NWM - January 2023

DEAR READER

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2023 everybody – a New Year that’s full of new resolutions. So what’s yours? Other than turning the heating down even further?!

Of course one of the best ways to ensure that you aren’t using any energy is to get out of the house, and here’s where North Wales comes into it’s own. Our wonderful region is beautiful at any time of the year, but it does look just that little bit extra special when covered in snow…

Some local intrepid photographers ventured out during the cold snap last month, and the fruits of their labours can be found on page 28. And if such fabulous photos inspire you to get out into the mountains yourself, then

make sure that you turn to page 18 to learn all about the ground conditions on Snowdon.

For a more family-friendly walk however, take a look at page 61, where we have a fabulous circular route in Denbighshire for you all to follow together for some precious family time.

Wherever you decide to stretch your legs, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

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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.

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COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

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

What’s on

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

Friday 6th Return to Vienna

Saturday 14th Plast Off! 2023

Following three hugely triumphant tours, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra’s sparklingly satisfying New Year’s concert returns to Theatr Bryn Terfel in January 2023. In a programme which celebrates the very best of Viennese music, enjoy the famous Blue Danube by Strauss II, Strauss I’s rollicking Radetzky March, Korngold’s nostalgic Straussiana Polka, and more. Under the direction of Leader and Concertmaster David Adams, and joined by WNO’s latest Associate Artist, this lively and heart-warming concert will have you waltzing into the New Year in style.

Friday 6th & Saturday 7th Bat Box Building

Help the North Wales Wildlife Trust build loads of bat boxes and provide new resting sites! This event is taking place from 10am to 3pm on both the 6th and the 7th of January. Feel free to drop in for part or all of the session at the Aberduna Nature Reserve in Denbighshire. Hot drinks and cake provided.

Thursday 12th

Discover trees in winter

Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust on a gentle walk looking out for buds and bark of varied shapes and textures that you can name the different types of trees in winter. Meet at Ffordd Eithinog at 10am

Thursday 12th & Friday 13th

Spinning with Jenni Frost Jenni will be holding another of her masterclass sessions at Afonwen today, where you can learn the basics of this wonderful craft under her guidance

Kick start the year with some positive action for the planet and our beautiful local coastline. The North Wales Wildlife Trust will be at Porth Trecastell/ Cable Bay’s car park and sending people off to collect litter from Porth Trecastell, the surrounding coastline and even further up the coast to see how much litter can be removed. Litter picking to be done from 10am until 1pm when all litter will be returned to the NWWT’s base for a big weigh-in.

Tuesday 17th

Queen Extravaganza

Queen Extravaganza, the official Queen tribute band produced by Roger Taylor and Brian May, is visiting Venue Cymru tonight. This 90-minute show features more than 20 Queen classics drawn from the band’s biggest hits.

Thursday 19th Jon Richardson

Will the recycling be put out on the right day? Who is going to smooth over the top of the margarine? How many lights are on upstairs when everybody is downstairs? Watch Jon pretend that these aren’t his foremost concerns at Venue Cymru tonight

Thursday 19th and Friday 20th

Local artist Tracey Davies

Tracey paints mainly from photographs, and in watercolour, of your pets, homes, places of special memories and more. She is exhibiting at Afonwen today

Wednesday 25th The Psychology of Serial Killers

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st Bird Box Building

Help make a real difference for wildlife by building a variety of bird boxes to provide much-needed nesting sites at the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s wooded nature reserve in Gwernymynydd Maeshafn, Denbighshire. From 10am

Saturday 21st

Chinese New Year Gala Chinese culture workshops, Tai Chi and musical performances are taking place between 10am and 4pm today at Pontio Bangor

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd Stitch Art by Danielle Mcintyre

Danielle is a self-taught free motion and embroidery artist, who is inspired by cityscapes and landscapes, and then adds her own twist with bold lines, prints and colours. She is exhibiting at Afonwen today

Sunday 22nd

Jason Fox – Life At The Limit

Ex-special forces soldier, star of TV’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Inside The Real Narcos and author of the number one bestseller ‘Battle Scars’; Jason Fox will bring to Venue Cymru the remarkable story of his daring exploits in a distinguished career as an elite operator in the UK Special Forces.

Wednesday 25th

Handmade Gifts by Hancrafted Gifts

Hannah has many quirky gift items, and is able to etch names, special places or dates onto her wood, glass and slate. She also has Lego characters inside baubles of popular characters from Star Wars to Harry Potter. She is working at Afonwen today.

Thursday 26th January Comedy Club

Join Pontio Bangor for a night of comedy with three comedians from the British comedy circuit. Guaranteed to be a great night out!

Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th

Sunday 29th

Beach clean

These winter beach cleans organised by the North Wales Wildlife Trust help keep our shores clean and wildlife safe. Wear suitable clothing and appropriate footwear, all equipment provided but if you have your own pickers and gloves that would be helpful. Meet on the shoreline, next to the park behind the train station in Pensarn

Local artist Gill Benjamin Gill has some stunning artwork, and is very popular at Afonwen, taking many commissions.

Join expert forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees to explore one of forensic psychology’s most troubling topics. During this talk at Venue Cymru you will discover how serial killers are classified. She will also debunk common serial killer myths – you may be surprised by what you learn!

Welcome home

BIG the picture

Conwy’s town walls are among the finest and most complete in Europe. Stretching almost uninterrupted around the town’s medieval heart, they run for three quarters of a mile, with 21 towers and three original gateways along their length. The walls were constructed between 1283 and 1287 after the foundation of Conwy by Edward I, and were designed to form an integrated system of defence alongside Conwy Castle. The project was completed using large quantities of labourers brought in from England; the cost of building the castle and walls together came to around £15,000 – a huge sum for the period. If you’ve got a head for heights, you can take a walk along the top of the wall and take in the stunning views of Conwy and its beautiful estuary...

We give a lot of our time and energy into the build-up of Christmas and still manage to make time for our pets, but as soon as January comes around it is very easy to slip into bad habits.

The cold weather and continued dark nights don’t help. The thought of going for an evening walk can seem less appealing when it’s like this, however, as pet parents we don’t have the option to stay indoors because our pets’ health and wellbeing should be a priority.

Daily exercise is important for many reasons, not just for our pets but for us humans too. We all need to be taking part in some form of exercise. Our pets have copious amounts of energy and if they have nowhere to burn through this energy they may become destructive as their behaviour can take a turn for the worse, especially when they are suffering from boredom, picking up bad habits along the way.

When exercising in the winter, there are many factors to consider in order to keep both you and your pet safe. Shorter days lead to longer nights with evenings becoming darker a lot earlier, unfortunately, this can have its disadvantages. We have created a list of accessories and activities which will enable you to keep your pets active and safe throughout the winter.

What can I do to help keep my pet safe in winter?

Reflective wear is a must, this will help make you visible to walkers, horse riders, pets out walking and other road users. Coats, leads, collars, neon clothing and hi-vis jackets are just some items to help keep you safe. Torches and clip-on lights are other accessories that are great at making you visible to others.

Rainfall increases during the winter months and waterproof rugs, jackets and drying towels are perfect for keeping your pet nice and dry.

Avoid walking on frozen and icy surfaces, this will prevent any damage to their paw pads which can be extremely painful. Dog-friendly booties are great for protecting your dog’s paws from chemicals and salt which are often spread on paths and roads during this period.

How can I keep my pet active in winter?

Create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course, this will be great entertainment and keep dogs active. If space is an issue then we have a solution, head to the dog park in Abergele. The perfect spot for a rainy day. A soft play area for your dog to enjoy with other dogs. This will be great exercise whilst giving them the opportunity to socialise.

Snuffle mats are a great way to distract your dog, providing them with mental stimulation. Alternatively, create a scavenger hunt which again will keep them occupied and prevent them from becoming bored and agitated.

Treat dispensing toys are a popular form of entertainment for dogs, especially as they are rewarded at the end. Place them in different areas encouraging your pet to move around and stretch their legs.

Laser pointers, while these are more common with cats, dogs will also chase the laser. This is a great way to keep them moving without having to step outdoors.

Exercise of some form will prevent weight gain which could cause complications with your pet’s health. Exercise is not only great physically, but it will also provide mental stimulation which should help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. n

Ashlee is the social media and marketing assistant at petplace. Animal obsessed, she has a fondness for all living things and the environment using her creativity to build awareness. If you follow petplace on social media you will no doubt have interacted with Ashlee, she loves engaging with their customers and, most importantly, seeing all your wonderful pets.

A New Year, and new resolutions!

A lot of our resolutions revolve around our eating and drinking habits. We begin a new year determined to eat more healthy, fresh and organic food – and eat less of the other things which are actually bad for us but irresistibly enjoyable… and of course to drink more water and smoothies and less of the festive spirit we enjoyed over Christmas. And quite often our brave new resolutions wobble and falter within the first fortnight of January.

My wife and I, we’ve been going to and from our little house in France over the past few years, as much as Brexit and Covid have allowed. Our nearest town is coincidentally quite similar to our home town, Caernarfon, here in Wales. Even the name is oddly alike… Called Confolens, it’s a medieval country town with an old quarter of cobbled lanes and walls and turrets. A bit smaller than Caernarfon, Confolens is a pleasant place to live and popular with tourists, with lashings of history and pretty good food.

Talking of food and drink, we’ve got used to our French friends and neighbours rather haughtily comparing their globally famous cuisine with British food. You have to get used to it. People who’ve never been nearer to the UK than Paris, or maybe Calais, have a preconceived idea that we aren’t very good at cooking… and worse, that we aren’t especially bothered because our palates are sadly undeveloped.

Well, it isn’t true of my wife and I, although my formative years were spent eating beans on toast in a 1960s boarding school. My wife’s a terrific cook and we’ve enjoyed good food in many different parts of the world. And in Confolens there isn’t anything like as much choice of eating-out as we have here in Caernarfon, and the food isn’t always Cordon Bleu.

I used to enjoy sloping off to our next-door neighbour’s house, to share a few aperitifs with Roger, a 95 year old rogue and reprobate with a bottomless fund of stories to tell… going right back to his childhood in the 1920s when he walked to school in his wooden clogs stuffed with straw, through his experiences as a resistance fighter during the German occupation of France, and then his adulthood as a… well, as a rogue and reprobate with an infamous reputation throughout the county.

Drinking with him, in his living room pungent with tobacco smoke, was great fun and always uniquely informative. And sometimes I would drive him into town on a Saturday morning where he enjoyed shuffling around, still in his slippers, and browsing the stalls of the excellent market. Because, as well as being an inveterate toper, Roger was a gourmet – a lover of rich and redolent ‘haute cuisine’.

Stephen Gregory makes a food related resolution –but it’s not the one that you’d expect…

Dining out in Caernarfon is great at any time of year

What sunny Confolens can learn from Caernarfon’s food scene...

He would savour the aromas of the meat stalls, where deer and wild boar and all kinds of game were hanging up and in different stages of being prepared for the kitchen. Mischievously, he would make sure we came to the ‘boucherie chevaline’ and watch my reaction for a glimmer of British squeamishness. And we’d drive back to our village with a bag full of oysters. Then, in the evening Roger taught me how to shuck them without gashing myself with his wicked oystershucking knife, and we’d slurp them down with pepper and lemon and glasses of Suze.

And sometimes, usually when I was in France on my own, we would eat out. In the evening we’d go into Confolens and enjoy the expertise of the cooks in our local restaurants. And this was an opportunity for me to counter Roger’s disparaging references to how we eat in Britain. Because, however charming the historic town of Confolens may be, it isn’t rich in culinary choices. There are three restaurants. I’ve been in Confolens on an evening in autumn and found them getting ready to close at 7 o’clock… the barman is stacking the chairs onto the tables, the cleaner is mopping the floor with bleach.

In the winter the town is almost completely shut down. I mean, there’s one place open. On a night in November or December you can get a beer and a pizza in the hotel – but that’s all. If you walk out of the hotel and into the square and along the historically intriguing streets, you won’t see or hear any other creature moving. Not a dog or a cat or a scurrying mouse. The town is in pitch-darkness. It’s totally silent. Confolens is a charming town, and the food is excellent… in the winter, in its one and only restaurant.

So I bend Roger’s venerable ear about life in Caernarfon, in faraway North Wales, which he likes to think is still a grim outpost of the Roman empire, a distant garrison town fossilised in the 1st Century AD.

Caernarfon, our home town in Wales… on any evening of the year, no matter if it’s the height of the summer season or deep in midwinter, we can decide on a whim to go out and eat and drink in any of 40 or more restaurants and pubs. Fancy a Chinese? Or an Indian? Thai? A kebab? Or excellent local British food, carefully prepared and presented? Or a few rowdy beers shoulder to shoulder with warmly living and breathing young people, or in a sports-bar packed with

passionately partisan fans – or sitting in a corner of a quiet restaurant, tasting the tapas and paella and different swirls and twirls of pasta from Italy or Greece or Spain…

So I bend Roger’s ear, and he takes it on the chin, as it were. He’s my captive audience, as we sit in the only restaurant open in Confolens and enjoy ‘escargots’ and ‘moules marinieres’ and then maybe a main course of duck or trout. He smacks his lips, red and wet with our carafé of merlot, and we finish off with a glass of cognac. And I tell him how lucky we are, inhabitants of Caernarfon in the north-west of Wales, to be able to eat and drink just as well on any evening of the year and as late as midnight.

And not just in Caernarfon! We’re lucky in North Wales to be deliciously spoilt for culinary choices. While I’ve got Roger’s ears pinned back and bent, as it were, I tell him about other meals we’ve enjoyed all over Gwynedd and across the island of Anglesey… Only recently, for a special birthday, locally caught lobster, flavoured with samphire picked from the clifftops of South Stack, tasting of sea spray and salt and sunshine, so that you close your eyes and hear the kittiwakes calling, you can see the gannets and chough and even marvel at a peregrine dashing through a flock of gulls… And then locally harvested oysters and mussels washed down with white wine from a vineyard in Penygroes, yes Penygroes, in the shadows of the slate quarries of Snowdonia.

Bonne Santé! Bon appetit! Bonne Annee! In France or in North Wales – good health, eat well and Happy New Year! n

Stephen Gregory’s first novel, The Cormorant, which he wrote in Snowdonia 35 years ago, has been published several times in both the UK and the USA, and translated into German, Polish and Italian. The new edition, which is available from Parthian Books, is its tenth publication.

Locally caught lobster – a North Wales delicacy

Fresh oysters – equally as delicious either side of the Channel

On the ground

Shorter and colder days will draw many walkers to lower areas of Eryri during the winter months. But for experienced mountaineers the arrival of winter conditions is to be welcomed, and their ice axes and crampons are ready for the arrival of the first snow.

To help mountaineers to plan and prepare for the ground conditions ahead of them the Park Authority has once again contracted a local individual to undertake the work of preparing regular and detailed reports about the ground conditions on Yr Wyddfa.

Twice a week from November until March, Gerwyn Madog will climb Yr Wyddfa to undertake an assessment of the ground conditions. Once down he will prepare a report to be published on a dedicated page on the Park Authority’s website. The report will include information about snow and ice levels, any snow flurries and the condition of any ice underfoot. By having current reports to hand, mountaineers are armed with the information they need to determine whether or not they have the experience and skill set required to stay safe on the mountain.

The provision of regular reports online will hopefully reduce wasted journeys to climb Yr Wyddfa as mountaineers can decide whether or not to proceed with their plan before setting off. This in turn will help prevent any accidents that may result from walkers venturing out despite the conditions so as not to have a wasted journey.

the National Park Authority of providing ground condition reports on Yr Wyddfa has commenced…

“Walking and hiking during the winter months on Yr Wyddfa often requires additional skills, experience and specialist equipment, such as an ice axes and crampons,” explains Bethan Wynne Jones, the Park Authority’s Senior Warden for the north of the National Park. “The aim of the ‘Ground Conditions Reporting’ resource is to provide potential mountaineers and walkers with information on the conditions beforehand, to assist them in making informed decisions before venturing out on the mountain and to carefully consider whether they have the required skills and experience to enjoy the mountain safely. Our ‘Ground Conditions’ reporting is such a valuable resource, especially when conditions such as snow and ice cover and depth are not visible from the foothills.”

Gerwyn Madog, who will be making the twice weekly assent, concluded: “If you want to give yourself the best chance to be

safe in the company of the mountain, the best thing to do is to have a good idea of what to expect, and prepare in case things are different from expected. Looking at the weather forecast on the day, as well as the previous days, and looking at the ground conditions report can help to know what to expect. But the mountain does not look at such reports, and can behave quite unexpectedly at times, so it is also necessary to take the suitable winter mountaineering equipment for what can go wrong, not just for what is likely to happen.” n

Assessments will be undertaken twice weekly with the route taken varying. All the information will be uploaded on to a dedicated page on the National Park Authority’s website, www.snowdonia.gov.wales

WALKING AND HIKING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS ON YR WYDDFA OFTEN REQUIRES ADDITIONAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS AN ICE AXES AND CRAMPONS

The castle’s conflicting history means visitors can not only discover its 700 year old medieval towers and dungeons, but also the 17th and 18th Century rooms of the luxury Myddelton family home. The castle’s collection represents 400 years of the family’s art, furniture, and curiosities, notably The King’s Cabinet which is said to have been given by Charles II to Sir Thomas Myddelton II in 1661, in thanks for his role in the restoration of the monarchy.

Outside, the award-winning gardens boast wonderful yew topiary and hedges, herbaceous borders, and rock gardens. A terrace gives stunning views over the Cheshire and Shropshire plains and the castle’s 480-acre estate that is waiting to be discovered by footpaths through woodland and parkland. This working estate is located within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that provides essential habitats for rare waxcap fungi, invertebrates, wildflowers and ancient veteran trees.

Things to see and do Winter is a fantastic time to explore Chirk Castle’s outdoors, so wrap up warm and put on some sturdy shoes. In February, two acres of snowdrops create an incredible white carpet in the Pleasure Ground Wood, soon followed by bluebells and foxgloves – it’s a sight that can’t be missed. Meanwhile evergreen trees and topiary sparkle with frost on the coldest days and colourful dogwood stems brighten up the winter landscape.

Get outdoors at Chirk Castle this winter

Chirk Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress and family home built on the Welsh-English border near Wrexham. Completed in 1310 to keep Wales under England’s rule, Chirk Castle was never planned as a family home, however it’s the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I that’s still inhabited today.

Winter opening times

• The estate is open every day, from dawn until dusk

• The garden, tower, shop and café are open from 28th January

• The castle rooms are open from 28th February

Don’t miss

One of the most important items in the collection is a copy of Y Beibl Bach (the small Bible). The printing of this popular Welsh edition of the bible, pocket-sized and published in 1630, was partly paid for by Sir Thomas Myddelton. Due to its size and affordability, it’s credited with helping keep the Welsh language alive as it brought the written form of the language into thousands of ordinary Welsh homes.

To discover its fascinating story, listen to Episode 106 of the National Trust podcast, along with the history of Bishop William Morgan’s 1588 Bible. n

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales

Step into fitness…

After much needed time to relax with family and friends over Christmas, getting back into your fitness routine in the New Year can be quite the challenge –specifically when it comes to working out...

Research shows that one third of Brits admit to doing no exercise at all in December, so it’s vital to get back into your routine as early as possible in January. However, it doesn’t need to be so difficult – experts at Fitness Volt have highlighted five tips to ease yourself back into a workout routine after the festivities…

Set specific times

Scheduling your workout time is a simple yet effective step. Getting back into the right frame of mind after the Christmas buzz is just one of the ways you will have to readjust, and it can certainly take its toll on you. So, without a gym schedule, it’s likely that you will make plenty of excuses to not partake in any exercise. Consider your day-to-day schedule and choose your workout slot based on where you have the most free time – this way, you can mentally prepare yourself as well as avoid any excuses that you are too busy. Plus, a planned exercise slot will ensure that your workload won’t take over, as it’s a given that you will be getting back into a busy work routine too.

Don’t overexert yourself

While pushing yourself is usually encouraged in fitness, it’s sensible to not push yourself to the extreme, particularly after some time away from exercise. Whether it’s weightlifting or cardio, doing too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries including muscle strains and tendon injuries, thus making you a lot less capable of meeting your fitness goals. After some time off, it’s natural to not be able to lift as heavy or run as far – so it’s crucial to not let it discourage you, as you will soon gain your ability if you stay consistent with your exercise. As well as this, overdoing it can lead to a burnout in the early stages and make you dread a workout as opposed to enjoy it. If you feel yourself giving up, try to commit to five minutes and finish your workout if you don’t feel capable of doing anymore; but with this five-minute rule, it will likely motivate you to do more.

Personalise your workout

Fitness lovers aren’t necessarily all gym-goers. In fact, there’s plenty of ways to workout which don’t involve the gym – and this is key for making it an enjoyable part of your routine again. If you’re a nature enthusiast and wish to do more cardio exercises, go for a run – or even a walk – at your local beach, promenade or even around your nearest lake. Alternatively, if you’re into strength training but don’t enjoy the gym atmosphere, invest in equipment such as dumbbells and kettlebells to work out from the comfort of your own home.

Partner up

Finding a friend with similar fitness goals is beneficial for many reasons, one being that it acts as motivation after some time away. For the days that you don’t feel like exercising, a fitness partner can motivate you to get ready and get it done – plus, during a workout, your partner can even push you to take it to the next level, such as lifting a slightly heavier weight or increasing the incline setting on the treadmill. Having a partner can also keep you accountable to stay on track of your fitness plan, and recognise any goals that are yet to be met. Better yet, it makes it a time to socialise so that you look forward to it more, not to mention your partner can spot you to make your workout safer.

Set short term goals too It’s always important to think of the long-term result; doing so allows you to plan your workout and figure out which exercises are best suited to your needs. However, having only a long-term goal can become frustrating when you aren’t seeing progress straight away, and can even result in you to give up completely – which is especially easy to do when you’re trying to get back into your routine. Therefore, it’s vital to set goals over shorter timeframes that are manageable, as well as not just focusing on your appearance. For example, you may wish to become stronger, so a short-term goal for the end of a month could be to increase your squat load by 20 kilograms.

“When it comes to Christmas, the last thing that needs to be on our minds is working out – it’s a time that we wish to be spending with family and friends, and it’s important to make the most of that,” commented a spokesperson from Fitness Volt. “However, it can be difficult to find our motivation to get back into it from some time off. Thankfully, there are simple steps that can increase your ambition again as well as make your workout more enjoyable to ensure that you can stick to your fitness routine in the New Year and, as a result, enjoy the Christmas festivities without feeling guilty.” n

n

This research was conducted by Fitness Volt which is a comprehensive online resource dedicated to Strength Sports, from healthy eating to exercise and everything in between. For further information please visit www.fitnessvolt.com

FITNESS LOVERS AREN’T NECESSARILY ALL GYMGOERS. IN FACT, THERE’S PLENTY OF WAYS TO WORKOUT WHICH DON’T INVOLVE THE GYM

We are Hiring

Are you a train enthusiast and would love to be responsible for running our G-scale garden model railway, then we would love to hear from you. Part time or full time position.

Weaving friendships

With a stunning backdrop of the Menai Strait and the second-longest pier in Wales, Bangor, accessible from anywhere in the UK, is a must-see place to visit for 2023. And not too far from the station, there is a small studio specialising in a contemporary style of Japanese weaving – SAORImor. It’s the perfect pastime to start the New Year, get started with a new craft, and meet new people.

Rosie Green is the owner and a registered Saori instructor and authorised dealer. Rosie has a calmness about her, but her enthusiasm and passion for her craft seeps through. The first thing she does is ‘put the kettle on’ and gets to know you a little. She is the perfect teacher.

So, what is Saori weaving? Saori was the brainchild of one person in 1970: the textile artist and weaver Misao Jo in Japan. She was 57 when she first discovered this art form and continued creating until she passed away at the grand old age of 104 in 2018. She is survived by her sons, one of whom, Kenzo Jo, continues her art form. In Zen vocabulary, Saori combines two words, “Sai,” meaning everything has its own individual dignity, and “ori”, meaning weaving. It has no rules or restrictions and is designed to be accessible to all.

Since college, where Rosie gained a BA Honours in Textile and Fashion and became a licentiate of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, she has had various jobs involving craft and artisan textiles. She has shown her work in small exhibitions with the Gwynedd Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers in multiple venues and even had the commission to weave a tapestry for the Welsh TV programme, Bildowcar. This experience and knowledge gave Rosie the confidence to start her studio, SAORImor and become a teacher.

“Teaching Saori is the first time in my life that I truly feel I am doing the right thing. It brings me great joy and confidence. Seeing the pride and satisfaction Saori gives everyone taking a class in my studio and knowing their happiness will be shared with their friends makes my heart smile,” says Rosie.

Hazel Holloway discovers a contemporary style of Japanese weaving in Bangor.

Rosie spent time in Japan on a study tour organised by a studio run by Mihoko, who lives in America. She spent time with a Saori family who helped her become a registered studio in Wales, a wonderful experience. She travelled around and met with various Saori weavers learning as much as possible. Luckily for Rosie, Mihoko, from Japan, made her first introduction to the country much more accessible than doing it alone.

The Philosophy of Saori:

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Growing and going strong Weaving is experiencing a resurgence in the UK. And with only five registered Saori studios throughout the country, one in North Wales, the movement is starting to grow in strength. Each business is run by a different person, but all are developing close and supportive friendships. Saori is all about connecting the community and sharing and inspiring everyone in each group, which is shared worldwide in a network of registered studios.

Rosie explained that weaving is becoming more popular because more people question where cloth comes from and want to make their own garments, including scarves, bags, banners, tops, jackets and trousers.

Redefining imperfection

It’s an easy process of sliding the threader from one side to the other, pulling back on the lever to push the yarn in place before switching pedals and sliding the threader back to the other side of the warp, repeating the process to grow the weave.

The more confident you get you can add patterns by threading different colours at varying lengths through the

warp. Beginners can weave truly stunning tapestries from the beginning. There is no such thing as a mistake in Saori weaving. You just go with the flow. Every work includes rough and smooth textures, clumpy fabric, and ragged edges – all unpolished beauties. Of course, the better you get, the more control you gain.

Something

for everyone

Saori classes involve everyone – an experienced boy of ten may coach a woman beginning at 60. It does not discriminate regardless of age, experience, or physical and intellectual capabilities; all individuals can enjoy this type of weaving.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with Rosie at SAORImor. She does a two-hour taster class with immediate and inspiring results. And who knows, if you carry on by the end of the year, you could wear that stunning poncho you created or have all your Christmas presents ready for December. Of course, coffee and cake are always good after a session with your newfound friends. n

Hazel Holloway is a freelance writer and photographer. She spent 18 years living in Western Australia where she worked on a community newspaper. She is now just about to move to North Wales. Hazel is still writing, taking pictures and walking as often as she can along the beautiful Welsh coastline. She loves spending time with her husband, grown-up children (when they’re around) and her two rescue dogs Missy and Hector. www.hazelholloway.me

To consider the differences between machines and people

Be bold and adventurous

Look out through eyes that shine

Inspire one another, and everyone in the group

As funeral directors in Llandudno, North Wales Chris Lord-Brown and Jonathen Harty have over fifty years of combined experience. Serving both local and neighbouring communities, their expertise and knowledge combined with their extensive contacts have led to numerous families entrusting them to arrange and conduct the funeral services of their loved ones. Together they run Lord-Brown & Harty Ltd. This independent, privately owned and professionally qualified funeral directors and monumental masons is situated in the heart of Llandudno on the North Wales coast. They are proud member of The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), undergo regular inspections of premises and paperwork to ensure compliance, and abide by the NAFD's Code of Practice.

From breathtaking beaches to amazing mountains, the North Wales countryside is just begging to be photographed. Luckily for us there are always intrepid photographers prepared to go that extra mile (quite literally!) in order to get the best shots possible. So, here is a range of fantastic images taken by local photographers that showcases North Wales in all of its winter glory…

This

North Wales is beautiful at any time of year, but it comes into its own once it’s had a magical dusting of snow…

Greg Manchester captured the Wrexham countryside by drone last winter… You can see more aerial shots by Greg on TikTok: @greg.manchester

Many thanks to Chris Owen from Tregarth who sent us in this wonderful shot of the Menai Bridge with a very wintery backdrop

photograph was taken by Daniel Purdie on Traeth Llydan (Rhosneigr) just after sunset last month. You can see more of his work on Instagram at wanderingswithdan

Big thanks to Karen Clark for sending in this great image of the Lone Tree at Llyn Padarn. You can find more of her work on Facebook at KarenClarkPhotography

This photograph of Crib Goch and Garnedd Ugain was taken from Chwarel Dinorwig Quarry by Robin Owain Jones. Head on over to snowdonia.stile on Instagram to see more of his work

Monica Lui from Bangor took this photo of a stunning wild horse on the Ty’n Llwyn walking trail with her Olympus OMD M10

Huge thanks to Sam Ricketts who sent in this fabulous shot of Llyn Idwal that he took during the cold snap last month

Fresh start in 2023?

With 2023 upon us, now is the time to plan all of your storage needs...

BOCS SELF STORAGE has the perfect solution for all of your self storage needs.

Established in 2016, BOCS took over a warehouse at Quinton Hazel Enterprise Park in Mochdre and converted it into the premium storage facility in North Wales.

Time to declutter?

Let BOCS help, units start from just £8 per week. Your possessions will be safe, secure and ready for when you need them.

Where do we put all of those Christmas decorations?

Don’t we all ask this question – well BOCS can keep them safe and out of the way, ready for next Christmas.

Lets go shopping in the sales!

Take advantage of all the sales on now, buy the new kitchen, TV, garden furniture etc and store them at BOCS until you are ready to use them...

Lets plan the extension

Don’t put it off any longer – don’t move, improve. BOCS can help you to store your possessions while all the work / alterations are being carried out. Safe, secure, clean and dry.

Buying a new house?

Let BOCS take the stress away when the timings do not go according to plan. Whether decluttering to sell your home or simply storing your precious belongings during your move, BOCS can help – making storing your things one less thing to worry about.

Lets start the new business?

Is this something you have been thinking of for a while?

Let BOCS help. We can store all of your stock, or help you declutter to make room for an office at home.

BOCS Self Storage offers a wide range of secure, clean, accessible and affordable storage units to suit all types and space requirements. All of their units are purpose built, undercover, clean and dry.

The site also comes equipped with an undercover loading bay, 24 different unit sizes from £8 per week and solutions for domestic and business customers.

Unit sizes start at 10 square foot – a small cupboard size, up to 300 square foot which will hold over eight transit vans so they can cater for all customers.

Your stored goods will be in safe hands – BOCS Self Storage is fully alarmed, CCTV monitored and comprehensively insured, and their staff, Deborah, Sian and Amy, are on hand at all times to assist and guide you.

For all of your storage needs, think inside the BOCS! n

Wales is celebrating a Year of Trails

Moving into 2023 and beyond, Wales is celebrating “Llwybrau. Wales by Trails” which will continue into 2024.

Whether it’s heritage or walking trails, literary or music trails, or restaurant and distillery trails – there are many existing trails as well as new tours and itineraries available for you to discover.

The theme will enable you to journey through Wales’s most iconic outdoor, cultural, food and drink destinations and experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites, castles and much more.

The emphasis this year is on ALL kinds of trails –including cultural, creative and heritage trails. These walks are designed to celebrate the huge diversity of experiences available in Wales – from Monet to mynydd (mountains), castles to the coast path and dark skies to dolphin spotting – Wales has it all.

So keep an eye out for more information regarding “Llwybrau. Wales by Trails” – and discover even more of beautiful North Wales by foot. n

Wales by Trails is Visit Wales’ themed year for 2023 and 2024 where visitors can find forgotten treasures, embrace journeys of the senses and make memories along pathways, around attractions, activities, landscapes and coastlines…

Food for thought

Well, you made it. The last Quality Street has been eaten, and now comes the bit where you take out a year’s gym membership and swear you’ll never drink again. Let’s be honest, three weeks is as much sobriety as anyone can reasonably be asked to endure and, as luck would have it, that lines up perfectly with Burns Night on the 25th of January. Why not reward your astonishing powers of denial and toast the bard with a dram or two of Wales’ own Penderyn Whisky? You can even book a tour at their distillery in Llandudno…

If you want to make it a truly special night, you can make this amazing venison main course. The best part is that you do all the hard stuff the day before and just slam it in the oven once your friends arrive. Happy New Year, and Slàinte Mhath!

VENISON WELLINGTON (Serves 6)

Ingredients

1 venison loin, trimmed of all its fat

(I bought mine from the fine folk at Poynton’s Butchers in Llandudno)

Freshly ground black pepper Sea salt

2 tbsp olive oil

English mustard

12 slices of Parma Ham

500g pack of puff pastry Plain Flour for dusting

3 egg yolks, beaten

For the Mushroom duxelle

500g Chestnut mushrooms, chopped as small as possible

2 shallots, peeled and chopped

4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

2 sprigs fresh thyme leaves

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Heat a little oil in the biggest, widest frying pan you have. Season the venison with plenty of salt and pepper, then sear it in the pan. You’ll need to do this in two halves unless you have a pan the size of a dustbin lid! Once you’ve seared the loin all over, set it to one side to cool. Once it’s cooled, brush the top with English mustard and leave it somewhere cold.

In the same pan, fry the chopped shallots until they are golden. Then add the garlic, then the mushroom and thyme. Fry for about ten minutes until most of the liquid has reduced away. Turn off the heat.

This is the tricky but fun part. Stretch cling film across your kitchen table. Then lay six slices of the Parma ham on top of it, gently overlapping each other. Then lay the other six just over the bottom of the others so that you have a rectangle of ham on the table wide and long enough to wrap around the venison loin.

Spread the cooled mushroom duxelle mix evenly over the Parma ham. Place the venison loin on top, in the middle, and lift the edges of the cling film to wrap the ham around the venison. Twist the edges so it looks like a wrapped sweet, then put it in the fridge for half an hour.

While that’s happening, get out your plain flour, your biggest board and a rolling pin. Roll the puff pastry so that it’s wide and long enough to envelop the loin. Take that out of the fridge, placing it onto the pastry and removing the cling film. Now, wrap it in the pastry, sealing it with the beaten egg. Brush the whole thing with more egg. If you have any fancy pastry cutters you can get decorating now but that’s up to you. Put it, covered, back in the fridge and leave overnight. Your work for the day is done.

On the day, preheat the oven to 200˚C FAN and take the Wellington out of the fridge for half an hour or so. Put it in the oven for 30 minutes. I did 27 minutes and it was, I’d say, medium rare. If you want it more, do 35 minutes, max.

Let it rest for 20 minutes, then carve at the table.

Cai Ross is co-owner and Maitre d’ of the award-winning Paysanne Bistro in Deganwy, which has been serving French country-style food to the fine people of North Wales since 1988. He also writes for Calibre Magazine, BBC Good Food, HeyUGuys.com and The North Wales Weekly News

You’re going to need a bigger pan!

Business

North Wales Business School at Wrexham Glyndwr

The North Wales Business School at Wrexham Glyndwr University has received national recognition after being highly commended for its “innovation and radical thinking” in business education delivery. Staff from the North Wales Business School attended the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2022/23 ceremony in London, where they came runners-up in the Best Innovation Strategy category. The team were recognised for creation of the North Wales Business School Simulation Suite, which gives students the opportunity to build and lead their own business, using a variety of simulation packages. For example, Edmundo Business Simulation Software enables students to lead a fictitious company as Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Finance Officer. Dr Alexis Mason, Principle Lecturer in Business at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to have been highly commended in the Best Innovation Strategy category at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards. It is true testament to the quality of teaching and the fantastic resources available for our students.”

Rydal Penrhos hosts Girls North Wales Winter Cup

Girls’ rugby in Wales is currently enjoying a huge explosion of interest and participation. There are more opportunities than ever for girls to participate with 32 clusters around Wales and the age categories now go from under seven to under 18 to cater for the increased demand across almost every Welsh community. As a result Rydal Penrhos was thrilled to host the Welsh Rugby Union’s Girls North Wales Winter Cup, which saw teams from across the region compete against each other in pursuit of the overall prize. This was incredibly well supported with plenty of outstanding rugby on show. Jacob Cousins and Josh Stewart, Sixth Form pupils at Rydal Penrhos, also played their part as referees after earning their qualification on a recent course. The school would like to congratulate Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy on their well-deserved tournament triumph and every team that contributed to such a successful event.

North Wales solicitor named as Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year

A solicitor from a North Wales law firm is officially the best in her field after winning a major national award. Beth Heath (pictured), of Lanyon Bowdler, has been named as the Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year at the Personal Injury Awards, which recognise the excellence of law firms and individuals in the personal injury and medical negligence sectors all over the UK. “Our congratulations go to Beth on a great win against some stiff competition, including the Chief Assessor of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel, and the head of medical negligence from Slater & Gordon’s London office,” said Brian Evans, managing partner at Lanyon Bowdler. “This is a brilliant achievement and is well deserved. I know Beth would say that she could not have won this award without the support of her team, so without wishing to detract from Beth’s stellar personal achievement, everyone in the team is a winner for the support they give which enables Beth and our other clinical negligence partners and senior lawyers to do what they do.”

Pitch perfect

Rydal Penrhos has a range of excellent sporting facilities, including rugby and cricket pitches, that are available to hire. Maria Mclean explains more…

Rydal Penrhos has a long-standing tradition of sporting success throughout its history. The school has produced a wealth of international-calibre athletes over the years, who all built their early foundations as pupils before going on to achieve great things.

All this comes from exceptional coaching delivered by the school’s staff team, who are constantly monitoring the progress of our aspiring athletes and developing programmes to enhance conditioning and overall performance in pursuit of reaching their respective goals. Not only this, but our pupils benefit from first-class facilities to give them another major boost as they look to follow in the footsteps of those who’ve been so incredibly successful in years gone by.

These are not only used by pupils during school time, but Rydal Penrhos is delighted to host local clubs and teams who train with us on a weekly basis and something that is going to be prevalent across the summer holidays across the stunning campus.

We are enormously proud of our community involvement at Rydal Penrhos. The school has been at the heart of the Colwyn Bay area for more than a century and this has been further strengthened in recent years as part of our strategic development plan.

This also includes Welsh youth rugby, cricket, netball and hockey squads who hold residential training camps with us. The school’s incredible New Field sporting venue – which

has its own pavilion – regularly hosts Cricket Wales youth matches and has seen iconic figures such as Andrew Flintoff attend.

Rydal Penrhos has a vast array of facilities, including a Sports Hall and Fitness Suite that can be used for netball, basketball and indoor cricket nets, with the astroturf surface providing a floodlit training area for pupils and clubs across the region to utilise. The school also has its own outdoor cricket nets area, no fewer than five immaculate rugby pitches, seven outdoor tennis courts, two squash courts, four Eton Fives courts and a swimming pool that is also available for hire. If that wasn’t enough, Rydal Penrhos has an RYA-accredited Sailing and Water-Sports Centre as part of our campus and this is available to visiting groups.

Our instructors can put together taster sessions or a day on the water for our more qualified visitors, which has been part of the school’s history for more than 60 years and something pupils absolutely love all through the academic year.

So whatever you are looking for during the summer, Rydal Penrhos has the facilities to enhance your overall experience. Our staff will also be on hand to provide expert support and guidance throughout the booking and planning process. n

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

Yma i helpu…

Here to Help…

COMMON QUESTIONS WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY

Buying a property, for most, will be the biggest and most important financial transaction made in their lifetime, and it’s understandable to have questions about how it all works.

It can be a daunting prospect, but Ruth Edwards, of Lanyon Bowdler’s residential property team in Conwy, answers some commonly-asked questions to help take the mystery out of buying a house.

How long will the process take?

It generally takes eight to 10 weeks depending on the chain.

How much does it cost and when do I have to pay?

The majority of firms offer fixed fees which are based on the purchase price. At Lanyon Bowdler we provide a full breakdown of our fees at the outset so that our clients do not get any unwelcome surprises upon completion. When obtaining quotes for a purchase transaction you should check that there are no “hidden costs”. The legal fees will be payable upon completion and will be included within a completion statement, however you will be asked for monies on account upon instructing a solicitor in respect of search fees.

What happens if my parents are helping me buy the property?

Getting onto the property ladder is difficult for young people and therefore it is not uncommon for parents to assist by way of a gifted deposit toward the purchase. If a gift is involved we would be required to notify the lender and comply with their requirements in this regard.

There are generally no issues with gifted deposits from family members and the majority of the mainstream lenders accept gifted deposit applications. The person providing the money

would be required to sign a declaration to confirm the gift is indeed a gift and it is not refundable and that they do not intend to take any interest whatsoever in the property. Your solicitor will arrange to obtain this declaration on your behalf.

Why do I need searches?

The lender requires that we carry out due diligence, which means ensuring the property is adequate security for the amount of money you are borrowing from them, and this includes carrying out the necessary searches against the property.

The standard searches generally include a local search, environmental search and water and drainage search. If any other risks are flagged for the property, for example flooding or mining, we would also carry out those additional searches. Searches are generally valid for six months and will cost in the region of £300 which you will be required to pay for on account of costs when instructing a Solicitor.

What happens on the completion day?

This is the day in which you move into your new home. Your solicitor will deal with all legal formalities and will call you to confirm once legal completion has taken place and when you can pick up the keys. Keys will not be released to you until such time as the completion monies have been received by the seller’s solicitor, who will then release the keys with the estate agent. n

For more advice about the legalities of moving home, contact Lanyon Bowdler on 01492 557070 or visit www.lblaw.co.uk

Ruth Edwards (third from left) with Lanyon Bowdler’s North Wales residential property team

Learning by heart

Rydal Penrhos recognises the importance of the “whole child”, including social and emotional learning along with academics. And one good place to find opportunities to support our pupils in this sense is by providing all the nutrients needed during meal times to keep them focused in and out of the classroom.

Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is important for all individuals, especially those within education, no matter their age. These children are required to eat a variety of foods from each group to ensure optimal intake of all vitamins and minerals.

At the same time, they may face new challenges regarding food choices and habits. Decisions about what to eat are partly determined by what is provided in school, at home, the influences from friends and the information they gather from social media, which is becoming a growing influence.

School-aged children grow significantly, but at a slower rate, while being very physically active in general. As a result, their nutritional needs are high and critical. Additionally, genetic background, gender, body size and shape are all important determinants of nutrient requirements. This is something Rydal Penrhos realises is a top priority and we work closely with catering partners Holroyd Howe on producing a balanced menu throughout the week, something that’s proven a big hit with pupils and staff alike.

Of course, for our pupils, it’s just eating delicious and varied dishes with friends. But to staff, it’s feeding bright young minds and enabling them to progress both academically and during their extra-curricular activities. It might sound like a small thing. However, it makes a significant difference and is further reflected in our pupils’ development across all areas and consistently exceptional examination results at both A Level and GCSE.

This also gives our parents peace of mind knowing their children are eating the right things, being provided with

multiple choices on a daily basis and learning all about the benefits of a strong nutritional foundation that they can take into higher education and later life. Our menus are always being monitored and assessed by our incredible staff team, making tweaks and improvements where needed. This is part of the school’s ongoing strategy to provide a well-rounded and exceptional education from Pre-School right up until our Year 13 pupils are ready for the next stage of their respective journeys.

A healthy, balanced diet is a key component of this. As is providing all the necessary tools needed for our pupils to explore more about how food impacts performance and overall mindset in pursuit of making the right choices when presented with them. Knowledge is power, after all.

Rydal Penrhos looks to provide specialist Food Studies and Nutrition lessons as part of the curriculum, which is yet another unique approach to providing our pupils with a heightened sense of awareness. Something our pupils thoroughly enjoy judging by a recent survey conducted with Year 7 to see how they are transitioning and what each child is liking most about the senior site.

Almost every pupil named Food and Nutrition as one of their top subjects, with the lunches also coming in for significant praise from the group. n

John Waszek is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos

EDUCATION NEWS

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai announces March open events

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s colleges have announced their latest suite of on-site open events across their campuses for March 2023. Open Events are the perfect opportunity to explore their campuses, discover our outstanding facilities, meet the tutors and find out about their wide range of courses. Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg MeirionDwyfor have 1000s of options to suit your needs and to help you fulfil your potential, including the widest choice of Full-Time, Part-Time, Apprenticeships & Degree courses in North Wales. They offer over 30 AS/A Level courses, delivered by highly-qualified and experienced tutors, and a wide range of vocational and subjects in more than 35 subject areas, making it easy for you to find your match. So, whether you’ve made the wrong choice after your GCSEs, lack the qualifications needed to get a better job or to go to university, are unemployed, or just looking for a new start, college staff will be on-hand to answer all your questions at the following open events:

Coleg Llandrillo: Rhos-on-Sea Campus: Wednesday 1 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm & Monday 27 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Rhyl Campus: Thursday 2 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm & Tuesday 28 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Abergele: Monday 27 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Rhyl Campus: Tuesday 28 March, 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Coleg Menai:

Llangefni Campus: Wednesday 22 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

Parc Menai Campus: Thursday 23 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

Bangor: Tuesday 28 March, 4.30pm – 7pm

Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor:

Dolgellau Campus: Tuesday 21 March, 5.30pm – 7pm

Pwllheli Campus: Wednesday 29 March, 5.30pm – 7pm

Welsh rugby legend visits St David’s College

Last month St David’s College welcomed Welsh Rugby Legend, Scott Quinnell. One of Welsh rugby’s most accomplished players, Scott is an enormous figure both on and off the field having earned 52 caps for Wales (seven as captain), as well as three for the British and Irish Lions. His playing career spanned both codes seeing him make 41 appearances for Wigan Rugby League. “I wish I’d come to a school like this” Scott said. “With the dyslexia support on offer here, it would have been perfect for me. Plus, the dyspraxia support would have helped a great deal. My eyes used to bounce around, my eye tracking was all over the shop. I’d always have to go back to the beginning of sentences and start again.” At the age of 21, Scott was diagnosed with Dyslexia, and, more recently at the age of 36, he was diagnosed with Dyspraxia. Learning difficulties have dominated his life and Scott is keen to raise the profile of Dyslexia and Dyspraxia provision in schools. Scott met some of staff, parents, and pupils and discussed issues that have affected him and strategies that he has used to overcome them. He also took to the time to engage with some of St David’s aspiring rugby players and took part in a coaching session that included a lot of our 1stXV.

Rydal Penrhos relocates sailing centre

Sailing is a unique programme that’s been at the heart of Rydal Penrhos for more than 60 years, producing a number of nationally recognised sailors annually. The school’s Sailing and WaterSports Centre is also accredited by the Royal Yachting Association to further enhance its status. This outstanding provision forms a key part of the school’s long-term strategic development plan and is taught as part of the curriculum. A recent agreement between Rydal Penrhos and Conwy County Council will see sailing go from strength to strength at its new hub situated within the impressive Porth Eirias facility in Colwyn Bay. Porth Eirias will become the new home for Sailing at Rydal Penrhos. It will also be utilised as the base to hold courses and summer programmes for the wider community in pursuit of boosting participation. “In moving our sailing hub to Porth Eirias, we acquire an excellent base to enable us to further develop our water-sports centre for sailing, windsurfing and paddle sports,” said Petrina Blomeley, Sailing Principal of Rydal Penrhos. “A recent RYA inspection praised the strength of the excellent training centre team, and we will continue striving to deliver superb customer service at all times. We will now have the opportunity to strengthen our community links and RYA involvement enabling us to create an exciting hub for bringing the sailing fraternity together along the North Wales coast.” The school will be taking over the current PE changing room area at Porth

Eirias and converting it into classroom space, two pupil changing rooms with showers, two staff changing rooms with showers, a kit storage room and a drying room. A new entrance into the area will be created for the safety and security of the sailors. The school will use a combination of the existing slipway by the car park and the area towards the pier with the aid of beach matting across the soft sand, allowing launching from two locations depending on sea conditions. There will also be a sailing compound facility constructed for boat and equipment storage. The move is anticipated to take place in April 2023, just in time for the busy summer season.

College worker completes Wales Coastal Path

An inspiring college worker spurred-on by the death of her uncle hiked more than 870 miles over 295 walks for charity. Kate Muddiman, a work-based Learning Manager at Coleg Cambria, has completed the Wales Coastal Path, raising £1,500 for Cancer Research UK. Kate took on the challenge to mark her 50th birthday and support the organisation, which is dedicated to saving lives through research, influence, and information. “Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me,” she said. “It took almost 300 walks and several pairs of trainers, but I’ve done it - to complete 870 miles just feels unreal! It was an amazing journey, made even more emotional as like many people my life has been touched by cancer in past years. My uncle was always determined to help others and that really struck a chord with me. In fact, before he died, he was planning a fundraising event for Cancer Research UK on his birthday, which shows what a remarkable man he was. I’m so pleased to have done it and again thank all of those people who gave so generously and others who kept me company along the way.” To support Kate’s fundraising campaign, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/KateMuddiman50

Digwyddiadau Agored Open Events

Lawyer warns of risks of driving the morning after a few drinks

A legal specialist is warning of the dangers of driving the morning after a night of drinking – with many people not realising how long it takes for alcohol to leave their system. Stephen Scully, a solicitor advocate at Lanyon Bowdler specialising in driving offences, said driving the morning after a drink was a real danger. “It’s really important to be aware of the risk of being over the legal drink drive limit the morning after a drink,” he warned. “Guidance shows that you should allow up to three-and-a-half hours per large glass of wine before driving, which adds up to 14 hours if you have had four large glasses of wine. If you have been drinking medium-strength beer, it is advised that you leave two-and-half hours for every pint – so if you have finished drinking five pints of beer at 11pm, you shouldn’t drive until 11.30am the next day. Of course, everyone’s body deals with alcohol in different ways and at different speeds, but by keeping these timescales in mind you can avoid any unwanted surprises.” For more advice about driving offences, Stephen can be contacted on 0800 652 3371 or email stephen.scully@lblaw.co.uk

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay hosts Christmas party

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay were very lucky to be awarded some money recently from the local Co-op Community Fund. The Society decided to use this money to throw a fabulous Christmas party for the residents. All three houses came together for a lovely Christmas meal, followed by bingo and a fun quiz with lots of prizes. To end the day the residents enjoyed a great sing-a-long. “Thank you to Malcolm for helping out at the last minute when our normal singer could not attend,” said general manager Anna Hamblett. “He was loved so much by the residents he has been asked to return to Abbeyfield – we just need to think of a another reason to celebrate! The logistics of joining all three houses together for a meal is challenging but gives the residents an opportunity to mingle with each other and, as ever, their families were very helpful in supporting Abbeyfield. Thank you to the Co-op for their Community Fund too, they do a lot of good work for local causes.”

The Spirit of North Wales…

Aber Falls, located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, is the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years. It offers a premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals.

Gin lab

As well as creating award-winning whisky, Aber Falls continues to offer its hugely popular Gin Lab experience. Visitors can take part in a two-hour experience to personalise and create their own gin, using a choice of core botanicals and flavours.

Bistro

Aber Falls’ unique bistro is open for light bites, sweet treats and drinks. Whether you’re going for a hike up the Falls or dropping in for a tour, Aber Falls has a locally sourced menu that you’re sure to enjoy, featuring some of the best produce Wales has to offer.

Visit the distillery and find out more about how they create The Spirit of North Wales…

Call to register for organ donation

More than 6,800 people in the UK are spending the start of 2023 waiting for an organ transplant – including 241 people in Wales. These mums, dads, wives, husbands, partners, sons and daughters can only be saved by someone giving them the greatest gift of all – the gift of life. Signing up to be an organ donor is quick and easy and makes it easier for families if they know what you want. “It is a misconception that everyone is automatically added to the NHS Organ Donor Register in Wales since the law change,” said Suzi Browne, Corporate Communications Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant. “People are presumed by law to support donation, if they haven’t registered or otherwise expressed a decision either via the register or to friends/family members. However, the NHS Organ Donor Register remains something which people can only put themselves on proactively in order to officially record their decision. We encourage all people to still register their decision, and speak to friends and family to ensure they know what you want to happen.” Join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Welsh Government launches local food initiative

The Welsh Government has launched a new initiative to encourage more local spending on food by the Welsh NHS, schools and local government to help support Welsh producers, create more jobs and boost prosperity in local communities, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething has announced.

A new online food procurement resource, ‘Buying Food Fit for the Future’ is part of wider Welsh Government plans to support Wales’ everyday local economies. Estimates suggest the Foundational Economy accounts for four in ten jobs and £1 in every three that is spent in Wales. Food is a crucial Foundational Economy sector which has faced – and is still facing - many challenges following Brexit, the Covid pandemic and more recently, the war in Ukraine and rising energy and fuel bills. Public sector procurement has an important role in helping address these challenges and re-localising food chains, maximising self-sufficiency and resilience. The new legal guidance in the online resource clarifies what can be included in food tenders, while remaining compliant with procurement rules, to maximise opportunities for local food producers and suppliers. Public sector food procurement in Wales is worth approximately £84.7m per annum, with Local Government and NHS Wales together accounting for more than 80% of that. Public sector purchasing from Welsh companies account for 58% of overall spend, and food of Welsh origin accounts for 23%. The Universal Provision of Free School meals (UPFSM) commitment, ensuring that all primary school children in Wales will get free school meals by 2024, presents real opportunity for a major step change in policy and practice to transform the food system and address the disconnects within it. Collaborative working, datasharing and building strong, ethical relationships between all the players throughout the food system will be key.

ifanc

Mae yna blant yn Sir y Fflint angen cartref maeth. Lle diogel, lle i ddysgu, a lle i chwerthin. Lle llawn cariad.

There are children in Flintshire who need a foster home. A safe place, a place to learn, and a place to laugh. A place to be loved.

Sir y Fflint

ydweithio i adeiladu gwell dyfodol i blant lleol orking together to build better futures for local children

Flintshire

Reducing funeral costs

The average cost of a funeral in 2021 was £4,056*. With inflation on the rise and the cost of living at the highest levels in years, we are mindful that paying for a funeral, usually an unexpected cost so not always budgeted for, can be a worry…

Funeral costs are made up of third party fees, the funeral director fees and optional extras. There are a few ways in which you can still have a beautifully unique funeral, that don’t have to be expensive.

Is burial or cremation cheaper?

Generally speaking, cremation is a cheaper option as you don’t have to consider an accompanying headstone, however there are some ways you can reduce costs for both options, including:

J Speak to your funeral director regarding other time slots and options, there are reduced rates for early morning slots or farewell services. Weekend services will cost more;

J The choice of crematorium will have an impact on costs;

J You can hold a service in a church or alternative venue at a different time to the committal, which could use an unattended funeral slot;

J There are additional costs if you aren’t resident in the county of the cemetery;

J Reopening an existing plot, where there is space available, is usually cheaper than purchasing a new grave;

J A natural burial can be a cost effective alternative as there is no headstone;

J Could you use family or friends as bearers instead of paying for company bearers?

Getting to the funeral

Do you need a limousine to take you to the funeral service? Instead, perhaps you can follow on in your own cars. You don’t have to use a hearse to transport the coffin, perhaps a family vehicle or van that has a connection to the person that has died could be used?

Should I organise a funeral wake/tea?

A good way to reduce costs is to hold the wake at home or, if you don’t have the space, consider utilising a caterer at a village hall or community centre. Alternatively, you could ask those attending to bring along something to create a feast! There are many local hotels and function rooms, that offer a variety of great packages. We recommend putting together a list of attendees so you don’t over cater. A buffet of sandwiches and cakes is ample.

What coffin is the cheapest?

There a variety of coffins to suit all budgets. From cardboard manila coffins to solid wood coffins there really is something for everyone. Could you opt for a cardboard coffin and decorate it yourself?

How much should I spend on flowers?

Flowers on top of the coffin can be a real statement, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Choose seasonal flowers, add foliage or other flowers to fill out the spray or consider reducing the size to help keep the costs low. Another great idea is flowers from your garden or perhaps use vegetables like we created earlier this year!

Do I need a Funeral Notice?

We offer all families a free online tribute page on our website, which can be shared via WhatsApp, email or Facebook helping to save on costs.

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com, we’d be happy to help. n

Kelly Owen is first

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

Owen and Son

female funeral director at Tom

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Walking world

Y Graig, near Tremeirchion, Denbighshire

This winter walk incorporates The North Wales Wildlife Trust’s Y Graig Nature Reserve, where Hebridean sheep graze limestone grassland landscapes and where panoramic views across the Vale of Clwyd can be found!

Set on a limestone outcrop, this reserve encompasses a variety of habitats and provides a haven for wildlife within its very agricultural surroundings. Woodland covers the north of the site; oak, beech and elm create a thick, shady canopy under where the sounds of woodland birds including woodcock surround you.

As the slopes steepen, the woodland gives way to grassland and incredible views of the Vale of Clwyd open up, with the snow-capped mountains of Snowdonia also visible far in the distance.

Things you need to know

J Directions: Y Graig can be found about 0.5 miles to the south of Tremeirchion, just off the B5429. From the A55, head South at Rhuallt on the B5429, pass through Tremeirchion, and look for a stone house and a red-brick chapel on the Right. Directly opposite these buildings, turn onto the lane where you can park and access the reserve via a field gate or stile (SJ 083 721).

W3W ///outlooks.slice.steer

J Time: 2 – 2.5 hours

J Distance: 3.2 miles (5.2km)

J OS Explorer Map: 264

Y Graig Hebridean sheep

1. Walk past Tan y Graig house and, on the sharp left-hand bend, head right over the stile and onto the Wildlife Trust’s Y Graig Nature Reserve. The wildflower-rich grassland area is kept open by management work done by volunteers and a conservation grazing regime with Hebridean sheep. The woodland has many birds, including redstart, wood warbler, tree pipit, great spotted woodpecker and tawny owl.

2. Follow the path up. At the Wildlife Trust sign, carry straight on (not to the Pen y Graig summit, or the quarry). The path is narrow and steep in places.

3. Leave the trees and enjoy extensive views along the length of the vale. There is a picnic table and seats above the path here. Look for rock-rose and quaking-grass in the clearings near the benches. Keep following the path across the slope and to a stile. In summer, look out for butterflies as you go, including grayling, small pearl-bordered fritillary and common blue.

4. Cross the stile to leave Y Graig. At the concrete drive to Ael y Bryn, bear right.

5. At the road, turn left, and follow it around to the right. The hedgerows here are good for birds; look, too, for dog rose, and blackberries in the autumn.

6. The tarmac road ends by a house, but the walk continues up the rough-tracked green lane. In late spring look for bluebell, wood sorrel and honeysuckle.

7. Eventually you come to a metal gate, and an open track beyond. As you cross the gate, look down into the valley to the trees at the bottom, where grazing has been excluded – all that’s left of a primeval forest that would have covered this whole area. This is good buzzard country.

8. Ignore gates on your left and keep straight ahead along the track. At this point it levels off – after around 100 metres, head through a gate to a road. Turn immediately left onto the Offa’s Dyke Path, over the stile. Look for coal tit and goldcrest in the conifers as you pass.

9. Approach another stile up a short steep section and through an area of gorse – look for linnet, yellowhammer and stonechat. Go over the stile into sheep-grazed fields. Keep

straight ahead along the left-hand field boundary. Cross a second stile and walk diagonally towards the middle of the field. You will pass the summit of Cefn Du. At the next stile, head for the road coming down the hill opposite. The stile and waymarker you are heading for will be slightly off to your left.

10. Cross this stile, which is on a bend in the road, and carry on straight along the road you have been using as a landmark for around 75 metres, then turn left along the drive into Penuchaf farm. Almost immediately, cross the stile on your left. The footpath parallels the drive, keeping left of the farm to a stile.

11. Cross the stile and head for the right-hand edge of the copse – a wet alder/willow carr – and cross the next stile at the wood’s edge. Continue to follow the edge of the wood, keeping a patch of gorse on the slope to your right. Follow the hedge until you reach a stile and steep steps which lead down onto the tarmac road. Turn left along the road.

12. Here the road turns to the right, and a track carries straight on. Keep on the road. The hedge-bank here has bluebell, wood avens, polypody fern, greater stitchwort and sanicle. To get back to your car, walk downhill through the village, past the pub, church and school, bear left at the small triangular green (towards Bodfari) and follow the road, which comes out directly opposite the gates to ‘Brynbella’. Turn left here and follow the road, turning left opposite the red-brick chapel.

Where to stay in North Wales

The country house

Pentre Bach is a large, luxury country house situated in Glan Conwy. This is the perfect place to get away and relax in comfort. Nicely secluded, yet within easy reach of local attractions, this amazing property has everything you need. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom country house is full of character, with its formal dining room that leads through to a large comfortable lounge which, in turn, opens into the extensive conservatory where you can look out over the lovingly tended garden. There is also an additional snug/ music room which is perfect for a little quiet time. With parking for five cars this really is the ideal house for those memorable get-togethers with family and friends…

The quaint cottage Ty Bont is an attractive two-bedroom detached cottage situated in the heart of Snowdonia a short distance from Capel Curig. Nearby is the popular town of Betws y Coed with it’s bustling shops and eating places. Surrounded by mountains this is an excellent base for exploring the whole of North Wales. Climbing, biking and hill walking are all available, while there are also many low level walks straight from front door. This picture perfect cottage provides modest yet comfortable accommodation for up to five people in two bedrooms.

Both Pentre Bach and Ty Bont are available to rent as holiday accommodation from North Wales Holiday Cottages. For further information please visit www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk

IN THE

STARS...

ARIES (March 21st – April 20th)

2023 begins on a lovely career note for you; a raise, promotion, or plum position should land in your lap on the 1st. If you’ve been thinking of leaving a dull position for your dream job, go for it. A social gathering on the 3rd is worth attending; a friendship could quickly develop into a romance on this magical day. On the 5th, a professional opportunity could unexpectedly raise your income by quite a bit.

TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st)

The 1st inspires you to take a trip or class that could transform your life for the better; it’s an opportune time to expand your horizons. All eyes will be on you in the professional arena on the 3rd; a job interview or audition will go swimmingly. If you get a chance to learn something new, seize it with both hands. On the 6th, the Full Moon brings an exciting brainwave that improves your outlook.

GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st)

Your expertise turns you into a love magnet on the 3rd. Someone who is impressed by your depth and breadth of knowledge will want to get closer. A financial matter will be resolved to your satisfaction on the 6th, thanks to a supportive Full Moon. Taking the initiative with a love interest is strongly advised on the 9th; your confidence paves the way to a passionate encounter.

CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd)

A powerful romantic or professional alliance allows you to do more of what you want on the 1st. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner to help you achieve a cherished dream. On the 6th, the Full Moon finds you reaching an exciting turning point. Reaching a fitness goal, landing your dream job, or finishing a creative project are among the lovely possibilities. Your hard work will get praise from some surprising sources.

LEO (July 24th – August 23rd)

2023 begins on a highly romantic note for you when several love offers are made on the 3rd. Pick the suitor who excites your imagination. An unusual work opportunity falls into your lap on the 5th. You’ll be happy to express your originality in this high-profile position. The Full Moon on the 6th urges you to indulge in self-care. Take a day off to rest and relax. The good news about your health will arrive on the 7th; your decision to break bad habits is paying off handsomely.

VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd)

The New Year begins on a romantic note when a secret admirer confesses their love for you on the 1st. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. It’s possible you’ll be travelling to see someone special on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 6th is perfect for attending an impromptu social gathering; if someone invites you to dinner or a party, you should accept. You could find a last-minute discount on transportation and hotel rates.

LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd)

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

Home comforts give you a stronger sense of self on the 1st. Take this opportunity to enjoy quality time with your nearest. Your love life gets a tremendous boost on the 3rd; don’t be surprised when someone who was once indifferent becomes obsessed with you. On the 6th, the Full Moon marks a turning point in your professional life. Signing a high-profile client, joining a prestigious company, or starting your own business are among the possibilities.

SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd)

Someone could melt your heart with warm praise and lavish compliments on the 1st. Let these loving communications uplift and inspire you. The Full Moon on the 6th allows you to advance to a higher position; you’re finally being recognised for your expertise. Support from a surprising source arrives on the 8th; thanks to this person’s recommendation, you could land a great job or work assignment.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st)

A big windfall could change the entire course of the year on the 1st. This is a wonderful time to land a lucrative job or start your own business. An unusual work opportunity brings the financial stability you crave on the 5th. On the 6th, the Full Moon creates an emotional breakthrough with someone who has been closed off and indifferent. This begins a beautiful new phase in your relationship.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th)

Your commanding personality draws admirers from every corner on the 1st. It will be easy to make romantic and professional connections on this pivotal day. Your finances get a considerable boost on the 3rd; take this opportunity to buy yourself a lavish gift. The Full Moon on the 6th is perfect for making a romantic commitment. Getting engaged, exchanging vows, or embarking on a relationship among the exciting possibilities.

AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th)

Your natural good looks turn heads on the 3rd; it’s easier than ever to attract the romantic attention you want. A hidden benefactor helps you find your dream home on the 5th. The Full Moon on the 6th helps you realise a fitness goal. You’ll feel and look better than ever on this fateful day. Happy news about a domestic matter arrives out of the blue on the 8th; this marks a new phase of security for you.

PISCES (February 20th – March 20th)

The Full Moon on the 6th marks a happy turning point in a relationship. This is a wonderful time to get engaged, exchange vows, or embark on a passionate relationship. A home improvement project is favoured for the 9th. Alternatively, you may decide to sign a lease or purchase a new place on this fateful day. Stalled negotiations about a domestic matter will surge forward on the 12th, much to the relief of everyone involved; patience and persistence pay off in mid-January.

January’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant

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