BREWED WITH SNOWDONIA WATER
HAND CRAFTED IN WALES
Welcome to June, when the sun is shining in North Wales! Everything is better is the sunshine isn’t it? And these lovely long evenings have just been made for long, relaxing walks…
Whether you just want to stroll along the promenade, or march along the beach, the Wales Coast Path has something for everyone. And now you can be a part of its future thanks to a recent initiative which is encouraging visitors and residents alike to take pictures as they walk in order to form a time lapse video – displaying the coastal changes over time. This data will then be used to inform the management of the Welsh coast for future generations. Turn to page 33 for more information…
If you are after a walk with history however, then why not visit the historic walled town of Conwy? You won’t get a better view that from the town walls, and you can’t help but
imagine how the surrounding areas would have looked in times gone by. We have more about Conwy on page 13.
Yet if you’d rather drive than walk, why not read about Stephen Gregory’s adventures in his new campervan? He explains all about life on the North Wales open road on page 29…
However you decide to spend these long summer evenings, I hope you enjoy them,
Kate Hamilton Founding Editor
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MAGAZINE
EDITOR Kate Hamilton
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North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.
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North Wales Magazine is produced in advance. While we take every care to ensure that our content is up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in regards to current COVID-19 restrictions. We absolutely do not encourage travel where local rules forbid it, so please check with both your local council, and the council of your destination, before planning any days out in order to ensure that your journey is legal and in line with current guidelines.
17-18th June 2023
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The biggest and best events taking place in North Wales this June...
29th May – 3rd June
The Commitments
Five years after a record-breaking run in London’s West End and a subsequent sell-out tour, The Commitments is coming to Venue Cymru! Based on the BAFTA awardwinning film classic, join us for a five-star fantastically feel-good celebration of soul that will have you up on your feet dancing!
Thursday 1st
Remarkable Rhythm
A rhythmic dance theatre show about making new friends. For Ages 7+ and their families at Theatr Mix
Thursday 1st
Welsh Chamber Orchestra
The Welsh Chamber Orchestra was founded to fill the gap in the music making life of Wales between performances of solo and small chamber music ensembles and those of the symphony orchestra. The orchestra are thrilled to be returning to William Aston Hall tonight
Friday 2nd
Welsh Wrestling
Come along to William Aston Hall tonight for an evening of glitz, glamour and body-slam mayhem as the Welsh Wrestling roadshow invades Wrexham!
3rd & 4th
Weekend Bioblitz
North Wales Wildlife Trust and Natural Resources Wales have teamed up in order to record as many wildlife species as they can for this weekend bioblitz at the beautiful Moel Famau forest park. Everyone welcome, no experience required
4th – 9th
Discover Cemlyn
Join the Cemlyn wardens for a guided walk around North Wales Wildlife Trust’s amazing Cemlyn Nature Reserve on the north west tip of Anglesey, and see the Sandwich, common and Arctic terns nesting at this spectacular seabird colony
Wednesday 7th
Comedy Club
Come along to The Mix tonight for an evening of stellar stand up at Theatr Clwyd! With a line-up that always features the best on the circuit and £10 tickets every time, it’s your new favourite night out! At this month’s Club Dana Alexander, Cerys Nelmes, Sully O’Sullivan and Jenny Hart will all be performing
Friday 9th
MANIA: The Abba Tribute
Direct from London’s West End, MANIA is accepted as the world’s number one ABBA tribute show. Now it’s your chance to thank them for the music at Venue Cymru tonight!
Tuesday 13th
The Simon and Garfunkel Story
Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the international hit show also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Get your tickets from Venue Cymru now as this is an evening not to be missed!
Wednesday 14th Creatures of the night
Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust for a moderately strenuous walk at dusk around this the post-industrial landscape of Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve in Penrhyndeudraeth. Bats, owls, nightjars and glow-worms if you’re lucky! Bring a torch and be prepared for midges
Thursday 15th – 27th
August
The Great Gatsby
Dress up and dance until dusk at The Dolphin Pub in Mold this summer, where cocktails are flowing in an era of bootleg liquor and red hot jazz in this immersive show.1920s dress code encouraged, dancing shoes recommended!
15th & 16th
Local Artist Tracey Davies
Tracey paints many dog portraits from photographs, and takes many commissions for her lovely artwork. Tracey also does some workshops locally, and is happy to stop and explain what she has upcoming at Afonwen…
15th – 17th
Green Expo
Over 100 organisations are coming together to help achieve Net Zero and reduce climate change. The Expo will be held down by the River Dee at Riverside on Castle Drive by the Old Dee Bridge
19th – 24th
The Bodyguard
The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is at Venue Cymru this week! Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer
22nd & 23rd
Local Artist Gill Benjamin
Gill sells many of her paintings, plus takes many commissions. Gill will have some of her work with her at Afonwen both these days as she adds to her extensive collection
24th & 25th
Jackie at Jewels
Jackie makes her jewellery, using a variety of beads, stones, crystals, pearls, wooden beads, and pewter, which is suitable for many tastes and ages, plus she offers a repair service for some of your own broken pieces. Come and find her at Afonwen today
29th & 30th
Marie at Earth Deva
Marie makes her gift items from her original designs, with some being of a mythical theme. Marie also has some impressive artwork which she will be exhibiting at Afonwen today
Friday 16th
Glow-worms of the Great Orme
Learn about these fascinating creatures with the North Wales Wildlife Trust whilst waiting for darkness to fall before taking a short walk to see them glowing in the darkness. Then return to see if any moths have been attracted to your light trap
Saturday 17th
Colwyn Bay Artisan Market
Visit a special Pirate themed Artisan Market in Colwyn Bay with around 50 top artisan stalls, live music, hot street food, pop-up bar and a whole host of fun and games for the kids... including a real life Mermaid, Pirates, treasure hunt, face painting, hula hooping, street art and more!
Friday 30th
Do you Believe in Ghosts?
An experiential ghost story – unlike anything you have ever experienced before… At Venue Cymru tonight
Whether you dare to cross it by foot or by boat, the view from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is certainly a sight to behold. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was completed in 1805 having taken ten years to design and build and, today, the 18-arched stone and cast iron structure still carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. What has changed however is the reason people use the aqueduct… Once only used for industry, the traffic along Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is now solely for leisure users – well, the one’s that have a head for heights anyway, as at a staggering 126 feet tall it is the highest aqueduct in the world!
Credit: Adrian Baker / Shutterstock.com
Solar Panels for Free electricity
Somebody living in the property only needs to meet one out of the following three criteria:
1. Anyone living in the property that takes medication for along term health condition (eg asthma, arthritis, diabetes, depression etc)
2. If the total income of the property is <£31,000 per year (for people who areselfemployed this is your profit, notyour tur nover)
3. If anyone in the property receives Working tax credit, Child tax credit, Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or certain other benefits
We areable to help if you use either Oil, LPG, Wood, Coal or electric to heat your home. Unfortunately we areunabletohelp if the property has mains gas central heating.
Funding is limited and is strictly allocated on a first come, first served basis. Any grant funding that you receivedoesnot have to be re-paid.
The level of funding that you may receiveisbased upon the amount of carbon dioxide that will be saved by installing an energy saving measure. Asurvey of your property is necessary to calculate this funding. All funding offers aresubject to survey.Please contact us to arrange afree, no-obligation survey
Moreinformation on the Gover nment’sECO funding scheme can be found on the OFGEM website: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/eco/about-eco-scheme
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is agover nment energy efficiency scheme in Great Britain to help reduce carbon emissions and tackle fuel poverty Further information can be found at www.energysavinggrants.org
Air Source Heat Pumps / Electric Storage Heaters
Inter nal Wall Insulation and Exter nal Wall Insulation
Hazel Holloway discovers a magnificent medieval fortress, a lady in a tall hat, and a mussel sculpture in the delightful and dreamy town of Conwy…
Conwy is best known for its magnificent medieval castle, but did you know it is also the home place of the smallest house in Great Britain? It might be tiny, but you can’t miss the brightly painted red walls of the one-up, one-down house on the Conwy quay. It measures 10ft x 6ft and was last lived in by Robert James, who was 6ft 3 inches tall! It was built in the 16th Century and traditionally occupied by local fishermen. During the town’s developments, two rows of terraced cottages were built alongside the fortification walls closest to the harbour. A row of houses was built from the north and another from the south, leaving a small gap that needed filling, and hey presto, a tiny dwelling was made in the space. The owners included an elderly couple, the Edwards, who
lived there in the 1800s. Eventually, the house was sold to Robert Jones, who bought it for just £20 in 1981… Today, in 2023, that wouldn’t even buy you a spare set of keys!
But for just £1 today, you can enter the house, listen to the history and try to take a selfie. There is always an accommodating lady in traditional Welsh dress waiting outside, donning distinctive tall headwear, paired with a shawl around her shoulders and a Pais a Betgwn – a puffy, petticoat-like skirt. Still, if the weather is terrible, we will forgive her for also wearing a warm, modern coat. She can help you with any questions you have about the house’s history, and on the way in, she will tell you to “mind your head.”
Because Conwy Harbour is where the river estuary meets salt water, it’s one of the best places to fish in North Wales. So, if you take the little ones, remember to pack the crab fishing lines. And after treat everyone to a big scoop of ice cream. Sit, lick and watch the world and the boats go by. After you can go and find the mussel sculpture on the quay created by Graeme Mitcheson in 2007 in Kilkenny Limestone.
J More than 180,000 people a year visit Conwy castle
J King Richard II hid in the castle in 1399. He hid from his rival, Henry Bolingbroke (King Henry IV)
J In 1627 the castle was sold for £100! Charles sold it to Edward Conway, and his son, also called Edward, inherited the ruined castle in 1631
According to Max Brook’s novel, The Zombie Survival Guide, Zombies cannot breach walls, so Conwy may be Britain’s most secure town!
You can’t visit Conwy and not be impressed by the imposing medieval 700-year-old castle and walls that surround the town. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town walls are amongst Europe’s finest and most complete, stretching around Conwy’s medieval heart which run almost interrupted for three-quarters of a mile. It’s free to walk the walls but there is a fee to enter the castle. I do not have a good head for heights, but I couldn’t resist having a go, and I was not disappointed by the view. It’s a breath-taking experience with impressive views of the giant towering castle, the estuary and Eryri.
Later I roamed around the castle, which was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in – wait for it – 4 years between 1283 and 1287.
I love a drama set in medieval times, and I love the thought of time travel, so I wandered around the vast and, even though now in ruins, still resplendent castle in awe and found myself travelling back in time. I’d be a queen, of course, and spend my time distributing charity among the common gathered folk and, in the afternoon, sew and read with my maids.
A group of excited schoolboys running around with clipboards, using their best outdoor voices brought me back down to earth, so I left the castle and ambled down to the town with its picturesque narrow streets filled with architectural wonders, including Plas Mawr, one of Britain’s finest remaining Elizabethan country houses.
Conwy, surrounded by ancient walls plus three famous bridges, including Thomas Telford’s pioneering suspension bridge (best viewed from the top of the castle), is jampacked with history. So put Conwy town on your list of places to visit. n
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Have you ever experienced the precision and attent ion to detail of Japanese craftsmanship?
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No stranger to the spotlight, Grammy nominated singer and former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton will star as Rachel Marron in a new UK and Ireland tour of the award-winning international smashhit musical The Bodyguard, coming to Venue Cymru from 19th to 24th June.
The musical is based on the Oscar-nominated movie starring Whitney Houston, and features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest hit songs of all time – I Will Always Love You. We met up with Rachel to hear what she had to say about the show…
You’re no stranger to the role, having previously starred in The Bodyguard in China. What made you want to return, and will you be approaching it differently this time around?
I loved the show, I was jubilant doing it! I want the challenge. I’m really enjoying revisiting the show. Whitney Houston is also very dear to me, and what she means to Black America. What she went through as a black girl singing pop music was brave. She battled a lot of preconceived notions in the industry, and what she did for me was help to create a lane for the little black girl in the pop group. She is important to me in that respect, so anytime I have the opportunity to sing Whitney’s hits I’m going to do it.
The Bodyguard is a much-loved movie, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary!
You know strangely I never watched the film when I was a
kid – I watched it for the first time when I knew I was doing The Bodyguard musical in China. I’d never seen the film, but the soundtrack was giving me life throughout my entire childhood. I love the movie now; I’ve seen it a million times!
Can you briefly summarise the plot (without spoilers) and tell us about your character – Rachel Marron?
Rachel Marron is a popstar/ actress who is at the height of her career. She is definitely a diva, but kind of aloof and unaware of some of the issues that are going on behind the scenes. When someone starts sending letters and stealing clothes from her home and dressing room, a bodyguard is sent in to protect her.
Most people will know you from The Pussycat Dolls, one of the most celebrated girl groups of all time. How does your experience as a world-renowned songstress influence your interpretation of the role of Rachel Marron – are there any parallels?
It’s just you doing the best job that you can, and the job of a popstar is a full-time, all-energy position. Everything you do is for that job. So, I can relate to the character in that way. There are also certainly things going on behind the scenes that
your team aren’t going to bring up to you. But I would hope someone would have let me know if I had a stalker!
You were the youngest member of The Pussycat Dolls. What was that like for you?
In the early 00s it was very much sink or swim. I’m not resentful in any way for that, because I now have a structure that works for me that I created for myself. Of course, there were lovely people to jump in and say, ‘You might want to try it this way or that way’, but in the early 00s it was a lot of people minding their own business. However, there are so many people that I owe for my being here, and I’m grateful to them to this day.
Given the life experience you now have, what piece of advice do you wish you could have given your younger self, ahead of being propelled to global stardom?
I’d say that some of the fears you created in your head around interacting with other people are just projections. People aren’t as scary as you think. I was very avoidant of others, trying to just do my job and not create any relationships, when in actuality networking and relationships are what helps to propel your career. They can’t get a feel for you if you don’t put yourself out there!
The Bodyguard features an incredible soundtrack, with hits made famous by Whitney Houston. Do you have a favourite number to perform?
My favourite number to perform is Queen of the Night, but my favourite song is All The Man That I Need. I watch Whitney’s live performances, because I’m always looking for what I call ‘bail outs’ - moments in the song that we know commercially to be sung a certain way, and then how she does them live. She was such a master, she would find ways to hit a note, working around the difficulty. In her performances of All The Man That I Need I think she’s singing to God, as she grew up in the church. If you listen to the song, to me that’s what she’s saying – He’s all the man that she needs.
What do you hope audiences across the UK will take away from this production?
I look forward to hopefully inspiring some kids to want to work on stage. The beautiful thing about theatre is that it’s live. I’m grateful to be the age that I am, and to have begun at the age that I did before people were relying on autotune. This sounds crazy, but what I look forward to are the mistakes, because it’s real. I think it’s beautiful to see a performer pick up the pieces and keep going if something goes wrong. I love that because it gives me room to just perform as an actress and sing as a singer. n
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There are six inviting self-catering holiday apartments sleeping up to four people available, as well as a luxury two-bedroom garden apartment.
St David’s Holiday Apartments are superbly positioned just seconds away from the seafront, a stone’s throw away from Rhos-on-Sea village centre, the promenade, local pubs and only four miles from Llandudno. Beautiful, local scenery abounds –and the newly renovated beach is one of the best in the country.
The proprietors reside on site should you ever need any assistance, and they offer mini breaks during the low season. Carpark on the premises.
St David’s Holiday Apartments
68 Colwyn Avenue, Rhos on Sea, Conwy, LL28 4NN
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In this second part of his series, Dene Bebbington looks at the history of two of the newest piers in North Wales…
There was a time when North Wales had more seaside piers on which holidaymakers could enjoy walking over the waves and breathing the freshest of sea air. Sadly, those at Rhyl and Rhos-on-Sea are long gone, but others like those at Bangor and Colwyn Bay remain.
Ever since their introduction in the 19th Century, piers have been popular with children and adults alike. A line and hook can be lowered over the edge for the simple pleasure of fishing and crabbing, while other activities can be enjoyed by those seeking more lively ways to pass the time.
Piers developed from jetties in a bygone age when boats were a common way of getting between coastal towns in Britain. Wealthy people could afford a visit to the seaside for the promised health benefits of sea air. They took to promenading on jetties, a new tradition noticed by savvy businessmen who saw a chance to attract more people, and money, with pleasure piers. So a mania for pier building began, the first opening at Ryde on the Isle of Wight in 1814.
Bangor joined the select club of seaside towns which could boast one with Pier y Garth which opened in 1896 towards the end of the golden era of pier building. At 1500ft long it stretches not into the sea like most piers, but more than halfway across the Menai Strait towards Anglesey. A series of pretty kiosks line the walk to the pier head. Originally, steamers berthed at a landing stage, providing services to and from England and the Isle of Man. Passenger luggage was carried along the pier on a narrow gauge baggage line. Entry to the pier cost tuppence, and up to sixpence for special events such as pierrot shows, brass bands, variety shows and competitions.
All was well until 1914 when the cargo steamer SS Christiana wrecked a section of the pier in a collision, yet proper repairs weren’t carried out until the 1920s. Its future looked uncertain by the 1930s as steamer traffic declined. After the Second World War the council made improvements to the pier, but by 1971 it had degraded so much that it was unsafe. Restoration funding was finally secured a decade later with work beginning at the end of 1982 and the reopening years later in May 1988.
Ever since their introduction in the 19th Century, piers have been popular with children and adults alike.The narrow Bangor Garth Pier spans over a quarter of a mile over the Menai Strait (Hefin Owen, CC BY-SA 2.0) Colwyn Bay’s sympathetically designed new, if slightly shorter, pier Even in 2009 Colwyn Bay’s Victoria Pier had deteriorated and been vandalised after closing the year before (Rept0n1x, CC BY-SA 3.0)
The cost of maintenance is an on-going challenge for pier owners. Thankfully Bangor Garth Pier weathered financial difficulties and survived. It’s still a popular spot for refreshments at the pavilion or kiosks, and for taking in glorious views of the Menai Strait.
Further up the coast in Colwyn Bay the last of North Wales’ piers opened in 1900. The Victoria Pier was very short at just 220ft. Despite the stubby length it would have been a majestic sight thanks to the large 2,500 seat Moorish style pavilion. Dominating the view it looked more like a building floating above the sea than part of a pier. Later, in 1904, the pier was extended to 750ft, and in 1916 the Bijou Theatre was added at the pier head. Troops stationed in the town during the First World War attended performances there.
Fate has been harsh to many piers – corrosion, ship collisions and fires have all taken their toll. In 1922 the Victoria Pier’s pavilion succumbed to fire, as did its replacement and the theatre in 1933. Afterwards it continued to have a troubled history when hospitality company Forte bought the pier in 1968. They modernised the pavilion to become a Dixieland Showbar and built a nondescript amusement arcade at the landward end, having removed the Victorian tollbooths and entrance gates. Forte realised that pier maintenance can be a substantial financial burden, so in 1976 they applied to demolish the seaward end. The council refused permission in the face of opposition to the plan which led to a petition signed by 4,000 people. By 1979 it was sold on again, but even after trying to attract customers with a disco the new owners also found costs oppressive. In 1987 they too sought to demolish the pier.
The last few decades have been no kinder to the Victoria Pier. In recent years what remained of it was replaced with a short structure that’s been sympathetically designed with ornate railings, lamps and benches harking back to Victorian times. Though it’s far less dramatic than the original, Colwyn Bay is keeping alive the dream of walking over the waves, and there is hope that the pier will be extended in the future.
Piers are surely a source of pride for a seaside town, and visitors are their lifeblood. Bangor can be proud that their pier achieved greater recognition by winning the Pier of the Year Award in 2022, and Colwyn Bay Pier came a satisfying third place. Let’s hope that these iconic walkways over the sea which have given pleasure to so many locals and tourists are still standing into the next century. n
Dene Bebbington is a part-time feature writer with an interest in heritage and history
Fate has been harsh to many piers – corrosion, ship collisions and fires have all taken their toll.The grand pavilion on the pier at Colwyn Bay in the 1890s was a magnificent sight (Library of Congress, public domain)
Piers are surely a source of pride for a seaside town, and visitors are their lifeblood.The derelict Victoria Pier at Colwyn Bay in 2017 before much of it was dismantled (Reading Tom, CC BY 2.0) A series of ornamental kiosks can be found along Bangor Garth Pier (Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0)
As funeral directors in Llandudno, North Wales Chris Lord-Brown and Jonathen Harty have over fifty years of combined experience. Serving both local and neighbouring communities, their expertise and knowledge combined with their extensive contacts have led to numerous families entrusting them to arrange and conduct the funeral services of their loved ones.
Together they run Lord-Brown & Harty Ltd. This independent, privately owned and professionally qualified funeral directors and monumental masons is situated in the heart of Llandudno on the North Wales coast.
They are proud member of The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), undergo regular inspections of premises and paperwork to ensure compliance, and abide by the NAFD's Code of Practice.
CHRIS LORD-BROWN
B.Ed(Hons) DipFD
chris@lbandh.co.uk
JONATHEN HARTY
B.Ed(Hons) DipHE FRAS
jonathen@lbandh.co.uk
www.lbandh.co.uk
Discover
From fine objects and family heirlooms to artistic works old and new, National Trust Cymru looks after many diverse collections, each with fascinating tales to tell. Visit any one of their special places and you’ll discover hidden gems, family stories and exciting new works. Here are a few of our favourites to explore this summer…
The State Bed at Erddig, Wrexham | Until 29th October
The State Bedroom at Erddig is home to many luxury items of its day, including a rare surviving State Bed from 1720 which is decorated with shimmering white Chinese silk curtains and brightly coloured embroidery.
In 1968 the bed was rescued from near dereliction by London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, but a 2019 condition report showed it needed further restoration and so the National Trust began a six-year conservation project to ensure its future.
Using a ground-breaking technique, the silk curtains were repaired by hand and visitors can now see them up-close for the first time. Take your time to notice exquisite details like the elaborate peacocks on the underside of the canopy that would previously only have been seen by the sleeping occupant.
3rd September
Internationally renowned fine artist and textile designer, Kaffe Fassett, has brought his colourful exhibition to this spectacular medieval castle in Mid Wales. From cushions and quilts to furniture and carpet, the interiors of the 13th Century castle are adorned with his wondrous textiles.
As well as specially selected pieces in each State Room, a one-off display in the Gateway Room shows seven newly
created quilts which take direct inspiration from Powis Castle’s collection and architecture.
‘All that was left,’ at Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey | Until 5th November
Between 1898 and 1904 the 5th Marquess of Anglesey (1875-1905) created a place of joy and creativity at Plas Newydd. He renamed the house ‘Anglesey Castle’ and spared no expense in making it his own. However, the world he created was unsustainable. He was eventually declared insolvent, and his belongings were sold in the Great Anglesey Sales of 1904 to pay off his debts.
Developed in partnership with Professor Viv Gardner, an expert on the life of the Marquess, and Alison Neighbour, an artist and scenographer from Newport, the exhibition ‘All that was left’, looks at the impact of the Great Anglesey Sales and invites us to consider what we value. n
a world of treasures this summer with
For years Marni couldn’t understand why she wasn’t happy living in Hollywood. Despite her original intention of becoming a professional actress/vocalist, she suffered stage fright and hated L.A., so turned from performing to writing. “It took me seven years to have my first short story published,” she says.
After emigrating to England in 1991 aged 35, Marni’s work appeared in anthologies such as The Urbanite, Year’s Best Fantasy & Horror, and Best New Horror. Her career was just beginning to take off when she was diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) in 1997.
Feeling that overcrowded London didn’t help her recovery, Marni moved to Wales in 2002, and realised why she’d been so unhappy in America. Hiraeth is a Welsh word with no direct English translation. It’s a feeling, a deep longing or homesickness. “My mother was a Bowen, my paternal grandmother a Matthews, so there’s Welsh ancestry on both sides of my family,” continues Marni, something, as with her mixed race ethnicity, the family didn’t talk about. (In the 1960s Americans didn’t know about Wales, despite two U.S. founding fathers being of Welsh ancestry.)
For the setting of Marni’s first novel Knucklebones, she created her own seaside town, a merger of everywhere she’s lived in North Wales. “Because I’m not well enough to walk Rhyl or Abergele or Gwaenysgor to ensure accurate settings, and not being a driver (L.A. cured me of that), Ffrynt was born. I’d apologise for moving Gwrych Castle,” adds Marni, “but I thoroughly enjoyed it!”
The Ffrynt Trilogy, of which Knucklebones is the first installation, is connected by its North Wales setting and
characters. None are formulaic genre novels, though they have elements of crime, suspense, magic realism and horror, in the style of Alfred Hitchcock and Rod Serling. Marni is concurrently working on the first book in a series about a female private investigator who is also a women’s rugby coach, and a Gwaenysgor ghost novella.
Marni is also a visual artist with a BA(Hons) in Design from the University of Wales. She creates many of her own book covers and has a shop on Redbubble featuring Welsh designs. n
From 8th – 12th June 2023, to celebrate 30 years of writing, Sometimes Dead and Gorgon Villa will be available as free downloads in the Amazon Kindle Store (https://www.amazon. co.uk/~/e/B0BNF7CMKP). For more information about Marni please visit: MarniD9.redbubble.com
www.forattentionpress.com
We’ve bought a campervan. It’s a VW, equipped with all the mod-cons necessary to keep us comfortable. It isn’t the old 1960s classic, we aren’t going to decorate it with flowers or psychedelic artwork. Yes, the summer’s here, but it’s 2023, not the summer of Woodstock and Sgt Pepper and ‘all you need is love’.
Décor aside, the burning question is where to go? I was daydreaming about Pamplona, in the north-west of Spain. What about heading there for the festival and running with the bulls? A jug of the local sangria, a bit too much sun on the top my thinning pate, and I’ll be ready to join the foolhardy youths who dodge the horns and hooves of the bulls in the narrow winding streets of the old town.
Maybe not. After all, we’re here in North Wales and spoiled for choice. So we start up the van, here in Caernarfon, and only fifteen minutes later we’re parking at the marina in historic Y Felinheli.
Strolling for a while and ogling the ocean-going yachts and floating gin palaces... enjoying a wonderful concert of birdsong from the overhanging woodland .. and then squeezing into the tiny, always busy restaurant called The Swellies next door to the harbour office. It’s a little gem, and we go there for the cheerful service and warm company, always a few wellbehaved dogs inside, and the most deliciously rich homemade mushroom soup you’ve ever tasted. No risk of sunburn or hangover. No danger of being gored by a bad-tempered bull. A mushroom soup at Felinheli marina beats Pamplona any day.
What about heading south to the sunshine of France? Tootling through the lush countryside of the Dordogne and onwards to Provence... where the vineyards blur into a smoky-blue haze of lavender... more southerly and warmer still, until the glamour of Cannes and Monaco is beckoning, and the toplessness of St Tropez is strangely alluring...
Maybe not. Who needs ‘la belle France’ when you can potter along the seashore of the Foryd estuary and feel the warmth
of the breeze off the Menai Strait... and then turn inland towards the picturesque village of Llandwrog and arrive at Dinas Dinlle only half an hour later?
Dinas Dinlle isn’t at all a Mediterranean beach resort. No, there’s an Iron Age fort, and cliffs slipping to the boulders and shingle of the shore. Run the van along the shoreline towards Caernarfon’s airport and you’ll find a teashop serving homemade cakes, and there’s the air museum too. Or else turn back to Dinas itself and sit in the brisk summer sunshine with the best and freshest fish ’n’ chips you’ll find anywhere. Turn your face upwards to a clear blue sky and enjoy the gulls and the jackdaws and a soaring buzzard – just watch out in case one of those pesky seagulls is swooping for your chips or that last bit of batter you were saving for yourself. Oh to be in Wales, now that summer’s here!
But then, the other evening, I was dreaming about Marrakesh.
I think I caught something about Morocco on a TV travel show, or a 60s pop song set my head spinning like the needle of a compass. So what about pointing the van into the dusty hinterland of Spain and then onto the ferry across the narrow strait of Gibraltar... to Africa? Up and over the Atlas mountains until the Sahara stretches endlessly in front us? Onwards to Marrakesh, for a weekend of haggling in the souk and big bowls of couscous with a fragrant goat stew?
Or else... we head east of Caernarfon, swish gently along the A55 and turn off the highway into Conwy. We squeeze the van through the 13th Century archway and onto the harbour, just by the smallest house in Britain. The walls of the medieval town and the great rounded towers of the castle lean over us, as we stretch our legs on the seashore.
The estuary of the river Conwy swirls powerfully past, between us and the mound of the Iron Age fort at Deganwy, against the bulky mass of the Orme at Llandudno. Indeed, after we’ve eased the van through the narrow streets of old Conwy and rejoined the highway, it’s a half-hour drive to Llandudno and parking on the seafront.
Ice cream by the pier? The timeless spectacle of Punch and Judy, as typical of a British seaside as anything you could imagine? And then we stroll onto the pier itself, for mussels or whelks or cockles or the delicious subtlety of fresh crab – a bit less challenging than staring into the eyeballs of a goat’s head in a Moroccan market.
Yes, the goats on the Orme are a lot more appealing. For one thing, they’re alive, nibbling on the grass around thickets of golden gorse and the pink blush of thrift. It’s one of the most exhilarating places on Earth... to be on top of Llandudno’s iconic Great Orme on a blustery afternoon, breathing the salt air of the Irish Sea, sharing the sky with ravens and larks. It’s
splendid to be alive, in summer, in Wales!
But hang on… what about Greece, island-hopping around the deep-blue Adriatic?
Maybe we could drive across Europe and then the van will be bobbing on the azure swell, on a ferry here and a ferry there... we’ll be sipping ouzo and the local dark-ruby wine, savouring the moussaka and freshly-caught octopus.
No, never mind moussaka, and the poor little octopus swimming in its own black ink. There’s no better swimming than at Criccieth. So we park at the further end of Criccieth promenade, and our footsteps crunch across the shingle beach, until we find the perfect spot for our deckchairs. A few minutes later we’re deep in the cool green bosom of the waves – yes, you can wax just as poetic in the Irish Sea as the Adriatic... enjoying the taste of the salt on our lips and the views back to the castle and along the Llŷn Peninsula.
It isn’t as warm as Greece, when you emerge from the water and waddle back to your deckchair. But the goosebumps feel great, the electric buzzing of being alive and newly scrubbed by salt and sand and drying in the North Wales sun.
Ah, the open road... Spain, France, Morocco, Greece. The campervan has had us daydreaming of faraway places and long, hot, dusty, rather tiring and bewildering journeys. Daydreaming is great. But in real life it’s all about seizing the day right here, where we live right now. n
Stephen Gregory’s first novel, The Cormorant, which he wrote in Snowdonia 35 years ago, has been published several times in both the UK and the USA, and translated into German, Polish and Italian. The new edition, which is available from Parthian Books, is its tenth publication.
IT ISN’T AS WARM AS GREECE, WHEN YOU EMERGE FROM THE WATER AND WADDLE BACK TO YOUR DECKCHAIR.
erosion — by taking ‘snaps’ on their smartphones…
This month Wales Coast Path (WCP) is asking visitors and residents of Wales to help tackle coastal erosion – with a little help from their smartphones. It’s all part of ‘CoastSnap’ — a global citizen science initiative – which has arrived in Wales for the first time this week, in partnership with the Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre (WCMC).
The initiative will encourage the public to take part in the programme by snapping smartphone photos at 19 designated photography points along the Wales Coast Path – from Llandudno Promenade in right here in North Wales to Tenby Harbour in Pembrokeshire.
The programme’s launch is the first piece of activity in the Wales Coast Path’s 2023 campaign, ‘Find Yours’ – which will encourage people to get out and find their slice of well-being, fun or adventure this season, all while looking after the 870 miles of coastline in Wales.
A bespoke QR code can be found on the phone cradles at each location, enabling walkers to submit their images quickly and easily to WCMC – in a bid to aid understanding of and help mitigate the impact of climate change on Wales’ coastline.
In three months, images submitted at each location will be collated to form a timelapse video –displaying the coastal changes over time. This data will then be used to inform the management of the Welsh coast for future generations.
“The CoastSnap project will undoubtedly have a long-lasting impact across Wales, contributing towards global efforts to better understand – and offset
– coastal erosion,” said Gwyn Nelson, Programme Manager at Wales Coastal Monitoring Centre. “Our coastlines can only be protected if we have detailed knowledge of the changes taking place – even if these changes are incremental. And often, the best way to understand the extent of coastal erosion is through close monitoring and regular image capture.
“We know so many people living in and visiting Wales are deeply passionate about protecting the environment – so we look forward to seeing the people of Wales and beyond engaging with the Wales Coast Path in this meaningful way.”
Clare Pillman, CEO of Natural Resources Wales, added: “So many of us love to take photos which capture special moments while out and about on the Path. By sharing them via CoastSnap – as well as the likes of Instagram or Facebook –walkers will be able to update their friends and contribute to essential coastal erosion research at the same time.
“Wales’ coastline is a precious landscape along which walkers of all ages and backgrounds can find reflection, escapism, discovery and adventure. We therefore hope that members of the Welsh public will take up this unique opportunity to support and protect our shared environment – for the benefit of current and future generations.”
CoastSnap is an international movement, empowering the public to get involved in marine environment research. It was founded in 2017 by the University of New South Wales and New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment in Sydney, Australia, and is now live across 13 countries. n
Wales’ CoastSnap photography points can be found in the following North Wales locations:
J Criccieth Castle View, Gwynedd
J Criccieth West Beach, Gwynedd
J Llandudno Promenade, Conwy
J Rhyl Promenade, Denbighshire
J Talacre, Flintshire
J Beaumaris, Anglesey
For a brief few months, Cemlyn Nature Reserve on Anglesey is home to one of the most amazing seabird spectacles in Wales…
Join the wardens for a walk around Cemlyn Bay and a chance to hear all about the tern colony – one of the largest in Wales..
Each year, as winter turns into spring and summer, thousands of birds from all around the world make their long way back to our coasts to take advantage of the wealth of food and opportunity. These include three species of terns: remarkable and beautiful birds (their ‘sea-swallows’ nickname is perfectly descriptive) who travel thousands of miles from the southern hemisphere to raise their young on the small islands in Cemlyn’s lagoon.
Linking North Wales with the seas and oceans across the world, Cemlyn is one of the most important seabird colonies in Wales. Its Sandwich tern colony is the only one in the country and regularly one of the largest in the UK; with smaller numbers of common and Arctic terns and black-headed gulls. Throughout the summer months, visitors can watch quite a spectacle as the birds go about their daily life. Sandwich tern pairs dance around each other in courtship displays and later bring sandeels in to the nest to feed their hungry youngsters; whilst squabbles and fights break out regularly.
Away from the colony, other spring and summer visitors are also busy – dunlin and sandpipers are often seen feeding around the lagoon, whilst the churring call of grasshopper warblers can be heard from the surrounding scrub. And every year at Cemlyn brings renewed promise of a rare visitor – golden oriole, bee-eater, sooty tern, wryneck and isabelline shrike have all visited in the past, and brought plenty of human visitors with them soon after! n
Situated on the wild north coast of Anglesey, with its unique, elliptical shingle ridge, Cemlyn is an incredible place to visit. The nature reserve is best visited from May through to July when the islands within the lagoon host the nesting colonies of Sandwich, common and Arctic terns. It is the only nesting colony of Sandwich terns in Wales and a true wildlife spectacle – not to be missed!
Discover what makes Cemlyn Nature Reserve such a great place for terns and what North Wales Wildlife Trust is doing to help them make it their home! Visit their website to take a virtual tour with their interactive infographic.
More details are available at: northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/cemlyn-terns
Paysanne opened its doors in June 1988, an impossible 35 years ago. Bros and Debbie Gibson were riding high in the charts, and shell-suits and spiked mullet hairstyles had not yet been outlawed. Someone else who was very popular around that time was Keith Floyd. His BBC cookery shows about fish and the food of the British Isles had quickly made him a household name and proved that being half-cut was no barrier to being a successful television presenter.
His masterpiece was Floyd on France, which came out in 1987. For me, it is the greatest food programme ever made. I watched it avidly with my Mum when it came out, fascinated and absorbed with Floyd’s memorable antics. Some of you might remember his encounter with the terrifying Madame Mimi who rubbished his attempt at a Piperade and made her own, which he gallantly
Pastry
250g plain flour
100g butter
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp caster sugar
Walnut Tart with Armagnac Icing
125g ground walnuts
300ml double cream
Dash vanilla essence
100g sugar
1 egg white, whipped until stiff Pinch salt
For the icing
50 ml Armagnac
100g icing sugar, sieved
accepted was far superior.
Quite a few recipes from the Floyd on France cook book made it onto our menu when Paysanne first opened. One of my favourites was a smoked duck salad which we ‘borrowed’ from a cooking sketch he made in the Dordogne – though he used fried gizzards instead, which we felt might be a touch of authenticity too far.
Best of all was his walnut tart, which became one of Mum’s staples for years. My folks were over recently and immediately the request went out for her to make it again. One mouthful, and I was taken straight back to those first days of Paysanne, all those years ago. No one else has ever quite managed to make it the same way, but if you want a give it a try, here’s the recipe. Don’t forget to pour a glass of wine and have a little slurp while you’re making it. It is a Keith Floyd recipe after all…
Pastry
Rub together for a breadcrumb consistency. Add 1 egg yolk and mix together with a palette knife, add a tablespoon of sugar and a tiny bit of very cold water to form a sticky dough. Roll it out on a floured surface and roll it onto a buttered tart tin using a rolling pin. Prick and bake blind at 160˚C (Fan) for 10 minutes. Leave to cool.
Walnut Tart with Armagnac Icing
Combine all together and bake at 160˚C (Fan) until set, which should take 25 minutes to half an hour. When tart is completely cooled, mix the Armagnac and icing sugar together and spread it over the tart. Decorate with walnut halves. n
Cai Ross is co-owner and Maitre d’ of the award-winning Paysanne Bistro in Deganwy, which has been serving French country-style food to the fine people of North Wales since 1988. He also writes for Calibre Magazine, BBC Good Food, HeyUGuys.com and The North Wales Weekly News
Since the completion of its spectacular beach, Rhos-onSea has been named the jewel in the North Wales crown…
A million tonnes of sand has brought a beautiful golden beach to this picturesque seaside village, and work continues along its promenade ensuring that it really will be the place to be this summer.
The village itself is also going through something of a revival, thanks to the renovation of local Italian restaurant and bar, La Dolce Vita, and the recent introduction of Johnny Dough’s pizzeria, Tapps bar and the new and improved Grape to Glass wine shop, tasting room and bar.
This two-bedroom flat is within walking distance of all of these new bars and restaurants, as well as the village’s popular cafés
and independent shops – not to mention the spectacular beach and promenade.
Priced to sell at just £155,000, this spacious flat is ready and waiting for you to put your own stamp on it. Located right in the middle of Rhos-on-Sea, this flat is absolutely ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, those looking for a lock-upand-leave – and even those wanting to get on board with their very own holiday let.
n
Sales
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.15-5.00 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00
VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com
Prestatyn Offers in the region of £460,000
Ref: WP8478
• Beautifully Presented Corner Plot
• No Onward Chain
• Full of Charming Character
• Upper Prestatyn Location
• Four Bedroom Detached Bungalow
• Close to Local Amenities
• Panoramic Views
• EPC Rating- D 62
Dyserth
Ref: RH2018
• Stunning Three Bedroom Home
• Situated on the Cysgod y Graig Development
• Views of the Welsh Countryside
• Well Maintained Rear Gardens
£240,000
• Modern Kitchen Diner
• Ideal Starter Family Home
• Village Location
• EPC Rating - C 78
Northop
Ref: WM1578
Spacious Detached Family Home
Village Location
Integral Double Garage
Gorgeously Presented Throughout
£600,000
• Four Bedrooms
• Newly Fitted Kitchen
• Cul-De-Sac Position
• EPC Rating – C 69
Denbigh
Ref: WE7588
• Occupying a Desirable Position
• Close to all Local Amenities
• Sunny Rear Gardens
• Close to Local Amenities
• Four Bedroom Detached Family Home
• Well Presented Throughout
• Open Plan Living
• EPC Rating – C 70
Llandrillo
Ref: RN2233
• Dating back to 1890
• Modernised Throughout
• Semi-Rural Location
• Low Maintenance Exterior
Offers in the region of £200,000
• A Detached Two Bedroom Bungalow
• Close to Neighbouring Towns/Villages
• Walking Distance to Local Amenities
• EPC Rating - D 61
Towyn
Ref: WR11461
• Situated on a Corner Plot
• Four Bedroom Detached Family Home
• Open Plan Kitchen/Diner
• Modern Kitchen and Bathroom
• Having Multiple Log Burners
• Double Garage
• Wrap Around Gardens
• EPC Rating - D 67
£299,000 £325,000Mae ein swyddfeydd agor ar gyfer cyfarfodydd sydd wedi eu trefnu o flaen llaw ac er mwyn gollwng dogfennau. Rydym eisoes yn cynnig cyfarfodydd dros y ffôn a thrwy fideo.
Rydym ni’n cynnig ystod eang o wasanaethau cyfreithiol, sy’n cynnwys:
· Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl
· Ystadau ac Amaethyddiaeth
· Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant
· Cyfraith Teulu
· Cyflogaeth
· Corfforaethol a Masnachol
Anghydfodau
· Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol
· Hamdden a Thwristiaeth
Our offices are open for pre-arranged appointments and to drop off documents, we continue to offer meetings via telephone and video.
Offering a wide range of legal services including:
· Commercial & Residential Property
· Landed Estates & Agriculture
· Wills, Trusts & Probate
· Family Law
· Employment
· Corporate & Commercial Disputes
· Personal Injury & Medical Negligence
· Leisure & Tourism
Having to attend an inquest can be a harrowing experience, but the process can help to answer questions about the death of a loved-one. Adam Hodson is an assistant coroner and clinical negligence expert at Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in Conwy and works with people across North Wales. He explains what an inquest is for, and how the process works…
What is a coroner?
A coroner is essentially a judge who is responsible for investigating deaths in very specific circumstances, such as when the cause of death is unknown, a result of a violent action, occurred when in prison or state detention, or where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a death was unnatural.
What does an inquest find out?
An inquest is a fact-finding inquiry, and it’s important to understand that it does not set out to determine whether anyone was at fault for a person’s death. An inquest will answer four key questions: who died, where, when and how did they die? The answers to the first three questions are usually already known, so the inquest will spend most of its time determining the answer to the last question.
A coroner colleague put it well when he said: “They officiate at the end of things. They examine the departure, they document the last moments of life and the small slither of the world that surrounded it.”
Can an inquest find blame?
For the majority of inquests, the answer is no – and that can be quite difficult for families to deal with, because they want to hold a person or organisation to account, but an inquest is not the place to do that.
During the evidence, the coroner will examine the medical treatment which the patient received and in doing so will identify – in public – any shortcomings in care which contributed to the death. So in real terms, it does feel like they apportion blame, but the legal paperwork cannot identify blame or fault.
The first thing to understand is that it’s not like what you see on
the TV! It is not a criminal trial. At its core, it’s a collaborative process with everyone meant to work together with the coroner to enable them to investigate the circumstances of the death.
Increasingly, elements of the inquest – or sometimes the whole process – can be carried out using video conferencing like Zoom or Teams, which can make things less daunting for families who can speak to the coroner from home.
That’s ultimately up to the coroner, but it will usually involve members of the treating medical staff if the death occurred at a hospital. The coroner can request a statement summarising the care a person received, rather than questioning multiple witnesses. This can make things easier but can sometimes be frustrating for families because they won’t hear directly from some of the people who were involved in the care of their loved one.
Can the family give evidence?
The whole point of an inquest is to put the family of the deceased at the heart of the process, so if the family is prepared to do so, then yes they absolutely should have the opportunity to give evidence.
What conclusions can be made at an inquest?
Coroners have a lot of options open to them when they make their conclusions. They can give what is known as a shortform conclusion, which is a set of words to determine the death, such as “suicide” or “accidental death”, or they can give a narrative conclusion, which enables the coroner to give a brief, neutral and factual statement, which addresses the issues central to the death.
Occasionally, the coroner can give a finding of neglect, meaning there was a gross failure to provide a basic level of care which led to the death, which is clearly very significant in clinical negligence cases and is the most damning judgement. n
Sixth Form is a truly unique time in a young person’s life. Although it serves as a bridge between the teacher-lead learning of school and the independence of university or the world of work, Rydal Penrhos believes that this all-important two-year period should be memorable and impactful in its own right.
Much is made about the importance of choosing the right university or degree course. At Rydal Penrhos, we have a dedicated UCAS and Careers Advisor with over thirty-years’ experience who works alongside the teaching and pastoral teams to offer pupils the very best advice and practical support on the subject. Rarely, however, is choosing the right Sixth Form treated with a similar level of importance.
This seems to ignore the fundamental role of A-Level results in charting a pupil’s path for the first few years of adulthood, as they embrace university life and forge their way in the workplace. Learning in the right Sixth Form environment can have a meaningful and tangible impact on examination outcomes; at Rydal Penrhos, thanks to Value Added statistics, we know that our pupils achieve higher grades in four out of ten A-Level entries. In a crowded market for university places, this can make all the difference.
It is impossible to isolate one reason why our pupils perform so well in Sixth Form; ultimately, it comes down to a culture of high performance that appears in everything we do. Inside the classroom, small class sizes mean that Rydal Penrhos pupils have important one-to-one attention from our dedicated and experienced teachers, who treat our young adults with an increased level of maturity and an appreciation of their autonomy and individuality.
With the introduction of study lessons and a growing responsibility to manage their own time, our pupils’ outcomes are, more than ever in the Sixth Form, influenced by factors outside the classroom. This is where a rich Sixth Form culture and robust pastoral structure play a crucial role; helping pupils to find happiness and enthusiasm in the day-to-day, which is half the battle when it comes to tackling a long-term goal, like a two-year A-Level program.
The Head of Sixth Form sets the direction and tone for Sixth Form life; guiding new Year 12 pupils through the step-change transition from GCSE to A-Level study in September, before creating a sense of focus and seriousness when exam season approaches in the Spring. Our Sixth Formers have benefitted from several inspirational Heads of Sixth Form over the years and in this tradition Rydal Penrhos recently announced the appointment of Ms Sarah Bollan, who will bring many years of experience as a Key Stage and Pastoral Lead to the role.
Although Ms Bollan will take ultimate responsibility for the Sixth Form, Rydal Penrhos pupils are always looking to take ownership of their work and their school lives, developing leadership and teamworking skills in the process. From Heads of School, to Sixth Form Committee Leaders, to Heads of House, there are a range of Sixth Form leadership positions that encourage our pupils to take an active role in their community and develop enterprising skills that will serve them well in later life.
The Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form is a truly rewarding experience; not just in the sense that it creates happy memories and sets pupils up for A-Level success, but also in the fact that our pupils get out of it however much they are willing to put in. The more our Sixth Formers immerse themselves in the opportunities around them, the more they learn about themselves and their potential. This is perhaps the most important lesson our Sixth Formers can take with them as they embark on life after school. n
John Waszek is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos
Award winning education set in a 30 acre Tudor Estate, nestled between Snowdonia / Eryri National Park and the North Wales coastline
&
For more information, scan this QR code or visit STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK
The quality of teaching and lecturers at Wrexham Glyndwr University (WGU) has been recognised at the UK’s biggest student-voted awards – after being ranked second overall, out of 80 participating universities. Staff and student representatives attended the annual Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) ceremony in London, after being nominated in five categories:
• Lecturers and Teaching Quality
• Career Prospects
• Student Support
• Postgraduate
• International
The exquisite work of a former St David’s College pupil was on full display during the King’s Coronation. As millions of people from across the world tuned in to watch, master silversmith Tim Gibbs (pictured), a former pupil of the Llandudno school, had designed and made the ‘finials’ for the Anointing screen that were clearly visible during the ceremony. They were located at the bottom of the Anointing screen and the Eagle at the
Colwyn Bay independent school Rydal Penrhos has announced its charity partner for the next academic year. The coeducational day school, which is itself a registered charity, regularly engages in charity work and supports various non-profit organisations both local and international. For 2023/24, Rydal Penrhos will partner with Sense, a charity that supports individuals who are deafblind or have complex disabilities. Sense, with over 65 years of experience in providing personalised support and 20 centres across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, are driven by the belief that anyone should be able to take part in life, no matter their disability. Rydal Penrhos has previously collaborated with Sense on various fundraising efforts and will begin the new partnership with the annual Rydal Penrhos ‘Walkathon’ event in July.
The institution scored highly in all areas it was shortlisted in – as well as being ranked second for lecturers and teaching quality, WGU was the top-scoring university in Wales in for student support and by postgraduate students. In these two areas, WGU also finished in the top five of the whole of the UK sector. WGU was also ranked joint fourth by international students and in eighth place for career prospects. Overall, the university was placed 20th out of more than 80 institutions in University of the Year.
top was created by a friend of Tim’s. He very kindly donated a silver cross to St David’s that sits front, centre and very proudly in our Chapel. It comes as no surprise that Tim has been commissioned to make the ‘finials’ for the Coronation, as his heirloom pieces are of museum standard much sought after by private collectors, private galleries and completed several commissions, the most notable being the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Tim trained at Birmingham School of Jewellery and Silversmithing. “I was privileged to have been involved with the Coronation in this way-I only had three weeks to make them!” he commented.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is gearing up to welcome hundreds of local people to its Community Fun Days this June.
Events will be taking place at:
Coleg Menai - Llangefni Campus: Saturday 10th June, 10am – 2pm
Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor - Dolgellau Campus: Saturday 17th June, 11am – 2pm
The fun-filled events will be a fantastic day out for all the family with a host of exciting experiences and workshops going on to suit all tastes!
The events are free, open to everyone, and are aimed at:
• Parents who want to visit the campus to view the facilities and speak to staff
• School pupils
• Local residents who are interested in what the college and local services have to offer
• People who are interested in getting a job or starting a new career
• And finally… families who just want a fun day out!
On the day, you can try out a whole host of exciting activities, while tantalising your taste buds with a wide range of delicious food options. There will also be the opportunity to speak to, and get careers advice from, representatives from a range of organisations including the Fire Service, Army and many other local companies.
Ruthin Artisan Markets, a popular monthly event showcasing local artisans and their products, is moving from Ruthin Gaol to the rear of Ruthin Market Hall. Starting from the last Saturday of each month, the market will open at 10am and run until 3.30pm. The move to the new location will provide a more cohesive space for vendors and visitors, as well as better access to amenities such as parking and public transportation, the main bus stop is across the road. In addition, Ruthin Market Hall and its café will be open on the artisan market days, providing even more options for visitors to enjoy. The organisers are excited to be moving to this new location and look forward to welcoming both their regular and new visitors, as they believe that this move will help them provide an even better experience for everyone involved. The market will continue to feature a wide variety of handmade and locally sourced products, including crafts, food, and gifts. Visitors can expect to find unique and high-quality items that are not available anywhere else. For more information about Ruthin Artisan Markets and the upcoming events, please visit their website or follow them on social media.
A recent Panorama documentary highlighted the very real squeeze that we are all feeling, as years of wage stagnation, dating back to 2008, have been exacerbated by the more recent wave of price increases. Meanwhile a report by Welsh think tank the Bevan Foundation stated that almost half of Welsh people (48 per cent) felt that their mental health has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Around three in ten Welsh people reported their physical health had been negatively affected by their financial position. With prices rising faster than wages, responsible employers are looking for ways to help support their staff.
Here in North Wales, Cambrian Credit Union are working with more than 50 employers to help their staff manage their money better. Employers from Natural Resources Wales to Airbus to Thorncliffe Building Supplies to Splashworld Plasmadoc have signed up to Moneyworks Wales with Cambrian Savings and Loans. The Moneyworks Wales scheme is open to all employers right across Wales and allows staff to save or borrow, direct from their salary. Backed by Welsh Government, TUC Wales and with more than 150 employers on board, Moneyworks Wales is a collaboration between credit unions across Wales to help staff manage their money. The fact is that the cost of living crisis has meant more of us are living from payday to payday, with little or no savings, meaning that every extra cost can become a financial emergency. With Moneyworks Wales, it is easy to start putting away a small amount each month, to build a financial buffer. Thanks to support from Stop Loan Sharks Wales, new Moneyworks savers or borrowers, working for one of our employer partners, will also be entered into a monthly draw to win £150* (T&C’s apply). There are budgeting tools, created by Moneyhelper, which are tailored for different stages of life, whether that’s getting your first car, through to planning for a new addition to your family or looking towards retirement. If you are just looking for a household budget calculator to look at income and outgoings, that’s available too.
Pirates make an entrance!
There’s an exciting Pirate themed Artisan Market in Colwyn Bay on Saturday June 17th! Alongside the many beautiful artisan stalls there’ll be plenty of Pirate shenanigans to enjoy and explore, including a real life mermaid, a crew of pirates with all their kit and caboodle, pirate songs and stories – and kids can enjoy a special treasure hunt collecting gold coins on their way around the market to win a pirate prize! Get into the swing of things yourselves with Pirate costumes, eye patches, peg legs and parrots most welcome! Plus there’ll be even more fun for the little ones with face painting, fun and games and street art activities for all to enjoy! And the grown-ups will be well entertained too with live music all day, hot street food and a pop-up bar to relax and enjoy a drink on the market! Come down and enjoy two large bustling streets filled with stalls selling incredible arts, crafts, candles, cakes, bakes and booze! Shiver me timbers – it’s going to be a real adventure on the market! Colwyn Bay, Station & Seaview Roads, 10-4pm.
With the support of Bay Of Colwyn Town Council
Show season is coming up, and lawyers at a North Wales law firm say they are looking forward to meeting clients “old, new and future” during the summer months. Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in Conwy and works with clients all over North Wales, will be at a number of shows, including Anglesey, Merioneth and the Royal Welsh Show. Edward Nutting (pictured), head of Lanyon Bowdler’s Conwy office, said the firm was always keen to support agricultural shows. “Community events, particularly agricultural shows, bring people together and are an excellent way of meeting clients old, new and future,” he said. “We always try to do something interactive and engaging, including teddy bear hoopla and providing a range of refreshments, which are always popular.
Agricultural shows are an integral part of the North Wales social scene, when farmers and business owners can catch up and share the latest news with each other, and we are very much looking forward to being involved.”
Penderyn celebrated its second anniversary of their Llandudno Distillery on May 21st 2023. They are proud to be in the heart of Llandudno, and their latest addition to their Exhibition Centre is a Great Orme Goat which they have called Glasfryn. Their tours are open seven days a week and you can book online, so why not come and meet Glasfryn as well as find out what makes Penderyn the Home of Welsh Whisky? They also do 2.5 hour masterclasses and their shop is open seven days a week. You book online here: ww.penderyn.wales/visit
Abbeyfield celebrated the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queens Consort with a big party for all the residents with fabulous food prepared by Sara. Many of the residents remember the Queens’ Coronation on 2nd June 1953 and were very sad at her passing but they are thrilled with King Charles and Queen
was enjoyed by all followed by tea and cake. Coronation Day saw all
residents
TV
church service and procession, a all had a very entertaining weekend. 98 year-old Barbara had her first selfie with Anna Hamblett the General Manager, and all the photos are on the Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Facebook page together with our many celebrations. The residents are wondering what could be the next celebration, they enjoyed it so much.
Peter Large Estate Agents in Abergele has just won the 2023 British Property Award for Conwy County. The successful Estate Agents is already the holder of the 2019 and 2021 Gold Winner Estate Agent in Conwy County awards. The team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging process, which focussed on customer service levels. Peter Large Estate Agents, Abergele, have now been shortlisted for a number of national awards which will be announced later in the year. The British Property Awards provides estate agents throughout the UK with an invaluable opportunity to compare the service that they provide against the service provided by their local, regional and national competition. Agents who go that extra mile and provide outstanding levels of customer service are rewarded with an accolade, which acts as a beacon to highlight these attributes in their local marketplace.
In the last issue of North Wales Magazine we covered the Isle of Anglesey. In the feature we mentioned a property known as the Blue House. However it has since come to our attention that this property has not been abandoned as we suggested, and is in fact privately owned. We would like to apologise to the owner of the property, and to our readers for getting the information wrong. The property is, under no circumstances, to be visited by anyone without direct permission from the owner. We would like to publically apologise for any confusion caused by the mistake in the article.
The splendid Welsh resorts of Llandudno and Conwy lie between two beaches and have retained their Victorian charm. On this fabulous Hop On Hop Off tour you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Great Orme, Llandudno Pier, Conwy Castle and the surrounding countryside.
Hop on board with your 24-hour ticket and enjoy panoramic views from the top deck of an open top bus as you explore these two beautiful locations.
Rhos-on-Sea Rover
They say small is beautiful, and the charming seaside town of Rhos-on-Sea is no exception. Where the harbour meets the breakwater; the atmosphere of this delightful seaside town draws visitors from miles around.
With the City Sightseeing Rhos-on-Sea Rover you can now explore this Welsh coastal resort on an open top Hop On Hop Off bus service that travels to and from Llandudno’s Pier hourly, from 10:30am until 4:30pm, giving you stunning views along the way and a perfect destination.
Or why not enjoy the Vintage Marine Drive Tour and embark on an unforgettable journey around the majestic Great Orme in Llandudno, while comfortably seated inside a vintage coach, you can discover stunning views at every turn.
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As one of the most popular small cars on sale today, and the best-selling city car in the retail market in April, small really is beautiful with the Picanto. With a no compromise approach, the five-door, four- or five-seat Picanto offers plenty of practical space with a class-leading boot capacity of 255 litres and a 60:40 split folding second row of seats complete with child-seat friendly ISOFIX anchor points. These enable the small car to transport whatever life throws at it.
With a choice of efficient powertrains available – a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine outputting 66bhp or a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit delivering 99bhp – fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg and emissions from 109g/km are possible.
There are six grades to choose from, with ‘1’ and ‘2’ providing access to entry and incremental levels of equipment. ‘GT-Line’ is next in the grade line-up, adding 16-inch alloy wheels and sports styling over the ‘2’ grade, as well as an 8.0-inch display with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. ‘3’ builds on ‘GT-Line’ with chrome accents and electrically folding adjustable and heated door mirrors. ‘X-Line S’ adds rugged styling, while the range-topping ‘GT-Line S’ add further sports styling and amongst other additions, introduces a wireless mobile phone charger and smart key over the ‘GT-Line’ grade.
Prices start from £13,415 for the Picanto ‘1’ grade – making it
the lowest price car on sale in the UK today. It comes with the sole option of a 1.0-litre petrol engine with manual gearbox. Customers can choose an automatic transmission on all grades except for ‘1’ and ‘GT-Line S’.
Every Picanto has been packed with a range of new safety and telematics technologies often reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles, including as standard six airbags, ABS braking, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Torque Vectoring Brake Based & Straight-Line Stability (SLS) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) amongst many other safety enhancements.
Don’t just take our word for it, see what the press are saying. The Telegraph gave the Picanto ‘GT-Line S’ a five star review, and at the 2022 Driver Power Awards the Picanto was awarded the ‘Best City Car’ award.
The Picanto is currently available with 7.9 per cent APR on finance deals with zero customer deposit, while existing Kia customers can enjoy a further £500 off the asking price of a new Picanto thanks to the Kia Enhanced Loyalty discount. n
To discover more about the Picanto and Kia’s enticing offers, contact Llandudno Kia on 01492 875 991 or email info@llandudnokia.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit the showroom at Argyll Road, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1DF or our website www.llandudnokia.co.uk
The Kia Picanto is perfect for those looking for a small, practical and efficient city car.
With quiet roads, fantastic sea and mountain views and routes encompassing everything from a leisurely slow cycle to some of the best and most challenging hill climbs, Anglesey and Gwynedd are great destinations for every kind of cyclist!
We can now turn to our computers or smart phones for a range of suggestions for cycling routes, and Anglesey has some sign-posted cycle route. But there are all sorts of cyclists and all kinds of routes out there. So how do you know which to choose? Some cyclists are more than able to head off on their own, but two companies in the region feel that there is a role for a bit of human interaction and support!
Some have already got the cycling ‘bug’ and are happy to undertake as many cycling challenges as possible. North Wales provides some exciting and awe-inspiring road cycling routes for the proficient cyclists, from a round-Anglesey route, recognized by Audax, the long-distance cycling club, to some of the routes around Eryri’s peaks. These are grand challenges for the fit cyclist!
Want the ‘team-cycling’
This is where Cyclewales at Llangefni comes into the story. In addition to hiring and maintaining bikes, Cyclewales are the first in the region to provide a professional support team service to cyclists wanting to undertake some of these longer more challenging cycle routes.
With their support, people can have the confidence to take on any of three 100k cycle routes on Anglesey, Eryri and down the Llŷn peninsular, completing some of North Wales’ most
scenic cycling challenges. Being accompanied by a support team, provides peace of mind and also the feel that you are part of a professional racing team!
Leisurely cycling on a guided tour
But if the thought of such an undertaking fills you with dread, then a slower pootle around the quiet back-lanes of Anglesey to soak up wildflower verges, sea vistas and mountain views may be more your thing!
Also providing an original service, Green Lane Bike Tours
offer ten different guided bike tours on Anglesey. Cycling in the company of a qualified cycle leader and local historian provides people with confidence to try a day’s cycling as well as an opportunity to discover new destinations and find out more about the history and culture of Anglesey. n
If you’re planning on getting out and about on your bike this summer, why not check out what these two companies have to offer you? https://cyclewales.net/bicycle-hire/ https://greenlanebiketours.co.uk/
Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance Contractors
Commercial & Domestic: Driveways, Decking, Lighting, Paving, Brickwork, Turf Laying, Water Features, Artificial Grass, Fencing, Tree Work, Stump Grinding, Ground Maintenance
LLWYN LANDSCAPES LTD
Quinten Hazell Enterprise Parc, Glan Y Wern Road, Colwyn Bay LL28 5BS
Office: 01492 552521
Mobile: 07896 222702
Email: info@llwynlandscapes.co.uk www.llwynlandscapes.co.uk
Many companies, corporations, organisations, communities and a growing number of individuals are ‘going green’ to reduce energy, consumption and waste. We love Green in Cheshire so holding Green Expo 2023 here for the North West and Wales, is great news.
Green Expo will be held down by the River Dee at Riverside on Castle Drive by the Old Dee Bridge from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th June. The event has a free exposition on the grass area next to the river for the three days, and a youth conference for schools and colleges on the Friday.
CHASE (Cheshire Heritage and Sustainability Enterprises) is the community interest company behind Green Expo. It is raising funds to restore the old hydroelectric building by the Old Dee Bridge to be an educational and skills centre for alternative energy. Any surplus from Green Expo will go to restoring the building as a ‘Hydro Hub’.
A recent survey revealed that 64% of Cheshire residents ‘Don’t know enough about climate change and Net Zero’. 88% said they ‘don’t know enough about local efforts and activities on climate change and Net Zero’ and 84% would ‘like to know more’.
Green Expo will show all the great things being done
locally and help individuals and organisations make their own difference. We need to work together collaboratively to make such a massive change to our lives to achieve Net Zero and reduce climate change.
Over 100 organisations in the North West and Wales are coming together to illustrate progress on Net Zero in all walks of life. Organisations like Peel NRE, Encirc, Grosvenor, Chester Zoo, NatWest and the University of Chester, individuals too. They will be joined by community initiatives and charities, electric vehicles and hydrogen transport for the free exposition. Other options will include local, smaller food and beverage stalls so that visitors can sample the delights of Cheshire’s finest to make the Expo a complete destination over the three days.
Green Expo will be held down by the River Dee at Riverside on Castle Drive by the Old Dee Bridge from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th June. More information, tickets and updates can be found at http://greenexpo.uk
Abbeyfield offer a fully inclusive life, including all your heating and food bills in a sheltered housing setting
Why not try our guest/respite room to see if you would enjoy staying in an Abbeyfield House
Ring Anna on 01492 533724 for more information
Your family are welcome to visit you in your accommodation at any time, all flats and bedsits have door entry systems.
Let Abbeyfield take the strain of every day living; a life of no food shopping, cooking and household bills
• Home Cooked Lunch and High Tea
• All Bills included
• Community Alarm Service
• Weekly room clean and your washing and ironing done
If you would like to view any of our three properties please contact Anna by telephone or email Search @ abbeyfield colwyn bay society on facebook Abbeyfield.com
For more information contact General Manager Anna Hamblett on 01492 533724 or email abbeyfieldcolwynbay@gmail.com
The loss of a loved one can be a challenging and emotional experience. Once the funeral has taken place, many people are left wondering what to do with the ashes of the person that has died. In the UK, there are several options for handling cremated ashes that allow families to honour the deceased in a meaningful and personal way. In this article, we will explore some popular options for what to do with cremated ashes.
Scattering ashes in a meaningful location to the deceased is a very popular choice for many. Whether it's a favourite park, beach or a mountain, it can be a beautiful way to remember them. It's important to note that scattering ashes in public places requires permission from the landowner, so please check the rules and regulations beforehand.
Some families choose to bury ashes in a cemetery or a dedicated burial ground. There may be designated areas within the cemetery reserved for cremation burials or the ashes can be interred in an existing family plot.
Ashes jewellery is a unique way to keep a small portion of ashes close to your heart. There are various options available including pendants, rings or bracelets. You can find the jewellery options we offer on our website.
All local crematoriums have designated Gardens of Remembrance to scatter ashes. These gardens are beautifully landscaped and provide a peaceful environment for reflection and to remember those that have died. You do need to arrange scattering with the crematorium beforehand so please get in touch if you would like more information.
Some tattoo studios will mix the ashes with ink to create a tattoo.
Fireworks can be a great way to celebrate the life of the person who has died by incorporating the ashes.
Alternatively, artists can mix the ashes with paint and create bespoke pieces of art or perhaps create a paperweight using the ashes.
J Consider the wishes, cultural or religious beliefs of the person that has died when making a decision about their final resting place.
J Take your time to consider the location and don't feel pressured to make a decision.
J If you can't agree on a final location, it may be an option to separate the ashes and scatter in various locations.
J Do you want future generations to visit the location? If so, consider this when making your decision. n
If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com
Kelly Owen is a funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an awardwinning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at www. tomowenandson.com
Across
1 Fabric (8)
9 Longing (8)
10 Merchant (8)
11 Imagine (8)
12 Candidate (7)
13 Precarious (8)
14 Turns around (8)
18 Exceptionally tense (8)
22 Portuguese jellyfish (3-2-3)
23 Austere (7)
24 Hallway (8)
26 The world of schools and universities (8)
27 Its capital is Little Rock (8)
28 Locate exactly (8)
Down
2 Breathtaking (7)
3 Vague (7)
4 Ailment (7)
5 Small harp-like musical instrument (4)
6 The gathering of crops (7)
7 Uncommon (7)
8 Cuddle (7)
13 Doorkeeper (5)
15 Stonework (7)
16 Portal (7)
17 Like Abba (7)
19 Make clear (7)
20 Underwater missile (7)
21 Inhabitant of e.g. Tehran
25 Coarse file (4)
June’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant
ARIES (March 21st – April 20th)
Domestic activities are a profound source of pleasure on the 2nd; take this opportunity to connect with your nearest and dearest. Activities like baking, gardening, and decorating are also favoured. The Full Moon on the 4th finds you returning from a romantic trip. Alternatively, it’s possible you’ll reunite with your amour after coming home from this journey. Your charisma gets a big boost on the 5th, possibly triggering a friend’s jealousy. Emerging from a self-imposed period of solitude makes the 17th a happy day for you. It’s nice to resume your busy social life.
TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st)
Your charming way with words attracts an artistic admirer on the 2nd. This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a period of intense spending, allowing you to build up savings again. An original idea for a business is worth developing on this magical day. Your home life is a source of tremendous happiness on the 5th; don’t feel pressured into staying late at work. A relative will try to take advantage of your generosity on the 11th; be ready to turn down their request for a loan.
GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st)
Your creative contributions earn lots of money on the 2nd. Don’t be afraid to make a bold proposal on this whimsical day. The Full Moon on the 4th brings exciting news from a business or romantic partner. Your alliance gets a big boost from this turn of events. Trust your instincts on the 11th, as they will lead you to a lucrative job that brings financial stability. It’s best to listen more than you speak at work on the 15th. You get an added measure of freedom on the 17th when your supervisor turns their attention to more pressing matters.
CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd)
A clever social media post will go viral on the 2nd. This is also a good time to display pictures of your creative work. On the 4th, the Full Moon helps you achieve a fitness goal. Give yourself a handsome reward for all your hard work. A romantic attraction is too powerful to resist on the 11th; be guided by your heart instead of your head. Plans to travel or take a course could be cancelled on the 17th; try not to be disappointed.
LEO (July 24th – August 23rd)
The Full Moon on the 4th brings about an exciting change in a romance. This is a great time to get engaged or married. Alternatively, you could finish a creative project that brings you fame and acclaim. Your star power is tremendous on the 5th; a control freak will be threatened by all the attention you receive. Try not to steal your boss’s thunder at a work meeting on the 11th. On the 18th, the New Moon can stir up problems in your social life.
VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd)
Someone who has a crush on you makes a romantic offer on the 2nd. You two are well suited to each other. Wrap up a domestic matter on the 4th, when the Full Moon urges you to move on to bigger and better things. It may be impossible to resist the allure of a magnetic romantic interest on the 11th. Be open to embarking on a relationship with someone who has an earthy sense of humour. The strain on a close partnership will weaken on the 17th; meeting with the one you love will be easier.
LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd)
While everyone remembers Russell Grant from his Breakfast TV appearances in the 1980’s, most people don’t realise that Russell was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a horoscope forecast to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). Now dubbed the “Royal Astrologer” Russell has appeared on numerous television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing. He divides his time between London and his North Wales home near Portmeirion.
www.russellgrant.com
The Full Moon on the 4th brings a close to an incredibly busy period for you, giving you a chance for a much-needed rest. Beware of steering a friendship into romantic waters on the 5th; it’s probably best to keep things platonic. You experience some drama at home on the 11th when an issue you thought had been resolved rears its ugly head again. If you’re feeling weak or tired on the 17th, it’s best to cut back your work schedule.
SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd)
Going on a trip for pleasure is strongly favoured on the 2nd. If you’re single, you could find love on this magical journey. The Full Moon on the 4th marks the end of a source of earned income. Once this assignment ends, you can form a business partnership with someone who admires your creativity. Don’t let a pushy relative discourage you from pursuing a professional goal on the 5th. On the 11th, you need to remember that your words have power. Make it your mission to only speak positive words, especially about yourself.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st)
Finding a beautiful place to live is a distinct possibility on the 2nd; give yourself permission to improve your living situation. On the 4th, the Full Moon invites you to end a role that no longer serves you. Adopting a new lifestyle allows you to travel more freely. The 11th helps you find a source of passive income; it will be so much fun to get paid for doing a bare minimum of work. Pressure at home will ease on the 17th, deepening your enjoyment of domestic activities.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th)
The Full Moon on the 4th brings an end to a period of isolation for you. At long last, you can devote time to a close relationship that brings you joy. On the 11th, you’ll resume a high-profile role that allows you to exercise your leadership ability. You’ll enjoy using this position to make order out of chaos. Harsh criticism of your work stings on the 15th, but if you take it in the right spirit, you can significantly improve your performance.
AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th)
On the 4th, the Full Moon marks the successful conclusion of a group project. Getting this job off your plate gives you more time for romance. You attract admirers like moths to a flame on the 5th. Try not to scare off someone special with your intense personality; you can be quite intimidating without knowing it. Returning to a spiritual matter will be soothing on the 11th; it’s important to escape the pressures of the material world from time to time.
PISCES (February 20th – March 20th)
The 2nd is one of the most romantic days of the year for you. If you’re single, you could meet someone special at an art show or spiritual retreat. Fish that are in committed relationships may enjoy second honeymoons with their amours. On the 4th, the Full Moon brings a spectacular career opportunity into your orbit; accept this offer with an open and grateful heart. Work commitments prevent you from attending a social event on the 5th; try not to be bitter.
Beauty is all around in Wales. Our spectacular landscape ranges from rugged coastlines to towering peaks, rolling farmland to rushing rivers, and at Clogau we’re proud to represent our extraordinary homeland in this unique Natural Beauty collection.
