SEPTEMBER 2022 FREE! MAGAZINE Anglesey born and bred What’sOn? The best events taking place Septemberthis A local craft Join us at Château Rhianfa where you can enjoy a luxurious Christmas Break on the coast of Anglesey, and step away from the outside world for a few days! www.chateaurhianfa.co.uk GROWING UP IN MENAI BRIDGE Brewing beer in North Wales
BREATHE IN, ITS FRESH, IT’S WILD AND IT’S SNOWDONIA.ADVENTUREWELCOMEBEAUTIFULTOPARC adventureparcsnowdonia.com | info@adventureparcsnowdonia.com | 01492 353 123 SURF SNOWDONIA Learn to surf with our expert instructors or enjoy waves on repeat with our ‘Just Surf’ sessions. ADRENALINE INDOORS Indoor climbing, caving, high-ropes, zip-wires, ninja-assault & more family friendly activities! EXPLORE OUTDOORS Embrace the great outdoors; gorge walking, openwater swimming, paddle-boarding & more! EXPLORE MORE
NWM 2022 Page 3 Welcome to September, the month when the evenings begin to draw in and autumn is firmly within our sights. And, since it’s expected to be a tough one on the economic front, we have plenty of ideas of how to keep your costs down while still managing to get out and about. Cover credit © Adrian Baker / Shutterstock.com MAGAZINE For example, why not take a leaf out of Lowri Llewelyn’s book and give someone a tour of your home town? Born and bred on Anglesey, Lowri gave one of her visiting friends the ultimate walking tour of Menai Bridge, covering the fascinating history of the town as well as her own personal memories while en route. So take a friend and show them your little corner of North Wales, and then ask them to do the same for you. Not only will you have a brilliant (and free!) day out, but you are bound to learn far more about both the area –and your friend –than you ever imagined… DEAR READER 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! northwalesmagazine.co.ukwhatson@ J Keep in touch. Send in your contributions, letters, photos and press releases and become part of the North Wales Magazine family. northwalesmagazine.co.ukeditorial@ 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. northwalesmagazine.co.uksubscribe@ J Advertise. If you own a business in North Wales and want to get your message in front of 20,000 local readers every month then drop us a line. Prices start from just £80. northwalesmagazine.co.uksales@ Kate Hamilton Founding Editor We want to hear from you! Cato Crane Auctioneers CELEBRATING 36 YEARS OF HELPFUL SERVICE AND SUCCESSFUL SELLING Email: info@catocrane.co.uk & sell@lowerpercent.co.uk www.catocrane.co.uk Telephone Soon for Home Visit and Internet Appraisals Cato Crane Auctioneers Liverpool Auction Rooms 6 Stanhope Street Liverpool, L8 5RF Chester and North Wales Tel: 01244 680055 Wirral Tel: 0151 342 2321 From Anglesey to Prestatyn, there are plenty of fabulous walks to be had this September
Privacy Notice. You can read North Wales Magazine’s Privacy Notice in full www.northwalesmagazine.comat 07 What’s On The best events taking place in North Wales this September 11 This Big Picture Reflecting on the history of Valle Crucis Abbey 13 You & Your Pet Keep you both safe in the darker evenings 14 A Walking Tour Exploring Menai Bridge 17 A Spot of Culture As opera comes to Venue Cymru 19 Back to Nature Garden with nature in mind 21 The Measure of Success Losing weight on Anglesey 23 National Treasure Explore all that the National Trust has to offer 24 Back to School Or not, as in Stephen Gregory’s case 27 A family Affair Something for everyone at Pontio’s Gŵyl Goncrit event 29 Let the Music Play The North Wales International Music Festival returns 31 Take the Floor ‘Drawings for Floors’ comes to Ruthin Craft Centre 33 Recipes Whip up a storm in the kitchen this September 34 Honing your Craft The best craft beer in North Wales 41 Finance Financial tips to help with the cost of living 43 Legal Legal advice for when you need it most 45 Education Learning in North Wales 55 Community News A roundup of regional happenings 57 Planning a Funeral How to be dementia friendly at this tough time 59 Puzzle Corner Can you solve our clever crossword? 61 Health & Wellbeing Small steps make a big difference 63 Walking World Explore the Big Pool Wood Nature Reserve 66 Horoscopes What does September have in store for you? 11 17 33 63
NWM 2022 Page 5 COVID-19 DISCLAIMER North Wales Magazine is produced in advance. While we take every care to ensure that our content is up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in regards to current COVID-19 restrictions. We absolutely do not encourage travel where local rules forbid it, so please check with both your local council, and the council of your destination, before planning any days out in order to ensure that your journey is legal and in line with current guidelines. Contents MAGAZINE EDITOR Kate Hamilton PUBLISHER Grant Hamilton ART DIRECTOR Simon Marriott ACCOUNTS Sian Roberts CONTACT US subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.ukeditorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uksales@northwalesmagazine.co.ukwhatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk
North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission by North Wales Magazine 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. Please note that some of the authors and companies featured may have paid in order to write their column or article. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information, editorial or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured, or any of the author’s opinions. 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.
Page 6 NWM 2022JUICY-HOPPY-BRACING WALESINCRAFTEDHANDWATERSNOWDONIAWITHBREWED
For the first time since NYCW was established in 1984, Wales’s most extraordinarily talented young singers have been unable to perform together under one roof due to COVID – so this is promising to be a spectacular performance at Pontio Bangor tonight
The biggest and best events taking place in North Wales this September...
An opportunity to speak with a local solicitor about your Will and explore what legacies mean to the North Wales Wildlife Trust – plus a tour around their wildlife garden with tea and cake!
John Owen-Jones is a record breaking West End and Broadway actor and singer who is best known for his performances as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables and as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. He is performing at Rhyl Pavilion tonight
Saturday 3rd Go wild at West Shore!
10th & 11th Owain Glyndwr Day Owain Glyndwr is arguably Wales’s greatest legend. Today is his day so come and celebrate it in the castle he took in 1404, Harlech.
Thursday 1st Rex Whistler’s mural: take a closer look Join the National Trust for one of their Whistler Talks and discover the stories and hidden details contained in Rex Whistler’s famous 17.5-meter-long mural at Plas Newydd
Friday 2nd Weaving with Trevor Blackburn Trevor will be busy adding to his wonderful collection of cosy shawls, scarves and blankets at Afonwen today
Wednesday 7th Music of the Night
Wednesday 14th Twopence to cross the Mersey
The UK premiere tour of Helen Forrester’s “Twopence to cross the Mersey” is coming to Rhyl Pavilion tonight
Saturday 3rd Guided tour of Criccieth Castle Take a tour with guide Deian ap Rhisiart and discover the secrets of the castle that was originally built by Llywelyn the Great. Tours at 11am, 1pm and 3pm
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Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust for a fun day of family-friendly activities as their popular ‘Wild at West Shore’ event returns to Llandudno after a two-year absence
Thursday 8th An evening with the legend Tyson Fury Come to Venue Cymru tonight and meet the man and his stories up close and uncut. These are evenings not to be missed!
10th & 11th Open Doors at Penrhyn Castle There is free entry to all those who want to come and explore Penrhyn Castle and its gardens this weekend
What’s on
Tuesday 6th Remember a Charity Week: solicitor open day
Thursday 1st National Youth Choir of Wales
Page 8 NWM 2022 MAGAZINE Thursday 15th Giants of Soul Giants of Soul will feature some of the most successful and iconic, original soul performers from the late 70’s through to the modern day. Award winning Angie Greaves from Smooth Radio is the host for the show which is at Venue Cymru tonight Saturday 17th The Art of Bug hunting…for grown ups! From spiders to beetles, moths to solitary wasps, staff from the North Wales Wildlife Trust, Cofnod and Buglife will help you understand how these little creatures actually rule the world! At Marford Quarry near Wrexham – children welcome too! Saturday 17th Jack Dee: Off The Telly Join Jack Dee at Venue Cymru tonight for an evening of entertainment in his new stand-up tour 17th – October 1st North Wales International Music Festival The North Wales International Music Festival is celebrating its 50th Anniversary at St Asaph Cathedral The North Wales International Music Festival is celebrating its 50th Anniversary at St Asaph Cathedral between 17th September and 1st October 2022 20th & 21st Sunnyside Crafts Linda has some lovely gift items available at Afonwen, made from driftwood, sea glass and wooden boxes and stools Thursday 22nd Tim Peake: My Journey to Space Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an awe-inspiring ride as astronaut Tim Peake shares his amazing journey with Venue Cymru audiences Thursday 22nd September Comedy Club Little Wander in association with Pontio presents the September Comedy Club – a night of comedy with three comedians from the British comedy circuit, making for a great night out! Friday 23rd The Mersey Beatles Fans of The Beatles prepare to be wowed by the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four as they perform at Rhyl Pavilion tonight 29th & 30th Chris Cornwell Chris is a self taught artist with a passion for watercolour and oils. He is displaying his paintings of mountains, coastline, people and towns at Afonwen Friday 30th A Celebration of the Songs and Music of George Michael Few tribute artists capture George’s musical talent, charisma and passion as closely as Rob Lamberti… come and see for yourself at Rhyl Pavilion tonight
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Editorial credit: AndrewGeorgePhotography / Shutterstock.com
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Hidden away in the hills just outside the vibrant town of Llangollen lies Valle Crucis Abbey, one of the best-preserved abbeys in Wales. A majestic monument and tranquil haven, the abbey is a must for all history lovers. The abbey was largely destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII, but many original features remain – including the glorious west front complete with an elaborate, richly carved doorway, and beautiful rose window.
BIG the picture
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pets and their safety at night, please don’t hesitate to call one of our stores or reach out to us on our social channels where our team will be delighted to offer you advice. n
You & PetYour HOW TO KEEP YOU, AND YOUR PETS, SAFE AT NIGHT
Ashlee is the social media and marketing assistant at petplace. Animal obsessed, she has a fondness for all living things and the environment using her creativity to build awareness.
As the dark evenings slowly begin to creep in, it’s time to start thinking about our pets and their safety throughout the darker nights. After a few months of sunshine, longer days and warmer temperatures it can be difficult to adjust to the darker evenings, as pet parents this is something that we need to act on as soon as we begin to notice the change. Being a responsible pet parent can help prevent your pets from being in a vulnerable situation. Our dogs still need their walks and cats still want to go out on the prowl – and keeping them safe is the most important task we have been given. With reduced visibility, especially on the roads, making sure that drivers and cyclists can see them clearly is Fortunately,crucial.wehere at petplace have a huge selection of products to help keep your pets safe, ensuring they are seen throughout the darker days. Whether you are walking on a dark country road where street lamps are non-existent, poorly lit estates or cities where the darker evening combined with poor weather conditions can affect a driver’s vision. There are a variety of options available for our four-legged friends should you want to keep them safe and seen on the darker evenings.
J Hi-Vis Reflective Coats are a great way to keep your dog cosy, warm and dry as well as create an awareness of a dog out for a walk. They are highly visible to other walkers, cars and bikes when light is reflected upon them.
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Reflective leads often have reflective piping down the length of the lead itself. If a reflective lead is not what you are looking for, especially if your dog is comfortable on its current lead then why not opt for a light attachment?
When out for walks on the dark evenings, it’s not just cyclists, motorbike riders and car drivers you should be concerned with. Other walkers are something to consider, especially if any of the dogs are young, old, anxious or deaf. Seeing a dark shadow approaching can be a little intimidating, if you are lit up then this should keep your dog and others feeling safe and relaxed making your walk a bit more enjoyable.
J Of course, what’s a collar without a lead? Including a reflective lead when on your evening walk will offer you and your pooch a bit more protection and make it easier for oncoming traffic to see a dog and its human walking.
Orbiloc has designed safety lights that can not only be attached to your dog’s lead or collar but also on the walker which is a great way for you both to be seen. These lights are also waterproof so can be used in the rain.
J Flashing Bands simply clip around your dog’s neck for instant illumination for 500 metres, making your dog unmissable. These are available in a variety of eye-catching colours, and are a great way to ensure your dogs are seen when out and about throughout the autumn and winter months.
J Hi-Vis collars are one way to help get your dog noticed by drivers and cyclists, a dog collar with reflective strips could be the perfect solution for your four-legged friend.
If you follow petplace on social media you will no doubt have interacted with Ashlee, she loves engaging with their customers and, most importantly, seeing all your wonderful pets.
THE WAR MEMORIAL WHERE A BOY WHO BROKE MY HEART SMUDGED THE STILL-WET CEMENT
Page 14 NWM 2022 Lowri Llewelyn reminisces about her upbringing in Menai Bridge…
My Australian friend has come to visit.
As we make our way down through Coed Cyrnol woods, there’s the ghost of a memory I surely can’t remember… me, tiny, pushing my Disney dolls’ pram as its handles escape my fists and it rockets down the hill, me darting after it to find a kindly stranger has caught it at the bottom. Straight ahead of us is Ynys Tysilio, or Church Island, tide low and swampy either side of the causeway. At the entrance to the graveyard is an enormous multi-stemmed Monterey Cypress. As we amble round the little island, I point out the resting place of my friend Lucy, who died in our mid twenties. From the other end of the island is an uninterrupted view of the Britannia Bridge. I tell Connor about the fire which engulfed the once tubular structure, and the two stone lions hidden either side I like to think protect it from further harm: Pedwar llew tew, Heb ddim blew, Un yr ochr yma, Ac un yr ochr drew.
A trip memorydownlane
We stop to admire St Tysilio’s Church, the current building thought to date back to the 15th Century, and where I always thought I’d get married. It marks the site of the religious cell of St Tysilio, said to have retired here around the sixth century to escape the responsibility of running the prince of Powys’s army. Behind those trees? The devil pit into which my friend Ben swore villagers would throw in that wretched creature caught walking among them.
As I scour the gravestones for details, I recall a school trip to the island to make brass rubbings of these old graves; over there is John Evans “Y Bardd Cocos”, the Cockle Bard, famed for such inane ditties as the one detailing the aforementioned fat, hairless lions.
CLAMBER TO THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE ISLAND AND YOU’LL FIND
Likewise, I explain how gray squirrels from the mainland traversed the bridge and decimated the island’s red squirrel population, and how its height of 100ft allowed tall sailing ships to pass beneath while navigating this narrowest point of the Straits.
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I point at Pig Island which holds the Anglesey side of the bridge’s foundation, where long before any bridge, drovers allowed their animals to rest en route to the mainland.
I know every branch of these trees on our left, hours and hours spent playing as the mums chattered just out of eyeshot. From our vantage points – me on the lowest branch, my brother a little higher, our friend Lisa always the highest – a view of Menai Straits as it rumbled past, serene to the casual observer. But us locals know it’s as deadly as quicksand. This part of the Strait is known as the Swellies, the most treacherous part of the Menai which claimed hundreds of ships over the centuries. One notable example is that of the Pwll Fanog Wreck, found carrying 40,000 slates and shedding light on the North Wales slate industry around 500 years ago. I tell my friend how the town’s much older Welsh name, Porthaethwy, denotes a gateway to a local Celtic tribe of the Middle Ages. As we pass beneath the Menai suspension bridge, I tell my friend to SHOUT SO WE CAN HEAR THE ECHO. This 1826 masterpiece is that of Thomas Telford’s, a name ready at the lips of any Ysgol Y Borth pupil. From here it’s possible to truly appreciate the might of the Menai, her currents and whirlpools which make her so exceptionally dangerous.
I EXPLAIN HOW GRAY SQUIRRELS FROM THE MAINLAND TRAVERSED THE BRIDGE AND DECIMATED THE ISLAND’S RED SQUIRREL POPULATION
DOWN WITH A CHILLED WHITE
Lowri Llewelyn is a North Wales based journalist who is endlessly curious [read: nosy] and loves everything to do with this beautiful region that she is lucky enough to call home.
Clamber to the highest point on the island and you’ll find the war memorial where a boy who broke my heart smudged the still-wet cement. Half a lifetime has passed but I still look out for that smudge. Let’s head back to the mainland, shall we? These waters can engulf the causeway; back in the day, a young boy was assigned the task of alerting churchgoers when it was time to Weleave.meander to Carreg yr Halen along the Belgian Promenade, built by Belgian refugees as a gesture of thanks during the first world war. It’s said the refugees cried when a band played the Belgian national anthem in welcome to Wales.
I tell Connor about Joe, a boy a year above me in primary school, who disappeared from this bridge when barely an adult, and how Freckled Angel on the high street is named in his Next:memory.sustenance.
ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SPOTS IN TOWN IS THE BALCONY AT DYLAN’S RESTAURANT, WHERE WE SHARE TIN WASHED WINE.
A BREAD
One of my favourite spots in town is the balcony at Dylan’s restaurant, where we share a bread tin washed down with a chilled white wine. Bellies full, we make our way through town back towards the Cantonese, pointing out the Rownd a Rownd TV set tourists would mistake for real shops, and the boarded-up Chinese banquet where environmental safety found a seagull in the Ifreezer.mayno longer live here but this will always be home. n
The Makropulos Affair; the director’s perspective Olivia Fuch’s new production will be visiting Venue Cymru in Llandudno on Friday 14th October, with soprano Angeles Blancas Gulin in the leading role… Janáček’s The Makropulos Affair is a tragic drama of immortality, death and purpose of life and features some of the composer’s most extreme and alluring music. This opera marked his penultimate one and, like much of his later work, was inspired by his infatuation with Kamila Stösslová, a married woman less than half his age. Welsh National Opera’s Autumn 2022 Season sees a brandnew production of this opera. We caught up with director Olivia Fuchs to find out more about this lesser-known masterpiece and the heroine at the centre of it all: “Emilia Marty, originally Elina Makropulos or E.M, is one of the most enigmatic and compelling characters written for the stage. She is the epitome of stylishness and sophistication. Having lived for over three hundred years she has developed the exceptional power and charisma of a femme fatale who drives most of the male characters insane with passion. Her ability to shine a light on the lives of others acts like a magnifying glass or a distorting mirror illuminating flaws and potential alike. Emilia Marty is compelling both as a character and as a symbol of our times. She embodies the metaphysical question of how we collectively deal with the reality and fear of aging Olivia Fuchs and death. She embodies the tension between fact and fairytale, truth and falsehood, style and essence. At the heart of The Makropulos Affair is an implied critique of the dehumanising potential of science when experiments interfere with the natural world without underlying ethics or a deeper understanding of the interconnection of all life. Always interested in the idea of nature’s renewal Janáček depicts Emilia Marty’s existential fragility at the end of the opera, and with this transformative ending encourages his audience to treasure and relish each moment of life. The production reflects the elegance and texture of the 1920s, combining elements of detailed realism with a lyrical surrealism. Poetic, visually surprising and multi-layered, it moves fluidly from scene to scene exploring how we experience history through the layering of our individual and collective memories. It is almost 100 years since Vec Makropulos was first performed and it remains as lifeaffirming and relevant today.”
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The Makropulos Affair is showing at Venue Cymru on Friday 14th October as part of Welsh National Opera’s autumn tour. For full tour details and tickets visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or www.wno.org.uk
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© Mark Hamblin
When you garden for wildlife your patch – whatever its size – becomes part of a much bigger network for nature. Connecting up with other gardens, nature reserves and wild spaces creates a green corridor joining up havens for wildlife. Wildlife-friendly gardening is about creating shelter and providing food, water and nesting sites, as well as using methods that protect the environment. Some tips for your garden this autumn: J Don’t be too tidy. Small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects will all benefit from undisturbed areas of grass, stones or logs, and they will return the favour by helping control pests in your garden.
© Penny Frith © Joshua Copping
J Find some sheltered space in your garden - under a hedge, by the shed or the log pile - and heap up dead leaves, bark and twigs to make a great place for bugs and beetles to shelter or overwinter. A hedgehog may even be tempted to move in!
Go wild in your garden this autumn
©JanetPackham
J A garden pond is one of the best features for attracting wildlife to the garden including hedgehogs, birds and other creatures that need a fresh drinking source.
J Autumn is a good time to sow a wildflower patch. It’s a great way to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, which in turn will attract birds and small mammals.
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Is your garden a haven for wildlife?
Lin Cummins of North Wales Wildlife Trust describes how your garden could be part of a blooming, buzzing and growing network for nature.
But did you know that the UK’s gardens cover more land than all of the national nature reserves combined? Their importance for wildlife, and our wellbeing, is without doubt. How we care for our gardens can make a big difference to the natural world – a world that, sadly, is in big trouble right now. With many of our garden visitors like hedgehogs, bees, bats, even sparrows and song thrushes, in decline it’s good to know there’s something we can do to help.
Find out by taking North Wales Wildlife Trust’s wildlife gardening survey. You’ll receive free gardening tips on how to attract wildlife. You could also win a one-to-one consultation with North Wales Wildlife Trust’s gardening experts plus other prizes including a £50 wildlife gardening voucher. For more information please northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/gardensurvey_NWMvisit:
Those of us fortunate enough to have gardens will not need reminding how nature brightens our lives with birdsong, vibrant colour and the busy buzzing of bees.
J Please don’t use weed killers or pesticides – they are pretty nasty chemicals and really harmful to wildlife. Many so-called ‘weeds’ like dandelions, thistles and nettles are hugely beneficial to pollinators and provide food for butterfly larvae too. Happy gardening for wildlife! n
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“Food optimising is such a simple way to eat healthier and lose weight, it’s all about choice power,” explains the Slimming World consultant in the North of the island, Sarah Flanagan in beautiful Cemaes Bay. “Eating the foods you enjoy can have a positive impact on your weight loss. The bonus is that there’s no such thing as ‘Slimming World’ food, it’s all just, well, food!
Meanwhile Slimming World’s newest consultant, Annette in Menai Bridge, totally embraced August’s Body Magic challenge. “Body Magic is about more than exercising to lose weight, it really is about food and activity working together to achieve life long results, and I’m loving finding new ways to get active that don’t cost me a penny!” she says.
Meet the Anglesey team slimmingtakingbystorm! knew I could probably do a bit more,” she comments. “But not feeling pressured into setting a target I didn’t feel comfortable with meant I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I used the books we are given as new members to check out the BMI guidance, and thought about where I’d feel comfortable. Having an interim target meant I felt I had something a bit closer to aim for that wouldn’t take so long, but knowing that ultimately my Personal Achievement Target was there waiting for me!”
April
07738 385084 Sarah
Annette Menai Bridge –B Llanfairpwll
To find out more about groups in your local area, log on to www.slimmingworld.co.uk, or F Cemaes – 07369 252947 Llaingoch – 07493
Slimming World’s Llangefni / Gaerwen consultant Cherrish is a firm believer in the power of the group. “IMAGE therapy, Individual Motivation and Group Experience, really is a gamer changer for our most successful members,” she explains. “It’s more than just coffee and a chat, it’s the opportunity to make firm plans for the week ahead, get and give support, and analyse the areas we struggle with. Sometimes simply asking for meal ideas, sometimes thinking about those deep questions that help us recognise patterns of behaviour and change them for the better. For me it’s the real family feel we get in group that makes the biggest difference, knowing that members are really there for each other, there’s no better feeling!”
From left to right Cherrish, Annette, Sarah Burton, April and Sarah Flanagan
Anyone can eat it, whether they’re looking to lose weight or not, meaning that healthy eating can truly be a Family Affair!”
There have been some big changes on Anglesey’s Slimming World team over the last few years, even more so with the impact of covid, but they are determined to get out there and help as many people as possible achieve their dream of a healthier weight and lifestyle. “We’d love to welcome more colleagues to our team too, inviting members to find out what the role of Slimming World consultant can offer them in this ever changing environment,” adds Sarah.
In Llanfairpwll, Sarah Burton knows that the freedom of being able to choose her own target made losing weight feel much more achievable. “I knew how much I wanted to lose,
– 07746 581830 Cherrish Llangefni & Gaerwen – 07734 946381 NWM 2022 Page 21
For April in Llaingoch, Holyhead, it’s about making sure that Slimming World members feel comfortable walking in to ANY of its groups. “Walking through that door can be the hardest thing some of our members will ever do, I want them to know what they’re walking in to, to know we don’t judge, and we never humiliate anyone brave enough to walk through our doors. The power of social media helps us provide some familiarity to anyone who wants to join us, to view our venues, and even ‘meet’ us too!”
fr dom slimmingworld.co.uk *At participating groups. See our website for more information.
contact: Sarah
480686
Almost 60% of adults on Anglesey are classed as obese, and that’s not the only figure the local Slimming World branch wants to change!
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Top gardens for autumn colours Plan@NTWalesyourvisit this September here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wales Bodant Garden Free visits with Open Doors This September, Open Doors, the Wales-wide heritage festival funded and organised by Cadw, is back. On selected dates throughout the month world-class gardens and grand mansions cared for by National Trust Cymru will be offering free entry, allowing visitors to explore and discover something new about our Welsh heritage. Bodnant Garden, Conwy, North Wales Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 9.30am to 5pm. Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, North Wales Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, 10am to 4pm, last entry 3pm. Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool, Mid Wales Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm. Castle open 12 noon, last entry 3.30pm. Erddig, Wrexham, North Wales Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm. Chirk Castle, Wrexham, North Wales Saturday 17 September, 10am to 5pm. Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, Snowdonia, North Wales Saturday 17 September, 10am to 4pm. Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey, North SaturdayWales24 and Sunday 25 September, 10.30am to 4pm Head to the website plan your www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walesvisit. Chirk Castle ©National Trust Images Stephen Robson Penrhyn Castle ©National Trust Images Matthew Antrobus Plas ©NationalNewyddTrust Images John Millar
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The seasons are changing and across North Wales nature’s best show is about to begin. Take in the ever-changing display of colours at National Trust Cymru’s places this autumn.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden Set on the Menai Straits, with a backdrop of Snowdonia’s summits, Penrhyn Castle looks spectacular in the autumn as the red Virginia Creeper covers the castle walls and the garden’s trees turn golden. Plas Newydd House and Garden There are over 150 acres of gardens, woods and parkland to enjoy at Plas Newydd and autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year to explore them. Discover ever changing colours and views across the Strait to Snowdonia and if you are lucky you may spot one of the red squirrels that live in the woodlands.
Bodnant Garden Enjoy the dazzling display of Japanese acers in shades of crimson, amber and gold. Bodnant’s native trees and specimens from around the world are at their finest at this time of year, catch them reflecting in the lake at the Far End. Chirk Castle Discover the natural beauty outdoors at Chirk as summer ends and an array of reds, yellows, burnt oranges, and golds sweep across our historic estate. Look out for the colourful Waxcap fungi as you walk and far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside.
Stephen Gregory’s journey from student to acclaimed writer went from one school term to another – until he escaped to the North Wales countryside… made coffee on the gas stove… and a few minutes later I was scrawling pages of very good and very bad ideas onto a yellow pad, the very stuff of the novel I would write in the coming autumn and winter.
Page 24 NWM 2022 September… and back to school? Not necessarily. One September, back in the 1980s, I was waking up in a little old caravan in a field in the village of Nantlle, in the foothills of the Snowdonia national park, and realising it was the first September since I was five years old that I wasn’t going ‘back to school’. I was 33, I’d been through primary school and secondary school and university and then gone straight into school teaching… 28 consecutive years of following the rhythms of the school year as though they were as inevitable as the seasons themselves. I remember the mixed feelings of joy and panic. Joy, because I’d escaped the system in which I’d been cocooned since I was a small boy, that I’d tugged myself away from its comfortably magnetic attraction… and panic, because I felt suddenly rather alone and lonely in my Snowdonian retreat. It was the beginning of years of living in caravans in North Wales, of tackling the risky, exhilarating prospect of being a freelance writer rather than a teacher in full-time employment. And what a marvellously refreshing place to embrace my new freedom! I emerged from the caravan and strolled across the fields, startling the sheep which were grazing there, and I knelt to splash my face in the dark, cold waters of Nantlle lake. I gazed around me, up to the flanks of Snowdon and its peak in a swirl of cloud, to the looming grey spoil of the slate quarries, across the still, smooth face of the lake itself. Intensely invigorated, I strode straight back to the caravan,
A lesson learnt
Caravans in Snowdonia… I lived in a few of them, over the first few summers of my writing adventure, when I was feral in North Wales. In the winter I’d be able to rent a cottage and be snug against the gathering darkness, because the rents were so low and landlords were happy to have anyone, even a feckless young novelist, in their property. But by the beginning of April and the first holidays of spring, the rents shot up and I’d find a local farmer with an empty caravan in a field of sheep, which I could occupy through an idyllic summer. In Betws Garmon, on the winding road beyond Waunfawr and climbing up and up through Rhyd-ddu and onwards to Beddgelert… it’s the quintessence of Snowdonia, a tiny village on the river Gwyrfai, in the valley between Moel Eilio and CARAVANS IN SNOWDONIA… I LIVED IN A FEW OF THEM, OVER THE FIRST FEW SUMMERS OF MY WRITING ADVENTURE, WHEN I WAS FERAL IN NORTH WALES
YES, THE APPLES WERE FALLING, IT WAS SEPTEMBER AND NOT THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO BE PITCHING A TENT IN AN ORCHARD.
Schooldays are the best days of your life, right? But sometimes you need to tug yourself away from their gentle magnetism.
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And another caravan, in a field below the forests of Mynedd Mawr, near a farmhouse called Tros y Gol. There were big galumphing heifers sharing my summer domain, and they would lean against my caravan and rub their bony haunches so hard that sometimes I thought they would topple me over. Especially disconcerting at night, when I was dreaming the oddly nightmarish stories I was writing, when the beasts would blunder through the darkness and bump into the caravan, in their own bovine befuddlement… A different summer and a different place, yet still within the same village of Betws Garmon, and my home was a musty old caravan, all green with moss and surrounded by towering fir trees… It was a strangely unsettled summer. My head was whirling with the muddled ideas of a book which was resisting my very best efforts to write it, with the farmer’s geese pestering at my door all day and even knocking with their tough yellow beaks in the middle of the night, with the gnawing discomfort of a wisdom tooth enflamed in my jaw, and forever the groaning and creaking of those fir trees, leaning over my roof and threatening to topple and crush me in my feverish sleep. Ah, a marvellous place to be a horror writer, Snowdonia in the summer or the winter – at any time of the year really. And so I’ve enjoyed many idyllic summers in caravans, in the lovely mountain scenery of North Wales, and the occasional foray into real camping, under the stars. It was a golden September, and my wife and I pulled into a camp-site to spend a night in our new tent. A beautiful spot called Cae Afallen – the field of the apple trees – and indeed there was an orchard in full heavy fruit. There were already ten or a dozen other campers established on the site, with their caravans and tents set up at the other side of the field, some distance from the trees.
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. Mynedd Mawr, with Yr Wyddfa itself towering into a blue summer’s sky. My caravan was hidden in a derelict, roofless stone barn, accessible only by foot, a few hundred yards up a steep, rubble track. I would struggle up there with my shopping, with a few bottles of water and the kind of food I could eat without cooking anything at all, and ensconce myself in my perfect writer’s hideaway. Another hundred yards further, above the caravan in its ruinous hut, there was an abandoned quarry, no more than a cleft in the hillside, almost completely overgrown with rowan and alder and a formidable bristling of bramble… and I would scramble up in the evenings to my own special eyrie, with a view down the valley to a sunset on the Menai Strait at Caernarfon, and I’d look out for the nightjar which went hawking for moths in the twilight.
We thought it would be private and more appropriately rustic to pitch our tent in the orchard, wondering why no one else had done so. In the night, in our balmy and fragrant dreams, we were awakened by a heavy thud… and another thud, and another… as though a clumsy drunk or even a thief were trying to break into our tent. Me, bravely protective of my wife, I scrambled outside to confront the intruder. Thud, this time on the crown of my head. Yes, the apples were falling, it was September and not the best time of year to be pitching a tent in an orchard. Abashed, and bashed, we moved the tent out into the field, where a few of the other campers watched and smiled. So it’s September again, but no more school for me. Seventy now, I’ve added up the years of my life I’ve spent as a schoolboy or a student or a schoolteacher – exactly a half-century of ‘back to school’. And I remember the joy and panic, waking up in a caravan in Nantlle, long ago in lovely Snowdonia, and the daunting prospect of filling two or three hundred blank pages with my good ideas and bad ideas, to justify my escape from the classroom.
GO N C RI TGŴYL I’RDIWRNODPontio,10.09.2022BangorODDIGWYDDIADAUTEULUCYFAN! A WHOLE DAY OF EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Writers’
In August 2021, Gŵyl Goncrit brought live music and events to Pontio’s Loading Bay for a whole month of events, to welcome live events back to our spaces! We’re glad to announce that Gŵyl Goncrit is back this September for a day full of events. Take part in a circus workshop, enjoy live music, some brand new comedy and more… With free events, and all ticketed events costing £10 or less, come over and enjoy a feast of arts.
Gŵyl Goncrit returns for a day of events in Pontio, Bangor – joined by Yws Gwynedd, Qwerin, Comedy Writers Group and more on Saturday 10th September, 2022.
To
Opening the day is a circus workshop by Circo Pyro in our Studio Theatre. A fun, interactive workshop where children and young people can learn circus skills. Qwerin, will bring our Amphitheatre to life with a show full of joy, inspired by the weaving, flowing patterns of traditional Welsh folk dancing, combined with the pulsating energy of Queer nightlife. A contemporary dance performance celebration cutlutre, identity and community with an original soundtrack and costumes that give a new edge to the Welsh traditional dress, Qwerin truly is a feast for all the senses. The day will continue with a free performance of Dwndwr y Dŵr, commissioned by Articulture and the Wales Outdoor Arts Consortium. Butetown’s iconic carnival comes to life, drawing on magical motifs and folk memories from Wales and around the world to bring you a story about desires, choices and consequences. With Carnival costume, music and dance, Butetown’s Arts & Culture Association explores themes around migration and displacement, those left at home and those in limbo. Come and join the fun in our Public Spaces! Encore, a community choir from Bangor, established during the pandemic and has raised money for local causes, will bring a repertoire of music to our stage in Bar Ffynnon. To follow, Comedy Group will perform, a new group of comedians who meet to develop new work at Pontio every month. Join Bella Humphries, Katie Gill-Williams, Manon Ceridwen James, Jonnathan Ervine and Fflur Pierce in Bar Ffynnon, all for free! close Gŵyl Goncrit, we welcome Yws Gwynedd and band to Theatr Bryn Terfel, for a special gig – open to all ages. Come and enjoy one of the best bands in the Welsh language music scene. artists to the line up soon. pontio.co.uk
to be announced
More
Tickets available at
A whole day of events for the whole family!
©KristinaBanholzer 50thAnniversary 17September–1October2022 BBCNationalOrchestraofWales Calan EnsembleCymru RedPriest CommunityOperaGelert PaulMealor NEWSinfonia NEWVoices&Kana MugenkyoTaikoDrummers CanolfanGerddWilliamMathias NationalYouthChamberChoirofGreatBritain NorthWales International Music Festival GŵylGerdd Ryngwladol Gogledd Cymru nwimf.com AllconcertsareheldatStAsaphCathedral Bookonline-nwimf.com TheatrClwydbyphone-01352344101 CathedralFramesshop,StAsaph-01745582929 HeadlineSponsor/PrifNoddwr
The North Wales International Music Festival is celebrating its 50th Anniversary at St Asaph Cathedral between 17th September and 1st October 2022. Tickets can be purchased from nwimf.com
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Founded in 1972 by Welsh composer William Mathias, the North Wales International Music Festival is delighted to be celebrating 50 years. The concert venue is St Asaph Cathedral, chosen by Mathias for its very special acoustic. “It’s a privilege to play in a building so steeped in history. With the audience’s help, we’re going to raise the roof. It’s going to be a great night.” Patrick Rimes,
“WhenCalan people see the word opera they think of Tosca or something like that. This is nothing like it. It’s very melodic, more like Les Misérable. People going to it expecting to be entertained will be, I think.” Paul Mealor “Vivaldi was very rebellious and that has been one of the key features of our group. We wanted to break away from the classical music norm of people playing in tuxedos and being very formal and a bit austere so we wanted to break down the barriers between the audience and the performers and make it into much more of a show.”
North Wales International Music Festival celebrates 50th Anniversary
Theatr Clwyd - 01352 Cathedral Frames - 01745
NWM 2022 Page 29 NWIMF 2022 features: Saturday 17th September BBC National Orchestra of Wales (Harp soloist: Hannah Stone) Programme starts with the first piece they played in 1972, Weber’s Oberon Overture Sunday 18th September Calan Multi award-winning Welsh folk band. Bethan Rhiannon (accordion, vocals, clog dancing); Patrick Rimes (fiddle, Welsh bagpipes); Sam Humphreys (guitar); Shelley Musker-Turner (harp) Thursday 22nd September – free Schools and Tots Concerts with Live Music Now musicians Friday 23rd September Ensemble Cymru Chamber music morning concert celebrating 21 years of music-making. Elenid Owen (violin); Peryn Clement-Evans (clarinet); Richard Ormrod (piano) Friday 23rd September Red Priest “The World’s most extraordinary baroque quartet” … ‘break-all-rules, rock-chamber concert approach to early music’. Recorder: Piers Adams, Violin: Adam Summerhayes, Cello: Angela East, Harpsichord: David Wright Saturday 24th September Community Opera ‘Gelert’ World Premiere of Paul Mealor’s ‘Gelert’ with libretto by Grahame Davies. Welsh matinee & English evening performances. NEW Sinfonia ensemble. Soloists: Trystan Lewis, Dafydd Jones and Lisa Dafydd. Choirs: NEW Voices, Kana, Côr Cytgan Clwyd & Flintshire Youth Choir Sunday 25th September William Mathias Music Centre (CGWM) showcase concert Featuring students, tutors, alumni, and community groups including Hidden Talents Thursday 29th September The Flying Bedroom Theatre Company - free performances and workshops for children Friday 30th September - free Dementia Friendly concert with Live Music Now Cymru musicians – all welcome Friday 30th September Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Heart-pounding rhythms on huge taiko drums, sharp synchronisation and high energy, in a spellbinding performance from Mugenkyo’s tribe of performers from across the globe Saturday 1st October- free Steps in Music classes for babies - 7-year-olds with CGWM Saturday 1st October NEW Sinfonia, National Youth Chamber Choir of Great Britain & baritone Emyr Lloyd Jones Featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams: 5 Mystical Songs, Grace Williams: Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes & new commission by Jon Guy: Tales of Old, performed with this year’s NWIMF Instrumental Project students
Piers Adams, Red Priest
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Page 30 MAGAZINE 01745 582254 fireandstoveshow.co.uk Station Yard, Chester Street, St Asaph, LL17 0RE f t • • • • THE FIRE & STOVE SHOW With many manufacturers affected by supply issues and ever rising prices due to raw material costs, buy now to secure the best possible price and installation before winter arrives. UP TO £1500 OFF RANGE COOKERS SAVE £500 ON STOCK WOOD FIRED HOT TUBS NO VAT ON STOVES, FIRES & FIREPLACES *
‘Drawings for Floors’ will cross over all three galleries at Ruthin Craft Centre, with a vibrant mixture of twenty full sized hand tufted and hand knotted rugs, and over half a dozen acoustic felts, runners and flat weaves installed into the space. These will be exhibited as an interactive display with visitors encouraged to look around, through and below the detailed works.
Helen Yardley celebrates four decades of design studio practice with a solo exhibition at Ruthin Craft Centre.
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New designs from Helen Yardley for 2022 Designer Helen Yardley with her work Rimini Gold – From Helen Yardley’s Archive Collection, on show at Drawings for Floors
Focusing on Helen’s experience and knowledge; as a designer, crafts person and master of her field, the exhibition celebrates Helen’s distinctive and innovative style - combining both classic archive pieces alongside new, unseen designs for 2022 in a vivid mix that marks the start of a celebration of four decades of her design practice. Helen established her studio in London in 1983, after having studied textile design at the Royal College of Art.
‘Drawings For Floors’ by Helen Yardley Ruthin Craft Centre, Denbighshire, LL15 1BB 1st October 2022 – 8th January 2023 Free admission: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am - 5.30pm https://helenyardley.comhttp://ruthincraftcentre.org.uk
Of her technique, Helen says: “I approach making rugs as if they were large drawings for the floor; a form of practical artwork. Starting with small gouache paintings, the shapes and symbols are re-occurring motifs which carry underlying resonance and meaning. Many forms of visual and emotional experience filter into these drawings, so although the work may be seen as abstract, it is far from it. In translating these paintings into rugs the presence of the human hand is crucial and retaining the dynamic energy epitomises, for me, the essence of the hand made.
The chance to show at Ruthin Craft Centre, marking such an auspicious occasion, is of special significance to Helen because of family ties to the area. Helen’s mother was born and raised in Ruthin. Helen was christened in St Peter’s church and spent many happy summer holidays in Ruthin.
“Bespoke commissions are made in our London Bridge studio, but I work with experts both in the UK, and Nepal, to take my prototypes to the next stage. All our hand-tufted rugs are made in Yorkshire, while the hand-knotted rugs are made by skilled artisans in Nepal.”
The inner workings perspective of Helen’s practice, space and thoughts will also be highlighted in one gallery, where a film in conversation with Helen and showing excerpts of studio life, will be shown next to drawings, sketch book ideas, examples of past commissions, yarn tufts and ephemera. The gallery will complement the final finished textiles on view, allowing the visitor to experience the full creative process.
A broad selection of items will be on sale from the exhibition. Prices start from £300 upwards; bespoke commissions are available for all items. n
In a solo exhibition - ‘Drawings for Floors’ - British designer Helen Yardley will bring her signature style of colourful and bold abstract rugs and wall hangings, to all three galleries at the Ruthin Craft Centre in Denbighshire from the 1st October 2022 to the 8th January 2023.
RhylNHCRoadWeHereAre PRICES FROM ONLY £16.80* MONTHPER
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The best scallops that you can get are hand-dived, and naturally come in their own shell – a YouTube demonstration will show you how to prepare them; it’s dead easy. If you can’t get those, you may need to get hold of shells from the fishmonger. Fortunately, it isn’t the 1970s or they’d all be currently used as fashionable-looking ashtrays. Also, to coral or not to coral? Some people love the bright orange coral on a scallop, others prefer to take it off (you can use it very effectively in soups and sauces). I’ll leave that decision to you.
into a bowl and keep to one side. Turn the oven on to about 100˚C. Wipe the pan down with a sheet of kitchen towel. Take the scallops from their shells and put them in another bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and some salt and pepper. Meanwhile, arrange the six scallops shells on a baking tray, spoon the leek mixture evenly into the shells then slide them into the oven to keep warm. Turn up the heat on the pan and fry the scallops three at a time, for two and a half minutes each side. Repeat with the other three. Take the shells out of the oven, place a scallop on each shell, drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with chives and parsley… and devour.
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 BBC Good Food, HeyUGuys.com and The North Wales Don’t fancy cooking? / /
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Magazine,
@PaysanneDeganwy
Food for thought SCALLOPS WITH LEEKS, BACON & GINGER Serves two J king scallops (ideally in the shell) J 1 tbsp of olive oil J 25g salted butter J 6 slices smoked bacon, finely diced J 1 leek, finely sliced J 1 thumb-sized block of ginger, peeled and chopped J Salt and freshly ground black pepper J Small bunch of chives and parsley, finely chopped J Lemon juice
It’s hard to believe but September is here again. An ‘ember’ month. One moment it’s hosepipe bans and excess heat-warnings, then suddenly the school run has started again and there are festive biscuit selection tins on the shelves in Tesco. Where did the sum-mer go? Well, September has a way of stretching out those summer months for a few weeks longer. The nights aren’t dark yet, the sun is still out. Think of this month as one of those hidden tracks they used to put at the end of CDs after you thought it was all over. Before we all go back to eating hearty fare again as the nights draw in, there’s still plen-ty of fish and seafood out there to help maintain a Mediterranean illusion and keep our minds off the insane gas bills for a moment longer. Scallops are one of my absolute favourites. I don’t think I have a limit as to how many I could eat before I have to throw in the towel. One of our customers suggested this method and we cooked it up for him and other diners to a clamour of acclaim.
www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk
BEER BRONZE BEER BRONZE REGIONAL BOTTLE/CAN WINNERINDEPENDENT BEER BRONZE REGIONALBOTTLE/CANWINNERBRITISH INDEPENDENTBEER AWARDS2019 BRONZE REGIONAL BOTTLE/CAN WINNER BEER BRONZE BEERINDEPENDENT 2019AWARDS BRONZE BEERINDEPENDENT 2019AWARDS GOLD REGIONAL BOTTLE/CAN WINNER BRITISH BITTER (UP TO 4.4%) REGIONAL BOTTLE/CAN WINNER Traditionally brewed in Wrexham, North Wales magicdragonbrewing.com - 01978 781 675WILDHORSEBREWING.CO.UK
Further inland and Magic Dragon brewery produce six different bottled beers from their husband and wife run micro-brewery near Wrexham. They combine traditional methods with modern ingredients for a distinctive and great tasting beer. The brewery has created a Welsh beer gift box which includes a bottle each of their range of beers.
There’s nothing better than a nice cold beer – except a locally brewed one… Wild Horse focuses on brewing beers with balance, drinkability and flavour
Whether you are a North Wales local or are simply visiting the area, there is no better way to finish a day exploring than with a refreshing local beer and, luckily, we have some great local breweries to choose Tuckedfrom. away in a small industrial estate off Builder Street in Llandudno you’ll find Wild Horse Brewing Co. Formed in 2015, they are a team of ten hard working and passionate individuals brewing, packaging and delivering delicious craft beer across North Wales and Whatbeyond.sets them apart from mass market beer is the time, care and attention that has been put into producing the best beer possible. Wild Horse focuses on brewing beers with balance, drinkability and flavour; beers you can enjoy again and again. The team are so incredibly proud of being a Welsh brewery, having taken so much inspiration for their beers and branding from our local surroundings – all of their can labels have a story. For example, the artwork for Nokota, Wild Horse’s bestselling session IPA is inspired by the lush, greenness of the area and is titled Coedwig Gwydyr (Gwydyr Forest). Meanwhile Statement of Youth’s label is inspired by an iconic seawall climbing route on the Great Orme, and Fatlamp’s artwork comes from the method of lighting that was used in the Bronze Age copper mines on Llandudno’s famous Orme!
A local brew
Wild Horse has taken much inspiration for their branding from our local surroundings
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Magic Dragon brewery produces six different bottled beers
Magic Dragon’s bottled beers can be purchased in local farm shops and from their website. The brewery also supplies pubs and bars with craft beer and cask ale, and they have their own small bottle shop at brewery which is based at The Plassey Holiday Park. n
This year, Eyton Gold, their golden ale, won two stars in this year’s Great Taste awards – the beer was described as “well balanced, well presented and an elegant golden ale. The honey notes are equaled by the finesse of grassy floral flavours”. Old Magic, a dark mild and Border Bitter both won a star each too.
Page 36 NWM 2022 OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.15-5.00 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00 INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com The Selling & Letting Agents Sales / Lettings 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel: 01492 583100 Sales 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com website: www.fletcherpoole.com £675,000 • Individually designed, detached five bedroom home built by local builder Tyldesley • Situated in a slightly elevated location, enjoying the most superb views • Deceptively spacious and beautifully maintained accommodation • Superb landscaped garden, large flagged patio, terrace, water feature & large lawned area with orchard LLANDUDNO £575,000 • An immaculately presented detached four bedroom home being one of only four • Easy walking distance to the school, marina, beach, Conwy town centre and lovely mountain walks • Built in 2013 by Cambrian Homes, this light & very spacious property offers well planned accommodation • Block paved driveway, double garage with electric door, south facing rear garden CONWY £300,000 • An immaculately presented three bedroom end terrace cottage situated within the castle walls. • Fully refurbished to a very high standard creating a light and modern home. • Currently run as a successful holiday let • Small courtyard with access to a communal grassed area CONWY £549,950 • A beautifully presented light and well planned, detached four bedroom modern home, built in 1975. • Occupying a good size plot with the addition of a large detached garage/workshop to the rear • Enjoys far reaching views over Llandudno, the Vardre and the mountains in the distance • Good size garden with a large flagged patio with glass balustrade LLANDUDNO
NWM 2022 Page 37 OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.15-5.00 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00 INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com The Selling & Letting Agents Sales / Lettings 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel: 01492 583100 Sales - 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com website: www.fletcherpoole.com £239,950 • Spacious Two Bedroom Detached Bungalow • Situated Close To Local Amenities • Spacious Lounge With Dual Aspect Windows • Good Size Sunny Plot With Off Road Parking And Garage RHYL Reduced From £299,950 £289,950 • Well Maintained Three Bedroom Semi Detached House • Situated In A Sought After Residential Area • Enjoys Far Reaching Hillside & Coastal Views RHOS ON SEA Offers over £345,000 • BeautifullyPresentedFourBedroomDetached House • Landscaped Rear Garden With Conservatory • Situated In A Sought After Location PENRHYN BAY £295,000 • Purpose Built Three Bedroom Duplex Apartment • Situated In A Highly Desirable Location Just Off The Cayley Promenade • Enjoys Lovely Views Over The Park & Towards The Sea RHOS ON SEA
Page 38 NWM 2022 MAGAZINE Coppi Road, Denbigh £575,000 Ref: WE5125 • Four Bedroom Detached Character Property • Rural Location • Double Garage and Workshop • Bedroom with Ensuite • Large Well Maintained Gardens • Unspoilt Countryside Views • Large Driveway • EPCD62 Bryn Celyn, Axton £400,000 Ref: WP9539 • Large Detached Cottage • Set in the heart of the Welsh Countryside • Extensive Views of the Countryside Surrounding and Coastline Beyond • Close Proximity to the A55 Expressway • Available with No Onward Chain • Off Street Parking • Two Reception Rooms • EPC TBC. Gwyddelwern, Corwen £395,000 Four Bedroom Detached Victorian House • Quiet Village Location An Abundance of Original Character Features • Extensive Garden Space Gorgeous Views of the Surrounding Countryside • Detached Garage/Workshop Within a Short Commute to Ruthin Town • EPCE50 Ref: RN2289
NWM 2022 Page 39 Tyn y Caeau, Pwllglas £575,000 Ref: RN2278 • A Traditional Three Bedroom Welsh Cottage • Sought After Village Location • Retaining Many Original Features • Surrounded by Open Countryside • Enjoying Extensive Views Across the Vale of Clwyd • Private Access • Having an Oak Framed Sun Lounge • EPC F 35. Lowther Court, Bodelwyddan Ref: WR11253 • Four Bedroom Detached Family Home • Master Bedroom with En-Suite • Situated on a Favoured Cul-De-Sac Position • Living Room with Additional Snug • Spacious Accommodation Throughout • Well Maintained Rear Garden • EPCC72 • Within Close Proximity to Glan Clwyd Hospital and the A55 Expressway Offers over £350,000 Nant y Ffrith, Bwlchgwyn £695,000 • Three Bedroom Detached House • Set on Approximately 3.8 Acres of Land • Panoramic Views of the Welsh Countryside • Electric Vehicle Charging Point • Benefitting from Vaulted Ceilings and Other Character Features • Large Driveway and Double Garage • Sun-Room to the Front Welcoming in Extensive Views. • EPC D55 Ref: WM1232
This is a good time to take a look at how much you are spending on the weekly shop. Each visit to the supermarket is an opportunity to buy things you may not need, especially if the kids are in tow, so plan your meals for the week and try to do all you can in one big shop. Swapping to supermarket own brands, shopping at the end of the day when food is discounted and trying some of the more budget-friendly supermarkets are easy ways to cut the cost of food bills.
1. Budget where you can Step one is simply to work out a budget for upcoming occasions and events such as Christmas. This is the most important step as it’s surprising how much small things, including days out during the holidays and on weekends, can add up if you’re not keeping track of everything. Moneyworks Wales budgeting tool is a great place to start.
With the cost of living going up, Ann Francis of Cambrian Credit Union has some tips to help you make the most of your money…
NWM 2022 Page 41
8. Consider switching bank accounts
2. Get smart with the supermarket shop
Instead of feeling the need to always buy new, there may be the opportunity to fix what you already have. If you have broken household items you are unable to repair, there are local Repair Cafés. Volunteers repair anything from clothes, toys, electricals, computers and so on. This is free but they appreciate a donation of what you can afford.
With energy bills sky high, it’s worth considering trying alternatives to turning on the heating at every opportunity. It might be cost-effective if you’re working from home to consider buying yourself a heated blanket which you can put on your legs while working or when you’re sat watching TV at the end of a day. n Find out more at www.cambriancu.com
mattersMoney
As we move into the latter part of the year, we all tend to feel the squeeze as thermostats go up and many of us are saving to give our families the Christmas we feel they deserve, but this year is bound to be more difficult than usual.
If you’ve ever bought anything online, chances are you get daily emails telling you about the latest offers, sales and new products. Marketing teams send these emails for a reasonthey tempt people to buy! Take away the temptation to bust your budget by unsubscribing.
Before you can work out your budget, it’s important to be honest about your spending as that will give you the best understanding of where you can cut back. The best place to start this process is by opening up your bank app or digging out those bank and credit card statements and facing the raw reality of your spending habits.
9. Heat what is necessary rather than the whole house
While banks stopped paying out during the pandemic, the switching cash has begun to flow again. There are now many providers that pay £100 or more to switch to them. So unless you’re incredibly loyal to your current back, if you need cash, why not take advantage of the offers available?
7. Make do and mend
5. Play dates for the kids Remember how much more fun it was to play in your friend’s house? Trading play dates with other parents is a good way to keep the kids occupied and spread the cost of childcare.
4. Enjoy time outside doing things that are cheap or even free We are lucky in North Wales to have a lot of great outdoor spaces to visit (weather permitting!) that are free of charge. If it’s nice and dry then you can grab a warm jacket and enjoy the parks, beaches, hills and forests that make for a perfect day out – and don’t forget to pack a picnic.
6. Finance booster Make sure that you are receiving any benefits or tax credits that you are entitled to receive at https://benefits-calculator. turn2us.org.uk/ or call Advice Link Cymru which has set up a special hotline on 0800 702 2020 to help you claim what’s yours. Pension credit is a tax-free, means-tested benefit aimed at retired people on low incomes – and it can be worth thousands a year. Plus it’s a gateway benefit that may make you eligible for council tax discounts, free TV licences for over-75s and more.
3. Unsubscribe from tempting websites
Yr Amwythig • Bromyard • Conwy • Henffordd • Llwydlo • Croesoswallt • Telford Shrewsbury • Bromyard • Conwy • Hereford • Ludlow • Oswestry • Telford Swyddfa Conwy Office 1 & 2 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy LL32 8UB 01492 557070 info@lblaw.co.uk www.lblaw.co.uk CYFREITHWYR • SOLICITORS Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team Yma i helpu… Mae ein swyddfeydd agor ar gyfer cyfarfodydd sydd wedi eu trefnu o flaen llaw ac er mwyn gollwng dogfennau. Rydym eisoes yn cynnig cyfarfodydd dros y ffôn a thrwy fideo. Here to Help… Our offices are open for pre-arranged appointments and to drop off documents, we continue to offer meetings via telephone and video. Rydym ni’n cynnig ystod eang o wasanaethau cyfreithiol, sy’n cynnwys: Offering a wide range of legal services including: • Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl • Amaethyddiaeth • Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant • Cyfraith Teulu • Cyflogaeth • Corfforaethol a Masnachol • Anghydfodau • Troseddau Moduro • Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol • Commercial & Residential Property • Agriculture • Wills, Trusts & Probate • Family Law • Employment • Corporate & Commercial • Disputes • Motoring Offences • Personal Injury & Medical Negligence
Legal
Freeenquiry.”legal
including family matters, contact the Lanyon Bowdler team on 01492 557070 or visit www.lblaw.co.uk
The cost of getting a divorce has been slashed with the advent of new legislation which makes it easier than ever for couples to go their separate ways.
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Divorce costs lower than ever – but professional advice still recommended eagle
A series of free events to give people advice on how to pursue a clinical negligence or personal injury case have been declared a success. Solicitors from Lanyon Bowdler held the legal clinics at their Conwy office during the summer, and are now planning future events. Laura Weir (pictured), a clinical negligence expert at Lanyon Bowdler, said the events had been well-received. “It was great to welcome people to our offices in Conwy, and we were able to help with a range of enquiries,” she said. “Along with the head of the firm’s clinical negligence team, Beth Heath, I met with a number of people who had experienced some serious issues whilst being treated at local hospitals. The key thing we discussed was whether their case would meet the legal test and the options available for funding these claims, which is always a major consideration for people before taking legal action. These free clinics are a brilliant opportunity for people to sit down with us, in a welcoming environment, to see how we can help them make a claim for compensation - which can be life-changing. We are always very happy to talk to people about potential clinical negligence or personal injury cases, whether that be at a future legal clinic or by a direct advice clinics a successful initiative for law firm legal issues,
Legal experts at law firm Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in Conwy, say the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill has revolutionised the divorce process. The Bill, which came into force earlier this year, has ended the necessity for couples to prove one of five grounds for divorce, allowing them instead to simply agree that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. Couples can now even complete the process themselves online, although that could lead to complications further down the line, as Caroline Yorke, of Lanyon Bowdler’s family law team, explains. “The changes have certainly made a huge difference to the divorce process, and in very straightforward cases people may want to go through the procedure themselves,” she says. “However, if property or children are involved, I would strongly advise getting in touch with a solicitor to make sure that the correct steps are taken. There are a lot of things to consider, especially regarding children and who is responsible for future decisions, which are not always easy to agree on during the course of divorce proceedings. The main benefit of the new legislation is removing the so-called blame game, so a separation can be more amicable and positive, rather than the unpleasant adversarial divorce proceedings of the past. Whatever route you take, the cost of getting a divorce is certainly lower now than it has been in the past, which is understandably a great source of relief for couples who are going through a difficult enough time without the stress of paying a lot of legal fees.”
For more advice about any
Although concerts, performances and sporting fixtures were put on hold due to COVID-19 and safety precautions, the school was quick to put a comprehensive schedule of normal occasions once restrictions were lifted, something that’s been prevalent throughout the academic year. Not only this, but Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional facilities are also available to hire for community groups or dramatic societies across the region. As part of their exceptional campus, Rydal Penrhos has a large drama studio for either rehearsals or performances. This is where aspiring performers can hone their craft before taking the stage in a setting that is perfect for such a task.
All at Rydal Penrhos remain enormously proud of our association with the community in which it resides. For more than 100 years the school has valued being part of the locality and recognises the beauty and safety, adventures and hospitality the location affords, quite often the decision-maker for our boarding community in the past and more recently the reason behind many of our current families relocating to North Wales. We remain keen on supporting local charities, using local businesses, employing local people and educating local children both fee-paying and those who are Fully Funded and Rydal Penrhos positively promotes and encourages organisations and clubs to use its exceptional facilities.
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These productions are always one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar, with the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird, Annie the Musical, Les Miserables and Matilda the Musical Jr. becoming spectacles that will live long in the memory and a real showcase of confidence.
Anyone wishing to enquire about the facilities at Rydal Penrhos should emailevents@rydalpenrhos.com, call 01492 530155 or register your interest online at rydalpenrhos.com. show time!
association with the Pauline Quirke Performing Arts Academy’s Conwy branch, which uses the campus as its base for weekly activities and performances.
The school’s Memorial Hall takes you into a “Downton Abbey” style architecture and feel. Anyone would feel like a prince, princess or the belle of the ball in such surroundings and this is the setting for productions and performances in the grandest setting imaginable. The hall is a traditional theatre with a large stage, state-of-theart AV and dedicated dressing room facilities. Our outstanding events team will also be on hand to provide assistance with every step of the way and ensure the big night or nights go off without a hitch thanks to meticulous planning.
It’s
The school will also be hosting the upcoming Ballyhoo Theatre Company production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in October. This is a major occasion that Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to be a small part of, which promises to be one not to miss from a brand new venture for out-of-work or experience-seeking performers based in North Wales following a shortage of opportunities for artists after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rydal Penrhos has wowed audiences over the years with Dramatic Society plays and musicals that have formed a key component of the school’s illustrious history in the performing arts.
Assisting the performing arts across the Conwy county area and beyond is just a small part of this. The school’s reputation is growing, and this is a great time to be associated with Rydal Penrhos throughout a wide range of areas. n
Rydal Penrhos has already received a significant amount of interest in its facilities. The school has formed a close
We chat to Rich Hebblewhite, Senior Lecturer in Computing at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, and find out a little bit more about this great course.
What do you specialise in?
What can students expect from the games courses at WGU? We have been running games courses at WGU for more than 15 years, and have a team of highly experienced and multi-award winning staff. We currently offer three industry dedicated undergraduate degrees, Computer Game Development, Game Art, and Computer Game Design and Enterprise. We also offer two postgraduate courses that naturally follow on from our undergraduate degrees, MA Game Art and MSc Computer Game development. All of our courses have an industrial placement option where students can work and gain experience in the gaming industry. There’s lots of collaboration throughout the programme at every level as students embark on group projects, working with individuals in different roles and taking ownership of a particular role that is relevant to their vocation. It’s all industry
expert
I currently manage and deliver our games courses here at WGU, and I’m also the founder of Games Talent Wales alongside running several conference and industry support initiatives. My educational background is in computing and I have industry experience in games, intelligence systems and design, web development and programming. After working freelance for several years, I moved into academia at WGU as a research associate and went on to complete an MPhil PhD and have progressed into my current position as Senior Lecturer. I have a number of roles alongside my work at WGU and have recently been promoted to the role of Global Regional Organiser for Global Game Jam (GGJ), the world’s largest indie game creation event organisation. I’ve been involved with the GGJ for more than a decade before stepping into the role of Regional Organiser for UK & Ireland over the last four years. However, my new role means I’ll be training and managing all regional organisers covering hundreds of venues and thousands of people across the world. The annual GGJ event itself takes place every January and enthusiasts from 140 countries come together for 48 hours to create games around a mystery theme. It’s aimed at collaboration, creativity and problem solving and all the games are uploaded and free for anyone to play.
NWM 2022 Page 47 simulation and enables students to get a taste of what a career in the industry is like. It not only helps them expand their skillset and gain vital teambuilding skills, it helps them build up a high-quality portfolio.
What type of experience can students gain outside of the programme? We’re always trying to integrate industry skills and practice into our courses and bolster up student’s employment prospects. Students often find they need experience to secure employment but need a job to gain experience, so we offer opportunities like Games Talent Wales to help them achieve this. It’s a grass roots development programme funded in partnership with Creative Wales. We see students at all degree levels entering the programme as a way to kickstart their career, creating their own real-world startup game studio to launch their own game. All participating studios receive around £2,500 of funding along with expert mentoring and incubation support. The programme currently runs in conjunction with University of South Wales and we’re currently hoping to expand this further in the coming years. It’s an amazing initiative for increased industry access and experience opportunities for gaming students.
Finding the right career path is daunting! Make sure you know what your strengths and weaknesses are, and think about the kind of role you see yourself fitting into. Motivation will be key going forward, and you should take enjoyment from the things you do where possible. Some people are more technically minded and better suited to programming while others are more creative and better suited to the design route. Others will have a good head for business or project planning. It’s important to understand where you fit best and forge a career on that path. Gaming is one of the most diverse and inclusive industries and there is space to facilitate anyone, whatever your skillset. It’s also a very healthy industry and remains one of the most consistent areas of economic growth. If you’re interested in one of our gaming courses then visit Glyndwr.ac.uk to find out more and come and visit us at one of our many open days. n
What advice would you give to anyone to pursue a career in the gaming industry?
Meet the
pupil also doing an AS Level in Economics after earning some phenomenal GCSE results.
Alongside all of those things the school is known for and which are now back on the curriculum such as activities, trips, sporting fixtures, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Combined Cadet Force, the Rydal Penrhos Sixth Form encourages stretching learning beyond the curriculum.
The difficulties for pupils and the wider educational system during the COVID-19 pandemic are well documented and still being felt across the country. But even with such distractions and restrictions, young learners at Rydal Penrhos were still able to accomplish a significant amount in ever-changing circumstances.
The school can best be judged by meeting our pupils, who are invariably well-mannered, kind, respectful, well-educated, hardworking, excellent company and good fun.
Stretching beyond the academic curriculum
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John Waszek is the Principal of Rydal Penrhos
Responding to changes quickly and effectively is something the school has taken a great deal of pride in throughout the pandemic. This has been reflected by strong examination results at both GCSE and A Level, in addition to our exceptionally high value-added scores and the progress we have seen across every year group thanks to the sterling efforts of staff and learners. Rydal Penrhos’ comprehensive online learning provision and expert support system enabled pupils to reach and often exceed their goals. Something they will all look back on in years to come with an enormous sense of pride.
Juan’s first-class degree came at a time when academic progress was being hindered across the country. The effect of this will be felt for some time, but it’s another strong reflection on Rydal Penrhos going above and beyond the call of duty to put our pupils – whether they be in Prep or about to leave for the next stage of their journey – in the right position to succeed.
Staff are also keen to nurture academic talent and ambition through supporting MOOCS and other alternative beneficial educational learning. Recently we received a wonderful piece of news surrounding one Sixth Form pupil that further reflects the notion of what was achieved in the face of pandemic adversity. Juan Rajagopal, who is part of the school’s Year 13 contingent about to embark on the next stage of their journey, worked tirelessly on a Mathematics degree course with the Open University alongside his A Level studies. This resulted in successfully attaining his 1st Class Bachelor of Science (Honours). This represents a monumental accomplishment for Juan, who joined Rydal Penrhos in Year 7 and has flourished across multiple areas under the guidance of our staff team. Juan studied Physics, Chemistry and Further Mathematics, with the
They are also proof that no matter what hurdles lie in front of them, anything can be achieved. Something that will stand them in enormously good stead throughout their education, at university and upon joining the working world. n
Examples like this are a testament to the work put in by everyone involved. But it’s equally as rewarding to see pupils flourishing in a safe, happy environment on a daily basis after so long without interaction and quality time in school with their classmates. This is at the forefront of all we do at Rydal Penrhos. Small class sizes focus on the individual and we are proud to boast outstanding pastoral care, excellent teaching and a powerful extra-curricular programme which is designed to enable each pupil to live his or her life to the full, both while at school and afterwards.
Page 50 NWM 2022 ADMISSIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022 OPEN Award winning education set in a 30 acre Tudor Estate, nestled between Snowdonia National Park and the North Wales coastline Independent Day & Boarding School for ages 9-19 ISA Awards Winners2020 Outstanding Sports Provision (Small School) GLODDAETH HALL, LLANDUDNO LL30 1RD | ADMISSIONS@STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK | TEL: +44 (0)1492 875974 FREEDOM TO FLOURISH REGISTER AT WWW.STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK
St David’s College A-Level Results St David’s College is proud to report an outstanding set of A-Level and BTEC Level 3 results from their year 13 group this summer. Having overcome a course disrupted by COVID restrictions these pupils have achieved a 97% pass rate across all Level 3 qualifications with an outstanding 42% of grades awarded being A*- A or Distinction*- Distinction. The Mathematics Department returned flawless results with 100% of pupils achieving A*-A. This was echoed by the sector-leading Design Technology Department with 11 of the 12 pupils taking the Level 3 qualifications achieving a Distinction* or A*-A; truly incredible work. Meanwhile the St David’s Science pupils have continued their excellent run of results with continued success in Applied Science BTEC Grades with over 88% of grades at Distinction* to Merit and 63.6% of Biology, Chemistry, & Physics grades at A* - A. “We are hugely proud of the achievements by our pupils,” said headmaster Andrew Russell. “It is so pleasing to see their hard work rewarded with these well-deserved results. The staff at St David’s have been a great support to them all and we can’t wait to see what wonders they will achieve in the future.”
Coleg Cambria announces range of new courses Coleg Cambria has unveiled a wide range of part-time courses to be delivered across North East Wales from September. Flexible professional and training qualifications are available at Cambria sites in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop and Llysfasi, in addition to community facilities in the region. Designed to improve and enhance work skills and career development, applicants can study anything from printmaking and first aid at work, to cocktail making, floristry and dog grooming. Among the accrediting organisations working in partnership with the college are IOSH, Welsh Government, City and Guids, Lantra, CIPD, Prince2, and Learn Welsh. Principal Sue Price (pictured) encouraged people in work or seeking a new opportunity to get in touch to find out more. “The breadth of part-time courses we have on offer demonstrate our close links with industry and some of the country’s leading awards bodies,” she said. “Whether you are employed and wanting to upskill or looking for a change in career, or you want to meet new people and learn something new, there is a course for everyone. The flexibility of studying online and in person makes them easily accessible, wherever you are.”
NWM 2022 Page 51 EDUCATION NEWS
Page 52 NWM 2022 MAGAZINE EDUCATION NEWS
J More social opportunities – over 20,000 students study across our campuses, so chances are that you’ll meet many different and interesting people – some of whom might turn out to be friends for life!
Rydal Penrhos is delighted to confirm some truly outstanding A Level results from the Year 13 cohort, who will now move on to the next stage of their journeys after an incredibly successful time at the school. This was the first time that most had sat examinations of this kind due to COVID-19 restrictions during their GCSE preparations. Rydal Penrhos pupils took on the challenge with their customary work ethic and determination and received unrivalled support from the school’s teaching staff. As results were formally announced on Thursday 18th August, a total of 64.2 per cent attained a pass rate at A*-A, with 37.78% securing A* grades thanks to their commitment and the impeccable preparation they received over their final two years at Rydal Penrhos. Those achieving A*-B grades stood at 80.5% and 92.7% of pupils achieved A*-C grades as a result of their efforts.
Rydal Penrhos announces A Level results
J More skills – at college, there will be opportunities for work experience and participation in national competitions
The Grŵp has hundreds of courses on offer – from BTECs to A-levels, and apprenticeships to degrees, to suit every need and to help you fulfil your potential. For those currently in Year 11, deciding what to do after your GCSEs is difficult, and many students go with the simplest option, which is to stay in school. But, what if you’re having doubts about your decision to go to sixth form? Perhaps you’re thinking that you should have chosen different subjects? Or chosen a course that is more ‘hands-on,’ where you learn a trade or vocational skill?
Tasnim Mortuza, Simeon Murphy-Thomas, Shruthi Ganapathi, Juan Rajagopal, Lydai Gilman, Suhas Shekar,
Rydal Penrhos’ pass rate (A*-E) remains at 100%, which is the eighth time since 2000 that the school has managed this feat.
J More choice – college can offer you a wide range of courses, both academic and vocational, in more than 35 subject areas. At AS/A Level alone, you can choose from nearly 40 different subjects
J More support – Personal Tutors, a Learning Support Team, Student Advisors and Learning Coaches are all easily accessible J More independence – you’ll be treated like an adult at college, and the skills you develop, such as communication, time management, teamwork, social skills and work experience, will make you more employable and prepared for the world of work or higher education
Last few places remaining at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s three colleges – Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor – have announced that they have a few last minute places available for courses starting in September… but hurry, as places are filling up fast!
To help you think things over, The Grŵp has drawn up a list of just a few of the benefits of coming to study at college:
NWM 2022 Page 53 Cyrsiau Rhan Amser Pro esiynol ac i Oedolion Gwnewch rywbeth i chiDysgwch Rywbeth Newydd Lawrlwythwch ein Canllaw Cyrsiau Rhan Amser newydd a Chofrestrwch Rŵan Adult and Professional Part Time Courses Do Something For YouLearn Something New Download our new Part Time Course Guide and Enrol Now 0300www.cambria.ac.uk3030007
Page 54 NWM 2022 Graddau gyda gwahaniaeth Degrees with a difference • Arbed arian drwy astudio’n lleol • Dosbarthiadau bach • Amserlenni hyblyg • Save money by studying locally • Small class sizes • Flexible timetables Ydych chi wedi ystyried astudio am radd yn y coleg? Have you thought about studying for your degree at college? degrees@gllm.ac.uk gllm.ac.uk/degrees
Sweeney Todd comes to Rydal Penrhos A large number of clubs, groups and associations from across the region benefit from Rydal Penrhos’ first-class facilities on campus, and the school is now delighted to announce a major theatrical production will be coming to the school’s Donald Hughes Memorial Hall later this year.
How a riser recliner chair can improve your lifestyle Age or injury shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the good things in life. Made to the highest standards, Adjustamatic Denbigh’s riser recliner chairs offer luxury as well as health benefits. A riser recliner helps you find comfortable positions that relieve stiff or tight muscles and physical discomfort. The ‘rise’ function supports your legs, hips and knees, and moves with you to find your ideal relaxed seated position. The Auto-Lift function effortlessly lifts you from seated to standing, and vice versa, without putting excess strain on your body. Sit comfortably and relax in the knowledge there’s nothing stopping you from popping up to make a quick cuppa. For medical conditions like osteoarthritis or varicose veins, the high leg lift function improves circulation and reduces leg swelling. In addition, posture support helps with conditions like hip pain and sciatica. www.adjustamatic-denbigh.co.uk
The British International Tattoo is proud to present The North Wales Military Music Pageant which is taking place on October 22nd in Wrexham. “A Reel of Remembrance” is a live spectacular show for all the family commemorating the 40th Anniversary of The Falklands Conflict and celebrating The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II while acknowledging the achievements of The Commonwealth. Taking you on a musical journey through each decade of Her Majesty’s glorious reign featuring The Regimental Band and Corps of Drums of The Royal Welsh, The Regimental Mascots of The British Army, The Royal Welch Fusiliers Corps of Drums, The Military Wives Choir with a special performance of “Sing” by Gary Barlow and The Commonwealth Choir and many more. Come early to enjoy The North Wales Military Music Pageant experience outside the arena with displays from the three services and a wide selection of trade stands and activities for the whole family to enjoy – all in aid of The Not Forgotten Veterans Charity.
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News Community
Presenting The North Wales Military Music Pageant
www.britishinternationaltattoo.com
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will take to the stage from October 25th -28th. It is being put on by Ballyhoo Theatre Company, a brand new venture for outof-work or experience-seeking performers based in North Wales following a shortage of opportunities for artists after the COVID-19 pandemic. A collection of professional performers, industry professionals and those early in their professional journeys have teamed together to stage what promises to be a mouth-watering production of the late Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical from 1979. Ballyhoo Artistic Director Luke Bevan thanked those involved with the production, saying: “This musical may be best known to you thanks to the film version starring Johnny Depp but the staging of such a musical has been made possible by the positive ‘can do’ attitude of performers who are making their own opportunities happen in these difficult times.” Tickets are priced at £17 and can be purchased online. rydalpenrhos.com
• 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 Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay Society 10/12 Alexandra Road Colwyn Bay LL29 7YB Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay 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
In the UK, there are currently around 900,000 people with dementia, and this is set to rise to 1.6 million people by 2040*. With September being World Alzheimer’s Month, we thought we’d share some information on how we are helping our clients as a Dementia Friend.
We would usually encourage to meet at their home, we find this helps to keep the meeting relaxed. It may also allow the person living with dementia to have triggers available that will help including photos and music.
The Alzheimer’s Society suggests that the person living with dementia shouldn’t be protected from the truth that someone has died. They recommend using body language to express sadness, hold their hand and provide comfort if they need it and to read sympathy cards together. At the funeral service, it can help to see the service sheet with a photo included of the person that has died. They may find being supported by someone they know helps. n
What is dementia? Dementia describes a set of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms can include: J Memory loss; J Confusion; J Problems with language and understanding; J Changes in behaviour. There are many types of dementia, however Alzheimer’s is the most common. Should a person living with dementia be included in the funeral arrangements? We believe that it can be possible to include someone living with dementia in the funeral arrangements and for them to attend the funeral. Dementia affects everyone differently and it is important we determine the level of support they will need from us. We have learnt, from undertaking our training with Dementia Friends, that people may forget facts and names but they don’t usually forget emotions that are tied to events. It is important to ask the person with dementia to share their memories of the person that has died so they feel included in the organising. How do you organise a funeral with someone living with dementia? As Funeral Directors, we work closely with the person conducting the service and those arranging the funeral. We will listen to the needs and wishes of the person living with dementia and will offer appropriate and sensitive choices. We will always adapt our approach based on the circumstances when communicating with someone living with dementia, to ensure they understand what is being discussed. To help with this, we may: J speak slowly; J use shorter sentences; J use plain English; J not use euphemisms; J repeat the question as often as needed; J make eye contact when talking; J use body language to emphasise what we have said. Kelly Owen is the first female funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an award-winning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at https://www.tomowenandson.com/
* Source. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/news-and-media/facts-media
We actively encourage having someone in attendance that can support the person living with dementia who can take notes to refer back to after the initial meeting.
Creating a friendlydementia-funeral
Should a person living with dementia attend a funeral?
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Page 58 NWM 2022 A M S "I don't know where he starts and I end" Robbie Williams HIS GREATEST HITS AT Tickets £5 FREE if dining at 1891 7.00pm, Friday, 4th November eAndreMikw
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Puzzle corner Across 1 Egg-shaped (4) 4 Occurring after one’s death (10) 9 Kind of engineer (10) 10 First son of Adam and Eve (4) 11 Six (4-5) 13 Also-ran (5) 16 Garment of ancient Rome (4) 17 Nobles (5) 21 Accustom (5) 22 Sailor (7) 23 Caterpillar (5) 24 Paces (5) 27 Harmonize (4) 30 Plot of ground (5) 33 Monarch (9) 35 Old Peruvian (4) 36 Immeasurably deep (10) 37 Overstate (10) 38 Indifferent (2-2) Down 2 Small community (7) 3 Satan (7) 4 Portion of time (6) 5 Small bag (6) 6 Consecrated (4) 7 Former Portuguese territory in S China (5) 8 Join (5) 12 Name of a thing (5) 13 Dens (5) 14 Gravy (5) 15 Staggers (5) 17 Coral builder (5) 18 White heron (5) 19 Shatter (5) 20 Golf clubs (5) 25 Lattice (7) 26 Winged horse (7) 28 Against (6) 29 Previously (6) 31 Addition (5) 32 Loud, resonant sound (5) 34 Showing unusual talent (4) Across:1Oval,4Posthumous,9Electrical,10Cain,11Half-dozen,13Loser,16Toga,17Peers, 21Inure,22Mariner,23Larva,24Steps,27Sync,30Patch,33Sovereign,35Inca,36 Bottomless,37Exaggerate,38So-so. Down:2Village,3Lucifer,4Period,5Sachet,6Holy,7Macao,8Unite,12Nouns,13Lairs,14 Sauce,15Reels,17Polyp,18Egret,19Smash,20Irons,25Trellis,26Pegasus,28Contra,29 Before,31Annex,32Clang,34Able. NWM 2022 Page 59
I ddarganfod mwy: www.maethucymru.siryfflint.gov.uk Discover more at: www.fosterwales.flintshire.gov.uk allwch chi inandlivesdifferencecouldlleolplantgwahaniaethwneudifywydauaphoblifancynsiryfflint?youmakeatotheoflocalchildrenyoungpeopleflintshire? Mae yna blant yn Sir y Fflint angen cartref maeth. Lle diogel, lle i ddysgu, a lle i chwerthin. Lle llawn cariad. There are children in Flintshire who need a foster home. A safe place, a place to learn, and a place to laugh. A place to be loved. ydweithio i adeiladu gwell dyfodol i blant lleol orking together to build better futures for local childrenwc FlintshireSir y Fflint
So hopefully after reading last month’s article you’ve taken your first step to a healthier and happier you! WELL DONE!
MotivationFindingyour
J Eat protein with every meal: Protein will help you feel fuller for longer which helps reduce snacking. Here’s some examples; Eggs, Chicken, Tuna, Beef, Salmon, Tempeh, Tofu, Lentils
J Amount of water drank: Can you drink 2.5 litres of water each day? This is the recommended minimum amount. Don’t overthink it, just do it!
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Normally most people use the scales to track their progress. Scales have their time and place but, trust me, if they are the only thing you are using get ready to feel demotivated and quit! Yes you heard me, using scales on their own to track progress is STOPPING you from moving forward long term. Your weight fluctuates for a number of reasons such as: J Salt intake J Hydration level J Food still in digestion J Soreness from workouts J And ladies, where you are in your cycle makes a huge difference!
These things aren’t ground breaking, and won’t help you shift a stone in a week, but you’ll feel great, you may lose some cms/ inches and, more importantly, you won’t feel overwhelmed and want to quit.
Make yourself a tracking table and tick them off everyday – if you can start to string a few days together you’ll notice some incredible changes.
Here are my top five things to track to help you stay motivated:
n Rich Blake is a co-founder of LVL 5, a business founded upon the vision of helping as many people as possible enjoy the process of becoming happier and healthier. For further information you can reach him on 07909 245472 or at rich@lvl5gyms.com
J How much sleep you get each night: Sleep is one of the most important factors of health and wellbeing. If you don’t get enough it makes everything else feel ten times harder!
One of the next hurdles you will come across is motivation – or the lack of it maybe? Here’s where most people go wrong… You wait for the right time, the perfect scenario, a time when you’re feeling truly motivated to start. But guess what… it’s not going to come. Action leads to motivation – not the other way around. You have to start doing the things you know you should be doing in order to start feeling motivated enough to carry on. So how to make sure you stay motivated? A big driving force of us humans is we love to see progress, and when we don’t we usually pack it all in and wait for Monday – right?
J Step count: Track for a week and see if you can do a little more the week after, with anywhere between 7,000-10,000 being the goal after a couple of weeks
J Use a tape measure (chest, waist, arms, thighs): Most people see changes in their measurements before they see a drop in weight, especially at the beginning of your journey
Cadwch le/ Book now Ymunwchwgu.ac.uk/openâniyn un o’n openJoinagoreddigwyddiadauusatoneofoureventsYnbersonol neu ar-lein In person or online
Walking world
Big Pool Wood, near Gronant, Prestatyn This walk explores the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s Big Pool Wood Nature Reserve and the nearby sand dunes. The reserve is a fine example of wet woodland and reed bed with a board walk to help you explore and three bird hides to get up close to the local wildlife. With picnic tables and a circular walking route, the reserve is well worth a visit in its own right. The walk then takes you off the reserve towards the coast and joins the Wales Coast Path, on the way you may observe natterjack toads, little terns as well as wild flowers, including orchids. Things you need to know The total length of the walk is 2.5 miles and will take up to two hours. Big Pool Wood can be boggy but has mainly good paths and a wooden boardwalk, it also has open water, so be careful with children. The Gronant path includes areas on the beach and dunes which can be rough and slippery when wet. Check tide tables to avoid very high tides. Directions Big Pool Wood lies 2.5 miles east of Prestatyn. From the A548, follow brown signs to the riding centre – the turn-off is opposite the Bells of St Mary’s pub. Find a safe parking spot on the roadside near to the riding stables (SJ 102 838). What3words ///play.blown.farmed With North Wales Wildlife Trust
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Discover more ‘Wildlife Walks’ across North Wales J Explore 23 walking routes in six counties J Visit 25 North Wales Wildlife Trust nature reserves J Enjoy gentle strolls and whole-day rambles J Full descriptive text and maps supplied Special offer to North Wales Magazine readers! Get the Wild Walks book for FREE when you become a member of North Wales Wildlife Trust. Just select ‘North Wales Magazine WB’ in the ‘how did you hear from us’ section of the online form to receive your free book. RRP £7.50 from www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/shop
southern marsh-orchid can be seen just to the left of the first stretch of boardwalk. Further along the boardwalk you will find a natterjack toad conservation area. Sand lizards have also been introduced to the dunes in this area. Males are bright green in breeding season, but they are tricky to spot – the best chance is early in the morning as they bask in the sun.
THE ROUTE
1. On the bend by the chevron sign, you will find the Big Pool Wood waymarker post to the left. Follow the badger waymarkers to the nature reserve down the gated track. Take care and keep dogs on the lead near horses.
4. Take care crossing the railway here. The path passes a Dee Estuary SPA conservation site for birds. It is an important feeding location for waders such as curlew, oystercatcher, redshank and black-tailed godwit.
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8. When you reach the natterjack toad conservation area on your right, turn right on the boardwalk and retrace your steps through the caravan park and over the level crossing to return to your car.
A WORD OF CAUTION Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.
7. Our route turns left along the beach for about 1 km. Look out for little terns, which have an important breeding colony further along the beach. Take the second boardwalk off the beach and, after approximately 40 metres, turn left on to a broad grassy track which runs through the dunes, parallel to the sea. The area is alive with butterflies, such as gatekeeper, small skipper and the bright red six-spot burnet moth.
2. Enter the wood through a small wooden gate and follow the circular path around the lake. Big Pool Wood is a wonderful reed bed and woodland site filled with wildflowers and birdsong. Visit the bird hides to get closer to the wildlife. Big Pool Wood is part of the Dee Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA), providing shelter for wintering wildfowl. In winter months, look west out from the reserve across neighbouring fields to see large flocks of curlew feeding. From the hide, in spring, watch for reed warblers darting to their nests amongst the reeds. In winter, look for teal and mallard in the open water. There has been evidence of otters hunting for frogs, toads and newts amongst the reed bed. Foxes are also frequent visitors here when the reed bed is dry enough to cross. Leave the nature reserve when you return to the gate and retrace your steps to the road. Turn left and follow the Wales Coast Path marker.
6. Take the right-hand path and look for sea holly and plentiful orchids in June and July. Should you wish to extend your walk, you may turn right on the beach, re-joining the coastal path to eventually reach the RSPB’s Dee Estuary –Point of Ayr Nature Reserve (approximately 1.5 km away).
3. Pass the riding school field and go left on a narrow lane to the coastal path towards a level crossing. Look for meadow brown and red admiral butterflies in fields to your right. A ditch runs parallel to the railway, providing habitat for water vole and otter.
5. At the caravan park, follow signs straight ahead to the Wales Coast Path. At the Gronant Sand Dunes Local Nature Reserve board look for carline thistle and evening primrose. In summer,
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STARS...
LEO (July 24th – August 23rd) Taking a long-distance trip with a friend will be lots of fun on the 1st. Don’t neglect the details of a vital project o the 2nd; it’s critical to get the details right. Starting on the 9th, be wary about signing contracts or making big purchases; treat the next few weeks as an opportunity to research your options. VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd) An exciting career opportunity is worth pursuing on the 1st. Starting on the 4th, your natural charisma is evident to everybody; use it to lure a worthy admirer into your web of intrigue. Starting on the 9th, you’ll get an opportunity to renegotiate your salary or rates; feel free to drive a hard bargain.
September’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant
AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th) TPursue your heart’s desire with every ounce of passion on the 1st; you’ll catch hold of a shooting star on this magical day. Your love life sizzles with excitement starting on the 4th; if you’re single, you won’t be for long, thanks to your exalted personal appeal. It will be difficult nailing down travel plans and business deals beginning on the 9th; stay calm! PISCES (February 20th – March 20th) You’ll get a reasonable price on a home repair project on the 1st. Instead of chasing love, you’ll attract it like a magnet starting on the 4th. Keep all your receipts, especially for expensive items, on anything you buy after the 9th; you’ll want to return at least one of them. The Full Moon on the 10th urges you to put your needs first; taking a spur-of-the-moment trip is likely.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 www.russellgrant.comPortmeirion.
SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd) A royalty cheque, inheritance, or grant on the 1st gives you more financial freedom. The Full Moon on the 10th marks an exciting turning point in a romance; you’ll get much closer to your partner after this fateful day. A surprising alliance helps you to realise a cherished dream on the 11th. SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st) A romantic outing is lots of fun on the 1st; give in to your partner’s demands. Don’t take an emotional or financial risk on the 2nd, or you will be disappointed. Your professional prospects significantly improve starting on the 4th; launching a job search will be rewarding. The Full Moon on the 10th finds you making rewarding changes to your home life.
Page 66 NWM 2020 IN THE ARIES (March 21st – April 20th)
LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd) Your best friend or romantic partner will give you a fabulous compliment on the 1st; let it sink into your soul. Starting on the 4th, you’ll spend most of your time away from the spotlight, focusing on solitary pursuits that make you happy. Beginning on the 9th, you’ll have difficulty getting your point across; be patient and persistent when discussing your needs and concerns.
CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th) Resources to make a down payment become available on the 1st; take this opportunity to make a purchase that brings long-term security. Starting on the 9th, you will have a chance to expand your horizons through travel, study, or both. Make some adjustments to your career path beginning on the 9th; be specific about what you want regarding work.
Sending messages and making connections puts you at the front of the line on the 1st; it’s a great day to apply for jobs, scholarships, and grants. Express appreciation for your business colleague, romantic partner, or best friend on the 2nd so they won’t feel neglected. Starting on the 9th, renegotiate the terms of a personal or professional partnership. TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st) Go after a moneymaking opportunity that allows you to work independently on the 1st. Starting on the 4th, you’ll have a golden chance to plunge into romantic and creative pursuits that make you glow with happiness. The Full Moon on the 10th is ideal for attending a party; people will be drawn to you like moths to a flame. GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st) Don’t be shy about approaching an interesting-looking person at a party on the 1st. Beware of accepting an offer that seems too good to be true on the 2nd; don’t mix friendship with finance. From the 4th, home is a powerful source of love and security; stick close to family, and you won’t go wrong. Beginning on the 9th, you have an opportunity to perfect a creative project. CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd) Working behind the scenes on the 1st will be very productive. Beware of talking down to a helpful person on the 2nd, even if you have superior knowledge and experience. Beginning on the 4th, you can fill your schedule with more pleasure than work. Starting on the 9th, you must make some adjustments to your domestic routines to accommodate a relative or neighbour.
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