he would live and work in his home, Shorelands,
for the tea cards I was collecting, the illustrations of birds
at Malltraeth, in the south-eastern corner of Anglesey.
and fish and animals which I would stick into my Brooke Bond catalogue. Good days, simple pleasures!
By all accounts he was a quiet and modest man, who
Another memory, from around the same blurry and
preferred to continue observing and recording the natural
cosy time, was the enjoyment of my favourite books
world, especially birds, around the shores of his island home
of childhood. The adventures of The Famous Five and
in North Wales, although he was honoured later in his life
The Secret Seven… but far more thrilling and deeply
with the Gold Medal of the Royal Society and also the OBE.
Page 26 NWM 2020
He was known to say that ‘Nature is lavish with her riches,
Charles Tunnicliffe himself would have been thrilled to
for those who have eyes to see...’ and indeed his copperplate
know that his otters are stealthily thriving. He himself had
engravings, his woodblock engravings, his etchings and
remarked on a gloomy outlook for many bird species – ‘alas,
his paintings are minutely detailed. Many lovers of his work
modern man’s activities are, on the whole, against their
marvel especially at his sketchbooks and journals, his on-the-
survival… will many of our birds be but a memory in a few
spot observations of birds in their natural habitat, his pencil
years to come? Some are already just that.’ Today, as we look
sketches done in the field and finished later in the studio in
forward into the coming months of 2020, we must wonder if
watercolour or ink.
we’re doing enough to repair the damage we’ve been doing to our precious environment.
He would advise other naturalists and would-be artists that there was only one way to make drawings of a quickly moving
Meanwhile, the legacy of Charles Tunnicliffe remains for
bird… ‘to watch, and watch, and watch again, get accurate
all of us lucky enough to live and breathe on the shores
impressions of the bird photographed onto your mind, so that
of Anglesey and under its ever-changing skies. Make a
when the bird finally disappears you can get to work on your
leisurely visit to Oriel Ynys Mon: it’s beautifully modern,
sketchbook and set down those impressions at once.’
there’s an excellent restaurant, and you can spend long, contemplative hours with the works of many local artists,
He created what he called his ‘feather maps’ too, records of
including the uniquely stylized painter Kyffin Williams. And
dead birds which he found or which people brought to him.
it’s free!
Not just birds, but all kinds of animals, such as foxes and squirrels and otters and weasels… he would look, and look,
But for me and many lovers of the natural world and
and look again, making such extraordinarily detailed images
especially the birds, it’s the artistry of Charles Tunnicliffe
of fur and feather, of beak and talon and tooth, that few artists
which makes a visit to the gallery so special. The clarity
had ever done before or will ever do.
of his vision… it makes our appreciation of Anglesey and the landscape of North Wales so much the finer. And so his
We are indeed lucky, here in North Wales, to enjoy the legacy
spirit remains, on the beaches, in the air, in the sand and
of such an artist and naturalist and conservationist as Charles
the salty spray.
Tunnicliffe. Over my years in Wales I’ve walked and enjoyed, indeed inhaled, the foreshores and beaches which he loved
It was the artist Kyffin Williams who summed up his
and treasured. Especially in the south-western corner of
colleague and friend like this: ‘Anglesey gave Charles
Anglesey, by Newborough and Malltraeth and Aberffraw, you
Tunnicliffe the peace his work demanded and the ready
can breathe in the world of Tunnicliffe, and observe the birds
material for it. Unambitious and content, he just got on with
and other creatures he loved.
his work, gazing, noting, writing and then gazing again. Wherever I go in Anglesey I will always feel that he is
If, like me, as a child you submerged yourself into the dark
somewhere around …’ n
depths of the waters inhabited by Tarka the Otter, you’ll be heartened to know that otters are making a significant recovery in many parts of England and Wales, after being almost completely decimated by the use of chemicals as agricultural pesticides and in sheep dips which leached into the soil and freshwater habitats. It’s great news – you may still never see an otter, probably the most elusive of native British mammals, but you can be obliquely reassured by the knowledge that they are somewhere nearby, as silky and smooth and as secret as Tarka and his family.
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!
NWM 2020 Page 27
WEDDINGS AT
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Sunday lunch at the Gaerwen Arms Win a meal for two people on any Sunday at the Gaerwen Arms on Anglesey. This fantastic prize includes a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a three-course meal with a bottle of house wine and a cup of tea or coffee to finish your dining experience – which can be enjoyed at either lunch or dinner on any Sunday of your choice. The Gaerwen Arms has just won The Most Romantic Restaurant Award at the Restaurant Awards Welsh Edition, and has also recently been awarded 2 AA rosettes. gaerwen-arms.co.uk
North Wales Magazine has two amazing prizes to give away this January! Read on for entry details, and remember to follow our Facebook (@northwalesmag) to ensure that you don’t miss out on any extra competitions that are taking place throughout the month. Good luck!
A luxury hot stone massage and facial Come and indulge with a relaxing treatment at Pure Beauty in Mold town centre. At the fresh new salon you will find everything that you need, with treatments ranging from specialist waxing and nails to holistic massage and facials, and everything in between. You’re sure to be in good hands with over 22 years’ experience along with their ethos of affordable luxury. This great prize of a luxury hot stone massage and facial has a value of £78, but all new clients receive 20% off in January! www.purebeautymold.co.uk
To Enter In order to enter, all you need to do is email your name and address to us at competition@northwalesmagazine.co.uk by Friday 31st January, making sure that you put the name of the competition that you are entering in the subject line. Of course, you could always enter both – good luck!
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Notice We collect your information when you enter our competitions, and store this information on our systems. We will use this information to contact you if you are the competition winner, and to contact you occasionally with details of relevant offers and items which may be of interest to you. If you win the competition, your name and the town where you live may be printed in a future edition of North Wales Magazine. We will also share your information with the competition provider, and they may contact you with details of relevant offers. Please see www. northwalesmagazine.com for our full Privacy Notice.
EACH COMPETITION NEEDS TO BE ENTERED SEPERATELY
NWM 2020 Page 29
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Staying motivated
Most of us have no problem initially making our New Year’s resolution – the problem tends to come when you need to maintain your motivation. Noelle Watson shares her top 11 tips for keeping your workout mojo throughout 2020…
So where’s the switch? How do we suddenly go from “normal” to Fitness Goddess (or God!)? How do people actually do that? How do you fit it in around work, family, house and everything else? Quite honestly, if you’re reading this you probably already know what to do to get fit and healthy… yeah yeah, get more active, eat healthily, give up alcohol. We all know. But it’s not the knowing – it’s the DOING. It’s the fitting it in. And the motivation. In an ideal world we’d hire a personal trainer to sort us out. That’s what the celebs do. But this time of year money can be as tight as our jeans. So I’m butting in now to help, here to share some of the tips we use to get our own clients kick-started and achieving those weight loss, health and fitness results fast and
towards a real goal that we really want… just a little every
easily.
single day… never allowing a bad day to stop us… can result in a beautiful big healthy snowball effect by the spring.
And it’s a snowball you’re going to
J 1. Set realistic and time-framed goals. Write them down
LOVE.
and leave them somewhere that you see them every single Some of these are pure “mindset” – and just involve thinking. Others are real practical tools to use
day. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day – fitness and weight loss takes time and effort. Mini fortnightly goals are good if you have a long journey ahead of you.
straight away. The overall message here is simple – consistently working
J 2. Take a photo of yourself and do your measurements. Repeat this every month and watch your progress. Sometimes you’ll get visible changes that don’t show on the scales.
NWM 2020 Page 31
MAGAZINE
J 9. Avoid discussing your goals with people who are negative. “Well intentioned terrorists� will say things like “I think you’re mad doing that�. Or “You don’t need to do
J 3. On that last point – watch the NSV’s. The Non Scale
that�. Even if you don’t believe them, these negatives have a
Victories. Fitness, health and wellbeing aren’t all about the
subconscious effect. Surround yourself with more positive
scales. You’ll get lovely improvements in energy levels, sleep,
folks who will support and help you find ways to make it
positivity, keeping up with the kids, joint pains – and so
work.
much more!
J 10. Remember, cravings only last for 20 minutes. Have J 4. Get organised in the kitchen – empty your cupboards of
craving avoidance tactics ‌ clean your teeth, climb the stairs
“junk�. Then write a weekly menu plan full of lovely healthy
ten times, have a bath, tidy a cupboard, play a game, do a
home-cooked meals for as much of the week as you can. And
puzzle etc.
STICK TO IT! (You know even baked beans on toast is good.)
J 11. Make sure that you reward yourself for your efforts. J 5. Do your shopping from your menu for the whole week.
Every time you hit a mini goal, you MUST treat yourself.
Home delivery can save time and temptation too.
Why not buy a £5 voucher from your fave clothes shop. Then when you’ve hit a big goal you can treat yourself to a lovely
J 6. You need to get active. This is important. Choose an
outfit. Lots of our ladies have tried this one and it works a
activity that you ENJOY and that will work for you – deciding
treat. And it can really benefit local businesses too. đ&#x;˜Š
to start running when you are four stone overweight, for example, will not be fun or practical and you will probably
PS Never forget that the issue with motivation is ALWAYS in
hurt too much. Perhaps a class, dancing, walking, swimming
our head. (This is my speciality). We all give many reasons
or cycling? Here in North Wales we have some amazing
for not putting our own well-being, health and happiness
mountains and lovely quiet lanes to explore! Start with one
first. These might include time, effort, money, joint pains,
thing a week for an hour if possible.
illness, age – or something else entirely. But assuming you are able to stand (and realistically even if you cannot) then
J 7. Then increase your Daily Movement. Sit a lot less. Potter
there is always something we can do to improve ourselves,
about. Get active in little tiny chunks. Use the stairs more. Use
our contentment and our health.
the car less. If you’re desk bound get up for two minutes every hour. Set a timer – that’s what I do. This’ll help your back too.
The question I always ask is this. If you don’t do it, then who
Maybe get outside for a couple of minutes and walk round the
will? n
building? This last one can help our mood massively if we time it with lunchtime, so getting some daylight during dark winter days.
J 8. Get support. This is so massive. We have a Network where this happens. Make your own one. Tell people what you plan to do and ask them to help you to stick to it. A good friend would love to see you happy.
Page 32 NWM 2020
Since founding Noelle Watson Fitness in 1993, Noelle Watson has helped literally thousands of women over 40 to lose weight, tone up, and look and feel fabulous without setting foot in the gym. www.noellewatsonfitness.co.uk
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FOOD & DRINK INSIDE: recipes wine cocktail of the month
NWM 2020 Page 37
MAGAZINE
Page 38 NWM 2020
OF THE
Month It’s January, the month when people start talking about going “dry” – and we don’t think that they are referring to their sense of humour… So if Dry January isn’t for you, then why not try and put the spring back in your step another way? The Hair of the Dog cocktail is traditionally drank as a cure and pick-me-up – perfect!
INGREDIENTS 3 teaspoons of Honey 60ml Whiskey 30ml Single Cream 30ml Milk Nutmeg
Hair of the Dog METHOD Stir the honey and whiskey together until the honey has completely dissolved. Shake all of the ingredients over ice and double strain into a Martini glass To serve: Garnish with nutmeg
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 39
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Food for thought
Thank goodness that’s over! Christmas, I mean.
started showing all those brilliant Scandi-
Excess in all things is a wearisome chore, but
noir dramas like The Killing, Wallander and
Christmas is especially hard work: a festival
The Bridge, in which moody but attractive
of gorging and overdoing it that lasts over a
detectives with cheekbones like kitchen
month. It was hard enough to survive it all
knives would wander around snow-coated
when I was 14 (and a box of Quality Street
scenery solving gruesome murders whilst
could be consumed in its entirely without
sporting tasteful knitwear.
consequence), but now I just want to drag my bloated body over to the nearest health spa and
At the same time, my daughter started getting
eat nothing but celery and Ryvita for a month.
into the world of The Moomins, Tove Jansson’s charming Finnish children’s books that often
I don’t know about you but pulling down
involved little more than Moomintroll walking
the Christmas decorations is a cathartic
though a forest enjoying existential chats with
Cai Ross is co-owner
experience for me. I suspect that some people
his friend Snufkin.
and Maitre d’ of
feel blue packing away all the tinsel and lights
the award-winning
because once it’s all back in the attic, there’s
I think it took me back to my youth when we
Paysanne Bistro in
nothing but the bleakness of winter ahead for
lived on a hill farm near the Clocaenog forest.
Deganwy, which has
weeks on end.
I remember one winter (I think it was 1982)
been serving French
when it snowed, seemingly for weeks and
country-style food to
Personally, I love January. It’s the only time
weeks. I would wrap myself in as many layers
the fine people of North
of year that we can close the restaurant for a
as I could and just wander off into the fields and
Wales since 1988. He
whole week. Plus, my birthday is later on in
the hills catching snowflakes on my tongue.
also writes for Calibre
the month and thanks to the January sales,
The snow would be up to my knees. More
Magazine, BBC Good
my prezzies are often noticeably decent since
than anything, I remember the silence; that
Food, HeyUGuys.com
they were all bought at half-price!
miraculous absolute silence all around except
and The North Wales
for the crunch of snow under my little wellies.
Weekly News
Winter might be the worst time of the year for many people – here come the January Blues
Perhaps that’s what my mind wants to
again - but I think there’s a bit of magic in the
recapture when I think of white-blanketed
air about now. As soon as the calendar hits
Scandinavia, but it’s certainly a much cheaper
January, my mind tends to drift northwards; I
idea to pray for a dusting of snow and head
start hankering after all things Scandinavian.
out to the wilds of North Wales for a long
They do ‘cold and snowy’ properly up there.
trek. Some friends of mine went to Lapland recently. As much as I was deeply envious,
I first became infatuated with Scandinavia
when I asked them how much a bottle of wine
a few years ago at the time when BBC4
cost over there, they started crying. n
NWM 2020 Page 41
MAGAZINE
RECIPES VENISON WITH BLACKBERRY & CASSIS SAUCE MOULES MARINIÈRES
Game comes into its own at this time of year and Venison is the king of game meat. It goes especially well with fruity sauces like this. It’s also a very lean and
Conwy mussels are, in my
healthy meat, so you can make up for that by serving
view and in the opinions
with something incredibly unhealthy like Dauphinoise
of many chefs, the best in
potatoes.
the country and they are absolutely at their peak
Serves 4
right now. They are highly
J 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
versatile – soups, risottos, you
J 1 tablespoon redcurrant jelly
name it – but to enjoy them at
J 170g blackberries (frozen is fine)
their best, this remains the
J 300ml chicken stock
classic way to go.
J 2 garlic cloves, crushed J 2 juniper berries, crushed
Serves 4 to 6
J 4 sprigs of thyme
J 1 bag of mussels (approx 2kg)
J 600g venison steak cut into 12 medallions about
J 1 onion, chopped
50g each
J 2 large cloves of garlic, finely chopped
J 2 tablespoons olive oil
J 1 knob of butter
J 50g butter
J Freshly ground pepper J 2 handfuls of chopped parsley and a sprig of fresh thyme J 300mls Muscadet sur lie (You need a big sauce-pan with a lid) Wash the mussels in clean water, pulling any bits of beard out and scraping off any barnacles. Put them in a deep pan of water and chuck out any that float to the top. If any are open, tap the shells and you will see them close. If they don’t, discard them also. Drain off the water and reserve. Melt the butter and get the onions and garlic going on a low heat stirring occasionally to stop them catching. When you are happy that the onions are properly cooked, add half the parsley, plenty of pepper and the thyme, together with a cup of water and a cup of wine. You will need a lot less water than you think because the fish will release a fair bit of sea water when they open, and for that reason, of course you shouldn’t need to add any salt. Now you can add the mussels, put the lid on and turn up the heat a bit for about five minutes during which you stir them up once or twice to make sure that they are all open. When they are open they’re ready. Sprinkle over the rest of the parsley and serve them in deep bowls with the onion broth poured over them. Chunky bread is essential.
Page 42 NWM 2020
Heat the olive oil and butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Increase the heat to high and add the meat, cooking for two minutes on each side, leaving them somewhere warm to rest – they really should be pink and not well-done. Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and scrape up any meaty bits. Then add the juniper berries, the garlic, the thyme and the redcurrant jelly. Stir, then pour in the stock and the blackberries. Cook until the sauce reduces by about a third, by which time the blackberries will have softened. Remove the thyme sprigs. Arrange the medallions on serving plates and pour the sauce around.
Don’t fancy cooking? 01492 582079 @PaysanneDeganwy www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk
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Raise your glass
Get over the screwcap
As we head out of the madness that was December, the Christmas rush and the run headlong into the New Year celebrations things start to settle a little here in the shop. We had a conversation the other day about things customers have said that stuck in our minds. Several were about recommendations of style, either similar to ones we know and like, or what to match with food. The ones that stuck in my mind particularly were around two subjects – labels and screwcap versus cork. I will leave the label debate for another time, and today I will concentrate on the screwcap versus cork debate. First point there are different kinds of cork now. Corks that are made of cork, plastic corks, sustainable corks and even ‘bottle closures’ that are made from sustainable, renewable
then shipped, but also with a screwcap. We have several
sugarcane-based raw materials. Then there are plastic
bottles of familiar varietals of wine, in screwcap bottles at the
closures for sparkling wines and metal screwcaps.
£16 to £20 price point. All good quality, all really good value. Not inferior, not mass market, bulk wines.
So this is no longer a simple discussion of traditional cork versus screwcap. In the not so distant past, this debate
At the same time we have a large number of wines in the £9
would have been one of quality wines in bottles with real
to £15 market that have corks, some of them real corks.
cork from a tree, versus wines bottled locally and with a screwcap. Yes, a large part of that was dependent upon price
So the days of judging the quality and cost of wine based
and quality.
on the bottle closure are gone. I haven’t even touched on the what’s better real cork or the plastic ‘corks’, both have
But those days are gone now. So I will say this here and at
environmental issues that the newer sustainable closures
several other places, the closure on a wine bottle has very
address. We even have bottles in the shop currently that
little relevance to the quality or price point of the wine
have crown tops, like the lemonade bottles of yore (to those of
within the bottle. Here in the shop we have wines at a
us old enough to remember) or the glass large brand shapely
number of price points and quality levels, from producers at
cola bottles have.
several points on the quality spectrum. So lets make a resolution for January. Stop the hating on the There are a lot of wines that are around that are bought in bulk,
non-cork bottle closures. Judge the wine on the maker, the
shipped from their country of production to the UK and bottled
variety and what you like, not on its closure. n
on arrival here. It is an easy way to transport wine efficiently and effectively. The majority of this ends in screwcap.
Iechyd da!
Alongside this sits wines produced and bottled at source,
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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
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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 45 45
MAGAZINE
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Showroom location: The Roundabout, Glan Y Mor Road, Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, LL303NI
Page 46 NWM 2020
WINDOWS . DOORS . CONSERVATORIES EXTENSIONS . ORANGERIES . LANTERNS TILED CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM Our sales team, workmanship and aftercare are first rate, but don’t just take our word for it, this is what our customers have to say... “Every workman was on time, knowledgeable and friendly. The workmanship is of a very high standard. I must say a special ‘Thank You’ to Andy, the Surveyor. He has been very approachable and nothing has been too much trouble. I highly recommend Conwy Valley Windows.” - S.Lloyd “Provided sound, practical and budget-friendly advice on the best ways to double glaze The fitters were polite, knowledgable and experienced... The windows and doors are of excellent quality, and heating bills have reduced since fitting. Sound-proofing is top notch. Finally, this was an on-going project over 18 months; we used Conwy Valley Windows for all the work because we were confident and happy they would provide the best service. - S. Gow “We are more than happy to continue to work with Conwy Valley because the support was honest, authentic and the price was so fair, and to top if off the quality of the work was absolutely superb.” - I. Urbat NWM 2020 Page 47
MAGAZINE
Page 48 NWM 2020
HOMES & INTERIORS REDUCED TO CLEAR - 1/2 PRICE ON ALL STOCK RUGS
NWM 2020 Page 49
Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team
CYFREITHWYR•SOLICITORS
Swyddfa Newydd yng Nghonwy New Office in Conwy
Cyngor a chefnogaeth ymarferol am bris tryloyw gan arbenigwyr cyfreithiol yng Ngogledd Cymru, Swydd Amwythig a Swydd Henffordd Transparently priced, practical advice and support delivered by legal specialists based in North Wales, Shropshire and Herefordshire Mae ein cyfreithwyr corfforaethol, eiddo masnachol, datrys anghydfodau a chyflogaeth arbenigol yn darparu cefnogaeth i’ch helpu chi i dyfu a diogelu eich busnes, gan roi sylfaen gadarn i chi adeiladu arno
Our specialist corporate, commercial property, dispute resolution and employment lawyers provide support to help you grow and protect your business, giving you a solid foundation to build upon
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
Cysylltwch â ni i gael gwybod rhagor am y gwasanaethau rydyn ni’n eu cynnig Contact us to find out more about the services we offer 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
Property of the month
Maitland Cottage is a delightful detached bungalow on the outskirts of Conwy that offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. This three-bedroom home is located within a small hamlet just four miles from the historic walled town, and boasts absolutely spectacular views over the Conwy Valley. The accommodation itself is very spacious and is immaculately presented throughout. The open plan living/dining/fitted kitchen area is a particular feature, as it all faces the spectacular west aspect views of the rolling hillside of the Conwy Valley and, in those colder months, you can light the log burner and be as snug as a bug in a rug. The three large bedrooms are all doubles, the master benefitting from an en suite wet room. A utility room, store room, landscaped terraced garden and a parking area for 2/3 cars complete the package. This property is a lovely home or will make a great rural retreat or even a popular holiday let. n
For more information Maitland Cottage is currently on the market with Anthony Flint Estate Agents for ÂŁ249,950. For further information visit www.anthonyflint.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 51
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
LLECHWEDD, CONWY
DEGANWY £595,000
£675,000
• Superb Detached Six Bedroom Family Home • Far reaching views to the front taking in the mountains, Conwy Castle, the estuary & countryside • Large gardens & grounds extending to approximately 1 third of an acre • Original Charm & Character with Modern Living
• Stunning Stylish & Contemporary Stable Conversion with 3 bedrooms & open plan living space • Superb grounds including slate patio, garden room & ample off road parking • Beautiful views over the lake, Conwy Valley and beyond • Exceptional property sits within easy reach of all amenities yet retains a feeling of a country retreat
EPC
F
GLAN CONWY
LLANDUDNO £785,000
£475,000 • This lovely cottage has been extended over time to provide flexible 3 bedroom accommodation • Set in lovely, spacious grounds, parking & garage • With sea & countryside views, Situated in a peaceful spot, yet just a short distance from Llandudno • Having been a family home for many years it is now ready for the next chapter of its history to be written
• Beautiful detached 4 bedroom home, on a small prestigious development on the outskirts of Glan Conwy • Enjoys a large beautifully landscaped plot extending to approximately 1 acre, to include a small paddock • Architect designed in 2002 by Vale Heritage to an exceptionally high standard • Electric gated entrance takes you onto a large driveway, double garage
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00-5.30 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00
INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS
Page 52 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
COLWYN BAY
PENRHYN BAY £725,000
£795,000
• Stunning Four Bedroom Detached House • Newly Built With Immaculate Finish • Prime Sea Front Location Enjoying Sea & Coastline Views
• Impressive Five Bedroom Detached House • Countryside Location With Stunning Views • Exceptional Outdoor Space Including Paddock, Stables, Orchard & Fishing Pond
EPC
F
RHOS ON SEA
UPPER COLWYN BAY £264,950
£395,000 • Four Bedroom Detached House • Spacious & Well Planned Accommodation • Situated on a Corner Plot Enjoying Far ReachingSea, Coastline & Countryside • Views
• Three Bedroom Detached Dormer Bungalow • Light & Spacious Accommodation • Situated In A Sought After Area
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 53
MAGAZINE
Ffordd Llanfynydd, Treuddyn Ref: WM557
• Generous plot with ample off road parking
£395,000 • Double garage
• Four bedrooms and large games room to the rear • Peaceful semi-rural setting • Ideal family home
• Short distance to Mold
• uPVC double glazing and oil fired central heating • EPC Rating D - 62
£399,950
Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd Ref: RN1611 • • • • • • •
Large detached farmhouse with truly stunning surroundings Far reaching views over open countryside and farmland Many original features throughout the property Living/dining room, snug, kitchen, utility room & conservatory Four double bedrooms and family bathroom Outskirts of the picturesque village of Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd Off road parking & private gardens surrounding the property • EPC F24
£525,000
Llanrhaeadr Ref: WM185
Page 54 NWM 2020
• Beautiful Country House Built In 1936
• Set Within Stunning Private Gardens
• Semi-Rural Location
• Four Double Bedrooms
• Four Reception Rooms
• Detached Garage with Car Port
• Simply Must Be Viewed
• EPC Rating E41
£895,000 Bodelwyddan
Moelfre
Ref: WP8222
£269,950
Ref: WR9045
• Detached house
• Seven bedrooms
• Grade ll listed character house in Bodelwyddan Village
• Approx 1 acre paddock
• Stunning panoramic views
• Lounge & Dining Room
• Spacious kitchen
• Driveway for ample parking
• Three reception rooms
• 2 En-suites
• Ample parking
• Oil fired central heating
• EPC Rating D 62
• Gardens to the front & rear
• Close to the A 55
• EPC RATING D-55
NWM 2020 Page 55
WINDOWS • DOORS • ORANGERIES • CONSERVATORIES • SOFFITS • FASCIAS • CLADDING
VISIT OUR
BRAND NEW
2340 sqft SHOWROOM VIEW A WONDERFUL RANGE OF DOORS, WINDOWS, ORANGERIES, GARDEN ROOMS AND SO MUCH MORE
VISIT OUR LARGE LIFESTYLE SHOWROOMS IN MOLD Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
TELEPHONE: Mold: 01352 758812 Chester: 01244 879818
Email: reception@snowdoniawindows.co.uk
MOLD: Bromfield Industrial Estate, Mold Flintshire CH7 1HA
www.snowdoniawindows.co.uk
INSIDE OUT North Wales Magazine brings you the latest products from the world of interiors
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Picture of health
The Afonwen Craft Centre has a fabulous collection of
This People’s Choice Best in Show and RHS Gold Medal
Tiffany style lamps in stock with various styles and shapes
winning garden was based on a young man’s journey
to choose from. These lamps look beautiful when off and
with Crohn’s Disease and his recovery. The shaded
stunning when lit up, making your room really come to life.
(illness) area created by the twisted metal pergola and
The Tiffany lamp is a collection of coloured glass blended
black inky water feature led down the steps into the
together to create beautiful pictures and patterns, usually
light, bright walled garden with gentle water features,
fused together with a metal strip or fused into a pattern. The
sculptures and seating areas with colourful, scented
style originates from the Art Nouveau movement, this style
planting – all of which promoted physical and mental
today is still being made into many stunning designs. The
well being. Judges comments included how well this
lamps start at £70.00.
would sit in a domestic environment.
www.afonwen.co.uk
www.actuallandscapes.co.uk
Making a statement Ella is a statement sofa inspired by glamorous American Art Deco interiors. This unique design features a brass finish base and elegant fluted velvet upholstery. The sprung base and backrest with deep foam and fibre filling and feather filled scatter cushions provide a luxurious level of comfort. www.my-furniture.com
NWM 2020 Page 57
MAGAZINE
C
M
True reflection
Y
CM
Môn Interiors offer interior design services for both residential and commercial premises across North Wales. Môn Interiors believes that your home
Eternal Flame
should be a reflection of you – and your workspace
Eternal Flame’s showroom in Mochdre has a huge
should be a reflection of your business. They aim
selection of fires and fireplaces to help keep you
to instil confidence and provide inspiration in
warm during the cold winter season here in North
creating stylish, original and functional spaces that
Wales. Unique to the area, Eternal Flame offers its
enhance life and experiences; bringing the best
customers a made-to-measure service as well as an
out of you or your business while remaining at the
in-house Gas Safe engineer and fireplace installer.
forefront of great design. Here’s a shot from one of
So why not call in to their showroom, and make sure
their most recent projects, set in a fantastic period
that you are warm as toast this winter…
country house in North Wales.
www.eternalflamefiresandfireplaces.co.uk
www.moninteriors.co.uk
Carefully designed The team at Just Imagine Interiors were inspired by the location of the beautiful seaside town of Porthmadog and its surrounding areas when working on its latest project. The team designed the interior of the Hafod-y-Gest extra care housing scheme, managed by Grwp Cynefin, with the aim of making the residents feels at home from their very first visit. www.justimagineinteriors.co.uk
Page 58 NWM 2020
MY
CY
CMY
K
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OPEN 11am-4pm NEW YEARS DAY PRESTATYN STORE ONLY
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Compton 1400 pocket Sprung mattress in Firm Tension 4’6” ASP £539 sale £399, 5’ ASP £599 sale £449
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INTEREST FREE CREDIT by KLARNA over £500.00 Visa Etc
www.NowtoBed.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 59
MAGAZINE
Page 60 NWM 2020
Walking
world
DYSERTH FALLS AND GRAIG FAWR
This walk starts and finishes at the car park for Dyserth Falls. This is a very popular tourist attraction as the cascade is so easy to reach from the car park and there are often lots of people there on sunny summer’s days - there is a small charge for visiting the falls. Dyserth Falls are well signposted and located on the aptly named Waterfalls Road in Dyserth (near Prestatyn) next to The Red Lion Inn. The
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW J 3.65 miles/5.87 kilometres J Time: Allow 2.5 - 3 hours J Start: There is a free car park with toilets by Dyserth Waterfalls on Waterfalls Road facing the Red Lion Pub
J Grid Ref: SJ 056793 J Nearest postcode: LE18 6ET J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 265 – Clwydian Range (Prestatyn, Mold and Ruthin)
Falls are very impressive and drop about 70 ft/21 metres in a rocky
J What to expect: This is a fairly strenuous
chasm. They are formed when the River Ffyddion (which rises 4.5
walk that has plenty of ups and downs
miles/7.24 Km to the east at Marian Mills) tumbles down a vertical
on it. The paths and tracks are generally
drop in a noisy cascade.
straightforward to follow and there is some quiet lane walking on the route where
From the waterfalls this delightful walk explores the area around the
children should be carefully supervised.
village of Dyserth in an energetic circuit that uses a pleasant section
You should also take care with children
of the old Prestatyn to Dyserth railway line that was once used to
on the summit of Graig Fawr as there are
serve the mines and quarries in the surrounding area. The trains
some steep unfenced drops not far from
and carriages transported lead, zinc and limestone and for a short
the top. Some of the going can be muddy if
period also carried passengers. Up to sixteen passenger trains a
it has rained and the descent steps back
day ran at the railways peak but this service closed in 1930 because
to the start can be very slippery if they are
of increased competition from local bus services. After 104 years of
wet (an alternative is given). You should
usage the line finally shut in 1973. Today 2.5 miles of the original
wear boots and sensible walking clothing
railway have been turned into a cycle and walking route known as
and choose a day of settled weather. Take
‘The Dyserth Way’.
a walking stick along in summer as some of the paths can get a bit overgrown.
You can’t spend long in this area without your eyes turning to the large lump of rocky hillside above Meliden. This little summit is Graig Fawr and rises to 502 ft/153 metres above sea level. It is owned and maintained by The National Trust and the view from its summit is superb. Today’s walk includes an ascent of this ‘mountain in
J Suitable for: Regular walkers who are used to uphill and down hill paths. The walk could be enjoyed by older children
J Dogs: OK on a lead J Refreshments: The Red Lion Inn and The
miniature’ which is often referred to as ‘the guardian of Meliden’.
New Inn are at the start of the walk and
Although you could easily complete this route in a couple of hours
there are plenty of facilities in Prestatyn,
its worth taking longer over it and choosing a day of settled clear
Rhuddlan and nearby Dyserth
weather when you can soak in the view as you eat your sandwiches on Graig Fawr’s rocky summit!
NWM 2020 Page 61
MAGAZINE
WALK DETAILS
Points of interest on this section
START
owned and maintained by The National Trust and the view
Exit the car park to go right past The Red Lion Inn using the
from its summit is superb. This ‘mountain in miniature’ is often
left side of the road. There is no sidewalk initially so take care.
referred to as ‘the guardian of Meliden’.
J Graig Fawr rises to 502 ft/153 metres above sea level. It is
Pass a church right and once you have crossed the side road of Maes Esgob there is a sidewalk that can be used. Just before
4) With your back to the sea and view (and the drop) drop
a bus stop is reached cross right over the road to take a lane
off the summit to take a path going right towards the quarry
uphill. Climb through houses and continue climbing beyond
on the hill of Moel Hiraddug. Shortly curve left to continue
them. As the angle becomes leveller (just before another
downhill. Descend over a dip and continue towards houses and
house) cut back half right to pass through a kissing gate into
a road beyond a wall. Continue ahead as the angle levels and, as
woods. Follow the path through the woods and just before you
you reach a telegraph post and a marker post left (just before a
reach another kissing gate leave the path to go left taking a
gate near a road ahead), go right down a descending grass path
steep uphill path in trees. As you exit the trees the path ends.
to drop to another gate. Pass through a kissing gate to the right
Continue ahead towards a marker post above. From here cross
of this gate to pass through a car park to a lane. Go half left to
the field to descend slightly and cross a stile at a fence and
take the right lane at a junction and very shortly go right down
wood corner left of a white house. Beyond the stile continue
a minor lane with a weight limit on it. Descend this lane and
through woods on boardwalk and when this ends continue
just before a bridge go left through a metal barrier to descend a
ahead on a woodland path to emerge onto a lane. Cross over this
path to reach the old Prestatyn to Dyserth railway line again. Go
and climb up steps to pass through a kissing gate. Follow the
left on your outbound route to pass under a bridge and when
grass path across the next field to pass through a kissing gate
your outbound route goes left after it, stay ahead on the track.
by a bench. Take a tarmac track to cross a bridge. When you
Follow the track to pass left of a gate to a car park.
reach the next kissing gate don’t go through it but cut sharp right instead to drop down steps to a track that was once the
5) Exit the car park to a road and go right uphill. Use the
line of the old Prestatyn to Dyserth Railway Line.
sidewalk to continue through the village of Dyserth. Continue to just before traffic lights and a road junction signposted for
2) Go right under the bridge following a sign for ‘Prestatyn’ and
‘Prestatyn’ and take a marked footpath on the right which is
follow the track under another bridge. Follow the track past six
surfaced. Rise to shortly descend and when the fences for
benches to pass through the remains of an old bridge. Continue
the houses end start to descend more steeply through woods.
past two more benches to cross a bridge over a road. Continue
Continue to go left down steps at a junction and follow the
on the track past a further three benches and a footpath left
descending path to cut left just before a bench descending
signposted for ‘village of Meliden’. As you reach buildings at a
more steps behind a house. Join an access drive and cut left to
sign for ‘Prestatyn’ and ‘the Dyserth Way’ (near a footpath left
reach Waterfalls Road. Go right to walk past Dyserth Falls and
for ‘Meliden’) watch for a fork in the track right.
go right back into the car park. NOTE – The steps descended to the road are very slippery if
Points of interest on this section
wet. In these conditions it is best to stay ahead at the junction
J The Prestatyn to Dyserth railway line was once used to serve
for them to cut back left at the next steps and drop down to
the mines and quarries in the surrounding area. The trains
the house and access drive this way.
and carriages transported lead, zinc and limestone and for a short period also carried passengers. Up to sixteen passenger
Points of interest on this section
trains a day ran at the railways peak but this service closed in
J Dyserth. The village has a population of about 2,500. Its main
1930. Today a 2.5 mile section of the old railway is a cycle path
features are the extensive quarrying remains, the waterfalls,
and footpath known as ‘The Dyserth Way’
the former Dyserth to Prestatyn railway line and Moel
3) At the track fork go right leaving the main track. Go right
J Dyserth Falls are very impressive and drop about 70 ft/21
through a kissing gate in a few paces taking a footpath past
metres in a rocky chasm. They are formed when the River
the ‘Graig Fawr’ National Trust sign. Rise steadily to go right
Ffyddion (which rises 4.5 miles/7.24 Km to the east at Marian
at a path junction following the sign for ‘Graig Fawr’. Climb
Mills) tumbles down a vertical drop in a noisy cascade. n
Hiraddug.
steadily through woods using steps in places. Stay ahead at a ‘Dyserth Circular Walk’ sign left and pass under overhead cables. Shortly stay ahead at the next junction left to climb up the upper reaches of Graig Fawr passing through fern and brambles. Keep ahead on the main path ignoring any paths going off. As the trig point on the summit of Graig Fawr comes into view, stay ahead to climb to it.
Page 62 NWM 2020
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.
Community
News
Third time lucky for North Wales landmark
Impressive start for local law firm
Less than 12 months after buying Plas Maenan Country
A law firm which opened an office in Conwy
House in the Conwy Valley, a former nurse and soldier has
in 2019 is celebrating a successful year after
transformed the five-star venue. Jane Harris is the hotel’s
expanding to a team of seven within months of
third owner in less than three years, but is determined to stay
opening. Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors opened its
the course and has already made incredible progress since
North Wales office in Conwy in May, and say they
December last year. Recruiting Great British Menu star Jason
have been delighted with the level of demand
Hughes as head chef was one of her first big decisions, and
for legal services in the area. Edward Nutting
the move has already paid dividends in laying the foundations
(pictured), commercial and agricultural property
for a fresh reputation based on fine dining and locally sourced
lawyer, who heads up the firm’s Conwy office,
Welsh produce. “I had only been to see Plas Maenan three
said it had been an extremely busy start. “We
times before buying it, so I was not familiar with the area
have had a presence in Conwy since March 2018
and had no idea what lay ahead,” said Jane, who is a former
and we knew the demand was there, which is
soldier, nurse and a fully trained teacher. “The hotel was
why we decided to open a fully-staffed office in
closed, there were no staff, no guests, no suppliers and there
2019,” he said. “Over the course of eight months
was no handover. The building was in disrepair - a serious oil
we have grown into a team of seven staff based
leak had shut down the boiler - and the log fire was obsolete.
in Conwy, assisting individuals and businesses
The kitchen was filthy, and we were not compliant; there
all over North Wales. I specialise in commercial
was so much to do, and I questioned my decision to give up
and agricultural matters, and we also provide
everything at my time in life for this. But there was something
employment, corporate and dispute resolution
about the place, and I honestly believe Plas Maenan chose me,
for companies; and wills, trusts and probate,
not the other way around. It was a spiritual feeling, a positive
family, clinical negligence and personal injury for
energy, and that combined with these breath-taking views
private clients. It’s been a fantastic start and we
of the Valley made me take a leap of faith.” What followed has
are looking forward to working with even more
been almost a year of improvements, more than £250,000 in
people during 2020 and beyond.”
refurbishments and additions – notably Hiraeth, a European
www.lblaw.co.uk
and Welsh tapas restaurant, and terraces with underfloor heating. “Plas Maenan Country House has a rich and important history, but I truly believe the best is yet to come.” www.plas-maenan-hotel.co.uk
Page 64 NWM 2020
Travel agent refurbishes bereavement room North Wales’s most haunted
A little boy from Wrexham who lost two much-loved
A village inn in the Vale of Clwyd claims to be the most
grandparents just months apart has thanked a travel agent
haunted pub in North Wales after being home to seven ghosts.
for helping to refurbish a special bereavement room which
An exorcism a few years ago whittled that down to three
has helped him cope with their sudden deaths. Ethan James,
but the Salusbury Arms in Tremeirchion, which features in
11, of Caia Park, has been one of the first youngsters to visit
the Domesday Book, is still certainly spook central. A former
the new-look Sunshine Room at Nightingale House Hospice
landlady, Glenys Taylor, who passed away in an upstairs
in Wrexham which has been transformed with a grant
bedroom over 30 years ago, is still a presence although
from the Hays Travel Foundation. The foundation focuses on
the pub is now run by Richard and Sue Green, of Dovecote
projects which support young people. The newly decorated
Brewery, in Denbigh, who live in the village and took over the
space, which is used by the hospice’s Release bereavement
Salusbury earlier this year, breathing new life into it after it
service, has been designed to create a much homelier
closed for 14 months. Richard, an industrial chemist originally
atmosphere, with comfy sofas, soft lighting and a colourful
from Walsall, in the West Midlands, and Sue, from Rhyl, set
light projector. The aim is to provide a safe and secure space
up Dovecote Brewery in Denbigh two years ago when they
for young people to talk to trained social workers who run
decided to turn his home brewing hobby into an alternative
the hospice’s Release service. It helps children and young
career. There are now Dove pubs in Rhyl and Prestatyn with a
people, up to the age of 18, who live within the hospice’s
Taproom in Denbigh and The Hoptimist pubs have popped up
catchment area and have lost someone they love very dearly.
in Abergele, Rhuddlan and Llangollen and it was this success
Ethan said he was very impressed with the new Sunshine
that led to locals persuading them to take over the running of
Room and said: “It is a big improvement from the last room
the Salusbury and its resident spirits. “The exorcism got rid
and it feels more uplifting and it feels like it is a fresh new
of four of the ghosts but we’ve still got three including an old
start which is a good way to feel when you come in here.
spirit in the cellar who once shoved one of the barmen down
It’s a nice and safe space to sit and have a think about and
the steep stairs and a little boy in one of the bedrooms, but the
remember my grandma and grandad who I miss a lot.”
spirit most people report seeing is Mrs Taylor,” said Richard.
www.nightingalehouse.co.uk
“She’s protective, and if she thinks you’re doing a good job in the kitchen which was her domain, she gives you a pat on the back which Sue and her kitchen team have felt more than once…”
Awards success for Adventure Parc Snowdonia
judges, and then readers
Adventure Parc Snowdonia has won the One for the Kids
vote for their favourites.
(family experience) award at the National Geographic
Adventure Parc Snowdonia beat off competition from The
Traveller Reader Awards, in association with Audley
Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham and Tiger Lodges
Travel. The awards ceremony, which took place at The
Reserve in Kent to win in its category. “It’s a big honour for
Montcalm Hotel in Marble Arch, London on Wednesday
us to be recognised by the National Geographic Traveller
night, showcased industry innovation and expertise
and its readers in this way, and we’re grateful to everyone
from attractions and destinations across the planet, from
who voted for us,” commented Andy Ainscough, managing
Snowdonia to Antarctica, China to Patagonia. Regarded as
director of Adventure Parc Snowdonia. “The award is
the last word on the best places, experiences, hotels and
testament to the exceptional work of our dedicated team
operators which go ‘above and beyond’ to make travelling
who are passionate about delivering engaging, family-
meaningful and memorable, the National Geographic
friendly experiences to encourage and celebrate the
Traveller Reader Awards celebrate the best new additions
instinct for challenge and adventure which is in all of us.”
to the world of travel. Candidates are shortlisted by
adventureparcsnowdonia.com
of the National Geographic Traveller are asked to
NWM 2020 Page 65
MAGAZINE
An exceptional academic and enriching education from Pre-School to Sixth Form
Excellent examination results • High academic value added Outstanding Pre-School provision for 2-4 year olds • Wrap around care included Year 7 scholarships available • Exceptional Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme Forest School and Coastal School initiatives for Prep School children RYA Accredited Sailing Centre • Remarkable Performing Arts opportunities Fully funded day places for Year 7 and Year 12 available for 2020 entry
www.rydalpenrhos.com Page 66 NWM 2020
For more information email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155
Learning by heart If you’re a parent of a pupil in secondary school, chances are
depend on how much you have to learn before your exams, but
your teen will be sitting their mock exams soon.
the key is to make a goal that you’ll stick to no matter what.
While different schools sit them at different times, almost all
It can’t be too big or you run the risk of slipping up once and
schools in the country have some form of mock/preliminary/
then ditching the habit all together.
practice exams coming up – if they’re not happening already. While an average learner will spend hours rehashing things As teachers, we’ve found there’s a lot of confusion surrounding
they already know and ignoring everything that they don’t,
mock exams from both parents and pupils alike. Do they
an effective learner will quickly evaluate the concepts they’re
actually matter? What do they mean? How much effort should I
struggling with and spend time overcoming their weaknesses
put in? Does it count for anything?
before moving onto their strengths.
As a result of this confusion, often times students will resort
When you play sport, you’re often told to practice like you play.
to either apathy or anxiety. This is a shame, because mock
The same logic applies to exam performance. When we’re
exams have more value than pupils might imagine. While
under pressure, our brain’s default to what’s called “automatic
they’re not the most important exams in the world, they can be
thinking”, meaning we read situations with the same
incredibly beneficial.
habitual mental strategies that we use during our practiced repetitions.
Simply put, mock exams are practice exams designed to prepare students for the “real” exams that usually take place in
What this means is that if you practice at 70% focus and
Term 4 (NCEA, Cambridge, IB, school exams, etc).
intensity, you’re more likely to perform at 70% focus and intensity during the big sports match.
Most schools will try their best to make mock exams as close as possible to the “real thing”. This means an allocated day for
Your mental performance will always default back to what it’s
the exam; a period of “study leave” whereby pupils can revise
used to when the pressure’s on – there’s no way of magically
from home; strict exam conditions; and a period after the exams
boosting your brain power when it matters.
where teachers will mark and moderate pupils’ work. One way to ensure you can easily tap into your game-brain Mock exams are designed to serve as “back-up-grades” if
when the pressures on is by mimicking the same exam
pupils cannot sit their real exams at the end of the year.
conditions you’ll be working under from home.
But although mocks have some importance, we should try to
Exam-taking is a skill, and like any other skill, it gets easier
dispel the myth that mock exams are a cruel trick to judge
with practice. The more study you complete under exam
pupils’ ability for no reason other than early stress.
conditions, the less daunting they become. When you practice, make sure that you do at least some of it timed, and without
Instead, we should try to view mock exams for what they are:
your notes available.
an opportunity for pupils to prepare, learn and make mistakes before the stakes get high in “real” exams.
While mock exams are only a small component of your overall school experience, you shouldn’t lose sight of their value.
Think of mocks like an insurance policy: probably not going to
Mock exams don’t have to be a source of premature stress. If
be used in the end, but worth the investment for good coverage
you plan right, study smart and take good care of yourself, you
in case things go belly-up.
might even find yourself enjoying the process. n
For many pupils, mocks will be their first encounter with formal exams, and self-directed study is a hard thing to get right first time. Depending on how soon your mocks are, set aside a small amount of time (between 10-25 minutes) every day to revise for
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
your exams. The frequency and duration of your sessions will
NWM 2020 Page 67
MAGAZINE
Rydal Penrhos student makes national sailing squad
Job offer received for St David’s College pupil
A talented sailing squad member
Louis Dalton, a St
at Rydal Penrhos has secured a prestigious national
David’s College
squad selection for the second consecutive season. Llion
pupil, has always
Morris, a Year 9 pupil at the school, will once again be
had an interest in all
part of the ITCA GBR National Topper Squad for their
things technical and, over the last two years, has developed
winter training programme in the coming months. This
his interest in 3D CAD (engineering) to a professional level.
represents a significant milestone for the pupil as there
With this in mind, St David’s College approached one of its
are only 25 squad places available for the programme, and
industrial partners (Helical Technology, based in Lytham,
Llion will now embark on a series of additional training
Lancs) and arranged a two-week placement for Louis. They
sessions to further enhance his development. It has been
have since offered him a full-time position and a place on
another campaign full of significant achievements for
their technical/graduate apprentice scheme. St David’s has
the teenager, who has developed his skills considerably
developed schemes that allow it to partner with a wide range
since his involvement with the school’s RYA accredited
of industries. The college has several companies ‘on its books’
Sailing Centre. This has resulted in a series of impressive
who are actively looking for students in order to offer them
competition triumphs over the summer, which culminated
employment, either as technical or graduate apprentices,
in a tremendous victory in the Topper fleet at the British
particularly in the field of engineering. Over the past three
Youth Sailing Welsh Regional Championships, meaning
years, St David’s has placed six students into industry and
Llion now currently holds all three national Topper titles, a
all of them are thriving in their chosen careers, proving to be
feat only achieved by two other sailors previously.
great assets and excellent ambassadors for the school.
rydalpenrhos.com
www.stdavidscollege.co.uk
EDUCATION NEWS Myddelton College’s budding writer Oliver Lewis, currently in year 10 at Myddelton College, has just had his second book, Bloodcross, published. In Oliver’s own words the book is a “twisted tale of a mother and son who risk everything to stay together and test themselves against the rising power of the technological world.” Fusing the gothic and dystopian genres together Oliver is hoping to hit the right tone in our world of increasing reliance on technology to run our lives. After reading Oliver’s book it might be that we never look at our Alexa or Hive devices again in the same light! This is only volume 1 in a trilogy that Oliver is hoping will help take him along the road to becoming an established author in his own right in the future. www.myddeltoncollege.com
Page 68 NWM 2020
Wrexham students raise money for charity Students at Wrexham Glyndwr University have rowed the length of Wales to raise funds for charity – without leaving their student union. The charity fundraiser was organised by Wrexham Glyndwr University Students’ Union to help raise funds for mental health charities. Five rowing machines were set up in the Students’ Union’s Lazy Lion bar on the university’s Plas Coch campus and over a twelve hour period students, lecturers, university governors and more each took turns in a series of fifteen-minute slots to row as far as possible. Rowers were sponsored and donations were taken on the day to help raise money for the Counselling Hub, a mental health charity based in North East Wales. In total, rowers racked up 229 miles – further than the distance between Holyhead and Cardiff – and raised almost £400 for charity in the process. www.glyndwr.ac.uk
diwrnodau agored. 29 Chwefror 6 Mehefin
open days. 29 February 6 June
Archebwch nawr / Book now 01978 293439 wgu.ac.uk/openday
NWM 2020 Page 69
MAGAZINE
Talhenbont Hall is a family owned estate on the stunning Llyn Peninsula, North Wales. Situated in 100 acres of private ancient woodland and gardens it is an exclusive wedding venue that offers a bespoke service to any couple. With a stunning terrace, perfect for an outdoor ceremony overlooking the river, and newly renovated Coach House, there is a lot of flexibility and the option of exclusive use of the whole estate with accommodation for 42. Are you still looking for your perfect venue? Join us for our Talhenbont Hall Wedding Open Day – Saturday 25th January 2019 from 12pm – 3pm. Enjoy fizz & canapes, meet with the team and industry experts and see our beautiful hall and grounds dressed for a wedding.
Talhenbont Hall, Chwilog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 6SZ. Tel 01766 810247, enquiries@talhenbonthall.co.uk www.talhenbonthall.co.uk Page 70 NWM 2020
The
Wedding planner
ENGAGEMENT TIPS Did you get engaged during the festive period? Christmas
your venue. Don’t get carried away trying on wedding
and New Year’s Eve can be very romantic, and January is
dresses, picking cakes or booking your photographer. Your
a busy time for any venue in terms of showing newly engaged couples around. What an immensely exciting period you have ahead of you! Planning a wedding is a
choice of wedding venue is crucial to your big day. Your venue should suit you as a couple. At Talhenbont the bespoke wedding service and flexible
lot of fun, however, it can sometimes
nature of the spaces on offer
be a daunting task to embark on
mean that every wedding
with lots of major decisions to
is different.
make and a budget to consider. I work with couples and their
Draft your guestlist
families year around and have
Once you know how where
great deal of experience in
your wedding is going to
helping them to plan for their
be, it’s time then to sort
big day. I have a few tips to
out your guestlist. It may
get you going and make it all
be that you decide upon an
run smoothly.
intimate wedding breakfast and huge evening “do.” People
Set a timetable As soon as that announcement is made, people will be keen to congratulate you and will ask the question “so when is the big day?” Before you can make any major choices and set a date one of the most important decisions to make is choosing and booking your dream
often want to invite more guests than is affordable, so part of my job is to work with a couple and their budget and offer advice on how best to cater for everyone. There are money saving options from a catering point of view and so it’s important to work closely with your caterer.
venue. As a wedding planner I work with the couple to find a date that works for not only them but their friends and
Work with your Wedding Planner.
family. A few things to think about include major events
Perhaps the best bit of advice is to work closely with your
or family holidays that you may want to avoid. If you are
wedding planner. They are there to offer expert advice and
thinking of a mid week wedding, people may have to take
support from the moment you book. I aim to go that extra
time off work not only for the wedding day, but a day either
mile for our couples, from bespoke tasting evenings with our
side. It is important to think about how long you want to plan
caterer to putting you in touch with our carefully curated
your wedding, you often need longer than you think!
list of brilliant companies and individuals that we know are great to work with. A good wedding planner is also a great
Set your budget
sounding board for any ideas that you may have.
It is important to talk through financing your wedding. This
Follow my tips for your big day and your wedding will be
may involve just you and your partner or your families too.
what you have always dreamed of. n
You need an overall figure which you can then begin to work with on how you will spend it. There are some great money saving options, such as mid-week weddings or out
Alicia Cox is the wedding director of
of season dates.
Talhenbont Hall, a luxury wedding venue on the Llŷn Peninsula that is
Choose and book your venue
available for exclusive use
Before you do anything else, you need to choose and book
NWM 2020 Page 71
PRICE MATCH SALE NOW ON
WOOD, GAS & ELECTRIC STOVES AND FIRES
TRADITIONAL & MODERN RANGE COOKERS
CLASSIC HAND PAINTED KITCHENS
BATHROOMS, WETROOMS & TILES We always offer great prices, but if in doubt, we’ll happily try to beat any like for like quotation or online price for our showroom products during January. Buy locally for luxury at the lowest price.
01745 582254 rnwilliams.co.uk Chester Street, St Asaph, LL17 0RE
Getting back
to Nature
Credit: Jacob Spinks
There’s plenty of wildlife across the region in January, says Julian Hughes, if you know where to look.
Three places to visit in January Llyn Coron, Anglesey This privately-owned natural lake near Aberffraw is popular with anglers and birdwatchers, and can be viewed from a nearby road and public footpath. January is the peak month for waterbirds visiting Wales from Russia and
Robins are not just for Christmas
Iceland. Look for Tufted Ducks,
The tinsel is down and the afternoons are getting longer, and
Pochards and Shovelers on the
although there’s plenty more winter to come, signs of spring are
water, and the nearby sand
already here. Robins are unusual for two reasons: they hold feeding
dunes can be a good place to see
territories through the winter and sing to tell other robins to keep
Short-eared Owls hunting for
away. And females sing, not just the male as with most other birds.
mice and voles.
They have a slightly mournful song, simpler than in the breeding season when they will have to compete with other birdsong. Robins even sing at night, under artificial lights, so it
Horton’s Nose, Kinmel Bay
might well have been the first nature you heard as you walked home on New Year’s Day.
This local nature reserve is dominated by sand dunes at
Blowin’ in the wind
the mouth of the Clwyd estuary,
Last year’s leaves are gone, but some trees are starting to bud.
protecting the harbour from
Hazel trees, with their smooth grey bark, burst into life by the
winter storms in the Irish Sea.
end of January. Male and female flowers grow on the same tree:
Winter might not seem the best
female flowers are tiny red buds that grow on the twigs, but
time to go to the beach, but
the male catkins are bright yellow and hang from the branches.
you might find Snow Buntings
They rely on the breeze to disperse their pollen, which is an
feeding on the seeds of the dune plants, and sometimes a Black
important food source for early bees and flies that are tempted to wake up on a sunny winter’s day.
Credit: Rob Mitchell
Credit: Malene Thyssen
Fox news: listen for the screaming
Foxes are at their most vocal in January, as dogs bark and vixens scream to attract a mate. But it’s an urban myth that the scream is during mating – they do that quietly. It’s the time of year you’re most likely to hear foxes if you’re out late at night, or even be woken by them. They are social animals, living in groups of two to six, but each animal forages independently. They call to communicate to other foxes and defend their territory, but also rely on their sharp eyesight and sense of smell.
New year’s resolution: BirdTrack it!
The New Year is a clean slate for birdwatchers, the keenest of whom maintain a list of all the birds they see or hear in a year. Many will have a ‘big day’ on 1st January – 100 bird species on a winter’s day in North Wales is possible with a bit of planning, clear weather and some luck. Whether you’re trying for a ‘big day’ or just want to note birds while walking the dog, there are a couple of ways to record your sightings and make them available to science. For birds anywhere in the world, I recommend Birdtrack.net, and for all other wildlife (in North Wales), visit cofnod.org.uk. Once registered, each has a mobile phone app that makes it easy to note nature on the move.
Redstart winters here, while waders roost at high tide. Glaslyn Valley, near Porthmadog The floodplain of the Glaslyn Valley is one of the few regular haunts of Whooper Swans in Wales, which gather here from Iceland each winter. Around 50 Whoopers feed in fields around Llanfrothen, but you’ll need to pay close attention as resident Mute Swans can flock here too. Mute Swans have an orange bill, while Whoopers are yellow. They arrive in family groups, last year’s grown up chicks having duskier plumage, not pure white.
Julian Hughes grew up in North Wales, which instilled a lifelong love of nature. He lives near Llandudno, manages the RSPB’s public affairs work in Wales, and writes about the region’s wildlife.
NWM 2020 Page 73
You & Your
Pet
OBESITY IN PETS IS ON THE RISE As pet owners, we want to spend as much time with our
Use your imagination, get creative, it could be as simple as
cats and dogs as we possibly can but overfeeding can lead
playing with their favourite toy for five minutes, a belly rub
to weight gain which can have a major effect on your pet’s
or chin scratch.
health including decreasing their life expectancy, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and even cancer.
Exercise may not always be possible but this is something most pets truly love. It may be the last thing on your mind
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that 40% of dogs and 53% of cats
when you wake up on a bitter winter morning and may be the
are overweight or obese. This is only set to get worse as pet
last thing on your mind when you have just finished work, but
obesity is on the rise.
it’s as true to our pets as it is to us that the best way to keep that extra weight off is to exercise.
Overweight animals tend to be less energetic and willing to play. Whether it’s due to a lack of exercise or incorrect portion
If going out is not an option there are lots of toys and games
sizes, there are lots of factors that can lead to pet obesity.
you could choose from to use within your home. For example, a hunting game is a great way for your pet to use their natural
Are you treating your pet too much?
instincts to seek out their favourite toy or treat, providing
It’s easy to fall for their meows or puppy dog eyes but just a
excellent mental and physical stimulation.
little treat here and there will all add up to an overweight pet – not a happy pet.
When it comes to feeding, look at the type of feed you are providing and make sure it is suitable for the age and breed
We are not talking about cutting treats out completely, it’s more
of your pet. Most importantly, follow the feeding guidelines on
about knowing your pet and understanding their feeding
the packaging.
habits - after all you know your pets better than anyone. If you need any further advice, don’t hesitate to come in to the Spoiling your pets with treats for just being themselves is a
store and ask one of the team. We have a large selection of
great way to show love. But, if they get a treat every time you
toys, feeds and healthy treats to help keep those pounds off. n
want to show affection, those pounds could easily start to add up. Obviously, we don’t want to put you off giving your pets treats, it’s about giving something else as a reward or using part of their daily portion as their treats instead. How to reward your pet Instead of giving a treat as a reward every time, how about giving them your undivided attention. Treats don’t have to
Meurig Davies is the Buyer for the Dog & Cat departments at petplace. He has worked in every part of the company over the last 21 years and, as a passionate pet parent to Libby his Labrador, he knows the importance of providing a well balanced diet along with a good exercise regime for Libby.
be edible, your best friend will appreciate them all the same.
NWM 2020 Page 75
Cato Crane Auctioneers MAGAZINE
CELEBRATING 34 YEARS OF HELPFUL SERVICE AND SUCCESSFUL SELLING
Always Interested to Appraise Good Welsh Dressers’
Artist - Sir George Clausen - Sold by Us for £190,000.00’
Early Staffordshire Sheep Subjects & Old Shepherds’ Crooks Always Find Bidders
• Free Pre-Sale Valuation at the Sale Room • Very Prompt and Courteous Service • Valuations for Probate and Sale • Valuations for Insurance • Weekly Collections and Furniture Auctions • Monthly Antiques and Fine Art Auctions • Specialist Book and Toy Auctions • International Advertising and Buyers • Specialist Removals with In-House Experienced Team • Removal of Low Value Items • Secure Insured Storage Facilities • Removals Arranged to All Parts of the UK • Live Internet Auctions
Our main offices and two auction rooms are located in Stanhope Street, opposite the Liverpool Marina. There is free on-road parking. Visits to clients in Wirral, Chester and North Wales are made every week. Evening and weekend visits to clients homes can be made by prior arrangement. To book your appointments simply call John Crane personally on either 01766 771777 or mobile 07836 209995 Cato Crane Auctioneers Liverpool Auction Rooms 6 Stanhope Street Liverpool, L8 5RF
Wirral Valuation Office 48 The Mount Heswall Wirral CH60 4RD
Chester and North Wales Tel: 01244 680055 Wirral Tel: 0151 342 2321
Email: info@catocrane.co.uk & sell@lowerpercent.co.uk
www.catocrane.co.uk
Telephone Soon For Home Visit Appraisals
Page 76 NWM 2019 2020
All Things
Auctioneering On the 31st December last year it was 142 years since one of the greatest British artists was born who had a great influence on younger artists who studied in the great City of Liverpool. William Charles Penn was a painter and influential teacher at Liverpool School of Art from 1911 until after World War II. Born in London, he studied at the Lambeth and City and Guilds Schools of Art from 1895, subsequently winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy from 1900-1905. Penn subsequently studied at the Académie Julian in Paris in 1908 and the following year in the Netherlands and
In excess of 50 of Penn’s paintings are held within national
Belgium. As well as being a member of Sandon Studios Society
public collections of British art, including The Walker Art
located at the old Bluecoat school near Church Street and the
Gallery in Liverpool, University College London, Williamson Art
Liverpool Academy. He belonged to the Royal Institute of Oil
Gallery and the University of Liverpool.
Painters from 1908 and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 1952, as well as the Royal Cambrian Academy based in
It is always worth scouring the auctions online as Penn’s
Conwy. I have Illustrated an oil painting by him entitled Castell
pictures do come up for sale occasionally and some of his
Dinas Bran in North Wales.
smaller works are actually still affordable. When you are in Liverpool do call into our Auction Rooms or our valuation office
Penn was a prolific artist and showed 38 works at the Royal
in Heswall with pictures you may have for sale or, as usual,
Academy, with numerous others at the Royal Glasgow Institute
I can visit you which is generally more convenient for our
of the Fine Arts, and for many years at the Liverpool Autumn
clients here in North Wales.
Exhibitions. I think it is often a misconception that artists have not lived in the ‘real world’ that most of us do. Certainly some
It is with delight that I occasionally discover David
artists have come from privileged backgrounds but Charles
Lloyd George memorabilia. This Butter dish was made
Penn lived a ‘normal’ family home life and, as many other
in Staffordshire and urges people to be frugal in their
brave men did, joined up to serve his country in WW1. Charles
consumption of food in WW1. This is a growing area of
Penn served with the 57th Division in France in the First
collecting interest now for many people in Wales and beyond.
World War, he was awarded the Military Cross in 1918.
Finally, I spend most weekends visiting clients in Wales and our removal van and team of auctioneers and removers collect
I like Penn’s work for its varied subject matter from portraits
throughout Wales for our city centre auction rooms. You will
to interiors to landscapes and his wonderful flower paintings
find that nothing is too much trouble for our experienced
– Google him to see for yourself! Following his retirement from
polite teams.
teaching but not from painting, William Penn moved from Liverpool northwards with his family, to Brampton, Cumbria,
May I wish you a very happy New Year and look forward to
where he lived until his death in 1968
meeting you soon. n
John Crane runs Cato Crane Auctioneers which offers a free pre-sale valuation service at its busy Valuation Office in Wirral. It also offers a home visit valuation service throughout North Wales, which is ideal if you would like advice on a few objects. Cato Crane’s selling commission rates are competitive, and a rate of 8% (or lower for very high value items) is available to clients in North Wales during January 2020. You can call Cato Crane’s head office in Liverpool on 0151 709 5559 or their office in Wirral on 0151 342 2321 for further information or, alternatively you can ring John directly on 07836 209995 if you would like any auctioneering advice. You can also follow Cato Crane on Twitter and Instagram. www.catocrane.co.uk
NWM 2019 Page 77 NWM 2020 Page 77
Kitchens
OF CONWY
Kitchens / Utility Rooms / Bedrooms / Dressing Rooms Home Offices / Games Rooms
Rhos-on-Sea
01492 472122
Professional Installation Service Supply and Fit or Fit Only
info@kitchensofconwy.co.uk
@Kitchensofconwy
For the love of all things
vintage...
Confessions of a modern day magpie If chocolate be the food of love, read on… Mmm… who doesn’t love yummy chocolate? Tatty does, and over the Christmas period I have gratuitously overindulged on the stuff. In my opinion tearing open an orange net bag of chocolate gold coins is one of the great joys of the festive holidays – and a temptation too much to resist. My name’s Tatty and I am a self-confessed antique dealing, vintage obsessed, chocoholic. In the world of antiques, the one item that has always eluded me, the one item I’ve always wanted to get my chocolatey sticky fingers on, more than a Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket, is an Edwardian era, confectioners glass cabinet. The perfect combination of my two great loves, chocolate and antiques. It is one of those items that’s on every decorative antique dealers “want list”. They are a timeless classic that are never out of vogue and nearly everyone wants to own one, whether they’re in retail and want one as a shop centrepiece or a private collector. All the great names in confectionery produced their own version of a glass cabinet during the first half of the 20th Century such as Fry’s, Rowntree’s and Cadbury’s and they were common place on the grocers or
bountiful untapped source, and a quick sweep can turn up
sweet shop counter. Often emblazoned with beautiful gold
the most unexpected of items. Like an antique Cadbury’s
sign writing baring the manufacturers name, and inside the
display cabinet! In perfect condition with two royal warrant
cabinet a white ceramic slab on the top and bottom, to keep
crests – what a beauty. So next time you pass by a poster
the confectionery cool.
saying “antiques fair on today” go and take a look, you never know what you might find…
So where did Tatty find such a rarity? Well, I firmly believe in attending small local fairs, the ones that are held in
Happy New Year
townhalls, sports centres, church rooms and such like. High end dealers often overlook them, but for me they are often a
Tatty is constantly searching for new stock and would love to hear from you if you have any of the
Love Tatty x
Ali Hough (Tatty) is a dealer in fine
following for sale: fine vintage, decorative antiques,
vintage and antiques. Based at: Tatty
vintage textiles/quilts or Welsh blankets.
HQ, No. 12 Ivy Street, Colwyn Bay. For all
You can catch Tatty on Insta @tattydivine.co.uk
enquiries please contact 07940 730421
or Twitter @tatty_divine
or email sales@tattydivine.co.uk
NWM 2019 2020 Page 79
Sea life
Planet Earth not Planet Plastic! If you make just one resolution this New Year, pledge to
disposable plastic items make
stamp out Single Use Plastics to reduce our global plastic
up the majority of the top ten
pollution problem.
marine debris found, and plastic bags were consistently at the top of the league table in first or
It’s choking up our rivers and seas, killing marine life and
second place.
finding its way into our food and drink so it’s impossible to escape the reality of global plastic pollution. But we can make
Following the bag tax, plastic bag use dropped by 70% in
big changes towards protecting our precious planet through
Wales and the results were quickly apparent on our Welsh
small changes in our everyday lifestyle, and the first step is to
beaches! Two years after the bag tax was introduced, plastic
eliminate Single Use Plastics.
bags dropped down in the league table and a year later they were relegated permanently from the top ten! The results were
Single Use Plastics are disposable plastic items, also known
exciting, speedy and undisputable!
as “SUPs” which are used just once then thrown away, causing a plague of plastic pollution in seas and on beaches
If we can make such a profound difference through reducing
all over the world.
just one item, imagine what a huge impact we can make by ditching all SUPs – not just within Wales but across the UK
Some of the most common items include carrier bags, food
and beyond! Through changing our habits and switching to
packaging and wraps, cotton bud sticks, drinking bottles and
reusable items, we can knock all SUPs on the head completely
straws, disposable cups and lids and disposable cutlery. Many
in a year or two – a huge step towards protecting our marine
of these products cannot be recycled so they end up in landfill or
environment and our planet.
as litter on land or in the sea as they never biodegrade. It is also abundantly clear that government led schemes and Astoundingly, the amount of plastic produced per year globally
taxes are the most efficient way to make everyone change
is roughly the same as the entire weight of humanity, and much
their habits. The European parliament has voted to ban single-
of this is for single use. Virtually every piece of plastic that has
use plastic cutlery, cotton buds, straws and stirrers by 2021,
ever been made still exists in some shape or form (with the
paving the way for a total ban on SUPs over the next five years,
exception of the small amount that has been incinerated) and
with Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and taxes to
currently 91% of plastic waste isn’t recycled.
discourage their use.
Here at the Anglesey Sea Zoo we started our voluntary
But our UK government with its focus on leaving the EU is
community beach cleans over 12 years ago and we adopted
unlikely to start prioritising environmental issues anytime
Tan-Y Foel Beach which lies at the bottom of the Sea Zoo drive
soon, so amidst the current global climate crisis it is up to us as
and stretches for several kilometres along the edge of the Menai
individuals to do everything we can to reverse our devastating
Strait. The project took off and we have continued to carry out
plastic pollution problem and protect the environment.
monthly clean-ups year-round with support and funding from Keep Wales Tidy, the Marine Conservation Society and North
So for 2020, alongside your Bags for Life, arm yourself with
Wales Wildlife Trust along with help from locals, schools and
reusable water bottles, hot drink cups, straws and sporks, and
community groups. We carry out seasonal quarterly surveys
seek out refill and recycle schemes – it will save you money and
to record and collate all the litter items we collect and this
make a huge difference to the future of our planet.n
contributes to the global Beachwatch database which monitors marine litter patterns all over the globe. On 1st October 2011 Wales became the first country in the UK to introduce a charge on single-use carrier bags and the result was phenomenal! The annual Beachwatch report summarises beach rubbish
Frankie Hobro is the owner and director of Anglesey Sea Zoo. She has always been a passionate advocate for conservation, and has a long history working on hands-on conservation projects with critically endangered species in difficult conditions abroad
data, broken down regionally and nationally. And every year
NWM 2020 Page 81
MAGAZINE
IN THE
STARS...
While everyone remembers Russell Grant from his Breakfast TV appearances in the 1980’s, most people don’t realise that Russell was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a horoscope forecast to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). Now dubbed the “Royal Astrologer” Russell has appeared on numerous television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing. He divides his time between London and his North Wales home near Portmeirion. www.russellgrant.com
January’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant ARIES (March 21st - April 20th) Working behind the scenes will be rewarding starting on the 6th. Take this opportunity to launch an important and confidential project. Your imagination will run wild if you can escape the attention of critics and cynics. A Lunar Eclipse on the 10th marks the end of a tense domestic situation. You may decide to relocate to a more tranquil and scenic setting.
LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd) A Lunar Eclipse on the 10th could mark a power struggle with an overbearing employer. You may decide to leave your job or start your own company because of this conflict. Working from home would be a wonderful arrangement for you. If you need start-up money, apply to a lending institution or relative for a loan on the 13th. You’ll get very generous terms for this deal.
TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st) The Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will bring some surprising news about a community concern. This information will make you see a leader in a new and different light. It’s important to remember that even the most admirable people can have feet of clay. The 11th allows you to move forward with a stalled self-improvement project. You’ll enjoy breaking free of a bad habit.
SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd) On the 10th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring a painful legal matter to a close. Although you might not be happy with the outcome, you will be relieved that the situation is over and done with. Give yourself a reward for having survived this challenge; you have earned it. An unusual person from your past could reappear on the 11th, creating excitement in your personal life.
GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st) A business or romantic partnership is worth pursuing on the 3rd. Teaming up with someone who is adventurous, curious and light-hearted will be a source of great joy. Make your desire to work together known; playing hard to get could easily backfire. On the 10th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring an end to a source of income. This will be a blessing in disguise.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st) Becoming more active on the 3rd will give you a healthy glow. This is an ideal time to join a gym, hire a personal trainer or begin a fitness regimen. When you move your body, creative ideas will flow like a mighty river. On the 10th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring an emergency expense to your attention. You won’t be able to avoid this big bill any longer.
CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd) A role will come to an end on the 10th, due to a jarring Lunar Eclipse. Although you’ll mourn the passing of this phase, it’s important to know there are even better things ahead. An important alliance will improve your personal and professional prospects on the 13th. Lean on your romantic or business partner during the middle of the month; they can and will help you realise a cherished goal.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th) A business or romantic partnership will undergo a big transformation on the 10th, due to a stressful Lunar Eclipse. If this relationship is going to survive, some big changes must occur. A temporary or permanent separation is possible. You’ll undergo an important personal transformation on the 12th. Give yourself permission to abandon odious responsibilities and pursue your dream life.
LEO (July 24th – August 23rd) An exciting job with generous benefits will be offered to you on the 7th. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get the marketable skills you need to move forward. Be willing to accept an entry level position; you’ll quickly rise through the ranks of your new company. A Lunar Eclipse on the 10th brings an embarrassing secret to light.
AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th) A Lunar Eclipse on the 10th will prompt you to get treatment for a health concern. If you’re not happy with a medical diagnosis, get a second opinion. You will work best with someone who is attentive to your concerns and adaptable to your suggestions. A stalled home improvement project will resume on the 11th, causing you to breathe a sigh of relief.
VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd) A flirtatious conversation on the 2nd could lead to an exciting romance. It feels wonderful to be with someone who shares your ambitions. By joining forces, you can build a prosperous life. Are you already in a relationship? Book a luxury vacation for you and your amour at the beginning of January. On the 10th, a Lunar Eclipse will bring an end to a stressful situation.
PISCES (February 20th – March 20th) The start of January is a good time for checking out the possibilities of changing your job. Although the competition will be stiff, you will emerge as a top contender if you emphasise your willingness to take advanced courses and travel extensively to land this position. A Lunar Eclipse on the 10th could cause you to draw a line under a creative project.
Page 82 NWM 2020
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NWM 2020 Page 83
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Page 84 NWM 2020
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