North Wales Magazine July 2017

JULY 2017

!

EE FR

MAGAZINE

n? o s ’ t a h W hly guide t Your mon ents v to local e

Safety first STAYING SAFE THIS SUMMER INSIDE J Homes & Interiors J FOOD & DRINK J Property of the month

School’s out for summer!

How to keep the kids entertained

It’s gin o’clock

Make sure your favourite tipple is a local one...

OWN A HOLIDAY HOME THIS SUMMER AT ONE OF FOUR EXCEPTIONAL DESTINATIONS IN NORTH WALES

OW BUY N

FEES SITE U DE20D L C N I UNTIL MARCH 19

*

Discover a choice of wonderful holiday home parks in North Wales with beautiful countryside views and gorgeous coastal vistas. Experience exceptional leisure facilities, mind-boggling family fun activities, luxurious spa experiences and restaurants offering menus of tantalising and delicious dishes. With super stylish five-star comfort guaranteed, you and your family will want for nothing.

Purchasing your very own Darwin Escapes holiday home has never been easier – or more affordable. With a number of options available, you can buy the holiday home of your dreams and start enjoying days full of fun, adventure, and relaxation.

WHATEVER YOUR LIFESTYLE, WE HAVE THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOU!

Aberconwy Resort & Spa Aberconwy Park, Conwy LL32 8GA

New Pines Holiday Home Park Dyserth Road, Nr Dyserth, Denbighshire LL18 4DY

Seaview Holiday Home Park Gwespyr, Nr. Holywell, Flintshire CH8 9JS

Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park Station Road, Talacre, Flintshire CH8 9RD

Imagine escaping whenever the mood takes you, and enjoying endless getaways, long weekends and full-on holidays at your own holiday home, as often as you wish?

ABERCONWY RESORT & SPA Join an exclusive club offering a world-class five-star lifestyle set in a beautiful coastal location.

Pure luxury is offered as standard, but expectations are always exceeded.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • Beautiful coastal location • Signatures Restaurant ‘Best Restaurant in Wales 2017 Winner' • Indoor heated swimming pool • Luxury spa treatments • Steam room • Jacuzzi • Air-conditioned gymnasium • Unisex hair salon

HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, Talacre Beach is the perfect location to experience a fantastic range of five-star facilities and recreational activities the whole family will enjoy.

New Pines offers the perfect blend of traditional holiday home ownership with a five-star country club atmosphere. Relax or be as active as you wish, all within a secure gated setting.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • • • • • • •

Indoor heated swimming pool Steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi Air-conditioned gymnasium All weather sports pitch Leisure activity programme Brasserie restaurant and bar Over 18’s lounge and family room Costa Coffee™ Evening entertainment

HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

£34,995

TALACRE BEACH HOLIDAY HOME PARK

NEW PINES HOLIDAY HOME PARK

£15,995

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • • •

Indoor heated swimming pool Steam room, sauna and spa pool Spa treatments Air-conditioned gymnasium Leisure and activities programme • Bar and restaurant • Entertainment lounge • Evening entertainment

HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

SEAVIEW HOLIDAY HOME PARK An intimate luxury five-star holiday park, situated in an unrivalled location. Either enjoy the peace and calm or use a range of facilities at Talacre Beach only a mile away.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND ENJOY • • • •

Breathtaking sea views Peaceful and relaxing location Close to sandy beaches Use of Talacre Beach’s facilities: Indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, spa pool, spa treatments, air-conditioned gymnasium, leisure and activities programme, bar, restaurant, entertainment lounge and evening entertainment

HOLIDAY HOMES FROM

£15,995

£17,995

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR EXCLUSIVE PARK TOUR, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND LIVE CHAT WITH ONE OF OUR LOVELY TEAM OR TELEPHONE: 01745 858 010

www.darwinescapes.co.uk

For a lifetime of memories

*Applies to new customer purchases only on selected new and pre-owned models. No part exchange allowance can be used in conjunction with this offer.

MAGAZINE

Ffilmiau Gorffennaf | July Films Personal Shopper

Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge

Merch / Wed |05.07.17 14:00, 19:30 105m

Sad/ Sat | 08.07.17 | 18:30 Sul / Sun | 09.07.17| 14:00 129m

The Sense of an Ending

Hacksaw Ridge Iau / Thursday | 13.07.17 19:30

Merch / Wed |12.07.17 14:00, 19:30

136m

106m

£1 Despicable Me 3

Transformers: The Last Knight

Gwe/Fri | 21.07.17 | 10:00, 14:00 Sad/Sat | 22.07.17 | 10:00, 14:00 Sul/Sun | 23.07.17 | 10:00 Llun/Mon | 24.07.17 | 14:00 Maw/Tue | 25.07.17 | 18:00 Merch/Wed | 26.07.17 | 10:00 Iau/Thur | 27.07.17 | 14:00

Gwe/Fri | 21.07.17 | 19:00 Sad/Sat | 22.07.17 | 18:00 Sul/Sun | 23.07.17 | 14:00 Llun/Mon | 24.07.17 | 18:30 Maw/Tue | 25.07.17 | 14:00 149m

96m

The Lost City of Z

War for the Planets of the Apes

Merch / Wed | 26.07.17 14:00, 19:30

Gwe /Fri | 28.07.17 | 10:00, 14:00 Sad/Sat | 29.07.17 | 10:00, 14:00 Sul/Sun | 30.07.17 | 10:00 Llun/Mon | 31.07.17 | 14:00, 18:30 Merch / Wed | 02.08.17 | 10:00 Iau/Thur | 03.08.17 | 18:30

138m

The Mummy Gwe/Fri | 28.07.17 | 19:00 Sad/Sat | 29.07.17 | 18:00 Llun/Mon | 31.07.17 | 11:00 110m

Angels in America

Andre Rieu’s 2017 Maastricht Concert

Part 1: Millennium Approaches

Sul / Sunday | 30.07.17 | 15:00 | £12 - £10 - £7.50

Iau/Thursday | 20.07.17 | 19:00 | £12 - £10 - £7.50

£25 (Teulu/Family x4)

Part 2: Perestroika

Iau/Thursday | 27.07.17 | 19:00 | £12 - £10 - £7.50

Tocynnau | Tickets:

ymlaen llaw / in advance: ar y diwrnod / on the day:

£5.50 £7.00

| £4.50 | £3.50 [Prima] | £6.00 | £3.50 [Prima] Cefnogir y rhaglen sinema gan | Our cinema programme is supported by |

Page 4 NWM 2017

MAGAZINE

Dear Reader

It’s a bit of a standing joke in our house about how clumsy my daughter is. Even if she’s in a completely empty room she’ll find something to fall over, or a wall to walk into. As a result, she’s incredibly brave – or at least she used to be.

We want to hear from you!

Four years ago, we were strolling along

With it being accident-prone Charlotte,

Black Rock Sands when a jet ski came

my initial response to the tears was “Oh,

careering past us in a clever bid to soak his

what’s she done now?” A minute later and

mates. The unfortunate result was that his

I’m dragging her to safety. Although we

mates stayed bone dry and two-year-old

did watch one brand-new sparkly Elsa

Charlotte got absolutely drenched.

wellington boot sink to its death.

It may not sound like much, but when you

The moral of the story is that we are

see a massive jet ski hurtling towards your

incredibly lucky to live so close to the

toddler and don’t know if it’s actually going

beach but, with that luck, comes great

to stop in time, then I can assure you it’s

responsibility. Please take a moment to read

pretty scary indeed.

our summer safety feature on page 35 – hopefully you’ll never need the information

I was so angry that I couldn’t even speak to

provided, but better safe than sorry.

the driver when he came grovelling to the shore – and it took us a year to persuade young Charlotte to get back in the sea.

But bounce back she did, and so I thought nothing of taking her along our local beach in Rhos-on-Sea to walk the dog. Until she got stuck in rapidly sinking sand that is.

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

Inside Out North Wales Magazin e brings you the latest products from the world of interiors

dining.”

least, Craig moved to Wetherspoons as deputy manager for its Llandudno branch.

“I fancied a change, and Wetherspoons was at its prime then. holiday rep in Spain.

Llandudno was its flagship site in North Wales, with 55 team members. Prices were at rock bottom – it was all about volume. We’d have whole wagons of beer being delivered

“I was working near Barcelona, and while people go on It was a beautiful sunny day when I went to meet Craig

M

holiday to have a good time, sometimes bad things happen to them while they are away. It was a massive lesson for me in

It was certainly a great insight to another side of the business

Then, when he turned 18, Craig went to work at Talacre

customer service, and how to deal with the unexpected.”

but, as often happens in life, another opportunity soon came

for a front of house restaurant manager perhaps. But

Beach running a poolside barbeque as a summer job

when you consider that the restaurant in question is

his way.

while he was at college studying engineering. He kept

Returning from Spain and Craig headed straight back to The

Hickory’s Smokehouse in Rhos-on-Sea, and you can see

this up for three or four summers, while working as a

Pwll Gwyn.

how the two businesses dovetail perfectly.

doorman during term time.

But, like all careers, Craig didn’t start off as a barbeque

“I was working in Wrexham when the general manager

“I worked under owner / head chef Andrew Davies who had

came home with the keys.”

recently bought the place,” explains Craig. “I picked up loads

expert – although there was certainly cooking in his

got offered a better job in Stoke on Trent – and he asked

of tips from him, and learnt basic business sense. I learnt how

So Craig gave up a great job and a great salary to run The

bones.

me to go with him as a junior manager,” he explains. “I

to be cost effective in a restaurant environment.”

Black Lion in Babell.

“I’m actually the fourth generation of my family to go into

had a lot of fun at the same time! I still have a massive

But, in 2003, another move was on the cards – this time to the

“It was a huge risk. I opened up on Monday and didn’t get my

soft spot for Stoke.”

Kinmel Arms and back, once again, to the front of house.

first customer until Thursday! I couldn’t afford a full-time chef,

A move back to North Wales was next on the agenda,

“The Kinmel Arms was the place to be at the time. It was

We had a fantastic relationship with the community there –

chef bought it. I went to work there as a kitchen porter

this time to manage his old village pub, The Pwll Gwyn,

K

115 Conway Road

, Llandudno Juncti

For Tiles & Tiling

INSIDE

on, LL31 9NH

Equip

ment Kitch Property of the month ens • Bathr ooms • Wetrooms kitchens • Floors EXCELLENT CHO property roundup ICE & LOCAL! Fittting service availab interiors 10% OFF

so I split my time between the kitchen and front of house. the first gastro pub in the area,” says Craig. “They were

farmers would give me fresh produce in return for beer. If

stetting the standards in North Wales at the time, and it was

somebody had caught a fish or shot a pheasant that day then

01492 580011 or 07851 234134 dragontilesltd@gma

il.com

NWM 2017 Page 57

J

Page 56 NWM 2017

CMY

le

had a fabulous time in Stoke. I learnt so much there and

restaurant in Rhyl. After they retired, their apprentice

the hospitality industry,” explains Craig who is originally

Y

CM

MY

CY

“The new owners of a pub that I drank in as a youngster approached me for some advice so I went to meet them – and

from Caerwys. “My grandparents owned the Splash Point

17:09

C

three times a week!”

when I was just 14.”

Gibson, which was rather apt since he is a bit of a barbeque master – something which is rather unusual

15/06/2017

DRAGON TILES& INTERIORS HOMES

Then, in a complete change of direction, hospitality wise at

for a year. Moving on from there, and Craig took a job as a

1

Bespoke bathin

of people skills from Lyn Watson there, and I learnt about fine

Get your summer barbeque season off to a good start

with this advert

NWM 2017 Page 65

g

Small but perfec

tly formed

For the attic or eaves bedroom, or where Oxford collection space is a limiting low painted wardrobes factor, the Company may be from The Painted just the ticket. Built Furniture to the same standard size wardrobes and sharing the as the full same beautifully but measuring balanced design, just 134cm high, the Low wardrobes in the three standard are available widths or can be bespoke sized to requirements. Prices your exact start from £569.

This Imperium Double Ended bath is available in five different sizes to cater for bathrooms small. The Imperium, big or as baths can be finished with other Albion Roll Top to any Dulux Trade & Ball colour – or or Farrow even one of Albion’s metallic “Burnished” finishes (Gold, Iron, Bronze) truly bespoke look.

– for that Taps can be either side mounted in the bath or fixed to an adjacent wall.

Alternatively, the taps can be mounted on Albion’s standpipes if the bath is to be located in the middle of your luxury new bathroom.

subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

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Daring design Advanced technology means that you can have total control over how your food via the Hotpoint Class 9 built-in pyrolytic oven. 28 automatically recipes select the programmed ideal cooking temperature function to ensure and the dish will turn out beautifully.

Pyrolytic cleaning reduces any burnt-on fat from the inside grease and of the oven to ash, to make cleaning a dream. What’s more, the built in appliance range from Hotpoint is so sleek that your kitchen needn’t even look like a kitchen… www.hotpoint.co.uk

NWM 2017 Page 79

J

It’s July, which means that thoughts soon turn to summer barbeques. Kate Hamilton gave Craig Gibson, manager of Hickory’s Smokehouse and owner of Smoking Dragons, a grilling.

HP dragon tile JULY copy.pdf

something that I really wanted to be a part of. I picked up a lot

LEFT: The ultimate burger served at Hickory’s Rhos-on-Sea

J Keep in touch. North Wales Magazine might be a new publication, but we want you to see it as your publication. So send in your contributions, letters, photos and short stories (not forgetting your contact details!) and become part of the North Wales Magazine family.

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.

MAGAZINE

ABOVE: Discover the flavours and hospitality of the Deep South right on your doorstep

whatson@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

editorial@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

In this issue...

SMOKIN’ HOT

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!

If you’ve got something to shout about then let’s shout louder, together.

The latest from the world of homes and interiors

Front Cover Image: Presthaven Beach Resort, Haven www.haven.com

NWM 2017 Page 5

MAGAZINE

Page 6 NWM 2017

MAGAZINE

Contents 09 What’s On?

Your comprehensive guide to all of the best events, shows and days out taking place in North Wales this July

Art Director Simon Marriott

16 The Big Picture

Sales Director Grant Hamilton

The lush landscape of Snowdonia

19 Summer fun Keeping the kids busy during the holidays

Editor Kate Hamilton

19

26 Interview with… Patrick Joseph

26

Fashion designer to the stars Patrick Joseph tailors the good people of North Wales

31 Town in Focus Get down to Barmouth for a traditional day out

Contributors Dave Rothnie Hilary Paschal Rupert Bates Alison Hough Belinda Mortell Tim Watson Cai Ross Julian Hughes Simon Smith Steve Goodier Contact Us editorial @northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales @northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk

35 Danger signs Get down to Barmouth for a traditional day out

39 Top 10… Galleries Exploring the North Wales art scene

47 Food & Drink The latest news from our local food heroes, and the area’s wining, dining and culinary scene

65 Homes and Interiors

39

Peruse our property of the month, get inspired by our interiors pages and see the latest homes to come on the market

85 Community news A roundup of regional happenings

89 In my opinion…

North Wales’ expert columnists share their thoughts

95 Win! Dinner for two at The Grill at North Parade

75

North Wales Magazine is new, independent, regional magazine. It is distributed through the door of households in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey. It is also available as a FREE pick-up across the region at carefully selected outlets.

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.

NWM 2017 Page 7

Gypsy Wood Park

MAGAZINE

is a magical day out for visitors of all ages, which all the family will love.

There are loads of things to see and do at our outdoor park in the foothills of Snowdonia in North Wales, and we’re a must-see attraction for all animal, nature, outdoor, train and fairy lovers.

Open 27th March until Autumn, please check website for specific dates!

We will be open daily from 10.30am to 5.00pm.

HP horizontal - Snowdoniapass copy.pdf

1

Please note that in inclement weather we may close early, or in severe conditions we may remain closed for the day.

23/03/2017 10:45

Bring your wellies to explore the wetlands, meet all the different animals who live here, find the fairies, make a wish, hop on Woody’s train and enjoy one of our fabulous adventure play areas; just some of the events and attractions available at Gypsy Wood Park.

Tel: 01286 673133 Manned 10.30 AM to 5.00 PM during the season

www.gypsywood.co.uk gypsywoodpark@btinternet.com

Snowdonia Pass is the must-have visitor discount card giving you access to over 50 participating attractions, activities, restaurants, shops and accommodation providers.

Each pass costs just £5/person and lasts for 12 months – giving you incredible value for money!

Get yours and start saving today!

T&Cs apply. Visit www.snowdoniapass.co.uk for full details.

Page 8 NWM 2017

www.snowdoniapass.co.uk | www.attractionsofsnowdonia.com

1st & 2nd

Binocular and telescope event RSPB Conwy is hosting its free binocular and telescope event this weekend from 10am - 4pm. Come and get some hands-on advice about binoculars and telescopes from its friendly, impartial team

What’s on 1st & 2nd

Model Railway Show

5th

Annual model railway show in Conwy featuring model railway

The Ground Source Heat Pump Association is hosting

layouts and trade stands. Refreshments available.Long stay car

an informal information session on ‘Harnessing the

park adjacent to venue

Heat Beneath our Feet’ at St David’s Park Hotel in Ewloe between 2 and 5pm today. The event is free and open to all who would like to learn more about the great benefits of Ground Source Heating.

6th

Rhythm of the dance The incredible live show at Rhyl Pavillion creates a new era in Irish entertainment, featuring world champion dancers, a traditional Irish band, and the Young Irish

1st - 4th

Ymuno Festival

Tenors

Once again the Ymuno Festival welcomes you to a sleepy

1st – 16th

meadow in Bryn Ffanigl Ganol

Art Exhibition

Farm near Abergele for a

The Denbighshire Art Society’s

weekend of music, arts and

annual summer exhibition will be

poetry

taking place from Saturday 1st July until Sunday 16th July, 11am to 5pm daily. There is no entrance fee, and there will be many excellent paintings for sale. 10 Penrhos 2nd

Music in the Pin Mill

Road, Colwyn Bay, LL28 4DB

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon 1st – 5th

Slate or State - Artists in residency exhibition 2017 Penrhyn Castle’s final year of Artists in

listening to this wonderful local saxophone quartet in the Pin Mill at Bodnant Gardens

5th

Jools Holland The inimitable Jools Holland is

Residence, in collaboration with the Arts Council of

heading to Llandudno with his

Wales, will culminate in a spectacular exhibition by

fabulous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

renowned artists Walker & Bromwich

at Venue Cymru on the 5th of July.

NWM 2017 Page 9

MAGAZINE

9th

Bryan Adams Rock veteran Bryan Adams will

What’s on

follow in the footsteps of Sir Tom Jones, Sir Elton John and Lionel Richie by playing at Eirias Park this evening

3rd – 9th

Eisteddfod

11th – 15th

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

place this week, with six

The National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed

days of the best music and

production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the

folk dance – and the whole world in one place!

Night-Time is coming to Venue Cymru this week

8t h

MOSTYN Open 20

12 th

Musical Eisteddfod takes

The Llangollen International

The 20th edition of the MOSTYN Open showcases 27

Bees and Pollinators

artists selected from over 600 submissions from all over

Visit Plas Newydd House and

the world. The winner is awarded a prize of £10,000

Gardens to discover the secret

and a further ‘Audience Award’ of £1,000 goes to the

world of these essential little

artist receiving most votes from the visiting public. The

insects that live amongst the

exhibition opens today and runs until November 5th

garden blossom.

8th

Little Mix The world’s biggest girl group, Little Mix, will headline Eirias Stadium in Colwyn bay tonight

12th

Martha Wainwright Daughter of musical legends Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, as well as the sister of Rufus Wainwright, Martha is now a highly regarded musician in her own right. She comes to Wrexham’s William Aston Hall tonight

8th & 9th

12th – 14th

Family Fun Days At Conwy Castle…..Come and enjoy some

Theatre makes a welcome return to Theatre

traditional medieval games with us. Have a go archery and

Colwyn with LOSERVILLE – an all-new

sword fighting. Come and handle the birds of prey and learn

British musical written by

how they were used in medieval times.

Elliot Davis and James

Family Fun Days

Llandudno Youth Music

Bourne (members of poprock bands Busted 9th

Llanfest Part of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Llanfest takes place in the town today to close the festival. The Manic Street Preachers will be taking the headline spot

Page 10 NWM 2017

and Son of Dork).

15 th

13th & 14th

Taking Flight Theatre returns to Cadw sites across North Wales once again, this time with its unique take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Join the Magic Staff Liner Corporation at Rhuddlan Castle and indulge yourself with a jaunt on the newest addition to their fleet — their

Voice workshop

number one luxury ocean liner, The Remembrance.

The Ucheldre Centre in Holyhead is hosting a voice workshop with Marian Bryfdir and Robyn Masson between 10am and 4pm today. Aimed at developing your voice whether your interest lies in jazz, folk, opera or choral music. Go along and try it – all ages and levels of experience and interest are welcome.

13th – 23rd

Llangollen Fringe Festival The Llangollen Fringe Festival includes an eclectic mix of performance based events including punk, reggae, rock,

15th - 16th

folk, flamenco, poetry, drama, art and film. While main

Mawddach Paddlesports Festival

events take place in Llangollen’s town hall, boasting a 300

The Mawddach Paddlesports Festival is an exciting

seat theatre, those looking for a different experience can

weekend paddlesport event for all the family. Based in the

enjoy performances on a narrow boat, steam train, at the

holiday Resort of Barmouth and held on The Magnificent

ancient ruins of Castell Dinas Bran or in the atmospheric

Mawddach Estuary in Southern Snowdonia, the Mawddach

setting of Vale Crucis Abbey

Paddlesports Festival is run by the Merioneth Yacht Club in favour of Hope House Children’s Hospice in North Wales and other local good causes.

14th -16th

Electric Wave Electric Wave is a three-day festival taking place at Surf

16th

Snowdonia in Dolgarrog, Conwy

Walk with the warden

Valley. Expect a family-friendly

Explore the RSPB Conwy nature reserve with the warden, see

vibe which celebrates some of the

behind the scenes and discover how the reserve is managed

best music of the last 25 years as

to provide a home for its many breeding and wintering birds,

well as some of North Wales’s best local talent. Anglo-Aussie

wild flowers and insects. 10am – 12.30pm, RSPB members £4,

indie band Sunset Sons will be the headline act for the grand

non-members £6

finale on Sunday 16th

15th

International Snowdon Race Race to the top of Snowdon and back down again in the International Snowdon Race. A 10 mile race set in beautiful surroundings. The race starts and finishes at Padarn Park, Llanberis

NWM 2017 Page 11

MAGAZINE

What’s on 18th

Third Week in August This comedy stage show by the Starlight Players is on at the Criccieth Memorial Hall this evening.

19th

23rd

Aerial Workshop with Pirates of the Carabina

The Legend of King Arthur

Learn simple tricks and shapes in the air on the Aerial

Castle Players invite you to join them for a day of

Hoop and Silks AND Experience the sensation of flying!

Arthurian stories and games. Be part of King Arthur’s

Have fun, build confidence, learn new skills and make

Round Table, listen to Arthurian romances from down the

friends whilst experiencing the fun of the circus...

ages, take part in the hunt for the Caernarfon Grail. Family

Suitable for all including children aged seven plus,

fun from 11:00 to 15:30.

In celebration of the Year of Legends the Caernarfon

parents and grandparents. Only 16 places available, Pontio Studio Bangor, 11am-1pm, £10 23rd 18 th

Estyneto

Art for All Competition

Join the inspirational dancer and choreographer, Cai Tomos at Galeri Caernarfon as he leads monthly dance/movement sessions for those over the age of 60. You do not need any dancing skills or experience - only the desire to stay fit and healthy.

A chance to see the wide range of work exhibited in

23rd

Ucheldre’s 26th annual Art for All Competition. Many of

Wild Elements

the Adult paintings are for sale. Entry forms are available

Summer holiday

from the Centre, and must be returned with the work

Sundays are all

between 13th and 15th July. The competition will be judged

about free-range

by artist Rebecca Gould. Prizewinners will be announced

fun at Penrhyn

at this evening’s opening, to which all are welcome. The

Castle. Join the

exhibition opens at 5pm

Wild Elements team as they help you learn some of the arts of camping and bush craft.

23rd

An Evening With Raymond Froggatt and his Band

25th

Raymond Froggatt has spent 50 years treading the boards,

The business on the boat

writing and singing songs that have been covered by so many

An outdoor interactive theatrical performance at Plas Newydd

other artists. He now showcases his talent at Rhyl Pavilion

House and Gardens by local writer and performer Gillian

tonight

Brownson

Page 12 NWM 2017

28th

Open mic poetry

25th – 29th

The Wedding Singer

Anglesey open mic poetry evening. Another opportunity to read your own, or other people’s work, in a friendly,

The smash hit Broadway

supportive atmosphere, held in the Ucheldre Centre’s Café

musical, The Wedding Singer,

in Holyhead. 7.30pm start

is coming to Venue Cymru.

This musical promises to get you up dancing, and is packed

28th & 29th

all the fun and energy of the

Prestatyn Flower Show

Adam Sandler film.

The Prestatyn Flower

with songs which capture

Show is a community event held in the Old Vicarage Gardens 26th

Farmers’ Market

in the centre of Prestatyn. With prize

Conwy Farmers’ Market at the

winning exhibits,

RSPB Reserve. Fresh vegetables,

plants for sale, classic cars, live jazz and brass band

local meats, cheeses, jams,

music, there is something for everyone to enjoy

pickles and lots more! Free event 29th 26th

Trevor Blackburn hand made woven scarves

Strawberry tea A strawberry tea will be held today at Beddgelert Primary School in aid of breast cancer care. Admission is £5 which

Trevor will be bringing along a

includes tea/coffee and scone, jam and cream as well as a

selection of looms and weaves scarves

selection of homemade cakes. All proceeds will go to breast

to Afonwen Craft & Antique Centre

cancer care

today. He has many to choose from in his collection or would be happy to take on commission work. Trevor also

29th & 30th

turns wood and has some handmade

Meet the Household

pens and other crafts.

Come to Plas Mawr in Conwy to meet the extravagant Wynn family, by meeting members of their household

27th

Picnic with Porpoise The Picnic with Porpoise event takes place at RSPB South Stack on Anglesey today

29th & 30th

Woodfest Country Show A two-day festival of wood and country activities for all the

27th & 28th

ArtFest

family. Showcasing rural North Wales

The Denbighshire Art Society based in Colwyn Bay will be holding a two day ArtFest at Porth Eirias featuring demonstrations and talks by leading North Wales artists besides stalls that will be providing art materials for every possible medium. Entrance fee of £2 for Adults and Children free, doors open 10am to 5pm. Refreshments provided for all in the nearby restaurant and café.

NWM 2017 Page 13

MAGAZINE

What’s on 29th & 30th

White Water SUP Fest

29th

Big Wild Sleepout RSPB Conwy is hosting its Big Wild Sleepout tonight.

Kicking off at 6pm, grab this fantastic opportunity to spend a night on a nature

This year’s white water SUP Fest

reserve! Bring your family, a

in Llangollen is for all stand up

tent, and they’ll provide the

paddle boarder’s keen to get on

moth magic, bat detecting,

the white water!

astronomy, wildlife challenges and campfire!

30th

Llandudno FC charity match A charity football match is taking place at Llandudno FC 29th & 30th

today in order to raise funds for Help for Heroes & Blind

Encaustic art with Linda Morris

Veterans UK. A family fun day out with bouncy castle, face painting, DJ, bar refreshments, tombola stalls, raffle prizes

Pop along to Afonwen Craft &

and auction prizes all on offer. Come along and help raise

Antique Centre and have a go at

funds for these very worthy causes

encaustic art with Linda – you can create the most gorgeous pictures 31st

using hot irons and wax. Linda is a wonderful teacher and is delighted to guide you through

Wild nature

the skills of making your own picture. All proceeds go to brain

Visit Penrhyn Castle today to look at the different ways to

tumour research

track animals and make your very own ink track trap to use in your own garden at home. You can also learn different ways 28th – 30th

Llandudno Jazz Festival

to attract wild animals in your garden.

A weekend of live jazz at a fabulous location – Bodafon Farm Park overlooking the Llandudno Promenade.

Camping and caravan

31st

facilities on site and

Birds of Bodnant Garden

something to do for all the

Led by a specialist from

family as well as jazz fans!

Birdwatching Trips, find out

Prices start from £6

about the species that live in Bodnant Garden and how to identify them by sight and sound. No experience

29th

Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon

necessary.

The Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon takes place today. Kicking off at 5am, the race starts and finishes at Plas Heli in Pwllheli, with seven checkpoints / aid stations along the scenic route.

75 miles in 24 hours is the challenge, and the event has been classified as a 5 points UTMB qualifying race.

Page 14 NWM 2017

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

FOOD & D RINK | C ONSESSIONS | EVENTS

LLANDUDNO’S PREMIER ATTRACTION Llandudno Pier is the premier attraction to visit whilst on holiday in Llandudno, a fantastic holiday venue in

SUMMER SEASON “MV BALMORAL SAILINGS” FROM LLANDUDNO PIER

Wales. We are Wales’ longest Pier and offer superb views, concessions, a relaxing stroll and excellent food

Tickets available now - 19th July

stalls.

& 8th September – 19th September

Relax, and enjoy the leisurely pace as you explore our friendly shops and stalls. Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful views of Llandudno and the Irish Sea.

Contact Whitefunnel for Tickets on www.whitefunnel.co.uk 0117 325 6200

Llandudno Pier & Attractions are open 10a.m till late during the Summer 2017 Season.

SCHOOLS / GROUPS WELCOME WITH PARKING NEARBY | DISABLED VISITOR ACCESS NORTH WALES NO.1 AMUSEMENT ARCADES | SUPERVISED CHILDRENS PLAY AREA SPECIALIST SHOPS

01492 876258 | simonmason@llandudnopier.com Llandudno Pier, North Parade, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2LP

NWM 2017 Page 15

The big picture Snowdonia’s landscape is unique. Its nine mountain ranges cover just over half of the Snowdonia National Park and include many peaks that are more than 3,000 feet high.

Its diverse scenery includes green valleys, river gorges and waterfalls, while oak, ash, rowan and hazel woodlands can be found scattered throughout the park. Ice Age activity has done much to shape the landscape in Snowdonia – the glaciers that were at their peak 18,000 years ago scoured out great u-shaped valleys including Llanberis and Nant Gwynant in the north and Tal-y-Llyn in the south.

Hwyl i’r teulu yn y gwyllt Family fun in the wild Llwyth i’w wneud yn ystod gwyliau’r haf Loads to do in the summer holidays Digwyddiadau - Llwybrau natur - Parc chwarae - Siop - Caffi Events - Nature trails - Play park - Shop - Café RSPB South Stack

rspb.org.uk/southstack 01407 762100 LL65 1YH

RSPB Conwy

rspb.org.uk/conwy 01492 584091 LL31 9XZ

Llun/Photo: Bithynia cyffredin/Common bithynia (bithynia tentaculata) Sue Kennedy (rspb-images.com). 830-2286-16-17: Mae’r Gymdeithas Frenhinol er Gwarchod Adar (RSPB) yn elusen gofrestredig: Lloegr a Chymru rhif 207076, yr Alban rhif SC037654. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654.

ENJOY A HERITAGE TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE DEE VALLEY

WHERE WILL YOU GO TODAY?

www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

ADVENTURE TIME! Zip World Fforest offers an idyllic woodland setting for your little adventurers

The big summer holidays are almost upon us, meaning that there is a whopping six weeks to entertain the kids. Luckily, there is no better place to keep the kids occupied than North Wales… Read on to find out how to make sure that all of that screaming and shouting you encounter is the good kind!

Once the sun comes out we are literally spoilt for family days out in North Wales, to

such an extent that entertaining the kids during the summer holidays has become a pleasure instead of a chore.

Down in Porthmadog and Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways prides itself on offering fantastic days out for families, and this summer is no exception.

With events taking place on and around both railways, its work with the local community offers something for the young and old alike. With free entry to most events (and a small charge for others), it is offering more ‘bang for the buck’ with music from the Del Sharrons on July 24th, to a classic car show on August 20th.

As well as one off entertainment, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways has plenty of regular activities on offer too. Visit Tan y Bwlch station every Monday and Wednesday afternoon during the summer holidays and you’ll find a variety of crafts for your children to enjoy, plus a children’s slapstick show hosted by Pirate Ricardo every Monday. Plus the railway is offering free footplate rides every Saturday from the July 24th at Porthmadog station.

NWM 2017 Page 19

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offers free footplate rides every from the 24th July to 28th August at Porthmadog station

On the other side of the region, Llangollen Railway also has

J

MAGAZINE

Surf Snowdonia has a whole range of lessons and courses which are especially geared towards children

wise to plan ahead.

a wide range of activities on offer this summer. The only standard gauge heritage railway in North Wales, Llangollen

Keeping with the transport theme, and Llechwedd’s Quarry

Railway is located beside the historic Dee Bridge (built in 1345)

Explorer Tour is a thrilling 1.5 hour adventure which will

in the centre of Llangollen town. The journey is a relaxing 10

take you and your children (age five and up only) on a journey

miles travelling through the stunning Dee Valley to the lovely

through one of the most formidable landscapes in the UK.

town of Corwen the cross roads of North Wales.

You’ll be strapped into a 4 x 4 off-road military truck to take Take the children for a ride behind a steam train for a day

on the towering summits that sit above Llechwedd Slate

out to remember, or come on its Thomas day and take a ride

Caverns and the mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. These

behind Thomas The Tank Engine in Clarabelle or Rickety, say

unique mountains were built by hand and hard graft – by

hello to the Fat Controller and enter a world of magic and fun.

the incredible men and boys who worked in at Llechwedd’s Victorian slate mines.

Another way to make the most of the views is to hop on board Llandudno’s Great Orme Tramway. Delighting visitors since

Colossal amounts of slate have been dug out of the earth since

1902, you can’t miss the town’s premier heritage attraction and

mining started at Llechwedd in the mid-19th Century. The

Britain’s only cable-hauled road tram. The Tram takes you on

mine extends down 16 floors – almost 14,00ft down to sea level

a picturesque, breath taking one-mile journey to the summit

– and houses over 20 miles of hand-cut tunnels and caverns.

of the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve where, on a clear day, views stretch as far as the Isle of Man, Blackpool

What is truly extraordinary is that an incredible 90% of

and the Lake District.

the rock blasted out of the mines was unusable! The mine workers heaved it to the surface using pulleys and carts, and

Your journey begins at Victoria Station, located a short

now vast heaps of those discarded slate spoils tower above

distance from Llandudno’s North Shore and pier. Board one

the site.

of the beautifully restored Victorian tramcars and begin your ascent through the winding roads of the Great Orme with

Travelling with you in a converted 4 x 4 military truck, your

stunning views of Llandudno’s sweeping bay.

knowledgeable guide will share some more of the mine’s fascinating history and you’ll take in views of North Wales like

At the Halfway Station, you can learn about the remarkable

no other.

history of Victorian engineering and observe the powerful funicular system in action. Climb aboard another beautifully

Another attraction taking place within a disused mine is Go

restored tramcar to complete your journey to the summit,

Below Underground Adventures. Recently crowned UK Family

looking out for the wild Kashmir Goats and the rare Silver

Business of the Year in the FSB and Worldpay Awards 2017,

Studded Blue Butterflies.

Go Below runs authentic underground adventure trips in the disused mines of Snowdonia. Its personally guided adventures

The Tramway is suitable for all age groups, and each

are totally uncontrived and you’ll discover a spectacular hidden

tramcar can accommodate up to 48 passengers. However,

world of deep blue lakes, dramatic caverns, winding tunnels

due to the Victorian design, accessibility is limited so it’s

and ancient mining machinery abandoned in the darkness.

Page 20 NWM 2017

Softly does it!

The super bouncy Giant Jumper at Greenwood Forest Park

Go Below launched its new Hero Xtreme Underground Adventure, suitable for 14 years and older, last month – just in time for the summer break. Journey down to the deepest publicly accessible point in the UK via zip lines, traverses, ladder climbs, over bridges (even underwater ones – but don’t worry, you’ll only get your wellies wet!) as well as eating your lunch on a world first ‘Xtreme Picnic Bench’ which is cliff-face-suspended over a vast chamber.

But, if you don’t quite feel ready for that, then kids aged ten and above can have a go at Go Below’s Challenge Underground Adventure. Try your hand at abseiling, zip lining, climbing and boat on an underground lake and, as all children need to be accompanied by an adult, then you’re bound to have a great time too.

Another extreme sports company that is currently focusing on kids is Zip World.

Set in the magical Douglas Fir forest setting in Betws-yCoed, Zip World Fforest has a range of activities suitable for children aged three and up.

Treetop Nets are among the highest in the world, more than 60 feet above the forest floor. Features include the longest net walkway in Europe, winding through 250m of woodland, with large trampoline like nets and tunnels allowing the whole family to run, bounce and leap between connecting tree houses.

Treetop Nets is designed to offer an amazing and adventurous way for both children and adults to play up high in the trees. Unlike traditional high ropes courses, you’ll be completely surrounded by 3m high walls of netting which means you are always safe and therefore you do not need harnesses.

Rain needn’t stop play for the little ones in North Wales this summer. Check out the following soft play centres should the heavens open – or if you just fancy a coffee and a sit down while the kids run themselves ragged…

Bendi-Gedig, Barmouth www.bendi-gedig.com Y Den, Pwllheli www.yden.co.uk The Fun Centre, Caernarfon www.thefuncentre.co.uk The Play Centre, Bangor www.theplaycentre.co.uk Surfer Sam’s Soft Play Shack, Dolgarrog https://surfsnowdonia.com/soft-play-shack Bonkerz Fun Centre, Llandudno http://bonkerzfuncentre.co.uk Totally Ape, Old Colwyn 01492 518484 Geronimo’s Adventure Playzone, Rhyl www.geronimos.co.uk Nova, Prestatyn www.novaprestatyn.co.uk Tŷ Bugs, Mold www.tybugs.co.uk Round the Twist, Wrexham www.roundthetwist.biz Wizz Kidz, Queensferry www.wizzkidz.info

Meanwhile Treehoppers is an amazing zip line and adventure course for kids (ages 5 – 12). Mini adventurers

NWM 2017 Page 21

MAGAZINE

Go Below runs authentic underground adventure trips in the disused mines of Snowdonia

Presthaven has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained – both big and small

are encouraged to tackle the course – which includes the tree hoppers bridge, zip bridge, walking the plank, balance beam, hanging logs, French hammock bridge and tyre tops – at their own pace, although it usually takes around an hour.

Elements include the tree hoppers bridge, zip bridge, walking the plank, balance beam, hanging logs, French hammock bridge, tyre tops, ‘match sticks’, cargo net, log bridge, organ

their shoes and socks off for the BareFoot Trail or aiming for

pipes, burma bridge, multi vine, logs in a line, ‘islands in the

gold at archery.

sky’, ‘postman’s walk’, multi vine & moving vine!

There is also plenty of additional entertainment taking place at Also located at Zip World Fforest is the recently opened

Greenwood throughout the school holidays, including Harley’s

Fforest Coaster. The only Alpine Coaster of it’s kind in UK, the

Showtime, Ricardo the Pirate, Smarty Marty the Clown and

Fforest Coaster is based on a traditional toboggan but runs on

Erwyd’s Magic Show at the Forest Theatre.

rails, which offers an all year, all-weather experience. Start your journey in the heart of the woodland, taking your sledge

Plus, on Bank Holiday Monday (28th August) you can join

on your own or in pairs, and travel on the uplift through the

James from Syrcas Circus who will be running his circus

trees. You will then fly through the forest at exhilarating

workshop from 1:30-3:30pm. Why not go and join the fun and

speeds. Again, riders between three and eight years old must

try out juggling, diablo, poi, stilt walking, uni-cycling, devil

be accompanied on the same sledge by a participating adult,

stick and spinning plates.

making this a day to remember for mum and dad too!

And if it’s trying out new things that’s firmly on the kids And, if speed is your thing (never mind the kids) then it’s

agenda, then look no further than Surf Snowdonia – a world-

worth heading out to GreenWood Forest Park for the day.

first inland surf lagoon in Dogarrog, Conwy Valley. Surd

Voted Best Family Attraction in North Wales for six years

Snowdonia has a whole range of lessons and courses which

running, GreenWood Forest Park is set in 27 magical acres,

are especially geared to introducing the exhilaration of

and it’s easy to see why it’s a full day out - discovering

surfing to your children over the summer holidays.

woodland adventure, awesome attractions and forest family fun.

Surf Snowdonia’s fun, structured, fully supervised kids surf lessons will help your child to become a competent, confident

You can make a splash on the UK’s only solar powered water

and considerate surfer as well as encouraging them to enjoy a

ride here, jump aboard the world’s first people powered

healthy, active lifestyle.

roller coaster or zoom down the longest sledge run in Wales!

Your kids can book in for individual surf lessons, or a five-day

Children will love discovering the super bouncy Giant

course which run every weekday throughout the summer

Jumper, exploring the turrets of TreeTop Towers, taking

holidays. Each lesson is 90 minutes and the course costs £100.

Page 22 NWM 2017

On the

wild side If you fancy getting back to nature there are plenty of days out on offer that allow children to get up close and personal with a wide range of wildlife. Exciting for the younger kids and educational for the older ones, a visit to a zoo, aquarium or farm could be just the ticket for young adventurers.

You can’t beat a day out at the beach to keep the kids entertained

Dwyfor Ranch Rabbit Farm and Animal Park, Llanystumdwy www.rabbitfarm.co.uk Gypsy Wood Park, Caernarfon www.gypsywood.co.uk Foel Farm Park, Anglesey www.foelfarm.co.uk

The 300-metre man-made surf lagoon at Surf Snowdonia has some distinct advantages over surfing in the ocean.

First of all, there’s no hanging around waiting for the swell to be right – Surf Snowdonia’s waves are guaranteed to roll every 90 seconds. The consistency and regularity of those waves will fast-track your kids’ progression from zero to hero much quicker than would be possible in the sea.

Secondly, this is a highly supervised and controlled environment, with far fewer dangers than you would find in the open sea. Surf Snowdonia is a great place to learn for youngsters who might be less confident about navigating tides, rocks and other ocean hazards.

Pili Palas Nature World, Anglesey www.pilipalas.co.uk Anglesey Sea Zoo, Anglesey www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay www.welshmountainzoo.org Bodafon Farm Park, Llandudno http://bodafonfarmpark.com SeaQuarium, Rhyl www.seaquarium.co.uk

And if the kids enjoyed the fresh air, then you can always keep up the momentum with RSPB’s Big Wild Sleepout. Just take the family and a tent along to RSPB’s Conwy reserve on July 29th, and they’ll bring the moth magic, bat detecting, astronomy, wildlife challenges and campfire!

There are numerous other events taking place across the reserve this summer.

Mission Survive (ages 8 – 12 years) takes place on August 12th, and teaches kids how to survive out in the wild, while looking after the environment. Using the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’, they will be learning how to light and cook on fire, build a shelter and how they could survive without

Take a ride behind Thomas The Tank Engine at Llangollen Railway

NWM 2017 Page 23

The lazy river at Presthaven Beach Resort in Prestatyn

The only Alpine Coaster of it’s kind in UK, the Zip World Fforest Coaster is suitable for children aged three and up

technology – are your children brave enough to try five hours without a mobile phone?

Wildlife Lego is another event taking place for young explorers (6 -14 years) at RSPB Conwy. If your child likes Lego and is a budding animator then this workshop on August 22nd could be for them. Children will be encouraged to recreate wildlife creatures, make an animated video using iPads and explore one of the reserve’s habitats.

Of course, one of the easiest ways to entertain the kids is to head down to the beach and, if you don’t live within walking distance to one, then you can always take a mini break right here in North Wales.

Haven is currently offering a four-night self catering holiday staying at Presthaven Beach Resort in Prestatyn. Prices start from £543 (saving 20%) per family of six sharing deluxe accommodation, and includes family friendly entertainment.

There’s always lots to do here, from the indoor fun pool and lazy river to Pic ’n’ Paint pottery where kids can decorate your own piece of pottery as a souvenir of their holiday. Thrill seekers will love the Aerial Adventure high ropes course, while the Nature Rockz activities will give your whole family a blast of fresh air as they learn more about nature and pick up some great skills along the way.

With all that to see and do within North Wales this summer, the kids will be glad to get back to school for a break! n

Page 24 NWM 2017

Contacts FFestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways www.festrail.co.uk Go Below Underground Adventures www.go-below.co.uk GreenWood Forest Park www.greenwoodforestpark.co.uk Haven www.haven.com Llangollen Railway www.llangollen-railway.co.uk Llechwedd Quarry Explorer Tour www.llechwedd-slate-caverns.co.uk RSPB rspb.org.uk/conwy Surf Snowdonia https://surfsnowdonia.com The Great Orme Tramway www.greatormetramway.co.uk Zip World Fforest www.zipworld.co.uk

NWM 2017 Page 25

MAGAZINE

Dressed for success While he once styled the stars, Patrick Joseph is now proud to dress the good people of North Wales. And, as Kate Hamilton discovers, he has never been happier.

Patrick Joseph didn’t have the upbringing

away and get a job in a hotel – but the police

that you’d expect from a fashion designer

always found me and brought me home.

but, interestingly, he believes that it’s his

When I was 16 some relatives came to visit

unusual journey that brought him to settle

from London, and they said that I could

in North Wales.

come and visit them anytime I liked – two weeks later I arrived on their doorstep

“I didn’t choose North Wales – it chose me!”

in Hackney.”

laughs Patrick while sitting at his kitchen table in front of a vase of fresh flowers. (He’s

This was in 1981, and it just so happened

lucky enough to have a friend that brings

that Patrick’s invitation-offering aunty

them to him daily. Even Elton John has to

worked in a clothing factory.

pay for his daily floral fix, but I digress…)

“I went to visit her at work,” says Patrick.

Originally from Tipperary, Patrick had a

“And it was just like walking into Willy

troubled childhood. After nearly dying from

Wonker’s Chocolate Factory for fashion. I

meningitis at a young age he was eventually

was amazed.

expelled from school and proceeded to run away – on numerous occasions.

“I managed to get a job there sewing buttons and generally helping out. I learnt

“I was a runaway child,” he explains. “I’d run

Page 26 NWM 2017

how to actually make garments from

scratch which, when I moved on, meant that I stood out from the fashion design graduates.”

Unfortunately the inspirational factory shut down and Patrick began to work on the early catwalk collections of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.

“I worked freelance at this stage, and this meant that I often didn’t get paid. It was a very third world existence,” remembers Patrick.

“Around the same time I started to work at St Martins College helping the BA students with their designs. The calls then started to come in from other universities looking for help – and I’d get the odd request from celebrities who needed a specific jacket.”

Around this time Patrick spent some time with Hussein Chalayan (who designed Bjocks

NWM 2017 Page 27

MAGAZINE

famous paper clothes), and also continued to work with

“I had a plan for Cheryl’s Messy Little Raindrops cover,”

Alexander McQueen.

explains Patrick. “I thought that she ought to wear a bight yellow rain coat, but she spotted a brightly coloured dress

Deciding that fashion was his calling, Patrick then signed up

that I had, and insisted that she wear that instead. It is now

for a BA degree in menswear.

my all time favourite dress.”

“I left pretty quickly,” he explains. “It was so formulaic that it

Quite an achievement for a dress that started life as a

just wasn’t for me. But I began to doubt myself as a designer.”

sweatshirt! Patrick’s talent was obvious at this stage in his career and he started making pieces for the rest of Girls

So he stepped sideways into the corporate world of fashion,

Aloud, Status Quo, Robbie Williams and David Wallliams.

and got a job managing the production of Whistles, Coast, Karen Millen and Oasis as an international garment

Around this time a good friend of Patrick’s decided to move

technologist.

to Anglesey – and he asked for Patrick’s help.

“Basically my job involved solving problems,” says Patrick. “It

“My friend wanted to move to North Wales in order to be near

was a dream for a while – flying first class around the world,

his daughter,” says Patrick. “While helping him look for a

and witnessing all of the different manufacturing techniques

house I actually found a shop for myself – and a home for life.”

– but I soon began to question what I was doing and the ethics of it. In 2008 I handed my notice in as I just wanted to

Patrick rented the shop in question and continued his work

get back to the sewing machine.”

in celebrity styling. And, since you can’t keep a shop window empty, Patrick decided to stick a few men’s shirts in the

Patrick believed that there had to be a better way than the

window – which began to sell.

modern penchant for throwaway fashion, and so proceeded to set up The Tailors gallery on London’s Brick Lane a year later.

“I learnt to drive around this time,” says Patrick, “and while I was travelling back and forth to London to style celebrities

Things were going OK in the new venture, but it was

the shirts from my shop window started selling too. Yet

a random phone call around this time which prompted

I didn’t think anything of it and, when the lease came up

Patrick’s career in celebrity styling.

on the shop at the same time that I’d had enough with the commute to London, I decided to take a break.”

“I answered the phone to somebody who was telling me that Cheryl Cole had just been nominated for a Brit Award and

Patrick plumped for a year out, practising mindfulness

would I style her,” reminisces Patrick. “I didn’t even know

in a tiny holiday cottage on the Great Orme. Numerous

who Cheryl Cole was.”

life changing options ran through his head at this time – including upping sticks and moving to Bulgaria to live off

But it was a call worth taking, for Cheryl ended up wearing

the land. But eventually he decided to stay in Llandudno and

Patrick’s favourite dress for one of her album covers.

concentrate on making unique shirts.

Page 28 NWM 2017

“My passion and interest has always been about

to stay here. I want to be self supporting doing what

clothes,” continues Patrick. “But I have tried not to

I love. Just make one thing. Sell it. Pay the bills.”

be a consumer at numerous points in my life. That doesn’t really work though, so now I simply try to

Patrick has become embedded in the local arts

make the shopping ‘fix’ last longer. I ask questions

community (he views his work as art, as opposed to

before I buy. Where does the item come from? Who

fashion), and is in the process of agreeing a project

made it? How long will it last? I like my choices to

with Arts Council Wales.

be ethical and sustainable.”

“It’s a story of garment and shirt. Garments tell a And that is the exact ethos that Patrick has

narrative from somebody’s life story. I use them to

transferred into his shirts – and it is these one off,

connect with people.”

bespoke items that are proving popular.

It is with that in mind that Patrick is building a “I have finally accepted who I am,” adds Patrick.

vintage shirt collection in his Llandudno studio, so

“I’m an artisan tailor – and I love it. I’m exactly

that people can use them as inspiration for their

where I want to be right now. I feel as though all of

own, bespoke, shirts.

the different things that I have done in my life have dovetailed in order to allow me to do what I

“I want to make the studio a destination, so that

really want.”

people come here for the experience,” he adds.

Now working out of a studio in Garage Street in

And experience you can, for Patrick has just

Llandudno, Patrick now spends a lot of time with

launched a gift voucher whereby you can by the

local people designing, measuring and fitting them

special man in your life a luxury tailored shirt.

for unique shirts.

Prices range from £140 to £250 for a bespoke shirt.

“I can make any kind of shirt that you like, but

“I always questioned my usefulness to society,”

what’s interesting is that my current clients

concludes Patrick. “But now I feel that there is

couldn’t give a stuff who else I’ve styled – they just

genuinely a social impact to what I do. My work

come for the experience. Some people have a very

now happens live in front of me and I can style the

definite idea of what they want, while others don’t

item according to the individual person. And I just

have a clue. But they always leave happy, while

love seeing them walking away feeing good.” n

I’ve had a great time getting to know them. It’s like therapy listening to all of their different stories.”

Patrick Joseph 6 Garage Street,

But what does the future hold for Patrick?

Llandudno, LL30 1DW

“Well I’m very settled in Llandudno and am looking

www.patrickjoseph.co.uk

NWM 2017 Page 29

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A55

Junction 24

EXPLORING

Barmouth

Barmouth is the ultimate Welsh seaside resort, with shops, restaurants and cafés all bustling for attention with THAT beach. Steve Goodier reports.

I have fond memories of Barmouth. It was my parent’s

if you plan to be there as the sun goes down you get a truly

preferred Welsh destination for a seaside day out or

spectacular view.

caravanning weekend when my sister and I were young.

It was an idyllic place for kids to be taken to with a superb

Inland from the estuary and the town, and rising above

beach, a small fair, some arcades, donkeys, swing boats

nearby Dolgellau, is one of Snowdonia’s most famous

and lots of shops selling souvenirs and beach products.

mountains, Cadair Idris. At 2,930ft it was reputed that the

Little has changed. Barmouth is a timeless resort that was

giant Idris Gawr sat on its summit (the name means ‘Chair

much loved by The Victorians but still has a place in the

of Idris’) watching for enemies. It’s a tough climb to the top

itinerary of the modern day holidaymaker.

but The Pony Track and Minfford Paths are well worth walking and relatively easy to follow but, be warned, if you

It’s location has much to do with its popularity – it’s

leave it late in the day and decide to overnight in the small

is situated on the West Coast of North Wales and falls

hut near the summit legend has it that you will wake up

just within the boundaries of the south west corner of

either mad or a poet!

Snowdonia National Park and lies between Cardigan Bay and the foothills of the awesome Rhinog Mountains

It’s something I have done twice and I haven’t become a

which are roughest and oldest range in Wales. Walking

poet – as for the other… But let’s return to Barmouth itself.

in these hills demands stamina and good navigation skills

You can’t look at the town without making mention of

if you venture into the main areas around Rhinog Fawr

the glorious beach which seems to stretch north forever

and Rhinog Fach (a little north of Barmouth) but rambling

towards Dyffryn Ardudwy and Harlech. Its ‘classic seaside

around the smaller hills above the town can be great fun

territory’ with miles of golden sands. For kids it is a

and gives stunning views of town, estuary and sea.

paradise of donkey rides, ice creams, old fashioned beach attractions (such as the aforementioned swing boats and

With an ‘off-season’ population of less than 3,000,

trampolines) and as much space to dig and build sand

Barmouth’s bars, restaurants and cafes soon get packed

castles as you could ever wish for!

in summer when this number grows substantially with visitor’s intent on exploring not just the beach, but the

Back from the beach there is a maze of streets with

old town, with its steep steps and slate roofed cottages

small shops to go browsing in and plenty of pubs, cafes,

clinging to the hillsides. The harbour takes some beating

restaurants and fish and chip shops to satisfy the

as well - the town is sited at the mouth of The Afon

hungry and thirsty. But away from shops, beaches and

Mawddach and a great evening stroll enjoyed by many is to

arcades there is still much to see with The RNLI Lifeboat

walk across the Barmouth Bridge that spans the river and

Station and The Ty Gwyn House and Museum all being

links it with The Fairbourne side.

worth a look.

In my opinion you also get the best view of Barmouth (and

The town is serviced by The Cambrian Railway line and

its sheltered location) from the beaches of Fairbourne, and

has its own station and The Barmouth Ferry sails from

NWM 2017 Page 31

MAGAZINE

What to do FAIRBOURNE STEAM RAILWAY The Fairbourne Miniature Railway is a historic narrow gauge line that has been running from Fairbourne Village to the mouth of The Mawddach Estuary for over 100 years. www.fairbournerailway.com THE DRAGON THEATRE A traditional and historic theatre that was converted from a Victorian Chapel House and now houses a 186-seat auditorium. www.dragontheatre.co.uk RNLI LIFEBOAT STATION Barmouth Lifeboat Station is an ‘Explore Category Station’ that offers you the opportunity to enjoy the lifeboat station and lifeboats close up and for free. www.barmouthlifeboat.co.uk

Where to stay MIN Y MOR HOTEL

TY GWYN HOUSE AND MUSEUM

The Min Y Mor Hotel has a sea front location

Ty Gwyn Gwyn House dates back to around 1465 making it the

that is very central for all that Barmouth has

oldest building in Gwynedd.

to offer.

www.barmouthheritagetrail.org/07

www.minymor.com

HARLECH CASTLE

BRYNTEG HOTEL AND GUEST HOUSE

A short nine mile drive north from Barmouth will bring you to

Brynteg Hotel and Guest House offers beautiful

the spectacularly sited Harlech Castle that seems to simply

views of Barmouth, the sea and Cadair Idris and

grow out of the rock it has been built on. It is the ideal location

has been family owned for over 25 years.

for a castle and kids will love it.

www.brynteghotel.com

www.harlech.com TY’R GRAIG CASTLE HOTEL Ty’r Graig Hotel and Guest House is set about 200ft above the sea and is an enchanting white Victorian building with awesome views of the sea and surrounding areas. www.tyrgraigcastle.co.uk MORWENDON GUEST HOUSE A high quality guest house found two miles north of Barmouth at the quiet village of Llanaber. www.guesthousebarmouth.co.uk TAL Y DON HOTEL The Tal y Don Hotel is centrally located at the heart of Barmouth’s High Street and only a few minutes’ walk from the beach. www.tal-y-don.co.uk

Page 32 NWM 2017

Eating and drinking

fast gaining a good reputation. Relaxed

THE LAST INN

good menu.

atmosphere and family friendly with a

Atmospheric and historic pub that retains a lot of its original features. Good menu and

THE CAPTAINS TABLE

comfortable dining areas.

Boasting a classic restaurant menu with plenty of meat, fish, vegetarian and pasta dishes on offer.

DAVY JONES LOCKER More a café than a restaurant but serving great breakfasts and lunches.

BISTO BERMO A small and intimate restaurant with only six

NINETEEN.57

tables. A nice menu and good sized portions

Stylish and modern restaurant that is

make this a popular place to dine.

the harbour to Penrhyn Point where you can link up with the historic Fairbourne Narrow Gauge Railway and enjoy a trip behind a miniature steam train.

The A496 links the town with Harlech to the north and

disappeared while sailing to The Falkland Islands in his

Dolgellau to the east and undoubtedly the best approach is

eightieth year!

westwards through Bontddu and Caerdeon where the final drive runs on an elevated section of the road past the bridge

More recently EastEnders actress Charlie (Charlene) Brooks

and the harbour – if the sun is shining on sparking blue

hails from the town. There are literary connections here too.

waters the area looks positively Mediterranean…

J.R.R. Tolkien visited in the early 20th Century and was so smitten by what he saw he used the Old Town as a model for

Barmouth grew around the ship building industry but today

the town of Hobbiton in ‘The Lord of The Rings’.

relies heavily on tourists. However, its link with the sea remain as the town is the starting point for ‘The Barmouth to

An even early visitor to Barmouth was the prolific poet and

Fort William Three Peaks Race’ which involves sailing from

traveller William Wordsworth who wrote the following about

Wales to Scotland via England and climbing the highest peaks

it – ‘with a fine sea view in front, the mountains behind, the

in each country as you do so – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben

glorious estuary running eight miles inland and Cadair Idris

Nevis. This involves, as well as the sailing, 72 miles of running

within compass of a day’s walk, Barmouth can hold its own

and 11,000ft of ascent. It’s not for the fainthearted!

against any rival’.

In ‘season’ (from March to October) Barmouth’s many camping

Like I said to begin with – little has changed down the years! n

and caravanning sites are well used (and often crowded) and when the weather settles and we get some days of ‘traditional’ summer with blue skies and little wind, there can be few better destinations to be in.

Barmouth boasts one or two famous people with Major Harold William ‘Bill’ Tilman CBE, DSO, MC and Bar (1898 – 1977) having lived in the town for many years. He was a prolific mountaineer and exploratory sailor who wrote numerous books and was one of the earlier

Steve Goodier is a Freelance Outdoor Writer who specialises in Wales, The Lake District, Yorkshire and Scotland. He has walked and climbed all over the world and produces articles for magazines such as Country Walking, Trail, Camping Magazine, Caravan Magazine, Cumbria, Lakes and Cumbria Today and Dalesman. He is the author of ten outdoor books and his latest ‘Ten Best Pub Walks in Snowdonia’ will be published later in 2017 and followed by ‘Ten Best Waterfall and Lake Walks in Snowdonia’ (www.northerneyebooks. co.uk). He is married to Paula and has two grown up children.

explorers of The Himalayan Mountains. He

NWM 2017 Page 33

Page 34 NWM 2017

Risks

KNOW THE

Get out and about and enjoy the North Wales sunshine while it lasts but please, says Steve Goodier, make sure that you do it safely.

The Molefre Lifeboat out on the ocean near Anglesey

What conjures up images of the great Welsh summer more

incidents in 2016 with the figure for 2015 being 321. And

than thoughts of a day at the beach? A bright blue sky, a

let’s not forget the many more non fatal (but potentially

gentle breeze, the sun beating down on golden sands and

so) accidents involving people rescued from the sea,

stalls selling ice cream, chips and hot dogs all run through

those involved in boating accidents or water sport related

our minds if someone suggests heading for the coast. We

incidents, people cut off by the tide, trapped in mud or

can’t always rely on the weather to play ball, but we are a

quicksand on a rising tide and those who succumbed to heat

resilient nation and even on cloudy days with cool winds our

stroke or severe sunburn.

beaches are often packed with picnicking families playing ball games or frantically digging and building elaborate sand

I don’t want to be a killjoy but suddenly those utopian North

castles. For mums and dads with young children it is the

Wales beaches don’t look quite so safe anymore do they?

ultimate family day out and one that is repeated often as the kids grow up, and then again when grandchildren

And the incidents of accidents are not just confined to the

come along!

beach; inland rivers, reservoirs and lakes can be just as dangerous for the unwary.

It all seems so idyllic, peaceful and ultimately safe…

And yet here’s a sobering thought – the preliminary figures

Be it beach or lake (or similar) we have a duty to ourselves

released by The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF)

and those we are caring for to ensure we behave responsibly,

indicates that around 300 people lost their lives in drowning

safely and are aware of the potential risks we may encounter

NWM 2017 Page 35

Ensure you take heed of warning signs – such as this one near Barmouth

MAGAZINE

The North Welsh coast is expecting an influx of giant jellyfish this summer. Keep children and dogs clear

and what to do if things do go horribly wrong. With this in mind let’s look at the dangers and how we can minimise them.

In 2016 the Maritime Minister, Robert Goodwill, awarded £915,000 to 51 UK Charities to support water rescue services

an inflatable in the sea can be dangerous as you can easily

and help purchase lifeboats, launch vehicles, rafts and safety

be swept out further than you can swim back if you are not

gear. If the government takes the problem this seriously then

taking notice and the wind is blowing away from the shore.

so should we.

Keep an eye on the waves too, and if things start getting While most beach days that go wrong hopefully only end up

choppy get the kids out and let them play on the beach for

with sunburn and the need for aloe vera gel, it is as well to

a while. It is a great idea to make sure you have a weather

know what to watch out for.

forecast for your chosen day and know the tide times – then you can ensure you are doing everything possible to avoid any

FLAGS

mishaps as swimming when the tide is going out is obviously

Unlike hotter parts of the world not all of our beaches

more dangerous than when it is coming in. Wear beach shoes

have lifeguard patrols but if there are flags flying do

to get in and out of the water and it’s best to leave them on

what they indicate.

whilst swimming too.

Red flags indicate danger, high tides, rip tides, unsafe

STAY SOBER

currents or high winds and the like. Never swim if a red

Beaches and beer seem to go together but drinking too much

flag is flying.

will impair your judgement and could lead you to doing something daft. For instance the sea (even in summer) can be

Red and yellow flags mark areas that are patrolled by

really cold and if you get a bit tipsy on a hot day and just jump

lifeguards which should be safe for swimming.

in from a jetty you could fall prey to ‘Cold Water Shock’ which makes you involuntarily inhale and take in water which could

Black and white chequered flags indicate areas safe for

lead to drowning.

watercraft like kayaks and surfboards to use. It is not safe to swim or bodyboard here.

ON THE BEACH It sounds daft but avoid running if you can and it is sound

Orange wind socks show the wind direction. If it’s

policy to wear beach shoes or sandals at all times. I know

blowing out to sea then you should avoid using an

many people love to walk bare foot on the beach but they risk

inflatable on the water (it’s not a good idea to use them in

standing on broken glass, jagged tins and even discarded

the sea anyway – more below)

needles.

Other signs – make sure you obey any safety signs you

IN ROCK POOLS

see at a beach. These give you some idea of what you

Wear beach shoes again. Kids love to go ‘rock pooling’ but

can and can’t do there.

there are sharp rocks and shells on the bottom and the nasty little Weever Fish can be buried in the sand with only its poison laced spines showing. A sting from these is extremely

SWIMMING

painful and has been known to bring on toxic shock and

Keep a close watch on children in the sea. They may only

heart attacks.

be paddling but a large wave can soon have them off their feet. Make sure anyone who is going in the water can swim

JELLYFISH

properly or is with someone who can if they just intend to

We do get jellyfish around our shores with the Mauve Stinger

paddle. And remember too, swimming in the sea is different

and The Lions Mane Jelly Fish being the ones most likely to

than in a swimming pool – the bottom is more uneven and

be seen. However, stings are rare and more akin to a severe

the currents can soon invoke panic. Be aware that lying on

nettle sting than anything else. Nevertheless, this would be

Page 36 NWM 2017

Some useful websites www.respectthewater.com www.rnli.org/safety www.nhs.uk/Livewell/bites-andstings/pages/safe-swimming.askx

When in trouble call 999 and wait for the appropriate emergency service

very distressing for children. Remember

www.tidetimbes.co.uk It is a good idea to make sure you know the tide times

www.forecast.co.uk/coast/

that even if a jelly fish looks dead on the www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com

beach the tentacles can still sting if they are wet. Keep the kids and dogs away

www.gov.uk/government/

from them.

organisation/maritme-and-

SUNBURN

coastguard-agency

It’s not just the sun that will redden your skin - but that salty breeze will too! Use a high factor sun screen (especially on children) and wear a sun hat. The effects of sunburn are well

remember it is dangerous to fish alone off rocks which are

known but too much sun can also lead to heat stroke, heat

generally slippery and where you can easily be washed off

exhaustion and dehydration – make sure you take along

by a big wave.

enough water and drink it.

RESERVOIRS, LAKES AND RIVERS MUD AND QUICKSAND

Much of what has already been said applies here too. Most

Many people get stuck in mud and quicksand on beaches

reservoirs don’t allow you to swim in them anyway, but lakes

each year, and if the tide is coming in it can be a frightening

can be tempting. Remember to enter the water carefully as

experience. A lot of the time affected beaches have warning

there may be fallen trees or old shopping trolleys (to mention

signs but not always so. And it can happen really quickly too

just a few things) that you could easily get caught up in if

- before you know it you can be almost up to your waist in

you just jumped straight in. And be aware that these places

sticky mud or wet sand. The advice from the Maritime and

can be very deep and have cold currents moving under the

Coastguard agency is to spread your weight as much as you

surface that could soon give you cramp or chill you. Stay

can and get someone (if you can’t do it yourself) to dial 999

close in and use common sense to stay safe. With rivers you

and ask for the coastguard. Don’t let others try to rescue you

need to be aware where weirs and rapids are and where

as they could easily become stuck too.

there are areas of fast currents.

DIGGING

AND FINALLY

Kids love to dig at the beach but watch they don’t excavate

If you, or someone you see, ends up in trouble at the beach

very deep pits (above waist height) or start tunnelling

or an inland waterway your first call should be to the police

because at some point the sand will collapse in.

on 999 and they will arrange for the coast guard, Life Boat Institute or a relevant rescue body to be alerted. Stay calm

WATERCRAFT

and wait for help to arrive. n

Be aware of people using boats, jet skis, kayaks or windsurfing boards and stay well away from areas where you may be hit by them. And on the beach kite surfers and sand yachters can pose a similar problem. To be fair, most people doing these sports are very responsible beach and sea users - but it pays to watch out all the same.

FISHING - lots of people like to fish at the seaside but

ONE VERY SPECIAL WEB SITE

Christopher Turnbull drowned at Cyfyng Falls on The Afon Llugwy near Capel Curig on 14th August 2006 aged just 15.

His mother Debbie set up the following website as a positive response to this tragedy www.riverandseasense.com

NWM 2017 Page 37

MAGAZINE

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with FREE delivery anywhere in the UK mainland NORTH WALES STOCKIST OF DIVANS & MATTRESSES Page 38 NWM 2017

Free Parking behind the store

Just like the art they contain, the galleries of North Wales come in all different shapes and sizes. We checked out ten of the best…

S E I R E L L GA

MOSTYN

Behind its traditional Edwardian façade, in the beautiful seaside town of Llandudno, you’ll find MOSTYN, the largest contemporary art gallery in Wales. Traditional spaces merged with stunning new architecture house six galleries which present regularly changing exhibitions by artists and makers from Wales and from around the world. The gallery building itself has a rich heritage, and recent exhibitions have been based upon this history, combining the very best in contemporary art with displays of historical artefacts and imagery. With friendly staff, activities for all ages, a lovely shop and a bright and airy café, there’s something for everyone.

It’s all part of the gallery’s mission to share new perspectives on art and break down conventional ideas of the art gallery. The building is fully accessible and admission is free. www.mostyn.org

1

2 Oriel Ffin y Parc Gallery

styles and subjects, but share strong Welsh roots and connections. The gallery hosts 12 exhibitions a year, with

Oriel Ffin y Parc Gallery began in 2010, and has quickly

prices ranging from £200 to £50,000. They also have

grown to become one of the most successful art galleries

works for sale by the best of 20th Century Welsh artists.

in Wales. This award winning gallery represents over 40

The gallery is set in a country house over two floors and

artists, ranging from exciting young newcomers to some

has a large coffee shop and wine bar where you can

of the most established and successful artists currently

sit, relax and contemplate the vibrancy and variety of

working in Wales. The artists are diverse in their

contemporary Welsh art. www.welshart.net

NWM 2017 Page 39

MAGAZINE

3

Storiel

Storiel is Gwynedd’s recently renovated Museum and Art Gallery based at the refurbished Bishop’s Palace in Bangor. Following investment totalling £2.6 million, with the Heritage Lottery Fund contributing £1.4 million, Storiel is the perfect place to learn about and enjoy history and culture. It is home to three art galleries offering a varied programme of exhibitions by local, national and international artists, three historic galleries, a dedicated ‘app’ to guide you around exhibitions, a wonderful shop selling jewellery, homewares, ceramics and stationary and three flexible meeting rooms within the unique surroundings. Seibiant, Storiel’s café, offers a range of refreshments and light snacks, while a lawn and playground area are available for all the family to enjoy. www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Plas Glyn y Weddw

Plas Glyn y Weddw is a vibrant arts centre run by an independent charitable trust, situated in Llanbedrog near Pwllheli on the Llŷn Peninsula. The house is a Grade II* listed Victorian gothic mansion with stunning architectural features. Among its main attractions are a programme of regularly changing exhibitions by prominent artists, a shop selling Welsh crafts, a café renowned for its light

4

lunches and cakes, a network of woodland trails and an open air theatre. Admission to the house and grounds is free. The gallery is open every day from May to October, and closed on Tuesdays between October and April, although it is open seven days a week during school holidays. www.oriel.org.uk

5 Oriel Môn

Oriel Môn is the premier art gallery and museum on Anglesey. There are five exhibition spaces, the Main Art Gallery and Long Gallery exhibition spaces have a combined total of 14 exhibitions a year showing work by local and national artists alike. In Oriel Kyffin Williams the work of one of the most famous Welsh artists is displayed along with other giants of the art world. Art work by the talented Wildlife artist Charles Tunnicliffe is also on permanent display. In the museum you can take a journey through time to the pre-historic era and on your way back to the present, learn all about life on the island through the centuries. Oriel Môn also has a wide-ranging programme of family activities during school holidays. www.kyffinwilliams.info

Page 40 NWM 2017

6

Galeri Betws-y-Coed

Galeri is a unique destination for art-lovers situated close to Pont y Pair Bridge in the popular village of Betws y Coed – a centre for many scenic walks. The gallery is showing an ever-changing selection of paintings, prints, drawings and mixed media by wellknown and emerging artists from all over Wales. Work by Ann Lewis, Matthew Snowden, Aneurin Jones, Penelope Timmis, Carys Bryn and David Pollock can regularly be seen – amongst many other Welsh Artists. Complemented by a fine selection of local crafts and ceramics as well as a small Boutique, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Galeri Betws-y-Coed is open every day. www.galeribetwsycoed.co.uk

The Tegfryn Gallery

The Tegfryn Gallery was created almost by accident. In 1963, in order to raise money for charity, the gallery’s founder Mrs Gwyn Brown organised a sherry morning in her home and, to provide a point of interest, asked local artists to loan pictures for the morning – several were sold and the artists donated a percentage to the charity. These charity exhibitions were so successful that the Browns subsequently opened the ground floor of their home as gallery. A new chapter in the Tegfryn’s history began in 2010 when the Brown family sold the business to the Cardiff-based Martin Tinney Gallery – widely

7

regarded as Wales’ premier private commercial gallery. Today, The Tegfryn Gallery, which is situated in its own grounds on the shore of the Menai Strait, is open year round. It doesn’t receive grants from any source, taking pride in being self-supporting and it is a measure of the quality of work exhibited that it has always been financed purely from sales achieved. www.artwales.com

Ruthin Craft Centre

Ruthin Craft Centre is the most important gallery for contemporary craft in Wales. In 2008, this 25 year old institution re-opened its doors in a new building designed by award-winning architects, Sergison Bates.

The new centre is located on the existing site, in its own landscape, and is a dynamic zinc and cast stone building with undulating roofs to echo the surrounding Clwydian hills. The centre houses three gallery spaces with a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year. Objects in ceramics, silver, textiles, glass and recycled materials amongst others are presented by both Welsh artists as well as prominent makers from the UK and overseas. The retail gallery has a tempting display of contemporary craft for sale and to collect, while Café R offers delicious home-cooked food. www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

8 NWM 2017 Page 41

MAGAZINE

9 Galeri, Caernarfon

The Harbour Gallery

Galeri, Caernarfon is a £7.5 million Creative

The Harbour Gallery is located in the picturesque

Enterprise Centre located on the banks

medieval town of Conwy. It has over 25 different artists

of the Menai Straits with Snowdonia

on display including the ever talented and

providing the backdrop. Opened in 2005,

popular Josie Russell, Ruth Bitowski, Bill Gribble

the centre boasts a theatre/cinema,

and Steven Jones. The gallery believes that it’s

art space and is home to 12 resident

important to support the local art community

companies, all working within the creative

while keeping what we have on display both

industries. Later in 2018, a new two

affordable and of the highest quality. The

screen dedicated cinema will open on-site.

Harbour Gallery is proud to be working with

The Art Space is Galeri’s exhibition space,

so many talented Welsh artists who share

and it curates eight exhibitions annually

its ideals. “You’d be amazed at how much

– all of which are different in terms

talent there is in North Wales,” says gallery

of art form and style, with two annual

owner, curator and manager Dewi Clough. Also

features to the diary – the Open Exhibition

on board to help to keep the place running

(competition) and an exhibition by Coleg

smoothly are Dewi’s parents – Paul and Elizabeth Myfanwy Clough. Elizabeth Myfanwy also happens to be one of the gallery’s most popular artists. During the summer The Harbour Gallery holds regular exhibitions

10

Menai Students. As well as the Art Space, there are exhibitions by established and emerging applied artists and craft makers within the foyer – all of whom are from or

showcasing the latest work from individual artists. The

work within Celtic nations.

afore mentioned Elizabeth Myfanwy Clough, Bill Gribble

galericaernarfon.com

and Ruth Bitowski each have an exhibitions coming up later this year. www.facebook.com/conwyhgallery

Page 42 NWM 2017

NWM 2017 Page 43

Page 46 NWM 2017

FOOD & DRINK INSIDE LOCAL GIN Restaurant Profile Recipes Wine column

NWM 2017 Page 47

MAGAZINE

The Snowdonia Cheese Company was founded in 2001

Page 48 NWM 2017

All hail the

alchemists If you’re out walking in the stunning countryside of North Wales and encounter someone emerging from a bush with a fistful of berries and an excited glint in their eye, don’t be alarmed because the chances are they are foraging for ingredients to make you the perfect summer drink. Or, more specifically, gin. Dave Rothnie reports.

If your image of gin is drawn from Hogarthian portraits of recent years, craft brewers have used their creativity and

The perfect G&T has to be the one made with local gin

imagination create the sort of image makeover that would

Credit: Kitty Lou Photography

poverty and questionable parenting skills, think again. In

make Gok Wan blush.

“Gin has been something of an unloved spirit and craft distillers are showing to the world what it has to offer,” said Chris Marshall, founder of Snowdonia Distilleries.

Along with craft beers and locally produced wines, gin is the latest beneficiary of changing consumer tastes that favour unique locally sourced products over mass-produced goods.

More than 50 new distilleries opened in the UK last year, showing the “explosive creativity” of craft spirits, as artisan drinks brands continue to

also in the Conwy Valley have all

take market share from the global

launched special gins inspired by

giants, said accountancy group

the local area.

UHY Hacker Young. And thanks to small group of passionate

In 2015 Matt Rowland set up North

local alchemists, North Wales is

Star Distillery in the Conwy hills, the

leading the charge.

first to be opened in North Wales for more than a century. Matt, who also works for the

Snowdonia Distillery in the Conwy Valley, Dyfi Distillery in Corris, Gwynedd, and North Star,

Snowdonia’s Yellow Label scooped the silver medal at the World Gin Awards while its Black Label gin is made from juniper and sea blackthorn

NHS, hand-forages for many of the botanicals that go into his Merywen gin, which is the Welsh word for juniper. “Many people come to North Wales and rush to our beautiful beaches

NWM 2017 Page 49

MAGAZINE

Tasting notes

When people think of Gin they usually think of tonic – and there’s no denying that’s a dream combination that soothes work-weary limbs and invigorates tired minds.

But there are other ways to enjoy this most versatile of drinks. Gin can be sipped neat, or enjoyed in cocktails.

“There are a number of stunning combinations,” says Marshall. There was not sufficient time for North Wales Magazine to enjoy all the possible variations whilst also

ABOVE: Merywen is the Welsh word for juniper

meeting its print deadline (unfortunately), but here are a few classics for you to try:

Credit: Kitty Lou Photography

The perfect G&T “I like a good large gin, lots of ice, elderflower tonic

BELOW: Snowdonia Distillery hand forages for local botanicals

and a decent slice of pink grapefruit. Marvellous,” says Rowland.

Classic Martini A true martini is made with gin ¬and, to be fair, it is a true test of any gin.

Negroni The Negroni was also recommended by Rowland. “Equal parts gin, Campari and Vermouth Rosso, with a twist of orange and lots of ice,” he advises.

South Side

Snowdonia produces two brands – Yellow Label Gin and Black

A lesser known cocktail, this is a mint and lime-kissed

Label Gin, which is made from juniper and sea blackthorn.

drink. Similar to a mojito but without the lengthening

The contours of Snowdonia are etched onto the side of the

with the soda in it. Lime juice, sugar, syrup mint and gin.

bottles – a fitting design because it has literally put North

“A stunning combination,” according to Marshall.

Wales gin on the map. Yellow Label scooped silver medal at the World gin awards earlier this year, an accolade that will boost the distillery’s plan to export its gin to Europe, Japan

and mountains but there are other stories to tell, such as of

and America.

the rural Conwy and Denbighshire hills, and that is what I try to do with Merywen gin. Welsh water is of stunning

Merywen is equally steeped in the region’s traditions. In a

quality and we have an abundance of natural botanicals so

creative combination of his twin passions of music – he plays

our gin is very well received.”

in folk bands – and North Wales, Rowland has invited local folk musicians to write tunes and prints them on the side of

Botanicals are the secret behind gin making. In order to be

his bottles, all of which are individually marked. “My aim is

classed as gin, the predominant botanical must be juniper,

for the bottles to express the taste, sight and sounds of North

but from the rest is down to the taste and imagination of the

Wales.” This month he took his Merywen gin to the Cricccieth

gin-maker. Rowland picks gorse in March which he stores

Show and in August will be running a tasting evening at

in the freezer, while he has also produced special editions

Bodnant Food Centre.

of Merywen, using cherry blossom from his garden.

Having found the botanicals, they are then distilled in the Meanwhile, Chris Marshall, from Colwyn Heights, wanted to

traditional London Dry Gin process, which involves putting all

establish a business that spoke to his roots, and gin seemed

of the botanicals into the pot as its been distilled.

the logical route to take. “The beauty of gin is that because

That differs from other ways of manufacturing gin. Bombay

we’re hand-foraging botanicals from round our distillery

Sapphire for example is made by fusing ingredients, and

– it really is the taste and story of what grows round us,”

Hendricks uses a combination of methods.

said Marshall who started the Snowdonia Distillery in the autumn of 2015 with its first spirit, Forager’s Gin.

Page 50 NWM 2017

Getting the flavour right is a pain-staking job, but someone

SPOILT FOR CHOICE The Sun Inn in Old Colwyn may be the smallest pub in the village, but it has the biggest gin collection for miles around. “Gin is hugely popular everywhere now, so we knew we were going to have to do something special from the off to make it worth visiting us,” says landlady Lauren

Credit: Kitty Lou Photography

Frost. “We started with a 21 strong bar gin menu, in collaboration with Fever-Tree mixers, four of which are

Credit: Kitty Lou Photography

Welsh. The quality of the gin, the mixer, the garnish and the finished serve

The Sun Inn has now added a cellar menu, as the

were all top priority to us.”

back bar is simply too small to house the 118 gins currently available. “The cellar menu constantly

Every G&T on the menu has its own recommended

changes, gins from all over the world are added on

signature serve to enhance its unique flavour profile

a weekly basis, and the diversity of choice

– be it floral, herbaceous, juniper heavy or fruity.

includes many ‘New wave’ styles,” adds Lauren. “The

Specialist gin nights followed, known as Gintuition

Sun will never be a ‘posh’ bar – you’ll frequently see

nights, and are now frequently booked to capacity.

knackered gents in their dusty work clothes sitting

The simple premise was to serve gin, with ice, and to

at the bar next to ladies in their best summer outfit,

let people develop their own drink from the six mixer

drinking gin and chatting about their day. But we are

choices and 25 garnishes, based on the scents and

always welcoming and are proud to offer the best gin

flavours they identified from the neat gin.

experience in North Wales!”

tasters and sensory analysts. Its Yellow Gin

The Dyfi Distillery in Corris produces Pollination and Hibernation gins

went through 57 formulations before it hit

Credit: Kitty Lou Photography

has to do it, and Marshall uses dedicated

Contacts North Star Distillery northstardistillery.co.uk

upon the right one.

Snowdonia Distillery North Wales is also attracting gin-makers

www.snowdoniadistillery.co.uk

from further afield. Bombay Sapphire sources its water from Lake Vyrnwy while,

Sun Inn

later this year, Liverpool’s Halewood’s Wine

www.facebook.com/

and Spirits, which makes Liverpool Gin, is

suninnhengolwyn

looking to open a craft spirit venture in the region, drawn to the botanicals on offer.

Craft gins can also be bought in Vinomondo, The Grape to Glass,

The expansion in gin production and

Bodnant Welsh Food Centre and

consumption has been boosted by a chance

Gwin Llŷn.

in the law which paved the way for smallscale distillers, while some use gin as a way of generating cash as they undertake

WITH THANKS TO KITTY LOU PHOTOGRAPHY

the longer-term project of distilling whisky.

www.facebook.com/kittylouphotography

But to the North Wales’s craft distiller, it’s all about passion and alchemy. n

NWM 2017 Page 51

Albion Ale House Founded by four local brewers who believe that there is a place for a drinks-only pub in todays market, The Albion is regarded as one of the finest examples of a 1920's public house in Britain.

The Seahorse

We don't have a juke box or television, we'd rather just fill 
 the pub with the sound of conversation. And the clinking 
 of glasses.

restaurant and bistro

Cheers

Serving fresh local seafood, meats and produce in Llandudno for over 10 years Albion Ale House Uppergate St Conwy LL32 8RF

Please call 01492 875315 to make a reservation

01492 582484

You can contact us by telephone by calling 01492 875315 The Seahorse Restaurant, 7 Church Walks, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2HD

www.the-seahorse.co.uk Grape to glass copy.pdf

01492 545934

1

20/03/2017

21:10

8b Rhos Parade, Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, LL28 4RD

Food for thought Cheese is a strange and unique thing, isn’t it? It is exclusively the only foodstuff in the world where a description like “It smells like the jockstrap basket in a rugby club changing room” is actually meant as a compliment. I find the many-varied world of cheese to be a miraculous thing, and there is nothing like a thoughtfully stocked cheese shop to waken the senses, and to make you think of the Monty Python sketch of the same name: “Any Venezuelan Beaver Cheese?” / “Not today, sir.”

There are few better such shops in North Wales than The Cheese Room in Conwy. Ros and Stewart Jones set it up last year and it instantly became a vital course in Conwy’s

Cymru’s Manchego-like Olwyn Fawr and some remarkable

great banquet of foodie shops. What with a fantastic

Teifi Seaweed Gouda, as well as the ever-popular waxed

butcher (Edwards of Conwy), bakers (The Popty and Tan

Snowdonia range.

Lan), greengrocer (Fruits & Shoots), wine shop (Vinomondo and G.H. Edwards) and chocolatier (Baravellis) all within

On top of that, there are wines, olives, biscuits, chutneys,

throwing distance of each other, Conwy is a bit like one of

gins.… everything you need to bring a friendly dinner party

those wonderful French food halls you fall in love with while

to a nicely decadent conclusion. Sally forth, then and infiltrate

holidaying abroad. Make sure you bring a decent basket

this place of purveyance to negotiate the vending of some

with you.

cheesy comestibles.

Taking pride in all things local, the shelves at Cheese Room positively groan

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

with artisan products created in North

Paysanne Bistro in Deganwy, which has been serving French

Wales. In the cheese department, there’s

country-style food to the fine people of North Wales since

Cilmeityn Farm goat’s cheese, Cosyn

1988. He also writes for Calibre Magazine, BBC Good Food, HeyUGuys.com and The North Wales Weekly News

NWM 2017 Page 53

MAGAZINE

Recipes RT AMEMBE E BAKED-C L AC TTE) R ” F O T R (“SO

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OL BERRY FO E S O O G ’S CHEAT AM ICE CRE nt. e restaura

th we call it in of the becile” as ’Im acked full d p e, ce p la ci “G re Or sy a -e er p her su This is anot time. sh summer ti ri B taste of e berries, on tailed goose & of ed s p n p oo to d 3 tablesp Put 250g of ater. w g sugar an in of l ic m of 0 5 n tablespoo a pan with to it in u ar fr g er su until the golden cast to a simmer g n ri e b th d h y an ally. Bas Heat gentl g occasion l they rst, stirrin u b to asher unti m ts o ar st ith a potat w l down p al u it l es il ri gooseber cy, then ch en st si n co same are all the e. g id fr e in th large bowl. eam into a cr e ic la il b of van yourself Empty a tu u can (give yo as ly k quic the chilled Working as atch), stir in w op st ated, a on n incorpor one minute l it’s all bee ti n ight u ra ix st m it b and put gooseberry m into the tu ea k cr ac eb l ic al spoon it u have an yo If . e er z th ee e fr d follow back into th into that an g in e h yt ad er on p ev oudy lem machine, ti ith some cl w y jo n E s. ws. instruction ping swallo und of chir and the so

Don’t fancy cooking?

01492 582079 @PaysanneDeganwy www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk

Page 54 NWM 2017

Unit 6, Mochdre Industrial Estate, Blackmarsh Rd, Colwyn Bay LL28 5HA 01492 541126 NWM 2017 Page 55

MAGAZINE

SMOKIN’ HOT It’s July, which means that thoughts soon turn to summer barbeques. Kate Hamilton gave Craig Gibson, manager of Hickory’s Smokehouse and owner of Smoking Dragons, a grilling.

It was a beautiful sunny day when I went to meet

apprentice chef bought it. I went to work

Craig Gibson, which was rather apt since he is

there as a kitchen porter when I was just 14.”

a bit of a barbeque master – something which

Then, when he turned 18, Craig went to work at

is rather unusual for a front of house restaurant

Talacre Beach running a poolside barbeque as

manager perhaps. But when you consider

a summer job while he was at college studying

that the restaurant in question is Hickory’s

engineering. He kept this up for three or four

Smokehouse in Rhos-on-Sea, and you can see

summers, while working as a doorman during

how the two businesses dovetail perfectly.

term time.

But, like all careers, Craig didn’t start off as a

“I was working in Wrexham when the general

barbeque expert – although there was certainly

manager got offered a better job in Stoke on Trent

cooking in his bones. “I’m actually the fourth

– and he asked me to go with him as a junior

generation of my family to go into the hospitality

manager,” he explains. “I had a fabulous time in

industry,” explains Craig who is originally from

Stoke. I learnt so much there and had a lot of fun

Caerwys. “My grandparents owned the Splash

at the same time! I still have a massive soft spot

Point restaurant in Rhyl. After they retired, their

for Stoke.”

Page 56 NWM 2017

We’ve all got to start somewhere!

Craig enjoying his first BBQ, aged three

ABOVE: Discover the flavours and hospitality of the Deep South right on your doorstep

“The Kinmel Arms was the place to be at the time. It was

LEFT: The ultimate burger served at Hickory’s Rhos-on-Sea

stetting the standards in North Wales at the time, and it was

the first gastro pub in the area,” says Craig. “They were something that I really wanted to be a part of. I picked up a ot of people skills from Lyn Watson there, and I learnt about fine dining.”

Then, in a complete change of direction, hospitality wise at least, Craig moved to Wetherspoons as deputy manager for its Llandudno branch.

A move back to North Wales was next on the agenda, this

“I fancied a change, and Wetherspoons was at its prime then.

time to manage his old village pub, The Pwll Gwyn, for a year.

Llandudno was its flagship site in North Wales, with 55

Moving on from there, and Craig took a job as a holiday rep

team members. Prices were at rock bottom – it was all about

in Spain.

volume. We’d have whole wagons of beer being delivered three times a week!”

“I was working near Barcelona, and while people go on holiday to have a good time, sometimes bad things happen to

It was certainly a great insight to another side of the business

them while they are away. It was a massive lesson for me in

but, as often happens in life, another opportunity soon came

customer service, and how to deal with the unexpected.”

his way.

Returning from Spain and Craig headed straight back to The

“The new owners of a pub that I drank in as a youngster

Pwll Gwyn.

approached me for some advice so I went to meet them – and came home with the keys.”

“I worked under owner / head chef Andrew Davies who had recently bought the place,” explains Craig. “I picked up loads

So Craig gave up a great job and a great salary to run The

of tips from him, and learnt basic business sense. I learnt how

Black Lion in Babell.

to be cost effective in a restaurant environment.”

“It was a huge risk. I opened up on Monday and didn’t get my But, in 2003, another move was on the cards – this time to the

first customer until Thursday! I couldn’t afford a full-time chef,

Kinmel Arms and back, once again, to the front of house.

so I split my time between the kitchen and front of house.

NWM 2017 Page 57

MAGAZINE

Brisket is the ideal cut of meat for the ‘low and slow’ method of barbequing

It doesn’t have to be sunny to enjoy a BBQ, but it certainly helps

We had a fantastic relationship with the community there –

In 2010 Craig then came across a dedicated barbeque festival

farmers would give me fresh produce in return for beer. If

called Grillstock, so he decided to go along to Manchester to

somebody had caught a fish or shot a pheasant that day then

see what it was all about.

that’s what would be on the menu that evening.

“It was like an epiphany. There were big men with big beards “It wasn’t planned, it was just all I could afford at the time. And

cooking big chunks of meat. There I was thinking that I was

we began to get a reputation for fresh, home cooked food. It

the only one out there doing this kind of thing, and I suddenly

reignited my passion for cooking.”

became rather star struck with this whole culture that I didn’t even know existed in the UK.”

Two years later and Craig left The Black Lion as a really popular place. He moved to Old Colwyn to help out a couple

Chance meetings at Grillstock gave Craig the confidence to set

who had worked for his grandparents when they were

up on his own, and Smoking Dragons was born. The plan was

teenagers. Now running The Red Lion, they just needed that

to barbeque at private parties and events, but his career was

extra pair of hands.

about to take yet another turn.

“I agreed to come and help them for 12 months until I found

“I used to travel to Chester quite a bit to eat at Hickory’s, as it

what I really wanted to do. I ended up staying for six years!”

was part of my research on American BBQ. When I heard that they were opening up in Rhos-on-Sea I knew that I just had to

And the reason for the change of plan was that Craig had

work there. I printed off my CV and drove to Chester to ensure

found a side line – barbequing.

that they got it. When I was halfway home I got a call back, and ended up doing a telephone interview in a layby on the A55.”

“I was missing doing food at the time, and I came home one night and ended up watching a show on American BBQ. It

In March 2014 the doors to Hickory’s opened, with Craig filling

sparked an interest in me, and I thought that I could build one

the role as deputy manager. By July he had been promoted

of those smokers myself and have a go at it.”

to general manager, and has seen the restaurant go from strength to strength.

It seems that the engineering degree came in useful after all, as Craig built a smoker from an old barbeque and began to

Craig now continues to run Hickory’s, as well as Smoking

experiment with the ‘low and slow’ style of cooking at home.

Dragons – although his own venture hasn’t worked out quite as he originally imagined.

“Because there was no food at The Red Lion, I started bringing my wares into the pub for the regulars to try – and it was

“The private cooking that I envisaged would be a conflict of

pretty well received.”

interests, so I now operate it on more of an educational front,

Page 58 NWM 2017

Craig knew from the outset that he wanted to work at Hickory’s Rhos-on-Sea

providing barbequing master classes to the good people of North Wales.”

And he is still infatuated with Grillstock, entering their competition on a yearly basis.

“The festival has grown and grown,” he explains. “The first year that I entered I won a tankard and some beer for their ‘Spirit of the Grill’ award. This year the prize is a trip to Tennessee!”

So between Hickory’s, competitions and Smoking Dragons Craig certainly has the North Wales barbeque scene wrapped up. Watch this space for further forays into barbeque education because, as he succinctly concludes: “There is more to life than a burnt banger.” n Hickory’s hickorys.co.uk Smoking Dragons 07941 993287

Craig cooking up a storm

It’s not just meat that can be flame grilled

NWM 2017 Page 59

MAGAZINE

Open 7 days a week 129 Mostyn Street, Llandudno, LL30 2PE 01492 871813 www.jdoughspizzas.co.uk HP horizontal - PaysanneDeganwy HR.pdf

1

23/03/2017

14:28

Paysanne has been a Deganwy fixture since 1988. Over three decades, we have been presenting our guests with a permanently fashionable combination of classic, tummy-pleasing French country-style food, personally-sourced wines and warm, generous service.

You can build up quite a hunger exploring all that beautiful north Wales has to offer, so let us deal with that for you. Take a look at what we have to offer at our website, Facebook page and all that other terribly modern stuff.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Photos Š Jamie Stevens

Page 60 NWM 2017

01492 582079 www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk @PaysanneDeganwy

Raise your glass

How do you get the most out of an independent wine shop?

It’s easy to find yourself staring blankly at row upon row

Booking is essential, and special requests for wines to be

of bottles, often afraid to ask the questions that really need

chilled are accepted in advance. Relax in a comfortable setting

answering.

and try something different…

Don’t be scared to ask questions! This is your one to one time with an expert, so make the most of it…

There is an age-old snobbery attached to wine, but it’s fun to want to taste, share conversation, enjoy something different, and go away learning something. Even if it isn’t wine related.

This snobbery causes some people to think specialist wine shops are only for wine specialists, but really the opposite is true.

The less you know about wine the more reason there is to choose a wine shop over a supermarket or a website.

Top-Tips: “Get your budget in early, to avoid disappointment later.” If you don’t want to talk numbers, point out two or three wines to indicate your price range and ask about them.

Giving staff a sense of context is also important. Think of these three rules: 1: What occasion is the wine for? Everyday or special event?

2: What style of wine do you normally enjoy? Try and describe what wines you like best as in depth of dryness and body.

Grape, country or region.

3: What are you pairing it with? Knowing the food someone enjoys helps – food matching can be a great pointer to favourite wines At The Grape to Glass it’s customary practice to see a range of wines open for you to try before you buy before you make a choice. It’s not that frequent in larger supermarkets, and after

Top four ‘new in this month’ THE CUNNING PLAN, Shiraz– Australia Great depth of ripe plum and blackberry fruit flavours. A full-bodied wine with a succulent palate, lively spices and fine velvety tannins ALAMINA, Feteasca Neagra – Romania Rich and ripe, loaded with dark berry and cherry fruit, weaving in undertones of mineral and vanilla bean as the finish sails on and on IMAGO, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – Argentina Aromas of pineapple, fresh herbs and citrus fruits with a distinct note of pink grapefruit can be found on the palate. A vibrant wine with a refreshing acidity PEGASU, Verdejo – Spain Fresh, elegant and complex. Great intensity of fruity aroma, covering the spectrum of stone fruits, citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and white fruits (pear)

all, I’d like to get to know more about you as a person and work out what you don’t like.

With 15 new wines in this month alone, I want to share with you what’s hot, what’s new, and what everyone is talking about!

Tim Watson runs The Grape to Glass Wine Shop and

More to the point, The Grape to Glass has introduced ‘Bring-

Tasting Room in Rhos-on-Sea

Your-Own’, where you can bring your own nibbles to enjoy

which, as well as offering wine from far reaching lands,

in-store and be served a choice of wines that are open on a

also stocks locally produced beers, wines and spirits

daily basis.

NWM 2017 Page 61

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?

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Conwy Valley continues to produce the very best home improvements across North Wales & Cheshire for our valued customers.

However not all of our customers know the extent of our product range. When it’s time for you to invest in probably the largest asset you own, Conwy Valley is pleased to be able to offer you the following home improvement products all expertly fitted and great value for money!

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Removing your old tired conservatory roof and replacing it with a new insulated conservatory roof will add the following benefits to your home:

Lightweight Structural Frame A New Insulated Roof will meet the regulations for building control and can be provided with sap calculations allowing you to remove the barrier between the house and new room.

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Customers of Conwy Valley who have invested in a replacement conservatory roof are incredibly surprised at what a big difference it can make to their conservatories, previously a conservatory that was too cold in the winter, and too hot in the summer, is now an additional room that can be used all year round. Conservatories are often built to expand your living space and provide your family with a room they can use for many different purposes. With a replacement conservatory roof from Conwy Valley, we make your old conservatory into that living space and you will be able to use it all year.

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MAGAZINE

‘The Outlook’ 69a & 69b Victoria Park, West End, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7YY

Winners of the NHBC Pride in the Job Award.

The most highly regarded competition in the house building industry.Awarded to those who achieve the highest standards in house building.

£269,950 (Price per Home)

* Newly Built Three Bedroom Semi Detached Homes * Finished To An Extremely High Standard With A Modern Contemporary Feel * Superb Views To The Front Aspect Page 64 NWM 2017

Reference Number: RP1458 & RP1459

HOMES & INTERIORS INSIDE Property of the month kitchens property roundup interiors

NWM 2017 Page 65

LUXURY OUTDOOR LIVING

Complete your garden with a quality furniture set and/or a Weber Barbecue.

Our experts are always on hand to find the perfect combination for each individual customer and there is something for everyone. Summer is the perfect time to buy, ensuring that every precious heatwave is appreciated to the full. Alongside our Weber range, we stock a variety of garden furniture suites from three fantastic companies: 4Seasons, Hartman and Kettler.

Snowdonia Nurseries & Garden Centre, Glan Conwy 01492 580703 www.snowdonianurseries.co.uk

PROPERTY of the month For your own little bit of rural paradise, look no further than The Old Stables in Gwytherin.

While Gwytherin may sound like a house from Harry Potter, it

and extended to an exceptionally high standard

is in fact a small hamlet in the Cledwen Valley.

approximately 17 years ago and is now a truly individual family home with lovely character features, light and

Just 15 minutes from Llanrwst, this peaceful and picturesque

spacious rooms and well thought out accommodation.

little village, which has been the winner of ‘Best Kept Village’ on four occasions, is home to the River Cledwen and has a

Pull into the sweeping driveway and you can see the

rich history.

garden in all its glory, as the majority of the garden is located at the front of the property. You have quite a choice

One property that tells its history as well as any is Yr Hen

of doors upon arrival – most of the downstairs rooms have

Stablau (The Old Stables). This lovely detached stone property,

direct access to the garden – but the front door which is

which used to belong to the Rectory next door, is one of the

nestled in the corner of the house leads you straight into a

most thoughtful conversions North Wales Magazine has seen

surprisingly large hallway with a turned staircase.

in recent years – with all of the spacious rooms looking out over the beautifully landscaped gardens.

From here the house leads off in four different directions, with the traditional conservatory straight ahead. This is

The former stable (the clue was in the name) was converted

one of the additions that the present owners have made,

NWM 2017 Page 67

MAGAZINE

and it really is a light and airy room that looks out over

washing line. An ideal set up, meaning that your drying

the small back garden with pond, and the beautiful

delicates don’t spoil the spectacular countryside views.

countryside beyond.

Back to the main hallway and you find a cloakroom with The lounge has a feature fireplace with a log burning stove

dramatic wallpaper and a peaceful study, with a window that

and more doors leading onto the gardens, making it the

gives the game away of how thick the walls in this converted

ideal room for every season. There is plenty of room in here

stable really are.

for everyone to relax in comfort and, when you head back through the hallway to the formal dining room, you’ll find

Head upstairs to the galleried landing, and again you have a

plenty of room to feed everyone too.

choice of directions to go. The double aspect master bedroom has plenty of storage and the en suite bathroom, which is an

The spacious kitchen breakfast room leads off the dining

extremely generous size, boasts a Velux window to provide

room, and features traditional wooden units and a new

that all-important natural light.

Rangemaster. Original beams line the ceiling, while a glazed timber door provides access to the front garden giving you

The further two bedrooms are of equally good size, and

easy access to have your morning coffee al fresco.

provide versatile accommodation. They share a modern wet room (recently installed by the current owners) which has

Further on and you find a useful utility room with a back

underfloor heating and a heated towel rail.

door. Since the gardens are located at the front of the house,

The property also boasts a double garage with electric

this leads to a raised courtyard area which houses the

points, and plenty of off street parking.

Page 68 NWM 2017

The pretty village of Gwytherin is literally a stones throw away, with its local pub (although it is now only open a couple of nights a week to local residents), village hall and children’s playground.

The Church of St Winifred was built in the centre of the village in 1869 in homage to the 7th Century saint. According to legend, St Winifred had her head severed by an enraged chieftain after she spurned his advances. A spring arose where her head landed, and she was later restored to life by her uncle St Beuno.

Her bones were removed from Gwytherin by Benedictine monks in the 12th Century and taken to their abbey in Shrewsbury.

However three ancient yew trees remain in the churchyard at St Winifred’s. You will also find a row of four ancient standing stones approximately one metre high and aligned roughly east to west. A close look at the first stone reveals a carving and what appears to be a ‘W’.

Now, if that isn’t a tale to tell around your new dining table, don’t know what is.

n

The Old Stables is on the market with Fletcher and Poole for £449,950. For further information visit www.fletcherpoole.com or call 01492 549178

NWM 2017 Page 69

Property roundup

Thornlea Cottage, Upper Colwyn Bay This beautifully presented detached home has been lovingly updated and modernised by the present owners, while retaining the feeling of character and personality. The property sits in private landscaped

Tyddyn Bach, Anglesey

gardens with tiered patios and flower beds, summer

Tyddyn Bach is Anwyl Homes’ latest residential development

house and manicured front lawn with laurel hedging.

in North Wales. Conveniently located on the main road

The spacious accommodation provides reception

between Llaingoch and Holyhead, and providing a great range

hall with turned staircase to the first floor, two good

of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, Tyddyn Bach is

sized reception rooms, dining kitchen with stunning

already in huge demand with local buyers. Whether you are a

picture window overlooking the rear garden, side

first-time-buyer wanting to take a small step onto the property

kitchen / pantry area, boot room and bathroom to the

ladder, or a family looking for a larger, more spacious home, the

ground floor. On the first floor, the master suite has

contemporary and thoughtfully designed houses at Tyddyn

double opening doors onto the modern balcony area

Bach tick all the boxes. From open-plan floor layouts to a high-

overlooking the rear garden and a modern en suite

quality specification, Anwyl has carefully considered every last

shower room. There are two further double bedrooms

detail of each property. Furthermore, with the development

and modern bathroom. Thornlea Cottage is located on

located so close to the coast and surrounded by idyllic Welsh

the outskirts of Upper Colwyn Bay, within distance of

countryside, the properties at Tyddyn Bach would also

Rydal Penrhos private school, the much sought after

make for a perfect holiday home. Open seven days a week,

Pen y Bryn primary school and Pen y Bryn pub. It is

prices start from £81,560 with the Help to Buy scheme. Part

on the market for £495,000 with Anthony Flint Estate

Exchange is available for those with a property to sell.

Agents. www.anthonyflint.co.uk

www.anwylhomes.co.uk

NWM 2017 Page 71

MAGAZINE

The White House, Colwyn Bay The White House is a beautifully appointed detached five-bedroom family home situated in a highly desirable location close to Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay. The origins of The White House are documented giving a unique insight into the history of this superb family home. The owners of Cotswold on Brackley Avenue employed the services of Manchester architect, Alfred Steinthal (who had designed Cotswold) to build two homes to celebrate the marriages of their daughters. The White House was gifted to the elder daughter while its twin, The White Oak on Kings Road, was given to the younger daughter. This knowledge gives an insight into the care with which this property was designed and a unique perspective on the history of this impressive home. The property offers spacious and versatile accommodation with the addition of a self-contained onebedroom annex and is nestled in beautifully landscaped and well tended gardens and grounds. The White House is on the market with Fletcher and Poole for £650,000. www.fletcherpoole.com

138 Deganwy Road, Llanrhos This spacious two-bedroom detached bungalow was renovated by its current owners to provide very well presented and high standard accommodation, comprising reception hall, lounge with doors opening onto conservatory, modern fitted kitchen, archway to dining room, utility room, master bedroom with en suite bathroom, second bedroom and shower room. To the outside there is a low maintenance front garden, driveway parking and single garage, while to the rear is a lovely landscaped garden. The property benefits from uPVC double glazing and gas central heating.

138 Deganwy Road is available via Anthony Flint Estate Agents, and has an asking price of £299,950. www.anthonyflint.co.uk

Nant Y Felin, Abergwyngregyn Nant Y Felin is a delightful detached residence with enchanting grounds on all sides crammed with all variety of trees, shrubs and plants providing endless colour and enjoyment for garden enthusiasts. The spacious and intriguing house oozes charm and character with its exposed stone walls, slate chimney breast, beamed ceilings and chapel style windows.

The property enjoys two separate parking areas, both of which enjoying majestic approaches to the house from different sides, with a stream running through its western border boasting a quaint little bridge and countryside aspect providing privacy. The substantial and versatile family property could be split into two to create holiday let potential or perfect for an extended family. Abergwyngregyn is a conveniently located village, just off the A55 Expressway yet sitting inside the picturesque Snowdonia National Park offering woodland walks to the famous Aber Falls, a popular and well-known tourist attraction. The quiet village boasts an attractive cafe/tea room, church and regular bus links. Nant Y Felin is on the market for £345,000 with Beresford Adams. beresfordadams.co.uk

Page 72 NWM 2017

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NWM 2017 Page 73

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Floor

Take the

The choice of flooring available today is so immense says Kate Hamilton, that it’s no surprise that buyers are confused.

RIGHT: EGGER Design+ Flooring is moistureresistant and displays shape stability

BELOW: Karndean’s Style and Contemporary ranges feature modern, authentic and versatile wood and stone designs

Choosing the flooring for your new home is a big decision, basically because it’s such a big purchase. Choose the wrong tap, and you can forget about it as soon as you leave the room – choose the wrong flooring and it will follow you all around the house.

“The floor is an important decision for new home buyers, and it’s not as easy as selecting a wallcovering,” explains Mark Darnbrough of Karndean Designflooring. “We’ve recently introduced a brand-new collection dedicated to new home buyers, designed to make selecting a floor at the point of purchase as easy as possible.”

Karndean’s lifetime residential guarantee is also a big selling point for buyers looking for quality assurance.

“Buyers are attracted to LVT [luxury vinyl tiles] for its durability and superior designs, making it the perfect choice for any room in the home,” continues Darnbrough. “Unlike real wood and stone, our designs require no on-going maintenance, just a simple sweep and mop, and will stand the test of time.

There are also more design options available with different laying patterns and grout-effects.”

Polyflor’s luxury vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl sheet flooring can also be used to

NWM 2017 Page 75

MAGAZINE

A kitchen island is at the top of everyone’s wish list, says Lida Cucina

and light commercial interiors under the Polyflor at Home brand, with a host of new, on trend wood, stone and concrete designs added to the collection.”

Moduleo is another luxury vinyl manufacturer that offers a practical flooring solution.

“LVT is suited to almost any room, thanks to its slip and stain resistant properties, as well as its moisture-resistance too,” comments MD David Bigland. “We are seeing a great demand for the luxury vinyl products now available on the market as they really do offer the very latest in authentic and realistic enhance any room in the home. These products are designed

pattern and colour offered by real woods and stone, but at a

to be hard-wearing and easy to maintain, so are suitable for

considerably cheaper price.”

Moduleo bathrooms has found that theareas ‘zoning’ kitchens, and of the home with the most trend has taken 2017 by storm

traffic.

One trend that Bigland has noticed is big this year is ‘zoning’.

“Zoning is particularly popular in open-plan living where

Made in the UK, its Secura PUR range features 22 designs

residents are keen to define specific areas for eating, relaxing

which authentically replicate the natural character of wood,

and cooking with different flooring and décor, without losing

stone and abstract materials in a practical and durable

the overall consistency and feel of the room,” he says.

sheet format. With 12 wood effects, nine stone effects and an abstract design in the collection, on-trend new additions

The range of flooring technologies available today makes even

include white and grey oaks alongside contemporary concrete

the most ambitious flooring pattern a possibility, whether this

and slate effects. All Secura designs include grain patterns,

is to zone a room or to create an entirely bespoke floor.

surface textures, tonal variations and subtle detailing for a realistic look that is more affordable than natural materials

“We’re excited for housebuilders and homeowners to embrace

and easier to maintain.

the individual styles and patterns that can be created using the Moduleo Mood collection,” adds Bigland. “Available in

Polyflor’s marketing manager Tom Rollo comments: “The new

square, triangle, herringbone and hexagonal shapes, among

Secura collection is a fresh, modern offering for residential

others, truly bespoke floors can be created by all or a few of

Page 76 NWM 2017

Polyflor has incorporated a number of contemporary concrete designs in its recently Secura

Soft Focus is a new luxury super-soft easy clean collection from Designer Contracts

the tiles in a interesting pattern.”

Karndean Designflooring is a global leader in flooring design

Soft Focus is a new luxury super-soft easy clean collection from Designer Contracts, manufactured from 100% Finesse

Another new trend is the use of wooden flooring in

polypropylene. With 13 fashionable neutrals to choose

the bathroom. Recent developments have meant that

from, including a wide range of greys and contemporary

manufacturing techniques no longer mean that this is a no no.

beiges, it offers superior comfort underfoot and outstanding

EGGER, for example, has managed to combine a natural, wood-

practicality and durability.

based floor with the properties of a plastic-based design floor.

So the question is whether you plump for carpet, a wooden By introducing the new water-resistant and scratch-resistant

floor or LVT – or a combination of the three. Either way you

EGGER Design+ Flooring, EGGER is reacting to more homely

are bound to have flooring to suit your own walk of life. n

and natural trends in the bathroom. This new product opens up new application areas and many ways of installing the design floors in areas with increased moisture, without having to forego popular, authentic wood effects.

And, like LVT, EGGER Design+ Flooring is also suitable for use

Contacts

with under floor heating. As is carpet – a fact that many seem to overlook.

Designer Contracts www.DesignerContracts.com

“Carpet can be fitted on top of underfloor heating without any problems as long as the tog rating isn’t too high,” says Peter

EGGER

Kelsey, MD of Designer Contracts. “We have tog ratings on all

www.egger.co.uk

our flooring and underlays so that we can give customer the correct advice. However we still find that underfloor heating is

Karndean Designflooring

a minority requirement.”

www.karndean.com/

So, what do people look for in a carpet? Well, in a word, luxury.

Moduleo www.moduleo.co.uk

“Carpet remains a staple flooring option with beige once being the colour of choice, but now greys are the most popular

Polyflor

selection for new build properties, where they sit comfortably

www.polyflor.com

with modern interiors,” adds Kelsey.

NWM 2017 Page 77

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Inside Out North Wales Magazine brings you the latest products from the world of interiors

Bespoke bathing

Small but perfectly formed For the attic or eaves bedroom, or where space is a limiting factor, the Oxford collection low painted wardrobes from The Painted Furniture Company may be just the ticket. Built to the same standard as the full size wardrobes and sharing the same beautifully balanced design, but measuring just 134cm high, the Low wardrobes are available in the three standard widths or can be bespoke sized to your exact requirements. Prices start from £569.

This Imperium Double Ended bath is available in five different sizes to cater for bathrooms big or small. The Imperium, as with other Albion Roll Top baths can be finished to any Dulux Trade or Farrow & Ball colour – or even one of Albion’s metallic “Burnished” finishes (Gold, Iron, Bronze) – for that truly bespoke look. Taps can be either side mounted in the bath or fixed to an adjacent wall. Alternatively, the taps can be mounted on Albion’s standpipes if the bath is to be located in the middle of your luxury new bathroom. www.albionbathco.com

www.paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

Daring design Advanced technology means that you can have total control over how your food via the Hotpoint Class 9 built-in pyrolytic oven. 28 automatically programmed recipes select the ideal cooking temperature and function to ensure the dish will turn out beautifully.

Pyrolytic cleaning reduces any burnt-on grease and fat from the inside of the oven to ash, to make cleaning a dream. What’s more, the built in appliance range from Hotpoint is so sleek that your kitchen needn’t even look like a kitchen… www.hotpoint.co.uk

NWM 2017 Page 79

MAGAZINE

Material girls (and boys)

Casual elegance

Story Time Up Up and Away is an exciting new collection of eye-catching fabric designs that beautifully illustrate the imaginary worlds in the minds of children. Prices start from £21.00 per metre, making it the perfect way to create the perfect little hideout. www.i-liv.co.uk

Interiors specialist Mufti believes that you can add so much character to a room with occasional seating. Its new Portobello chair demonstrates casual elegance at its best. This bespoke armchair features intricate antique bronze stud detailing with a beautiful, blue linen fabric. However, you can put your personal stamp on this piece by choosing your fabric from a number of high-end suppliers, making your seating unique and creating a distinctive focal point in your home. www.mufti.co.uk

Under cover The 18” deep Scoop door canopy from Garden Requisites is available in heights of 7.5” and 12.5” and is also available to order. The solid steel Scoop door canopy is hot dip zinc galvanized before being painted matt black or grey, or can be aged to achieve a mellow zinc patina that looks like a lead roof. The roof has a front lip to guide rainwater sideways. www.garden-requisites.co.uk

On the tiles Create a dramatic look in the garden this summer with the Boardwalk Wood effect porcelain tiles from SACW Paving. Available in Maple, Kauri, Oak and Nut (pictured) colour-ways, Boardwalk porcelain pavers offer a high technology alternative to natural wood or composite wood. Ideal for high traffic, load bearing applications where the look of natural wood is preferred – but very low maintenance and consistent appearance is essential, year after year. www.sacwpaving.co.uk

Page 80 NWM 2017

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NWM 2017 Page 81 Spanish Tiles From £13.99sqm

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Page 84 NWM 2017

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From farm to fork at RSPB Conwy RSPB Conwy has received a Soil Association Food for Life Award, recognising its commitment to serving fresh, nutritious food. RSPB Conwy’s Coffee Shop in Llandudno Junction, overlooking the Conwy Valley, received its bronze award last month following an inspection by the Soil Association earlier in the year.

“As a charity that campaigns for nature across the country, our customers want to see ethically-sourced food and drink in support of our wildlife,” commented RSPB Conwy’s catering manager, Jon Ward. “We are delighted to receive this recognition, not only because we’re working with great suppliers but also as we can better understand the impacts of food production

Anglesey business community calls on Welsh Government to intervene on nuclear accommodation plan

on nature, and share this story with our customers.

This award has also given us the opportunity to

Members of Anglesey’s business community have called for the

be creative and introduce new dishes to our menu,

Welsh Government to intervene on Horizon Nuclear Power’s new

which customers love.”

proposals to house thousands of workers during the decadelong construction phase of Wylfa Newydd. The call came just a

One product that helped RSPB Conwy earn the Food

week after the head of North Wales Tourism, Jim Jones, said he

for Life Award is its bird-friendly coffee. Produced

had concerns about Horizon’s plans to accommodate up to 6,000

by a farmers’ co-operative in Nicaragua, the coffee

workers in holiday and private rented accommodation on the island.

plants are grown beneath the forest canopy, ensuring that the habitat remains intact for many thousands of

The Hitachi-owned nuclear conglomerate laid out its new and

migrant birds, such as Golden-winged Warblers and

substantially revised worker accommodation proposals in PAC-3

Northern Waterthrush.

public consultation documents which were unveiled at the end of May.

RSPB Cymru is currently running a campaign to show the fascinating journey that our food makes as it

Now members of Anglesey’s business community say it is time

travels from farms to our dinner plates. RSPB Cymru

for the Welsh Government to examine the long-term impact of

political campaigns officer, Natasha Yorke-Edgell,

Horizon’s new accommodation proposals and decide whether they

explained: “When we see where our food comes from

are in the island’s best economic interests.

we realise what a big impact it can have on nature.

The Food for Life award is therefore the perfect way

In two previous public consultations, Horizon Nuclear Power had

to celebrate this connection and show how food,

indicated that it would accommodate up to 3,500 construction

farming and nature can work in unison.”

workers in a purpose-built workers village complex at Kingsland

www.rspb.org.uk

and Cae Glas, on the outskirts of Holyhead.

The workers’ village, set to have been built by developer Land & Lakes, would have been converted to high quality holiday accommodation once the construction of Wylfa was complete and delivered a legacy of hundreds of long term jobs for local people.

However, in what is its third – and likely final – consultation, Horizon Nuclear Power has now indicated that it will drop these plans in favour of housing its construction workforce in Anglesey’s holiday and private rental sectors. In addition to this, Horizon has committed to housing 1,000 workers in purpose-built worker accommodation on the Wylfa site itself. wylfaenquiries@horizonnuclearpower.com

NWM 2017 Page 85

MAGAZINE

Voluntary sector organisations receive free support to improve their digital fundraising Localgiving

Successful fundraiser for local charity

launched its Wales development programme in July 2016, in order to allow voluntary sector organisations to improve their digital fundraising. The Big Lottery funded initiative is designed to help local causes improve their digital skills, connect with supporters and start fundraising online.

“The programme has been tremendously popular,” commented Emma Jones, North Wales development manager for Localgiving. “A hugely varied range of groups have signed up, from sports clubs to arts charities.”

Citizens Advice Flintshire is among the 50 local groups that are now fundraising on Localgiving.

Hector’s Greyhound Rescue recently hosted a garden day as

The advice charity has already raised £1,000 on

an innovate way to raise funds. The Registered Charity raised

the platform. It has also received over £700 in

over £1,375 which it will put towards saving and rehoming ex-

match funding from Localgiving.

racing Greyhounds and other sight hounds.

“Match funding is a key part of what Localgiving

“All the hounds that come into our care are neutered,

does,” continues Jones. “We help local groups make

vaccinated, microchipped and treated for worms and flea

the most of their fundraising efforts by doubling

prior to being re-homed,” commented charity founder Hayley

donations during special campaigns. One of our

Bradley. “We are always on the lookout for volunteers to come

biggest campaigns, ‘Grow Your Tenner’, happens

along and help out at fundraising events. Street collections and

every autumn. It’s a great way for groups to

events such as this are a great way of meeting likeminded

boost their fundraising. During the campaign,

people and you also get the opportunity to have lots of cuddles

Localgiving automatically matches donations to i

from the hounds too.”

ts members by up to £10 - so every tenner turns into £20.”

If you are interested in adopting or fostering a greyhound then get in touch with Hector’s Greyhound Rescue and they will

There are still places available on the programme.

arrange for someone to come out to your home and speak with

Groups wishing to join should contact emma@

you and check your suitability.

localgiving.org or visit join.localgiving.org/wales www.hectorsgreyhoundrescue.org

Page 86 NWM 2017

NWM 2017 Page 87

Work with us!

M AA GG AA ZZ II NN EE M

Do you have previous sales experience? Do you have excellent communication skills? Have you got a strong work ethic? Would you like to earn 20% commission, only working the hours that suit you?

Then get in touch!

MAGAZINE

North Wales Magazine is looking for home-based sales agents to work with us on a commission-only basis. With training, support and sales materials provided, we’re looking for people to work from home and take 20% of all the business they do.

Work the hours that suit you in order to get your work-life balance just right.

So, if you are based in North Wales and think that this is an opportunity that suits your skill set, then please contact Grant Hamilton on 07572 422996 or email gh@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk * Access to a telephone and the internet essential. Car an advantage. All expenses incurred will be reimbursed

Three places to visit in July RSPB Point of Ayr, Talacre

Getting back

to Nature

There’s plenty of wildlife across the region in July, says Julian Hughes, if you know where to look.

Coincide your visit with a high tide later in the month (or into August) and you can see a spectacle of wading birds from the viewing shelter: thousands of Oystercatchers and hundreds of Knots, Redshanks and Curlews. The week commencing Monday 24 July looks best.

Time to hide, time to fly It may be high summer, but for birds, autumn

Rhos Point, near Colwyn Bay

is already approaching. Many of our breeding

As the tide comes in,

birds have finished nesting and are moulting

especially in the evening after

their worn feathers, so stay hidden away to

beach-goers have gone home, thousands of gulls and terns

avoid being eaten. Many wading birds and ducks went to the Arctic in spring, but if they

Credit: Yvonne Williams

gather on the rocky shore

failed to breed successfully, will be making

below St Trillo’s Church.

their way south, dropping in to coastal wetlands and estuaries.

These include Little Terns

Green Sandpipers are usually the first to arrive: a small dark-backed wader with a

that have bred farther east

white rump, reminiscent of a large House Martin. Then come Black-tailed Godwits from

at Gronant, and Sandwich

Iceland, resplendent in their orange plumage, looking for places to feed as they head to

Terns from Anglesey’s colony

West Africa.

at Cemlyn lagoons. They’re fishing, resting and preening

Lucky heather

before their flight to Africa.

By late July, both ling and bell heather will be in flower, clothing the moorlands of Denbighshire and pockets of the Snowdonia mountains that even the sheep can’t reach.

Cors Erddreiniog, near

The small purple flowers are valuable to a range of insects that feed on the nectar where

Brynteg

few other flowers grow in abundance.

The largest fen in northwest Wales, this is home to an

Egrets,

we’ll have a few

Little Egrets, a white heron with a black bill and yellow feet, have increased in number across North Wales since the turn of the century and dozens nest in tall trees across the region. By July, chicks have fledged and so hundreds of adults and young feed in estuaries such as the Conwy, Clwyd and Dee, taking advantage of the flush of young fish that arrive in the warmer waters.

impressive 21 different

There be dragons

species of dragonfly,

July is the month that the

including the rare Southern

larger, colourful dragonflies

Damselfly in its most northern

emerge from ponds and

outpost. It also has a range

lakes with vegetation

of rare and special flowers,

growing around the edge.

including the bright blue

Choose a warm, sunny and

trumpet-shaped Marsh

calm day for the best chance to go dragon-

Gentian, and carnivorous

spotting. Sites such as RSPB Conwy are good

Sundews. It’s a top place for

places to get a flavour of the more common

keen nature enthusiasts,

species, such as Common Hawker, Four-

but has no visitor facilities,

Spotted Chaser and the Emperor, Europe’s

so take everything you need

largest dragonfly. They fly for just a couple

with you.

of weeks, looking for plants or damp soil in which to lay their eggs, but are very inquisitive, so be ready to come face-to-face with these amazing insects.

Julian Hughes grew up in North Wales, which instilled a lifelong love of nature. He lives near Llandudno, manages the RSPB’s Conwy nature reserve, and writes about the region’s wildlife.

NWM 2017 Page 89

Step through the looking glass...

Learning • Living • Leading • Listening Prep • Senior • A-level • International Baccalaureate • 2 ½ - 18 Day, Weekly and Flexi Boarding available Visit www.rydalpenrhos.com, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or call 01492 530155 to book a tour

For the love of all things

vintage...

The confessions of a modern day Magpie It all starts with a kiss, for all you need is love. Oh… and a beautiful antique engagement ring, to seal the deal!

Vintage weddings are just the best. The wedding

for these are fleeting moments that need to be

invitation that every guest would welcome,

captured for all time. This is one area, I would

dropping onto their doormat. Vintage weddings

not skimp on. So many of my friends have relied

are relaxed affairs and are not based on

upon “a friend” that’s handy with an i-phone, to

expenditure. None of this 25k wedding lark, save

capture “informal” shots. Well, there’s nothing more

your money and give yourselves and your guests

“informal” than being totally out of focus, or crying

a day to remember.

sobs at the results that you can’t bear to look at.

Be imaginative, be creative and don’t forget to

Don’t take the chance.

call the in favours. Family and friends generally love to get involved and will happily pull together;

One of the nicest and most memorable weddings

it makes everyone feel part of your special day.

I have attended was a vintage wedding in rural Cheshire. The service held in the local village

That wonderful failsafe fruit cake, that Auntie Olive loves to churn out at every family gathering. Top it with

church, followed by the reception on the family run farm in

marzipan and icing a few sugared rose petals and bingo, you’ve

a potato shed. Awash with the gentle glow of fairy lights and

saved yourselves £300. Do you really think anyone would love it

decorated with scented wild flowers in tin cans. Homemade

any the less?

elderflower champagne was served in abundance with a delicious help yourself buffet. A local folk band provided the

Forget formality and a dress you can’t breathe in, yet alone

entertainment and there was hi-jinks and dancing until dawn.

eat in. Be brave, be whimsical and connect with your inner For now the wedding season is upon us... let young hearts run

bohemian goddess.

free. I Do! Think relaxed, soft lines and femininity and you will not go far wrong. Check with family members, is there stored away in an

Tatty x

attic, great granny’s wedding gown? If so, dig it out immediately and try it on (if only for giggles). If you can visualise the

Tatty is constantly searching for new stock and would love

possibility of wearing it, then you could

to hear from you if you have any of the following for sale:

have it fitted or even re-modelled, it’s

quality vintage costume jewellery/handbags, antique quilts

amazing what a good seamstress can do.

or Welsh blankets. 1920/1930’s ladies clothing and shawls.

What nicer way of honouring the dress

Please call 07940 730421

and making your wedding a true family occasion. An antique wedding dress that involves history and timeless elegance, presuming Great Granny wasn’t forward

Ali Hough is a specialist vintage

thinking and wore an 80’s meringue! Pair it with a dazzling

dealer with a passion for decorative

vintage tiara and a string of your mother’s pearls. Keep it

antiques and a flair for interiors,

simple, a style that never fades.

based in Old Colwyn, North Wales

Hire a professional photographer that shares your vision,

NWM 2017 Page 91

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

APRIL 2017

E! FRE

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

On the trails

great mountain is blessed with and North Wales the mountains and as well as ated bike venues are several dedic donia, there a hills of Snow bases that offer and es centr ties. mountain bike es and opportuni rienc expe variety of riding UK’s llau was the n near Dolge trail centre – mountain bike first dedicated n.co.uk www.beicsbreni – au Ffestiniog Blaen at og J Antur Stini iog.com – www.anturstin of Wrexham) (7 miles west J Coed Llandegla -llandegla om/agents/coed www.mbwales.c

J Coed Y Breni

(the .mbwales.com look at www If you take a ite for Wales) tain biking webs official moun too ranging y of other ideas great you will get plent bike trails to tain moun from dedicated at Betws y g locations such mountain bikin al of Wales), the outdoor capit Coed (surely The Clwyd Hills.

Hiraethog and Penmachno, waiting out there just world e whol There is a e to mount a re if you decid for you to explo or just dust off for the first time mountain bike out for a e and take it garag the in the old one to, . t spin again

R ING WE Y A ST PO

ere pu lla is h yinghat a idea to just hire t it may be a good ion sta on ver, m cat for Howe fro‘tests the water’ and ts. a few hours ingporfor ingto ason tay ns ng something like e e s easo romis rbike r re ling – ra Try h t n r you Goog still p me it. t o see if you you’ll r olike er youNorth Wales’ and tha you comamilt at h hatev hire at in s g y bike th r n a ntainw H ‘mou re olid . But utin eve ea te nsu what comes up. rh ad ised isp hat ’t m Ka to e at et surpr me be abro rces um to g o d t w esn ng. rs ay ing ou is n . Bu it do feeli tw you vell res bes g. ing nt tra s the y ere ay r, nd in the ha Th ll, st mme olida spe spe mp en ed inly ise , th an ca for a n s weis su ant h rt -lov io e ive herw s ce uch reg s, I m as le th port mot urs ot a m own l as the Wa us . Ye in ho e th een o kn ero im ors ll fe day the sb Nor ls um tdo

g n sti e, ha holi at ou d, a . are avin a plan ich islan can ak d to re wh ere to s bre e n you ten the g th Th ial, ing o ed so , th site ll in nor in arn anc tt e– mp eway t sti t out the fin ot ge tid s l ca ell-e bu e the n sta s to cau igh tw les to g for eh coa via a iew een to d tha l is Wa v th y fu e s th d jo ne ste by uti Th en ins sse Nor of sce e li ay bea on. in nta ritag cce e a d e cati mou is a ns. A e ng live ic n dr, o g lo ha tw ou ld H a e c ti y in d l b ri or k n If n b era ita W Lla am en inla . thta tv CO a ar rg eC ma rea tha ll ES rs , ne on fo ab d th the m it a UN offe mily nd ti d is ris an f the coast.

Isla stina ff from d fro aven of fa ties 23 o lan vi ell e P: H ce o de the ge ll Is der Id view Sh TO choi y acti ut cap he a up Pa e t day dl is c ve es –S hC larg frien rea miles holi ras, 017 the Cob at t it ay ha wit s a g Couple of cycling on M2 olid est och e ou ey bou onia, y H le d Angles a M h ai d Malltraeth, up NW clu ys en e larg ay oug wa now rop in st a co E: M is th holid ny th o S Visit (2013) OV ght o tw n and ackd ud ju AB ages nt UK mpa ity © Crown copyri reserved b o ’s n ro Cott nde age co qual ss Wales, all rights ere nowd jestic ing p pe cott g in ro Th in inde n ac ey of S e ma stand ialis atio ngles la are Th stle, spec mmodnia, A ninsu th.

Ca acco owdo ŷn Pe sou ch Sn e Ll rle th Ha

What’s on?

Your monthly guide to local events

u Ffestiniog Stiniog at Blaena ABOVE: Antur g to enjoy : Family pausin ABOVE RIGHT Llyn Brenig view over lake n of h forest sectio throug g Anglesey RIGHT: Cyclin at Llyn Cefni, Lon Las Cefni

Wales, all ght (2013) Visit ed rights reserv

© Crown copyri

(a ’s Geoff Apps the early 1980 bicycle een 1968 and t with off road In England betw to experimen eight rider) began oped a lightw motorbike trails he had devel , wet within ten years ly to use in rough designs and ideal d suite was machine that custom built . road conditions 1980’s that road and muddy off 1970’s and early until the late bikes using re mountain But it was not factu manu to anies started bicycle comp eight materials. high tech lightw with es and sizes in many shap soon bikers come r riders who Today off-road g favouring lighte hill country ridin ad ability. Down general cross technical off-ro endurance and rs more develop good sive and favou explo and demanding riding is more ion times. react quick s with very pursued etitive and is powerful rider comp more be eting g tends to runs and comp Downhill ridin making timed of e with riders new branch over a set cours ’ racing is a fairly other. ‘Four Cross riders race each against each , where four biking race scene the mountain course. other down a g and, even if of mountain bikin ing it specialist side fun just watch Racing is the it can be great over e to take part, such speeds you don’t aspir ed to ride as at the skills need and marvelling . turns tight around obstacles and ral ‘out for fun’ and the gene racer e J Home competitiv re One thing the s & Interiors on is that they both requi comm with superb biker have in tain moun J balance along Resta uran gth and t revie stren w good pastimes you start simply endurance, core As with all new J Property skills riding. n of .the bike handling mont enjoy going out h just and ds frien and learn from

The best family da ys Where to take the kids

TOP 10

out

this Easter

Castles to visit thi s spring

INSIDE

A laughing matter THE REGIONAL COMEDY

SCENE IS NO JOKE

Read all about it! d

an

2017 Page 30 NWM

If you enjoyed this issue of North Wales Magazine why not subscribe?

For just £2.99 you can have each and every copy delivered straight to your door.

For further information email: subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

Page 92 NWM 2017

learning by heart We’ve all seen the MasterCard advert for Schools Out.

Sixth Form courses. Reading of newspapers, most easily on-

Teachers pouring out of classrooms, heading off to exotic

line, is an excellent way of keeping up with current affairs

destinations, celebrating the end of a long academic year. I’m

and becoming accustomed to different writing styles.

sure pupils feel the same, but I suspect that for many parents 6 or 7 weeks “off school” is less a cause for celebration. In fact,

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential too. After a couple

the holidays are even longer for pupils at independent schools,

of “pyjama days” getting outside is vital not just for avoiding

like mine, where we break up early July, or for those who

cabin fever but in preparation for whatever Autumn Term

have finished their examinations in June.

sports may lie in wait. It’s easy to tell, in pre-season training, who has attempted to keep up a modicum of fitness. Taking

Much has been made of material being unlearned during an

advantage of warmer days and lighter nights, especially here

overly long period away from school, and moving away from a

in North Wales, is a great way to socialise as well as staving

model which has its roots in a time when people were needed

off lethargy.

to collect the harvest; a four term year for example? For now, however, how do children get the right balance during the

Finally, cultural visits are an opportunity to broaden minds

long break?

and be exposed to those things which overly narrow curricula don’t allow. While trips to art galleries may not appeal to all

Firstly, rest is not to be underestimated. We forget how

the North West (and further afield) has a fantastic range

physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding school

of museums, theatres, festivals, university campuses and

is. I only have to shadow a pupil for a day to be reminded of

exhibitions to ensure all tastes are catered for. Sometimes

the levels of stamina they need. But their powers of recovery

even the most reluctant teenager can return surprisingly

are great too and I wholeheartedly support strategies to get

inspired by such days out.

them off the sofa. Much depends upon their age; summer jobs or work experience are an option not open to 11 year olds, for

So as parents and educators let’s be brave and encourage or

example. So here are three ways which teachers would love to

cajole our children to embrace the mantra that all play and

see their charges spending some(!) of their time off.

no work make Jack a dull boy. Good luck – but roll on the 1st September. n

Reading should be at the centre of their restful learning.

This can take many forms. For 11 to 13 year olds I recommend the Carnegie Medal Shortlist. For older children perhaps trying a Classic or two, historical fiction, audio books or even

Simon Smith is the headmaster of Rydal

articles from magazines such as The Economist or National

Penrhos in Colwyn Bay. He is married

Geographic. Good schools should also provide Year 11s with

with two teenage children and has a

subject specific preparatory reading lists for forthcoming

passion for rugby

NWM 2017 Page 93

MAGAZINE

And the winners are…

COMPETITION

Win

Win an Adventure Day for 4 at Zip World Fforest!

Zip World Fforest, Llanrwst Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HA Tel: 01248 601444

Website: http://zipworld.co.uk

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question by email to competition@zipworld. co.uk – making sure you put North Wales Magazine in the subject line – by Wednesday 21st June:

KSG PUBLISHING

How long is the new Fforest Coaster?

Nestled in the spectacular Conwy Valley, Zip World Fforest offers an idyllic woodland setting for all your adventurous wishes. Enjoy a journey through the canopy of the trees on Zip Safari, or bounce and explore to your hearts content on Treetop Nets. Free fall from up high on Plummet or soar over the tree tops on the giant fiveseater swing, Skyride.

Two new adventures opened in May, the Fforest Coaster and Tree Hoppers.

The Fforest Coaster is the only Alpine Coaster of its kind in the UK! Based on the traditional toboggan but runs on rails, it offers an all year, all-weather experience. Start your journey in the heart of the woodland and travel on the uplift through the trees. You will then fly through the forest at exhilarating speeds on a 1km course!

Tree Hoppers is a zip line and adventure course designed for ages 5-12. The course has 12 zip lines and obstacles like a balance beam, organ pipes and net bridge. It is a 1 to 1.5 hour mini adventurer’s dream! Children can

a) 1 km b) 2 km c) 3 km

test their abilities on the Green Course then step up to the challenge on the Red Course if they want!

After all that adventure, why not relax, re fuel and watch the action from Zip World Fforest Caffi, famous for its homemade cakes, delicious paninis and fresh roasted Welsh Poblado coffee.

The Adventure Day prize includes four tickets to: Fforest Coaster, Treetop Nets, Tree Hoppers & Skyride. The package also includes lunch for four at the Fforest Caffi. Terms and Conditions apply (see zipworld.co.uk/contact/ terms-and-conditions)

NWM 2017 Page 95

Zip World Congratulations to Mrs Vicky Castle from Conwy who wins a family day out to Zip World Fforest in Betws-y-Coed. Enjoy your day out!

Tea with Trisha The following ten readers will be joining Trisha Ashley at the Llandudno Bay Hotel on July 26th for afternoon tea with a difference. We look forward to meeting you then!

• Roberta Fudge from Conwy • Andrea Taylor from St Asaph • Rachael Whitlow from Abergele • Gill Henderson from Staffordshire • Maxine Burton from Llandudno • Linda Twamley from Prestatyn • Robert Sharpe from Colwyn Bay • Maggie Freeman from Betws-y-Coed • Tina Dymond from Anglesey • Sian Amies from Llandudno

Page 94 NWM 2017

ALL YOUR PUBLISHING NEEDS IN ONE PACKAGE CONTACT US NOW ON: 07904 155943 EMAIL: HAMILTONKATE@BTINTERNET.COM

COMPETITION

Win

Dinner for two at the new ‘Grill at North Parade’ restaurant in Llandudno!

For your chance to win simply answer the following question:

In which year did The Belmont open?

a) 2017 b) 2007 c) 1997 Located in the newly opened Belmont Llandudno

Send your answer, along with your

Hotel, the Grill at North Parade specialises in mouth-

name, address and telephone number

watering steaks, the most monumental burgers and

to: competition@northwalesmagazine.

tasty fresh summer salads.

co.uk by Wednesday 19th July – making sure that you put ‘The Belmont’ in the

You could be in with a chance to win a two-course

subject line. Good luck!

meal and a bottle of managers choice wine at this fabulous restaurant. Either enjoy your meal alfresco on the terrace overlooking the bay and pier (one of the best views in town) or inside in order to soak up the atmosphere.

01492 555550 www.belmontllandudno.com

Terms and conditions This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, and cannot be exchanged for anything of monetary value.

Only one bottle of wine is included in the prize, any extra drinks must be paid for. All diets can be catered for. Subject to availability at time of booking.

NWM 2017 Page 95

MAGAZINE

At Sanlam we have been helping clients achieve their financial objectives for generations through...

Wealth Planning Pensions & Investments Tax Planning Mortgages & Life Assurance Bespoke Investment Management Employee Benefit Services Auto Enrolment To find out more about how we can help you, please contact us Emma Fairhurst emma.fairhurst@sanlam.co.uk 01745 345 131 Unit 27, Ffordd Richard Davies, St Asaph Business Park, St Asaph, LL17 0LJ

www.sanlam.co.uk Investing involves risk. The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the original amount invested. Sanlam is a trading name of Sanlam Private Investments (UK) Ltd and Sanlam Wealth Planning UK Ltd, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Last Word

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Across 1 Beautiful (8) 5 Moves through water (5) 10 Unconventional (7) 11 Pilot (7) 12 Pollen gatherers (4) 13 When the living is easy (10) 14 Otherwise (4) 16 Artificial sparkler (10) 19 Corridor (10) 22 Yorkshireman (4) 24 Preceding wedlock (10) 25 Precious stones (4) 28 Shining (7) 29 Hollowed inward (7) 30 Bovine mammary gland (5) 31 Austrian Alpine resident (8) Down 1 Farewell (7) 2 Plunder (5) 3 Paradise (4) 4 Lie (7) 6 Restaurant worker (8) 7 Marriage (9) 8 Opera by Bizet (6) 9 Current of air (6) 15 Pendent (9) 17 Large island in the Channel (1,1,1) 18 Computer information store (8) 19 Thin and translucent (6) 20 Expels (6) 21 Disorder (7) 23 Oriental (7) 26 Fill with high spirits (5) 27 Untie (4)

Down: 1 Goodbye, 2 Rifle, 3 Eden, 4 Untruth, 6 Waitress, 7 Matrimony, 8 Carmen, 9 Breeze, 15 Suspended, 17 I o W, 18 Database, 19 Papery, 20 Evicts, 21 Anarchy, 23 Eastern, 26 Elate, 27 Undo.

Across: 1 Gorgeous, 5 Swims, 10 Offbeat, 11 Aviator, 12 Bees, 13 Summertime, 14 Else, 16 Rhinestone, 19 Passageway, 22 Tyke, 24 Premarital, 25 Gems, 28 Radiant, 29 Concave, 30 Udder, 31 Tyrolean.

NWM 2017 Page 97

MAGAZINE

What’s on?

Your comprehensive guide to local events this August All aboard!

Exploring the beautiful North Wales coast by boat Top 10…

Beaches Read all about it Sit back and relax with a novel from a local author Chilling out The only thing better than ice cream? Local ice cream Plus…

Interviews | Restaurant profile | Recipes | Property roundup | Readers homes

NEXT ISSUE

August

Page 98 NWM 2017

Can you do the triple?

"

Lee Roblin - ION Delegate

Find out how you can grow your business

"

Gyda thipyn o help gan eich cwrs chi, fe lwyddon ni i dreblu maint y cwmni…A fyddech mor garedig â diolch i’r tîm a roddodd y cwrs! Mae’r newid yn y ffordd o feddwl am redeg y busnes wedi digwydd oherwydd rhai o’r cynghorion gwych a gawsom ar y rhaglen.

"

"

With a little help from your course we managed to triple the size of the company…

If you could thank the team that takes the course it would be appreciated! The change in thinking towards running the business has been a result of some of the great tips picked up on the programme.

Allwch chi dreblu?

Lee Roblin - Cynadleddwr ION

I gael gwybod sut gallwch chi dyfu eich busnes

01248 382497 | www.ionleadership.co.uk | info@ionleadership.co.uk @IONleadership NWM 2017 Page 99

BREWED WITH

SNOWDONIA WATER

www.greatormebrewery.co.uk