OCTOBER 2020
! EE FR
MAGAZINE
Trick or treat? Alternative Halloween fun
Read all about it
THE LATEST NORTH WALES LITERATURE
Callum Lloyd-Williams A LIFE ON THE ROAD
From a distance EXPLORING PUFFIN ISLAND FROM AFAR INSIDE J Walking J Food & Drink J Homes & Interiors
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MAGAZINE
DEAR READER Well, what a month it’s been in terms of announcements! Firstly we get the official news that I’m a Celebrity is coming to Gwrych Castle in Abergele, and then we hear that Holywood superstar Ryan Reynolds and TV show creator Rob McElhenney have made a shock bid for Wrexham AFC. Needless to say the fans are delighted! These announcements are fantastic news
interesting islands off the coast? Certainly.
for the local tourism industry. It goes without
Want to stretch your legs and enjoy a fabulous
saying that 2020 has taken its toll on a lot of
view while you’re at it? Well, the choice for
tourist attractions, and it’s just fabulous to
that one is endless. Or do you just want to stay
hear that the region is now going to be put
home and read a good book? We can sort that
firmly on the map.
too – and they’re local books to boot!
North Wales has already been crowned the
So whether you want to enjoy the adrenaline
‘Adventure Capital of Europe’ but it has so
packed adventures or take it a bit easier,
much more to offer that adrenaline sports
North Wales has it all. Of course, if you don’t
alone. The content of this issue is a prime
want to do anything that’s fine too – because
example of how the area offers a quiet pace
you’ll soon be able to just sit back and watch
of life too…
it on the telly!
Want to pop out for a lovely meal and a relaxing cocktail? No problem – as long as you’re done by 10pm of course! Fancy a gentle boat ride exploring one of the most
Kate Hamilton Founding Editor
J
In this issue...
We want to hear from you! J Are you organising or taking part in an event that should be covered in our what’s on listings? Then make sure you tell us! whatson@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Keep in touch. Send in your contributions, letters, photos and press releases and become part of the North Wales Magazine family. editorial@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Subscribe. If you want to ensure that you receive each and every copy of North Wales Magazine then why not subscribe? All you pay for is the post and packaging. subscribe@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk J Advertise. If you own a business in North Wales and want to get your message in front of 25,000 local readers every month then drop us a line. Prices start from just £70. sales@ northwalesmagazine.co.uk
There’s lots to do in North Wales during October Front cover image © shutterstock
NWM 2020 Page 5
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Contents
MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Kate Hamilton PUBLISHER
Grant Hamilton SALES MANAGER
Scott Lawson
08
ART DIRECTOR
Simon Marriott OFFICE MANAGER
Sian Roberts CONTRIBUTORS
08 The Big Picture
Steve Goodier Cai Ross Pete Greensmith Sally Ann Harding Russell Grant Meurig Davies Mark Bryant Lowri Llewelyn Stephen Gregory
Impressive Criccieth Castle
11 Callum Lloyd-Williams Meeting the globetrotting tour manager
15 Halloween happenings The alternative to ‘trick or treat’
18 Puffin Island
37
The history of this beautiful island
21 Buy the book…
CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk
And support local authors
37 Homes & Interiors
25 Food & Drink
Get inspired by homes that are on
The local wining, dining and culinary scene
11
01492 472052 2nd Floor, 23A Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7RS
the market
47 Community news A roundup of regional happenings
51 Walking Exploring Penycloddiau Hill Fort
55 Holiday Homes Purchasing a little piece of paradise
57 Crossword Get to grips with our brainteasing puzzle
59 In my opinion Our expert columnists share their thoughts
66 Horoscopes What does October have in store for you?
North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey. Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of North Wales Magazine. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured. All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed. North Wales Magazine is not associated with any newspaper group. Privacy Notice. You can read North Wales Magazine’s Privacy Notice in full at www.northwalesmagazine.com
NWM 2020 Page 7
the
MAGAZINE
BIG picture
Page 8 NWM 2020
Llywelyn the Great began building Criccieth castle in the 1230s. It is believed that the Welsh prince may have taken design inspiration from a range of English castles, hence its English style of gatehouse. Despite its pure Welsh start however, Edward I’s forces took the castle around 50 years later, and undertook their own improvements. These included remodelling a tower for stone-throwing engines. The gatehouse had another storey added at this point, and several towers were reinforced. An outer barbican was also added to the curtain wall. Unusually, Criccieth Castle may have given its name to the town, rather than the other way round. Its suggested origins are ‘crug caeth’ – ‘crug’ (hill in Welsh), ‘caith’ (captives) – the name given to the jail on the hill, a function once held by the castle.
NWM 2020 Page 9
LET THE MAGIC BEGIN‌
The Olive Tree Coffee Rooms are open daily serving delicious breakfasts and lunches as well as tempting cakes and beverages. The staff provide a dining experience that is relaxing, enjoyable and safe, taking into account stringent COVID-19 precautions.
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Clean Bandit is perhaps one of the most famous acts that Callum has worked with to date Credit: Anna Patarakina
Working as a tour manager as given Callum the opportunity to travel the world Callum has toured with singer/songwriter JC Stewart Credit: Rosie Matheson
Lowri Llewelyn talks to Callum Lloyd-Williams, the globetrotting tour manager who knows there’s no place like home…
“We were about to go on tour when we had the call to say they were locking down the country,” begins Callum. “I felt like my career had peaked overnight – no one imagines a pandemic coming along, do they?” To date, Callum has worked with the likes of Zara Larsson, JC Stewart, Clean Bandit and Cast – and had become more than used to life on the road. “First of all I’ll check what city we’re in, as sometimes you’ll wake up and the tour bus is still moving, or you pull open your curtains and all you see is a brick wall,” he explains. “An arena show takes a long time to load, so supplies start being loaded at 5/6am – that’s a case of pushing boxes until they arrive at the right place before unloading and building. Soundcheck starts at 3/4pm and then you might go into town and find somewhere to eat. Then you’ll wait
Globetrotting tour manager Callum Lloyd-Williams
around until an hour before the show. Then, you take it all down again, get it into the trucks and back to your bus by midnight if you’re lucky. Then you’ll have a beer and watch a film. If you have a day off the next day you’ll go into town
NWM 2020 Page 11
MAGAZINE
Balancing the act of perks and pressure Credit: Kris Humphreys Photography
for beers – a day off definitely changes your ethos on how
many places I still want to go and places I’ve been over the last
much sleep you want to get! You never complain about how
two years that I never dreamed of going.
long you’ve worked for, you just think of the paycheck at the end.”
“The first time I went to Australia I arrived in Sydney six hours before everyone else. I was like, right, I’m going down to
It sounds exhausting! So what kind of person does it take
Sydney Harbour Bridge. That was something I’d always seen
to do this job? “You’ve got to be a people person. Whatever
on TV or read books about. Seeing that in real life, I was like:
technical skill you’ve got is such a small part of the job
I’ve made it. I was as far away as I could get from home.”
when you’re spending months at a time with the same group – in some cases, hundreds of people.
And Callum’s career perks are those that most people could only dream of. “The chauffeur driven cars and private jets just
“But I’ve always wanted to travel,’ he continues. “I could
become normality,” he says. “It started out with little planes
have taken a gap year out of my own pocket but knew if
and now we have whole jumbo jets when it’s a case of being
I got to where I wanted to be, career wise, the travelling
in a city the next day. The travelling is cool but tiring; I’m
would come with it. A lot of people, once they’ve been doing
relatively new to it so everything’s a perk at the moment.”
it for 20 years, don’t love the travel so much! There’s so But with perks comes pressure. “We were doing an outdoor show in Hannover where there was a thunderstorm as the
TO DATE, CALLUM HAS WORKED WITH THE LIKES OF ZARA LARSSON, JC STEWART, CLEAN BANDIT AND CAST – AND HAD BECOME MORE THAN USED TO LIFE ON THE ROAD.
Page 12 NWM 2020
band were playing onstage – the most rain I’ve ever seen pouring onto vintage synths, keyboards, drums and other electronics. Me and the other tech were running around clingfilming everything! And I did a gig last year in Leeds when the fire alarms went off five minutes before the act was due onstage; they cleared out the venue and everybody was outside for an hour. We thought there was nothing to do but pull the show, but luckily it all came back on and we went back in. I chose the Prodigy’s Firestarter as the intro music.” There are other difficult aspects to the job too… “You don’t
The planned Dua Lipa tour had been a year in the making
An arena show takes an awful lot of organisation – and a lot of packing… Credit: Johanna Pettersson
THERE’S SO MANY PLACES I STILL WANT TO GO AND PLACES I’VE BEEN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS THAT I NEVER DREAMED OF GOING.
says. While the Culture Recovery Fund saved 135 atrisk grassroots music venues with emergency grants, freelancers were forced to petition for the same support as employed workers, with only some managing to secure income support. “It’s sad to see a whole industry ignored when it brings in so much money. The future is unknown and it feels like they don’t appreciate the arts. It’s definitely going to be a whole year without a proper income.” Regardless, he treasures this time at home in North
get to see your family and friends; you miss weddings,
Wales. “I like the silence. You can be in the middle
you miss christenings. I was touring for almost two years
of nowhere and it’s just you. I’ve recently gotten into
solid. Getting to spend a month at home for Christmas was
mountain biking; you see why people come on holiday
amazing.”
here. I want a boat in the next ten years, living as I am on the Straits! I would love to do my job but be able to
Returning to Wales for lockdown, meanwhile, forced Callum
spend every weekend here.”
to reflect on his life. “It’s a job; it’s not a dream any more. You see your friends having kids and settling down. It’s
And Callum has some final words of wisdom for those
definitely harder to meet someone who understands that
looking to make a career in music. “Just because you’re
you’ll be working away for most of the year. The hardest
from North Wales doesn’t mean you can’t make it. A lot
thing about Covid was my life just seemed to be about work,
of people think you have to live in London, but being
work, work—and then that went away. Once you’ve ticked
from around here definitely makes you more grounded.
that box, other bits of life become more important.”
I’ll always want to come back to North Wales. You can’t change where you’re from.”
And even though the planned Dua Lipa tour had been a year in the making, it doesn’t look like Callum will be returning to
And you get a little bit of peace and quiet to boot… n
work any time soon. “We all thought the government would support us,” he
Follow Callum on Instagram at callum.lw
NWM 2020 Page 13
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Ghost town
Halloween is going to be rather different this year to say the least. But fear not, because there are still some great ways to entertain the kids this half term.
GreenWood Family Park will be wickedly transformed into SpookWood this Halloween
part. A lot of local Facebook groups already have this suggestion in circulation, so have a look to see if your area is participating. And, if it isn’t – suggest it! The other benefit of the “pumpkin spotting” trail is, of course, all of the arts and crafts that the kids need to undertake in order for it to be a success. Pumpkin carving is always a popular activity, but this year it should have an extra air of importance. Likewise, decorating your windows could be great fun for the kids, as they’ll know that they are actually taking part in something much bigger… As for the Halloween party, well, kitchen disco anyone?!
It is nothing short of typical that the one year the kids get two weeks off for October half term that there won’t be any trick or treating or Halloween parties to keep them occupied! But there are some ways around it… Trick or treating is a no-go for obvious reasons. Knocking on stranger’s doors and demanding that they hand over sugary goodies isn’t really in keeping with social distancing to say the least – but it seems a shame to miss out on this annual tradition, especially as it takes place outside. So what can you do? Well, remember back in March when every window was adorned with rainbows? It’s now time to adorn them with pumpkins! The theory is that as many houses as possible put pumpkins in their windows (either drawings or the real thing are fine) and parents take their kids on a “pumpkin spotting” expedition. For every pumpkin spotted, mum and dad hand over some loot for the young ones Venue has haul. to addCymru to their been spectacularly lit up twice during the Of pandemic course this personal
treasure hunt will work its best if as
many people as possible take part in the window decorating
Mynydd Sleddog Adventures is Wales’ first and only attraction offering husky rides and sleddog adventures
NWM 2020 Page 15
MAGAZINE
Plas Menai has something for everyone, from children just eight years and up
Why not take the kids on a “pumpkin spotting” expedition?
Plenty of fear-themed baking should sort out a day of entertainment in its own right, and will accompany the “sand witches” for the party tea nicely. Chuck in a bit of apple bobbing after you’ve exhausted the “monster freeze” dance competition and voilà! Of course two weeks is a long time and no amount of baking and craft activities is going to keep them occupied for the entire fortnight. The good news is that some attractions are still open and are offering a spooktacular socially distanced
information about the various sleddog breeds, their history
day out.
and racing across the world today. It’s certainly a day out to remember!
One way to enjoy the great outdoors with your family this half term is to take a trip down to GreenWood Family Park,
And if you want to make a final splash before the weather
which will be wickedly transformed into SpookWood from
gets too cold, then head over to Plas Menai which is running
the 24th of October until the 1st of November. A forest full of
its watersports adventures until the end of October.
family fun and adventure awaits you all, with spellbinding tales, stand out shows, creepy crafts and their popular
Plas Menai has something for everyone, from children just
monster hunt to look forward to! Tickets must be booked in
eight years and up. There is no need for any prior experience
advance though, so head over to GreenWood’s website to get
either, you just need a sense of adventure, as these epic
the date you want secured.
outdoor experiences are all about having fun outdoors, learning new skills, developing confidence and making lots of
And if you’re looking for something a little bit different to
new memories along the way.
entertain the little monsters then look no further than Mynydd Sleddog Adventures – Wales’ first and only attraction offering
With staggered start times and limited capacity on site at
husky rides and sleddog adventures. Mynydd Sleddog’s team
any one time, every session feels like you have the centre
of racing sled dogs can be found within the beautiful forest
to yourself before heading out on a number of outdoor
trails of Bwlch Hafod Einion near Lyn Brenig and Alwen
adventures.
Reservoir, just 14 miles from Denbigh. Prices start from just £25pp, up to exclusive sessions for your The Xinaskyii sled dog team currently consists of 16 dogs;
group of up to six people for £100.
11 Siberian Huskies, two Scandinavian Hounds, two Alaskan Huskies and a German Short Haired Pointer. There are three
All of Plas Menai’s epic adventures are half days but, if you’re
adventures to choose from – Meet, a one-hour introductory
feeling extra adventurous, why not take a packed lunch and
session for the over fives, Fun – a two-hour adventure for
book a morning and an afternoon? You never know, such
six to 14 year olds, and Run – a slightly longer session for the
an energetic day out may even mean that they’re too tired to
over 14’s. All of the adventures include a full safety briefing,
complain about the lack of trick or treating! n
Page 16 NWM 2020
Spook Wood Stand out shows! Sp ellbin ding tales
Creepy crafts Monster hunt
H a lloween fun for the whole family!
24th October 1st November
Book tickets online for our Spooktacular event!
greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk
ISLAND LIFE
Stephen Gregory explores the rich history of Puffin Island… Uninhabited – that’s the word which keeps cropping up
behind him, and returning with the sun setting behind
when you’re reading about Puffin Island.
him, remained fair of face… while his saintly friend from the north-west of the island had a lovely tan from walking into
Of course, it means there aren’t any human beings living
the sun both morning and evening.
there at the moment. But you soon find out that, over the last nearly 2000 years, Man has left his clumsy great clod-
And so Saint Seiriol lived the life of a reclusive holy man, and
hopping footprints all over the place.
his bones remain resting somewhere on the island which humans have called Priestholm, and then Ynys Lannog and,
Long before the island was named after the delightful bird
nowadays, Puffin Island.
which nests there, it was called Ynys Seiriol, after the hermit
Uninhabited? The story goes that Gerald of Wales went there
who lived there in the 6th Century. Seiriol was the son of
in 1188 and found a plague of mice. And of course it’s famous
Owain, a ruler of Gwynedd, and he was the brother of Einion,
for the variety and abundance of its birdlife.
the king of the Llŷn Peninsula… but rather than remain a part of the Royal Court and honour his responsibilities and duties,
You can’t visit the island these days – it’s privately owned
he opted out and established an ecclesiastical settlement
by the Baron Hill estate – but there are a number of
first of all at Penmon, before retiring to the peace and quiet of
companies offering boat trips around it. You can marvel
his hermitage on the island.
at the fecundity of the island’s seabird populations… the air is whirling with different kinds of gulls and terns, and
Seiriol became known as Saint Seiriol Wyn, ‘the fair’. Having
the steep cliffs are raucous and busy with guillemot and
quit the duties he would have assumed as a member of a
razorbill, kittiwake and shag. According to the records,
royal family, he was free to enjoy leisurely walks from his
Puffin Island is home to nearly 800 cormorants – that
island retreat and across Ynys Mon. He would stride halfway
is, extraordinarily, about 10% of the whole population of
across the larger island and meet his friend Cybi, who would
cormorants in the United Kingdom. The boat trips provide
become known as Saint Cybi Felyn, ‘the tanned’. The reason
a great opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds and
for these odd nicknames? Seiriol, walking from the south
smells of our Welsh wildlife without even setting foot onto
eastern tip of Anglesey in the morning, with the sun rising
the island.
Page 18 NWM 2020
YOU CAN’T VISIT THE ISLAND THESE DAYS – IT’S PRIVATELY OWNED BY THE BARON HILL ESTATE – BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF COMPANIES OFFERING BOAT TRIPS AROUND IT. inhabitants. Man can shape the ecology of a place, an island, while hardly setting foot on it. Smells? Well, yes, there’s a rich farmyard fragrance as well,
Over the years, our ships have suffered some bruising and
because there are grey seals on the rocks and slipping
tragic collisions with the rocks of Puffin Island. The Rothesay
gracefully into the water. If you’re lucky you’ll see bottlenose
Castle foundered at Penmon Point in 1831, on a day trip from
dolphins and harbour porpoises, truly beautiful and
Liverpool, and 130 people were drowned. As a result of this
miraculous creatures of our native coast… so you’ll enjoy the
awful loss of life, by 1838 the lighthouse was built at Penmon.
natural proximity of some of our local marine mammals, as
Fifty metres high, designed by the architect James Walker for
well as the plethora of birdlife.
Trinity House, it cost exactly £11,589, and has been a much-loved feature of that corner of Anglesey ever since. At the time of its
Oh, and puffins… I almost forgot to mention them. You could
construction, and in the early years of the lighthouse’s life, it
be fortunate and see some of these charmingly comical birds,
had a quirky claim to fame for having one of the first WCs in
as they take off from the cliffs on their whirring wings and
such a building, a little bit of luxury for the lighthouse keeper.
settle into rafts, feeding on the surface of the water. They dive
However, it didn’t work very well, subject to alarming and
among the waves and reappear with a catch of sand eels, held
probably unpleasant malfunctions caused by the tidal surges…
expertly askew in their uniquely multi-coloured beaks. It’s said that, until late in the 19th Century, there were 2,000 or
Penmon lighthouse has been unmanned since 1922. Since
more pairs of puffins on the island, so indeed the place was
then, its bell has rung every 30 seconds, day and night without
appropriately named… but then, if I can return to my idea of a
stopping. Right now, as I write, there’s a heated controversy
heavy human footprint, it was a sudden arrival of rats from a
about the bell … there’s been talk of changing it to a powerful
shipwreck which cost the puffins dearly.
foghorn, but the people of Penmon and its surroundings have launched a vociferous protest, to try and keep the original bell
Rats. They came ashore and bred so successfully, and they
and its wonderfully sonorous tones. In the local newspapers
foraged so voraciously on the eggs and chicks of the gentle
you can read of the current debate – ‘the beautiful bell’ as
puffins, that the numbers of the native birds plummeted.
it has rung for nearly 100 years, and ‘the soulless foghorn’
Over the following decades, until almost the end of the 20th
proposed for the future.
Century, the rats plundered the island of its birdlife. If Gerald of Wales had seen a plague of mice in 1188, he would have
No one lives in the lighthouse now. And no one lives on Puffin
been shocked to find the island plagued by rats… and so, to
Island. So much the better. No more humans, with their clod-
mention our human intervention again, in 1998, a poison was
hopping footprints, bringing their mice and rats and rabbits.
unleashed onto Puffin Island to control and eradicate the
Ynys Seiriol, Priestholm – whatever. Puffin Island sounds good
rats. As a parallel intervention, the burgeoning population of
to me. n
rabbits was almost completely wiped out by the introduction of the myxamatosis virus. Since then, the number of puffins has gradually increased again. But only to about 300, in total. Uninhabited? Well, there are no human beings living on Puffin Island. But, while remaining physically absent from the island for hundreds of years, we’ve still managed to stamp our footprint onto it by naming and re-naming it, briefly seeking solace on its grassy windswept surface, then causing a plague of this and that and utterly altering the numbers and lifestyles of the creatures living there, changing the make-up of its
All images courtesy of photographer Nick Coburn Phillips
Stephen Gregory’s new book, an anthology of short stories entitled ON DARK WINGS, is now out in the USA from Valancourt Books. It features 14 of his stories, many of them previously published in the Illustrated London News and the London Evening Standard, as well as a Christmas ghost story he wrote especially for the North Wales magazine. Search for ON DARK WINGS at www. valancourtbooks.com to order your copy, postage free!
NWM 2020 Page 19
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HOME BARS & GAMES ROOMS
Read all about it Autumn is officially here, so if you needed a good excuse to snuggle up in front of the fire then read on…
North Wales is a bit of a literary hot bed at the moment. From books written in the region during lockdown, to memoirs of a local adventurer, there is a huge choice of local books to be had. Whether you are into fiction, autobiographies or a factual tome that increases your local knowledge then read on for some wordy inspiration!
FROM ABERSOCH TO CHEQUERED FLAG
ART FOR WALES
‘From Abersoch to Chequered Flag’ is the sequel to ’24
in and appreciation of the
Heures Du Abersoch’. Bryn, Gareth and Helen are still
arts by the public display
chasing their shared dream of competing at the Le Mans
of fine works of art, the
24-Hour motor race and bringing motor racing to their
Derek Williams Trust now
home village of Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula. Both
works in close cooperation
Founded in 1992 to advance public education
‘journeys’ have their successes
with Amgueddfa Cymru
and near disasters. Bryn’s crash
– National Museum
at Sebring in Florida, Gareth’s brush
Wales, collecting post-
with the German police and Helen’s
19th Century fine and applied art and both purchasing
near collapse while racing at Spa
art for its own collection – curated by National Museum
in Belgium. Back in Abersoch, they
Wales – and supporting the Museum in its purchases.
battle to persuade the locals and
In ‘Art for Wales’ author David Moore surveys how
County Council officials that, despite
Williams’s bequest has acted as a catalyst towards the
turning their village into a race
display of modern art in Wales and enabled the funding
track, the pub will open, keep-fit
and development of a collection of real significance for
classes can still meet, cows can
residents and visitors to appreciate. David Moore has
get milked and residents of an old
worked extensively for museums and galleries in Wales
peoples’ home can play bingo. Moving
and was curator of Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery
between Abersoch, America and Europe, ‘From Abersoch
between 1992 and 2004, where he established an
to Chequered Flag’ follows their hilarious on-and-off track
extensive and well-supported programme of exhibitions
exploits in pursuit of that final chequered flag.
focusing upon Welsh artists.
NWM 2020 Page 21
MAGAZINE
HOME BY SEVEN ‘Home by Seven’ is the true story of a North Walian woman’s solo journey to ride all seven continents on two wheels. Welsh girl Steph Jeavons ran away to see the world. She wanted to see the sunset from every angle. She wanted to see an orangutan and a baobab tree. She wanted to become the first person to circumnavigate the globe and ride a motorcycle on all seven continents – and to sing karaoke on the way. Steph’s cravings for escapism manifest themselves in many ways throughout her life. The book begins in her late teens where she finds herself in prison by the age of 20. She knows there is a whole world beyond that razor wire just calling out to be explored. Two decades later, and armed only with a stern tone of voice she reserves for naughty dogs, drunk Turks, Iranian taxi drivers, semi-conscious British soldiers and Saudi truckers, she rides her trusty steed Rhonda the Honda solo around the world, to the highest, driest, wettest, hottest and coldest corners of the earth. This is a powerful and honest memoir written from the perspective of a liberated single woman taking on the world with a dogged determination to complete her mission at all costs. ‘Home by Seven’ is told with honesty and wit and from a unique perspective.
THE GREAT GARDENS OF WALES
FROM THE WELSH BORDER TO THE
‘The Great Gardens of Wales’ is a beautiful new book
Language extinction on an
written during lockdown, with a foreword by His Royal
enormous scale has been
Highness The Prince of Wales. Created by garden writer
occurring for over a century
and broadcaster Tony Russell (who lives and gardens
and has sped up dramatically
on the slopes of the Moelwyn mountains in Snowdonia),
in the last two decades. “From
The Great Gardens of Wales features 50 of the finest
the Welsh Border to the World: Travels in Minority
gardens in Wales and uses evocative text and stunning
Languages” revolves around travels through the
photography to portray each one. “I began to write the
world’s most linguistically diverse regions, taking a
book pretty much as soon as the Covid 19 restrictions
comparative approach to the contemporary status of
came into force and gardens across Wales were forced to
minority languages in the post-web world.
close just at the start of their busy spring season,” said Tony Russell. “I realised this was going to be devasting for many gardens, because they rely on income from visitors to enable them to maintain and look after the gardens. As the lockdown continued, news started to emerge that gardens were really struggling and there was a danger some would never fully recover. The problem is you cannot simply mothball a garden, like you can a gallery or museum, and wait for the time when visitors return. A garden is a living, dynamic thing and needs constant work to stop it from being overrun by weeds, as well as constant watering in times of drought (as we had this year throughout the spring) to stop plants from dying.” The author Tony Russell hopes the book will encourage people to begin visiting Welsh gardens once again.
Page 22 NWM 2020
EPIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
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Cariad Gin is distilled and bottled down a quiet country lane in the heart of the Flintshire Countryside at Clwydian Range Distillery, quite possibly the smallest distillery in Wales where a truly Welsh gin is produced. Since launching back in 2018, Cariad Gin has become a staple fixture at establishments across Wales, the North West and further afield. Range includes :
• Marmalade & Bayleaf Gin, made with delicately sweet orange and softly fragrant Bayleaves. • Bold and Tangy Blackcurrant Gin • Zingy citrus Lemon and Lime Gin • Plum Crumble Gin made with comforting ripe plums and a hint of soothing Vanilla.
www.clwydianrangedistillery.co.uk
FOOD & DRINK INSIDE: recipes wine cocktail of the month
NWM 2020 Page 25
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE OPEN DAYS SUNDAY 14 October SUNDAY 28 October SATURDAY 10 November
If you want to be one of Life’s Explorers, come and discover the award-winning university where the landscape is as inspiring as the learning. • Meet staff and students and visit the academic subjects • Explore the campus and view our student accommodation • Discover more about student life at Bangor FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Tel: 01248 383561/382005 E-mail: openday@bangor.ac.uk Wrexham campus (Health Sciences) also open - phone 01248 383924 (Radiography) or 01248 383931 (Nursing & Midwifery).
You can immediately start to relax, unwind and enjoy your holiday the moment you step through the welcoming doors of the Shelbourne Hotel, Llandudno. Boasting one of Llandudno’s finest seafront positions, with uninterrupted, panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the Shelbourne Hotel provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind. Ideal location within walking distance of Llandudno’s main attractions. Well stocked cosy bar lounge with panoramic sea views Lift to all floors Free car park exclusive to hotel guests Open all year round Pet Friendly Hotel
www.shelbournehotel.co.uk SHELBOURNE HOTEL, CENTRAL PROMENADE, LLANDUDNO TEL: 01492 879660 EMAIL: INFO@SHELBOURNEHOTEL.CO.UK
www.bangor.ac.uk
FOOD & DRINK
NEWS Gin company branches out
Pandemic drives community enterprise Driven by community concern and health and safety requirements, many food and drink businesses across North Wales adapted their normal working hours and processes to meet demand
Cariad Gin is distilled and bottled
and support customers when
down a quiet country lane in the
they needed it most. From home
heart of the Flintshire Countryside
deliveries to takeaway services and e-commerce, there have been myriad
at the Clwydian Range Distillery.
approaches to supplying the public with fresh, artisan and homegrown items.
Due to Covid-19 lockdown, the family
Janet Costidell (pictured), who runs the Cross Foxes in Nannerch with husband
business decided to turn their skills
Tim admits to the unrealistic chances of them having a traditional pub Christmas
to producing much-needed hand
because of the Coronavirus and hopes the ‘new normal’ will enable them to
sanitiser to help frontline workers
reopen fully in the months ahead. “The pandemic and subsequent lockdown
and their community to continue to
came as a complete shock to all of us,” she said. “We quickly formed a team to
stay safe and stop the spread of the
deliver meals and provide a takeaway service so we could remain operational,
virus in North Wales. “There are so
and as the Cross Foxes is central to the community, we collected prescriptions for
many people going above and beyond
the vulnerable and elderly. It kept us busy at what was a challenging time. We all
to help others during this current
really came together, and the support has been amazing – one morning we even
crisis, the support out there is truly
came out to nd people had putbunting up for us to say how much they love us!
wonderful,” explained Fiona, who
They have been incredible.”
also works at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. “We wanted to therefore see what we could do to help, especially with
Honesty the best policy
my connection to the NHS. Using our experience with producing Cariad Gin, we contacted all the relevant
Chilly Cow ice cream, based in the Vale
authorities to help us move into
of Clwyd, set up a portable freezer
producing hand rub to distribute to
and an honesty box at Stryt Faw in
help slow down and stop the spread
Llanychan, near Ruthin, and the results
of this awful virus in North Wales.
have been amazing with as many as 150
The family business has now created
customers a day. “We just thought we’d
Clwydian Range’s World Health
give the honesty box a go and it’s been
Organisation Hand Rub which is
amazing how it has taken off with so
based on the WHO recommended
many people on furlough and children
formulation of 80 per cent alcohol.”
off school so families have been out and about,” said owner Anna Taylor. “A small tub
Sales will continue on a non-profit
is just £2 and people just find a nice spot nearby to enjoy them and carry on with
basis which enables Clwydian Range
their walk or cycle ride. We never close, we’re always open and although many events
Distillery to continue to donate a
were cancelled we kept on supplying local shops, butchers and farm shops and their
quantity from each batch produced to
demand also rose because people wanted to support them and I think they also felt
frontline essential services.
they deserved a bit of a treat at this difficult time.”
clwydianrangedistillery.co.uk
www.chillycow.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 27
SUBSCRIBE howl@mynyddsleddogadventures.com 079315 11217
to the only monthly magazine for the region for just ÂŁ2.99 per month and never miss an issue again! Email subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk for more information
MAGAZINE howl@mynyddsleddogadventures.com 079315 11217
www.northwalesmagazine.com
OF THE
Month
Autumn Fizz October is here and, if you want to celebrate the month but don’t fancy apple bobbing, then this is the cocktail for you. We find that this classic gin fizz recipe helps to ease the transition of seasons – while the crisp, cool apples reflect the colder days beautifully… INGREDIENTS 2oz gin / 1oz lemon juice Agave nectar, to taste / Sparkling apple cider Garnished with thyme and apple Method Pour gin in shaker, add lemon juice and agave nectar, shake, and then pour into a high ball glass and top with sparkling cider. Garnish with fresh thyme and an apple slice
IN THE MIX
Of course, if you’d rather sit back and relax while somebody mixed your ideal cocktail for you, then why not visit Sheldon’s in Colwyn Bay? From a Margarita to a Mojito, it has quite the cocktail selection and is quickly becoming the place to go for cocktails in North Wales. 01492 339821 www.sheldonsbar.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 29
Welcome home Queen Elizabeth Court Llandudno
Rated
‘Compliant’ by CIW Oct. 2019
Above: Resident Joan Buxton, 94, learns how to DJ using music technology.
At RMBI Care Co. Home Queen Elizabeth Court, we provide residential care, nursing and residential dementia support for up to 67 residents.
We treat people as individuals and we give everyone the chance to experience wellbeing and to live meaningfully. Covid-secure safe visiting are now available in our Home, allowing residents to safely meet with their loved ones again.
For more information or to arrange a virtual tour, please contact us: T: 01492 877 276 | E: queenelizabeth@rmbi.org.uk Clarence Drive, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 1TR
Caring is our way of life www.rmbi.org.uk
facebook.com/thermbi
Registered Charity No: 1163245 Company No: 1293566
twitter.com/thermbi
RECIPES Last month I set about trying to ‘shred’ my lockdown stone and get myself back in shape. It seemed that without Joe Wicks there to bark orders at me each morning, the flesh had become as weak as my spirit. Wine, despite all my past experiences, was not the answer. The fact that my emptying recycling box sounded like a wrecking ball being swung through a greenhouse factory was an uncomfortable reminder of this. Thus I began my Octopurge and moved onto
the sparkling water and (relatively) healthy diet to recreate myself anew. After all, the benefits of losing a pound or two in the current climate have been well publicised. I’m not yet at the point where I’m ready to be photographed standing in a pair of last year’s trousers which now look like they belonged to Andre The Giant. Perhaps I’ll carry this on into November as well? One or two simple but delicious recipes have stood out in my saintly endeavours…
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP Although we tend to crave hearty, stodgy comfort food at this time of year, light, nourishing and warming fare also hits all the right buttons and this bowl of healthy goodness always leaves me feeling just the right amount of full. If you’ve made a roast chicken for Sunday lunch, make a stock from the bones and you’ll have the basis for this dish. Serves 2 J 1 litre of homemade chicken stock J 1 thumb of peeled ginger, shredded J 1 finely chopped garlic clove J 2 free range chicken breasts J 100g noodles J 100g sliced shiitake mushrooms J 2 pak choi, halved (Tesco sell packs of pak choi & shiitake mushrooms together) J 2 teaspoons of mirin
FIGS WITH GREEK YOGHURT
J 2 teaspoons of soy sauce J Sesame oil
This is less a recipe and more a way of life. When Sean Connery ordered “Green figs. Yogurt. Coffee – very black”
Bring the stock to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Add the
for breakfast in an Istanbul hotel in From Russia With Love,
garlic, the ginger and the chickenCai breasts. 12 minutes, take RossAfter is co-owner
it must have sounded to rarely travelled cinema audiences
out the chicken and keep on a chopping board. the noodles and Maitre d’ Cook of
like the most glamorous dish on earth.
in the broth for five minutes, then the addaward-winning the mushrooms, the pak choi, the mirin and the soy sauce and cook for four in minutes. Paysanne Bistro
At the moment, Turkish Bursa figs are in abundance and
Deganwy, which has
they are my favourite. A rich, honeyed taste and a much
Chop the chicken into small piecesbeen and serving reintroduce French
better chance of getting a fig with lovely jammy flesh. Pour
it to the broth. Leave it for two minutes, then serve country-style food to
a pot of Turkish coffee (Mehmet Efendi, if you can get it) or a
in deep bowls, drizzling sesame oil over the fineit.people of North
strong espresso, slice a few Bursa figs and serve with a few
Wales since 1988. He
spoonfuls of Greek yoghurt. Perhaps drizzle some runny
also writes for Calibre
honey over everything if you’re feeling decadent. Having John Barry’s Bond music playing away quietly in the background while you eat your breakfast won’t hurt things at all…
Magazine, BBC Good
Don’t fancy cooking? Food, HeyUGuys.com
Paysanne is open from August 7th forNorth dinner on and The Wales Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sunday lunch. Weekly News 01492 582079 @PaysanneDeganwy www.paysannedeganwy.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 31
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Raise your glass
Wines and craft beers – similar or opposites? Have I lost my mind? Wines and craft beers
tannins of Cabernet, so a brewer might mix
similar, heresy some would say. But bear with
hops – for example Citra with Cascade, El
me while I talk through why I think that this is
Dorado and Eureka to highlight the citrus
the case.
flavour profile. Citra being a great example, as
Firstly, wine and craft beer have had similar
sour citrus flavour but blended can bring
fortunes, and shared a similar journey. Home
lovely light citrus highlights.
depending on how it is used it can add a heavy
brewing has been a staple in the UK for both As much as Tim is known as a wine man, he has
wine and beer (and cider). Many a party has been fuelled by a potent home brew of either
a strong passion for craft beer, which ultimately
kind.
led to the opening of Elementary. In fact we all share a passion for craft beers. It was a recent
Secondly, both are having a great renaissance.
night out for some business chat over a few
In the seventies and eighties, maybe even the
beers that led to the inspiration for this article.
early nineties the market availability of wine and beers was limited to a handful of reasonably priced, middle of the road,
In the midst of a conversation about future plans it was time
mass-produced varieties. If you had the ability to spend more
to order another beer. As always, we talked over with Chris
then the market opened to some rare gems.
(owner and helpful knowledgeable barkeep) at the Bay Hop what we should try next. Needless to say it had us hooked.
When we hit the nineties (for wine) and the noughties (for craft beer) this started to change. In the case of wine, we had
So, although they are in many ways polar opposites, the craft
more opportunities to buy a wider range of varieties, in the
beers available currently are just as complex and intriguing
case of craft beer, pubs and bars started stocking more than
as wines. Both are fun to explore and offer infinite journeys
just a similar range of lagers and a handful of ales.
through varieties and flavours, with plenty to choose from and something for everyone.
Breweries started to pop up locally of all sizes. Home/garage brewers started to make small batches and sell locally, some
Much as we implore you to try different styles of wine – fruity,
grew, and craft beer breweries now range from small to large
flinty, light whites, oaky chardonnays, light easy drinking
commercials. The one thing that has not left these is the
Pinot Noir or a heady Barolo, we also implore you to try a sour,
sense of adventure and innovation.
an IPA, a stout, a red ale or a Double Dry Hopped (DDH) IPA. Luckily we have a large range of both wines and beers, the
Both wine and beer can be used in cooking (beef bourguignon
shops are set out in similar ways.
versus steak in ale) or compliment and be matched to foods, red wine or stout with a steak, a citrusy IPA or a flinty
The Grape to Glass journey is light to full-bodied reds, rose,
Sauvignon Blanc with fish.
dry to sweet whites, fizz and fortified. Elementary is no/low alcohol, lager, pilnser, wheat, gose/sours (my favourites), pale
Which neatly brings me on to another similarity –
ales through to triple IPA’s (Tim’s favourite – especially DDH,
flavour profiles and blends. In much the same way that
Ant’s preference is DIPA or Tropical IPA), Golden, Amber, Ruby,
winemakers take different grape varietals and blend them
Bitters, Red ales, Barrel Aged, Porters and Stouts.
to develop distinct wines, so do brewers with different combinations of hop and yeast. Barrel aging of wine to
So come on down, see what’s new and chat through what we
impart flavour is commonplace and is something that
recommend. You may find a new favourite – and it may even
brewers are utilising also.
be a beer…
The way a winemaker may blend some Merlot to soften the
Pete
The Grape to Glass Wine Shop and Tasting Room
Tim Watson and his team run the Grape to Glass
8b Rhos Parade, Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea, LL29 7RE
Wine Shop and Tasting Room in Rhos-on-Sea which,
Tel: 01492 545934
as well as offering wine from far reaching lands, also
www.thegrapetoglass.co.uk
stocks locally produced beers, wines and spirits
NWM NWM 2019 2020 Page Page 33 33
CALL CALL TODAY TODAY TO TO GET GET YOUR YOUR FREE FREE QUOTE QUOTE
01492 550120
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NWM 2020 Page 37
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Property of the month
Enjoying an elevated position with far reaching countryside
The spacious master bedroom can also be found on the ground
views, Richmond House is a unique, beautifully presented
floor, and offers a dressing area, two walk-in wardrobes, en suite
detached four-bedroom house. Located in a semi rural
bathroom and windows to both the rear and side elevations.
setting on the outskirts of Conwy town, this spacious family home offers versatile accommodation over two
The fabulous living room can be found upstairs in order to
levels with block paved parking area for several vehicles, a
enjoy the far reaching countryside views. This triple room
landscaped lawned garden, terrace, low maintenance side
is large enough to include a separate study area, two double
area and additional courtyard seating area. The property
glazed patio doors lead out onto the fantastic balcony with
also benefits from no onward chain.
glazed railings and composite decking.
The star of the show is the spacious open plan kitchen
Three further bedrooms, one of which can be used as a
and family room, which boasts a central island, granite
reception room, a family bathroom and utility room complete
worksurfaces, integrated appliances and underfloor heating,
the package. n
and leads directly onto the conservatory. Enjoying an open aspect to all sides and with lovely views over the garden, the fabulous conservatory is filled with light thanks to its roof window, side access and double French
For more information Richmond House is currently on the market with Anthony Flint Estate Agents for ÂŁ455,000. For further information please call 01492 877418 or visit www.anthonyflint.co.uk
doors onto the terrace.
NWM 2020 Page 39
MAGAZINE
The Selling & Letting Agents
Sales / Lettings - 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel 01492 583100 Sales - 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com
email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com
website: www.fletcherpoole.com
OLD COLWYN
RHOS ON SEA £379,950
£795,000
• Stunning Fully Refurbished Four Bedroom Detached House • Enjoys Panoramic Coastal Views & Close to Rhos on Sea Village • Offers Spacious Modern Living
• Three/Four Bedroom Detached House • Beautifully Presented Throughout • Situated Close to The Promenade & Local Amenities
EPC
F
RHOS ON SEA
LLANDUDNO £795,000
£649,950 • Impressive Four Bedroom Detached House • Enjoying Far Reaching Views Of Llandudno Bay & The Little Orme • Totally Refurbished In The Last Four Years & A Beautiful Family Home Created
• Exceptional Newly Built Four Bedroom Detached Family Home • Neighbouring A Newly Built Three Bedroom Detached Bungalow Also On The Market • Light & Stylish Interior With An Outstanding Quality Finish • NHBC 10 Year Warranty & Sprinkler Fire System and Enjoys Far Reaching Sea & Coastline Views
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00-5.30 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00
INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS
Page 40 NWM 2020
VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com
The Selling & Letting Agents
Sales / Lettings - 3 Lancaster Square, Conwy LL32 8HT • Tel 01492 583100 Sales - 1a Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4PS • Tel: 01492 549178 email: conwy@fletcherpoole.com
email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com
website: www.fletcherpoole.com
CRAIG Y DON
CONWY £415,000
£360,000
• A beautifully presented four bedroom semi-detached Victorian home built circa 1876 • Retaining many lovely original features to include: Minton tiled floors, high ceilings and coving • Situated in a highly desirable & convenient location for walking into the historic walled town of Conwy • Low maintenance side courtyard garden
EPC
• Beautifully presented detached four bedroom home occupying a corner plot in a sought after location • The property has been lovingly and sympathetically refurbished • Retaining many of the beautiful period features • To the outside there are immaculately kept, and landscaped gardens
F
PENMAENMAWR
CONWY £515,000
£470,000 • A superb four bedroom Victorian semi-detached home situated within walking distance to Conwy town • Bryn Mair is steeped in history, back to the late 1800’s & has a QR History code attached to the property • Sympathetically refurbished over the last twenty years retaining many of the original features • Outside there is a gated driveway and a three car garage, gardens to front and side.
• Most beautiful detached five bedroom granite home dating back to 1896 retaining many original features • Once inside, you will discover immaculately presented accommodation, restored and refurbished • Beautifully maintained gardens, off-road parking for three vehicles. • Further unique element, a Fisherman’s cottage, power and light
OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY 9.00-5.30 SATURDAY 9.30-4.00
INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS VALUATION - If you are thinking of moving at anytime in the near future please do not hesitate to ask for a FREE SALES VALUATION www.fletcherpoole.com
NWM 2020 Page 41
£400,000 Mold
Denbigh
Ref: WE1710
Offers in the region of
Ref: WM746
• Annex Accommodation
£345,000
• Semi Rural Location
• Five Bedrooms
• Downstairs Cloaks
• Downstairs Shower Room
• Fabulous Gardens
• Solar Panels
• Large tiered rear garden • Master en-suite bedroom • Off road parking with garage
• Must Be viewed
•• EPC rating D
• Three further double bedrooms • Walking distance to Town Centre
• Double Garage
• Vide tour available • Family home • Spacious study/play room • EPC Rating D-68 • Modern kitchen with separate utility room
• Underfloor heating in the kitchen
£575,000
Rhyl
Ref: WR9194 • Modernised detached family home – video tour available • Four bedroom
• Two en suite
• Family kitchen
• Utility room
• Lounge/diner
• Study
• Ground floor cloakroom • Large garden
• Family bathroom
£650,000 Ruthin
Prestatyn
Ref: WP8528 • Five Bedrooms
£650,000
Ref: RN1674
• Virtual Tour Available
• Approximately 0.5 of an acre of land
• Detached House
• uPVC Double Glazing
• Video tour available
• Four bedroom family home
• Beautiful countryside views
• Off-road parking and garage
• Low maintenance garden
• Sought After Peaceful Location • Ample Off-Road Parking • Countryside Views
• uPVC double glazing throughout
• Oil central heating
• Internal Viewing Highly Recommended
• Viewing highly recommended
• EPC Rating F-34
• EPC Rating E 43
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OCTOBER
INSIDE OUT North Wales Magazine brings you the latest products from the world of interiors
Gateway to success
Garden screening and accessories brand Screen With Envy
Working smarter
has launched its inaugural collection of design-led driveway gates. Made from aluminium composite panels and aluminium
Working from home has been becoming more and more
frames, the gates are created to be long-lasting, water-
popular – but the recent pandemic means that it is a
resistant and of the up-most quality. In fact, the Kerplunk’s
trend that is here to stay. But in order to be truly efficient
composition boasts sustainable credentials, being made of
while working from home you need your own dedicated
both aluminium and recycled plastic – making it a brilliant
space that is both organised and inspirational. Nobody
sustainable option. The driveway gates bolster the brand’s
likes packing up their spreadsheets because it’s time
mission to help homeowners achieve zero maintenance,
for the kids lunch! A bespoke home office is the obvious
stunning outdoor spaces. Ramping up kerb appeal while
solution. No matter how big or small your space, Kitchens
adding much-needed privacy to the front of your house, the
of Conwy can provide bespoke office furniture that is
range includes eight exquisite designs which are all available
guaranteed to work as hard as you are! From spare
with both screen and trellis features – providing adequate
rooms that double as a study, to desks located under
privacy to suit your needs. All gates are also available with
the stairs, they can provide it all. Coordinated desks,
either a swing or sliding opening, with or without automation,
cupboards and shelving can all be built to suit your
providing you with a plethora of options to choose from. The
specific area and, don’t forget, a new home office could
gates are also completely customisable to allow as much
be tax deductible too!
flexibility as needed.
kitchensofconwy.co.uk
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Sweet dreams
The secret to a good night’s sleep is to have your body temperature regulate so that you can go into a deep, dormant sleep where the body can repair cells, fight illness and generally rejuvenate itself. However, under normal duvet fillings, the body tends to get too hot – which can lead to a disturbed sleep. But now help is at hand with a North Wales Baavet – finely combed pure wool encased in high quality pure cotton outer, creating a wool duvet. Wool is a temperature regulator, as it naturally wicks away moisture. The secret is in the structure of the fibres which are hollow and absorb moisture leaving the surface of the fibre dry. Wool can absorb 30% of its own weight in moisture. In addition dust mites hate wool, bacteria cannot survive in wool and it’s environmentally friendly and totally sustainable. All making it incredibly clean, so normally you don’t have to wash your Baavet duvet, you simply need to air it on a fine sunny day – meaning that all you have to do is get ready for your best nights sleep yet. www.baavet.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 45
CYFREITHWYR•SOLICITORS
Ein Pobl, Eich Tîm Our People, Your Team Yma i helpu…
Here to Help…
Mae ein swyddfeydd nawr ar 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.
Our offices are now 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
Swyddfa Conwy Office 1 & 2 Connaught House, Riverside Business Park, Benarth Road, Conwy LL32 8UB
01492 557070 info@lblaw.co.uk www.lblaw.co.uk Yr Amwythig • Bromyard • Conwy • Henffordd • Llwydlo • Croesoswallt • Telford Shrewsbury • Bromyard • Conwy • Hereford • Ludlow • Oswestry • Telford
Community
News Autumn retreat
Credit unions unite People in Wales are estimated to have saved
If you’re looking for an autumn escape then you could do a
almost £16 million by using their credit union for
lot worse than this truly stunning holiday home overlooking
small loans last year, but as we face the financial
Abersoch beach. From the conservatory you can enjoy
fallout of Covid-19 that is the tip of the iceberg
breathtaking sea views along Cardigan Bay, all the way to
to what can be achieved. As a result, ten Welsh
Snowdonia, or keep an eye on the tide at Abersoch’s main
credit unions have united to launch an ambitious
beach. The garden is brimming with palms, tree ferns,
strategy that will help people save money and
camellias and fig trees, making it a magical place for children
keep cash circulating in the Welsh economy.
to play and families to relax in. The house, Hywelfa, has been
Ann Francis, general manager of Wales’ largest
thoughtfully renovated and decorated to a high standard
credit union, Cambrian, which which has offices
and has a light Scandinavian feel throughout. Hywelfa is
in Wrexham, Rhyl, Llandudno, Denbigh and
nestled into the hill that runs down to the Machroes end of
Caernarfon, said: “As we face a second wave of
Abersoch beach, and is just over a mile from Abersoch village.
Covid-19, there has never been a more important
The house sleeps ten people with five bedrooms and three
time for credit unions in Wales to pull together
bathrooms – and you can even bring two of your four-legged
to help build the financial resilience of our
friends with you too!
communities. These are unprecedented times
www.walescottageholidays.co.uk
and we are delighted be part of a group of ten progressive and collaborative credit unions to help people save money, access affordable loans and keep money in our communities.” Collectively credit unions estimate they have helped people in Wales save up to £15.9 million in loan repayments compared to using a high cost lender. The strategy focusses on helping people in Wales access affordable loans and regular savings through their credit union, with actions including schemes allowing employees to save and borrow directly from their salary, digital services and improved financial education for all ages. creditunionsofwales.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 47
Clogau sees sales success Clogau Gold has enjoyed a glittering period of sales success despite the global Coronavirus pandemic. The North Wales-based jeweller plans to open a further five stores in the coming months and turnover is up on last year. The business also raised a staggering £200,000 for NHS charities via customers donations, a raffle and demand for their exclusive new NHS pin badge. Clogau managing director Ben Roberts (pictured) cited the influence of celebrities including TV star Gemma Collins, Love Island’s Dr Alex George and Real Housewives of Cheshire regulars Lauren Simon and Tanya Bardsley as having a big impact on the campaign. “It has been a difficult time, but the team has really come together and done a brilliant job, especially in producing so many of the pin badges,” said Ben. “All profits will go directly to NHS charities, which is amazing; we had hoped to raise £25,000 so to pass the £200,000 mark is incredible.” Clogau has unveiled new outlets in Carmarthen, Bangor, Swansea and Llandudno in recent times, and plans to add Chester, Wrexham, Ruthin and two more premises in South Wales to that list in the months ahead. All its stores – bar London - reopened in June with strict social distancing measures in place, and Ben is confident they will be able to flourish under the ‘new normal’ moving forward. “We have looked at the business, how we
Mixed messages threaten tourism industry
can adapt and be more efficient, and are focused on the long-
Mixed messages over Covid-19 restrictions could leave
we have continued to perform strongly. Clogau will continue
the North Wales tourism industry counting the cost,
to grow, but our top priority is the health and wellbeing of
according to a Conwy-based legal expert. Edward Nutting
our staff and customers as we begin to emerge from the most
(pictured), head of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors in Conwy,
unprecedented and uncertain period/stage in modern history.”
said confusion over what people were allowed to do in
www.clogau.co.uk
term future of Clogau,” he said. “During the pandemic we have maintained strong sales and are 20% ahead of last year, our model of opening new stores has been well-received and online
Wales and England was causing difficulties for hospitality businesses. “Following the lockdown measures being lifted, North Wales has been extremely busy, and businesses
New album flies off the shelves
in both the hospitality and tourism sectors have done an
An airline pilot has reached new heights with an album two
exceptional job to manage that influx of people and reopen
decades in the making. Reflections of Your Face is the fourth
their businesses,” he said. “The last couple of months
offering from North Wales singer-songwriter Allan Dawson.
have certainly helped businesses to claw back some of
Completed during lockdown, the collection ranges from piano ballad
the trade they lost during the spring and early summer.
Undeterred and joyful Snowclear, to the bittersweet first single,
However, mixed messages over what you can and cannot
Bubble, and epic I Wish This Would Last Forever. Released on
do in England and in Wales might cut short the tourism
21st September, it is “everything he hoped it would be” and comes
season, which previously looked as if it might continue
after decades of weird and wonderful jobs, from radio show host
further into the autumn than would normally be the case.
to executive skydiver and even a business advisor for the Welsh
There’s a worry that it will now be difficult for businesses
Government. However, it is Allan’s passion for flying that drove him
in the hospitality and tourism sectors to manage their cash
to finish the record and share it with listeners, almost 20 years after
flow over the coming months and into January and spring
the journey began. “Music and flying are my two greatest passions
2021.Businesses here in Wales are resilient, and their
in life,” said the 45 year-old, originally from Mochdre. “Reflections
owners’ entrepreneurial acumen will see them through
was always there in the background, and though it’s my fourth
tough times. However, I do hope the Welsh Government
album I actually started it before albums two and three. There was
will provide the support businesses need over the coming
something special about it and the message I was trying to get
months.” Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors are based in Conwy
across, which is perhaps why it remained unfinished for so long.
and work with individuals and businesses across North
It’s very much about things we’ve all gone through in life, especially
Wales assisting with a wide range of legal services, from
when chasing a dream and realising it wasn’t what you expected.
commercial property to family law.
It’s about friendship, struggles and realising life isn’t about goals,
www.lblaw.co.uk
it’s the pain you take to reach them.” www.allandawsonmusic.com
Page 48 NWM 2020
Cato Crane Auctioneers
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Our main offices and two auction rooms are located in Stanhope Street, opposite the Liverpool Marina. There is free on-road parking. Visits to clients in Wirral, Chester and North Wales are made every week. Evening and weekend visits to clients homes can be made by prior arrangement. To book your appointments simply call John Crane personally on either 01766 771777 or mobile 07836 209995 Cato Crane Auctioneers Liverpool Auction Rooms 6 Stanhope Street Liverpool, L8 5RF
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NWM 2020 Page 49
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Walking
world
EXPLORING PENYCLODDIAU HILL FORT
The Clwydian range of hills roughly run along the border between Denbighshire and Flintshire and have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
These lovely summits offer superb high-level walking on mostly good paths and give stunning views in all directions. Be prepared for steep ascents and descents if you intend to explore them, but generally they are friendly and benevolent hills which rise to their highest point on
J 2.3 miles/3.70 kilometres J Time: Allow 2 - 2.5 hours J Start: Free car park at Coed Llangwyfan
mighty Moel Ffamau at 1,821 ft/555 metres. From most areas of the
between Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.
Clwydian Hills towns such as Ruthin and Denbigh look tiny far below
This is on the minor road linking
you and seem a long way away with the network of farmers’ fields
Llandrynog (north of Ruthin) and the
that surround them make pretty patterns in the landscape. Offa’s Dyke
B5429 to Nannerch (north west of Mold)
Long Distance footpath follows the crest of the Clwydian range on the final stages of its epic 177 miles/285 km from Chepstow in the south of Wales to Prestatyn in the north. The Clwydian Hills also have a chain of high-level hill forts along them and todays walk climbs to the largest of these (which is also one of the biggest hill forts in Wales). This covers around 21 hectares and is on the 1,440 ft/440 metre
and the A541
J Grid Ref: SJ 138668 J Nearest postcode: LL16 4NB J Ordnance Survey Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer 265 – Clwydian Range
J What to expect: Despite being short this
summit of the hill of Plenycloddiau. This fort was subject to careful
route should be treated as a full-blown
excavation and archaeological work between 2004 and 2010 as part
hill walk. Paths and tracks are generally
of the Lottery funded ‘Heather and Hillforts project’. And between 2012
good but there are some steep ascents and
and 2018 the fort was used as a training opportunity for students of
descents and some rough going in places.
Liverpool University Archaeology Field School. Penycloddiau hill fort
The summit of Penycloddiau is high and
is of Iron Age but there some evidence that this hilltop was used as a
offers no shelter so choose a good day of
burial mound from as long ago as the Bronze Age.
settled weather for the outing. You should wear boots and have full hill walking gear
Even though this walk to the summit of Penycloddiau and the hill
along with a stick in case of overgrown
fort remains is quite short and starts from a high car park, it should
areas
not be underestimated as it is quite tough and traverses sections of open hillside. Choose a sunny settled day and treat the outing as a full-blown hill walk and you will enjoy a superb day out in this unique area.
J Suitable for: Experienced hill walkers J Dogs: OK on leads J Refreshments: Mold, Ruthin and Denbigh all have shops, cafés and pubs
NWM 2020 Page 51
MAGAZINE
4
3
WALK DETAILS
2
5
START START/ FINISH
From the car park go left of the Coed Llangwyfan sign and pass the Penycloddiau Hill Fort information board to pass by the right of two gates to take Offa’s Dyke footpath (the acorn sign). Beyond the gate rise on
Penycloddiau and the hill fort and follow the path as the angle
the path to leave it almost immediately by going half right to
eases to reach the summit cairn which is on a grassy burial
continue following Offa’s Dyke footpath. Follow the rising path
mound surrounded by stones.
in trees to soon rise more steeply and join a wall right. Continue rising with good views through the trees left. When you emerge
Points of interest on this section
J Penycloddiau Hill Fort – This is the largest hill fort in the Clwydian Hills and one of the largest hill forts in Wales. It covers around 21 hectares and is on the 1,440 ft/440 metre summit of the hill of Plenycloddiau 3) Go ahead towards the obvious large mast to dip down and cross a ditch which is part of the hill fort. Rise a few paces to a path junction left of an Offa’s Dyke marker post. Here go left
g ce
to walk along the fort ramparts. Follow the path to descend towards a fence and continue to reach it at a fence corner. 4) Continue ahead keeping the fence on your right and walk below the summit of Penycloddiau Hill Fort. At a stile right keep ahead to pass through a fence gap and continue with the fence right. Keep with the fence following a sunken path continuing to make a short steep rise to a fence corner. Go ahead to head from the trees continue to climb now with a fence right and
downhill and pick up your outbound route descending it to
superb views left. When the angle eases make a short descent
cross the stile in the fence. Go left to descend to the gate left and
to pass a path junction left and a gate right. Rise beyond this
the path junction right.
on a narrower path. Continue rising to a stile by a gate and an Offa’s Dyke Footpath sign.
Points of interest on this section
J Clwydian Range – as you follow the fence and path you get Points of interest on this section
great views of the Clwydian Hill Range. The highest point of
J Offa’s Dyke Long Distance footpath – this National Trail
the ridge is at Moel Ffamau at 1,821 ft/555 metres and is in
follows the crest of the Clwydian range on the final stages
view as you walk
of its epic 177 miles/285 km from Chepstow in the south of Wales to Prestatyn in the north
J The mountains you see to your left once out of the trees (on a clear day) are those of Snowdonia National Park
5) Leave your outbound route to go right on a descending path passing through trees and ferns. Descend to reach a forest track at a junction and here go left. Follow this track to descend and pass by the gate to reach the car park and start. n
2) Cross the stile and take the good uphill path beyond (initially by a fence). As the fence bends left and descends, reach an Offa’s Dyke footpath marker and continue beyond it on a good wide grassy path. At the next junction follow the arrow and stay left. Rise past another Offa’s Dyke footpath marker to descend slightly and pass another Offa’s Dyke marker to then climb more steeply on the obvious path. Continue to the upper reaches of
Page 52 NWM 2020
A WORD OF CAUTION Walking in the outdoors can be a strenuous activity and it is up to you to ensure that you are fit and healthy enough to undertake the route described and to approach the venture with caution and care. You should wear appropriate footwear and suitable clothing, take along food and drink plus carry the relevant map and a compass and be able to use it. The details given here are believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, neither North Wales Magazine nor the author can accept responsibility for inaccuracies encountered.
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Holiday Home of the month The great British staycation has never been as popular as it is now – and North Wales is certainly ticking all of the holiday boxes. But if you think it’s safer to shy away from international travel for a while, then investing in your own holiday home could be the perfect solution to having a regular break.
Owners at New Pines Holiday Park can go on a five-star
relax inside your holiday home as it has both central heating
holiday whenever they please! Nestled in the stunning North
and double glazed windows. You will benefit from parking
Wales countryside near Dyserth and close to the bustling
close to your home and bunker flags already in position.
seaside towns of Prestatyn and Rhyl, you’ll find a serene holiday park which boasts superb facilities and offers a real
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As well as taking ownership of your dream ‘home away from home’, when you become a holiday home owner at New
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indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi,
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sauna, steam room, all-weather
then benefits from a lower site fee deal of
pitch, air conditioned gym, bistro,
£3,170 – which is an incredible deal for a
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five-star holiday park in North Wales with full facilities. All you and your family have to do is enjoy it year after year. n
And purchasing at New Pines is far more affordable than you might think. In fact, a two-bedroom ABI Tebay Platinum static caravan is currently available for just £25,000.
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autumn sunshine. And when the evenings draw in you can
NWM 2020 Page 55
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Puzzle corner
Down: 2 Foreigner, 3 Examine, 4 Gobi, 6 Treetop, 7 Ideal, 8 Daughter-in-law, 9 Psychoanalyse, 16 Acted, 19 Statement, 22 Warrior, 24 Siamese, 27 Abaft, 30 User.
Down 2 Alien (9) 3 Scrutinise (7) 4 Central Chinese desert (4) 6 Crown (7) 7 Standard of perfection (5) 8 Wife of your son (8-2-3) 9 What shrinks do (13) 16 Behaved (5) 19 Declaration (9) 22 Soldier (7) 24 Type of twin (7) 27 Behind (5) 30 Junkie (4)
Across: 1 Often, 5 Strip, 8 Droop, 10 Armada, 11 Shekel, 12 Unify, 13 Living, 14 Cattle, 15 Heath, 17 Infect, 18 Oppose, 20 Extra, 21 Drawer, 23 Nassau, 25 India, 26 Patron, 28 Leaves, 29 Lousy, 31 Manila, 32 Sweden, 33 Where, 34 Story, 35 Newts.
Across 1 Frequently (5) 5 Divest (5) 8 Sag (5) 10 Spanish fleet (6) 11 Israeli currency (6) 12 Bring together (5) 13 Dwelling (6) 14 Kine (Arch.) (6) 15 Moor (5) 17 Contaminate (6) 18 Resist (6) 20 Minor actor in crowd scenes (5) 21 Sliding compartment of furniture (6) 23 Capital of the Bahamas (6) 25 World’s largest democracy (5) 26 Regular customer (6) 28 Departs (6) 29 Rotten (5) 31 Capital of the Philippines (6) 32 Scandinavian kingdom (6) 33 In what place (5) 34 Tale (5) 35 Small salamanders (5)
NWM 2020 Page 57
MAGAZINE
Page 58 NWM 2020
Learning by heart This is an uncertain time for families due to the coronavirus pandemic and its continued rise across the country. At Rydal Penrhos, we have strived to alleviate these concerns by providing our pupils and staff with a safe and cautious environment that has allowed them to feel safe, happy and thrive academically. Prep school head Lucy Davies and estates manager Richard
Government advice, which is something that is being adhered
Smith have co-ordinated the COVID-19 risk assessment in
to superbly by the conscientious children under our care.
conjunction with Conwy Borough Council, which is a working document that focuses on every area of the school and the
The school is also providing free iPads for pupils in Year 3 and
safety measures that need to be implemented.
above to aid with their learning and provide them with a useful tool in the event of a second lockdown. Children below Year 3
This is constantly updated given such an ever-changing
will also be able to use iPads during school hours and Rydal
situation, but the school remains at the forefront of implementing
Penrhos will also source enough for them to take home if they
measures quickly and efficiently, which also includes making
move back to remote learning.
contingency plans in the event of a second lockdown. The school is fortunate to have 38 acres of grounds to give Rydal Penrhos’ teaching staff have adjusted to the digital age
pupils plenty of room to relax, move around and feel safe.
with online learning extremely well in such a short space of
Prep School children will continue to benefit from their Forest
time. This enabled the school to hold a typical day of lessons
School initiative to further enhance their well-being and all-
virtually during the first lockdown period each and every
round development.
day, in addition to other schemes such as the ‘classroom to campus’ initiative for Year 13 in order to fully prepare them for
This has been done in structured bubbles both academically
university life and the virtual speech day for our Year 6 pupils.
and during the rich and varied extra-curricular opportunities available. University preparations for Upper Sixth Formers are
Of course, a second lockdown is a worst-case scenario, but it
continuing through online seminars with prestigious higher
is one that Rydal Penrhos is fully prepared for. The school has
education establishments across the country as the current
been in constant contact with Conwy County Borough Council
Year 13 look to emulate this summer’s historic A Level results,
regarding an ever-changing situation, and the incredible
which were Rydal Penrhos’ best ever.
commitment shown by teaching and support staff during this unprecedented time is a further indication of the care and
We are proud of the way everyone associated with the Rydal
thought that goes on behind the scenes to ensure each pupil
Penrhos community has adapted to the current climate and
gets the most out of their education.
the school’s confidence for every eventuality is of paramount importance.
n
We have installed the strictest of guidelines to prevent COVID-19 cases within the school. This includes all pupils and staff taking their temperatures before arriving on-site and constant monitoring of their physical and mental wellbeing during school hours and beyond. Masks are being worn by senior pupils and staff throughout the prep and senior school sites in accordance with Welsh
Sally Ann Harding is Senior School Head of Rydal Penrhos. She is about to embark on her 28th year at the school and her 40th in the teaching profession
NWM 2020 Page 59
MAGAZINE
EDUCATION NEWS A-level record for Rydal Penrhos This year Rydal Penrhos’ A Level results were, in “value-added” terms, the best-ever achieved by the schools pupils. Value-added is one of the best indicators of a pupil’s performance. When children arrive in school they are evaluated through tests which plot the child’s innate ability and performance and can therefore forecast the child’s likely outcome at GCSE and then later at A Level according to the national average. To “Add Value” means a school can significantly influence a child’s performance through such a high standard of teaching that the projected outcome is improved and therefore they achieve much
Bangor Uni to host Virtual Open Days Bangor University is holding Virtual Open Days on Sunday 11th
better grades than they would have done at an average
October, Saturday, 7th November and Sunday 6th December. At
school (i.e. the national average). This year at ‘A’ level
a Virtual Open Day, you can Live Chat with lecturers in specific
the school’s score was 0.5 – which means for every ten
subject areas and with staff on topics such as accommodation,
subjects taken, five of them (i.e. half) have come out
admissions, finance and student support. You can also take 360
with higher grades than forecast. This has meant for
tours around the campus and accommodation and watch videos
example that over the 51 Year 13 pupils who recently
and presentations especially made to give you a taste of the
left, 100 additional ‘A’ grades were achieved.
unique Bangor experience – wherever you are!
rydalpenrhos.com
www.bangor.ac.uk/openday
Wrexham Glyndwr is ready to welcome students
them manage their studies.”
New and returning students at Wrexham Glyndwr
Wrexham Glyndwr University
University will discover campuses which have been
Students’ Union is also
adapted to include a range of Covid-19 secure measures.
helping to prepare students
The changes are designed to keep staff, students and
for their return. Student
visitors to the university safe – while also ensuring that the
Union president Ebony Banks
excellent service and opportunities which Glyndwr offers
(right) said: “Activities will be
students is maintained. “While the learning blend on offer
taking place every day during Freshers’ Week and we have
will vary between courses for our students, all areas of our
been working hard behind the scenes to enable students
campuses have been modified to ensure a Covid-19 secure
to take part in events. Wrexham Glyndwr University draws
environment for staff and students,” said Wrexham Glyndwr
students from across a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
University deputy vice chancellor, professor Claire Taylor
We are excited to welcome new students to our campuses
(left). “Students who are enrolled with us have received their
and to see old friends return – and we expect all our
timetables now and know when they will have on-campus
students to work together to keep both themselves and our
sessions – and they will also be supported with a variety of
wider community safe.”
digital learning opportunities and activity which will help
www.glyndwr.ac.uk
Page 60 NWM 2020
dewch o hyd i’ch lle. dechreuwch eich dyfodol. find your place. start your future. Darganfod mwy. Find out more.
wgu.ac.uk
rhagolygon
stronger
hapusach.
students.
gyrfa cryfach.
myfyrwyr Darganfod pam • find out why
career prospects.
happier
wgu.ac.uk/nssresults NWM 2020 Page 61
‘A bit of fresh air, a bit of company. The sky’s the limit now.’ Fran, lover of the great outdoors
Fran loves getting out and about with her Shared Lives carer, Claudia, who supports her during the day. Thanks to Claudia’s support, she’s now got the confidence to use her own electric wheelchair. Shared Lives is a bit like fostering, but for adults who want to live as independently as possible.
You can empower someone to live their life to the fullest. Become a Shared Lives carer. Support someone while they live with you at home, or just for the day. You’ll be self-employed, but we’ll be with you every step of the way: no previous caring experience needed.
WE’RE RECRUITING SHARED LIVES CARERS IN NORTH WALES RIGHT NOW For more information visit sharedlivescarers.com/wales
HEALTH & WELLBEING Hi, it’s Mark from FAST bringing you three top tips to keep healthy this winter…
#1 Mindset
right on our doorstep. Keep it simple. The simple things often
First, you need to make sure that you’ve got a strong and
make the biggest difference.
resilient mindset. Whatever your experience of winter has been in the past, maybe the dark mornings and the cold
#3 Think About Supplementation
weather have previously affected your mood and motivation,
We’re all familiar with supplements, however with so many
now is the time to create a new layer of thinking about how
available it can be difficult to know which ones are the best
you’re going to experience winter this year.
to take and when. Vitamin D and vitamin C are two very good supplements to consider taking this winter, as vitamin
The morning I wrote this article, I woke up at five o’clock and
C is great for keeping our immune system functioning well,
was getting ready to deliver an online fitness class. Outside
especially during the colder months, along with vitamin D.
it was dark and wet, a stark contrast to the amazing weather
Just make sure that you observe the recommended guidelines
that we experienced the previous few days.
from the NHS or seek some expert advice.
I could have very easily felt depressed, frustrated, tired and
If you want to take this one step further, you could have a
unmotivated and slipped back under my covers. My cold
micronutrient test that you can get sent directly to your door.
shower very quickly brought me back to my senses and it was
Many companies such as Thrive and Medichecks offer this
in this moment I had a realisation that I had a choice in that
service. By opting to do this, you can use the results of this
moment to respond or react to what was going on outside of
test to target specific improvements to make sure that you’re
me. What are those moments and triggers that send you off
staying well.
into an emotional downward spiral? This winter, find ways to keep yourself in a good frame of mind!
So, those are my three pieces of advice for you this winter. Health is your most important asset and you can use it to help
#2 Stay Active
you achieve your goals.
Stay active and keep doing exercise. After I did my class this morning I felt more energised and motivated to get stuff done!
Trust me, as someone who has travelled from illness to
So my second piece of advice is to stay active this winter and
wellness, was on palliative care and rebuilt my own immune
don’t go into hibernation just because it’s cold outside.
system, I know how important our health is.
It easy to get into the habit of staying inside and snacking your way to spring. Instead, decide to stay active, stay well and have positive boundaries around exercise and good nutrition. Get outside and enjoy nature whenever you can and go and enjoy the natural space around us that we are so lucky to have
n
Mark Bryant is the co-creator of The FAST Way to Fitness Programme and The FAST Workforce Wellness Programme. He is also a resilience & wellbeing keynote speaker, and the creator of ‘3 Steps to Healthy High Performance’. For more information please visit fastwaytofitness.co.uk
NWM 2020 Page 63
You & Your
Pet
ANXIETY & CALMING SOLUTIONS This year has been something of an anomaly for everyone.
KONG
Whether you have been furloughed, deemed an essential
In last month’s issue, I wrote about how the use of KONG toys
worker or just told to stay home, I believe each and every
helped with the transition from working solely at home to
one of us has suffered from the anxiety of the complete
going back to the office – with regards to Libby, obviously,
uncertainty about this year. As we approach the latter end of
not myself!
it and towards a time that is normally filled with celebrations and festivities, we must remind ourselves that whether there
The same can be applied to anxiety and calming solutions
are socially distant gatherings or not, we must be prepared for
during the festive period. Providing your pet with activity
the inevitable flurry of fireworks displays from late October to
and drawing their focus to something else other than what is
early January.
going on outside will help reduce any anxiety they may be feeling.
This is not to say I don’t enjoy a good celebration as much as the next person but, as a pet parent, I fully understand
You could try the KONG Classic, stuffed with their favourite
the importance of being prepared for this season so that my
food or treats to make it into a fun puzzle. This will put your
Labrador Libby can feel at ease in her own home and not overly
dog’s mind to work and with the unpredictable bounce of the
distressed by what is going on outside.
toy, it becomes a fun and tiring activity.
Pet Remedy
You can find the full range of KONG products in-store or on
Pet Remedy is a natural de-stress and calming treatment for all
our website.
pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, horses, birds, and reptiles. It has a full range of products from diffusers, bandanas,
I hope by sharing my experiences that this will spur you on
and wipes. They also have specific kits to see you through
to start thinking about this “Party Season”, however different
lifestyle changes like animal bonding kits, training, moving
it may look in 2020. But, as always, if you need any further
home and the one I know I find most useful at this time of year,
advice regarding our range of calming and anxiety solutions
the Party Season Survival Kit. The product name does sort
or KONG toys please do pop in to store or give us a call, we
of summarise the whole experience for both parent and pup,
are here to help. In addition, for all of our petplace plus+
and if my Libby gets through this season in a stress-free calm
customers, we will be offering 10% off all Pet Remedy products
environment, then so will I, and that, for me, is a win-win.
during the month of October. n
The range can be used all year round to help resolve numerous behavioural issues. For me personally, I start to introduce it at the beginning of October and keep the diffusers going until the end of January. Again, this is my use of the product range, you may prefer a different time frame or find a subsequent product within the range that works best for you. You can find the full range of Pet Remedy products in-store or on
Meurig Davies is the Buyer for the Dog & Cat departments at petplace. He has worked in every part of the company over the last 22 years, and as a passionate pet parent to Libby his Labrador, he knows the importance of providing a healthy, nurturing environment for Libby especially with the festive season approaching.
our website, and if you have any questions, please do get in touch.
NWM 2020 Page 65
MAGAZINE
IN THE
STARS...
While everyone remembers Russell Grant from his Breakfast TV appearances in the 1980’s, most people don’t realise that Russell was the first astrologer in over 300 years to present a horoscope forecast to a member of the Royal Family (HRH Queen Mother). Now dubbed the “Royal Astrologer” Russell has appeared on numerous television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing. He divides his time between London and his North Wales home near Portmeirion. www.russellgrant.com
October’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant Aries (March 21st – April 20th) The Full Moon on the 1st could prompt you to lash out at someone who cuts corners and treats others badly. You’re tired of being taken for granted. Pushy behaviour on the 13th will get an angry reception; give your business or romantic partner some space. On the 16th, the New Moon warns against signing a contract that gives too much power to the other side. Taurus (April 21st – May 21st) You’ll attract admirers like bees to honey on the 2nd making this a great time to embark on a relationship with someone who shares your love of art, culture and music. If you already have a partner time spent in romantic seclusion will be time well spent. The New Moon on the 16th warns against taxing your system with too much junk food and alcohol. Gemini (May 22nd – June 21st) Stop telling yourself you’re incapable of performing a demanding job on the 7th; nothing could be further from the truth. The chance to work for a former employer could come your way on or around the 14th, but on the 16th, the New Moon warns against getting involved in a troubled romance. Another Full Moon on the 31st brings an unexpected opportunity to rest, relax and recharge your batteries. Cancer (June 22nd – July 23rd) As October gets up and running the Full Moon brings a stressful professional situation that might be too much to bear. Instead of battling with a jealous rival, strike out on your own. The New Moon on the 16th forces you to find another living situation; don’t allow a manipulative person to interfere with this move. It’s better to assert your independence. Signing a business deal on the 21st is strongly advised. Leo (July 24th – August 23rd) October starts off with a Full Moon on the 1st that brings an upsetting legal or official decision. It may be necessary to change jobs because of this news. On the 16th, the New Moon will tempt you to throw yourself into a nasty argument on social media. Instead of firing off a sarcastic remark, stay off the Internet for a full day. Another Full Moon on the 31st marks a thrilling turning point in your career. Virgo (August 24th – September 23rd) Resist the temptation to contradict an expert on the 7th; you don’t want to alienate someone you might have to rely on in times to come Your powerful allure will cause someone to fall head over heels in love with you on the 10th while the New Moon on the 16th brings an intriguing moneymaking opportunity. More money for luxuries becomes available on the 19th; so give yourself a treat or two.
Page 66 NWM 2020
Libra (September 24th – October 23rd) The Full Moon on the 1st forces you to come to terms with a troubled relationship. You should break away from someone who has been stealing your joy. On the 16th, the New Moon tempts you to radically change your appearance. Resist this impulse, as you probably won’t be happy with the results. Be realistic about your work responsibilities on the 18th; don’t force colleagues to pick up your slack. Scorpio (October 24th – November 22nd) It will be much easier to exert your influence on the 4th, when people will welcome your powerful insights. Try to avoid arguing with a quarrelsome colleague on the 9th; you’re going to need their help sooner than you think. The New Moon on the 16th could force you to adopt a low profile. Beware of overshadowing a powerful egotist. Your powers of persuasion will be strong on the 19th. Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st) The Full Moon on the 1st urges you to make a decision about your love life. If you’re single, you must decide whether to make a serious commitment to a love interest. If you already have a partner go the extra mile to add spice to your life together. Another Full Moon on the 31st brings wonderful news about a medical matter. You’ll be able to resume a rigorous routine after getting a clean bill of health. Capricorn (December 22nd – January 20th) The full force of your charisma comes roaring back on the 4th; and you can use it to lure people into your web of intrigue. An argumentative relative will start to get on your nerves around the 9th; so you’d be wise to put some distance between you and them for as long as you can. A second Full Moon on the 31st is perfect for an impromptu vacation or impetuous romantic encounter. Aquarius (January 21st – February 19th) The Full Moon brings upsetting news about a community situation at the start of October; there is still time to appeal to public officials. A bad rule at work will be reversed on the 14th, bringing relief to everyone affected. On the 16th, the New Moon makes you yearn to expand your horizons, but official duties will keep you rooted to the spot. Pisces (February 20th – March 20th) Joining a professional organisation will put you in the spotlight on the 12th; don’t be bashful and be ready to put your skills and talents on display. The New Moon on the 16th warns against opening a credit account; it’s best to keep debts to a minimum. Take a realistic view of a loved one’s strengths and weaknesses on the 18th; putting anyone on a pedestal is a recipe for
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NWM 2020 Page 67
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New
Swallow Falls Collection
Streaming through the forests of Snowdonia National Park lies the Llugwy River that runs into one of North Wales most well-known waterfalls, Swallow Falls. The elegant waves of the waterfall flowing through the ravine is the inspiration behind the unique design of this beautiful collection.
www.clogau.co.uk
