NWM - September 2023

The sky at night

clean-crisptrailblazing

MAGAZINE

DEAR READER

So that’s it, September is here and the summer (if you can call it a summer!) is virtually over…

At this point people tend to split into two distinct groups. The first group breathe a sigh of relief as they pack away the sun cream and dig out their wellies, as they look forward to long country walks without worrying about sun burn… The second group however mourn the loss of summer, and begin to dread the longer nights and colder days.

What’s interesting of course is that each group can learn something from the other… The first group know that all is not lost on the adventure front just because autumn is just around the corner – and they know that the answer lies in good outdoor clothing. We have some fabulous ideas of how to entertain the kids this September on page 31, so grab a good coat and off you go!

Meanwhile the second group tend to hunker down for the colder months until they can emerge into the spring sunshine once again… And it is this period of hibernation that can really recharge your batteries. So make yourself comfortable, cook a good old winter warmer or two (see page 43 for some inspiration) and relax with a good book until the climate begins to appeal once again.

Alternatively, you could do both – it’s all about balance after all…

Kate Hamilton Founding Editor

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Contents

MAGAZINE

EDITOR Kate Hamilton

PUBLISHER Grant Hamilton

ART DIRECTOR Simon Marriott

ACCOUNTS Sian Roberts

CONTACT US editorial@northwalesmagazine.co.uk sales@northwalesmagazine.co.uk subscribe@northwalesmagazine.co.uk whatson@northwalesmagazine.co.uk

North Wales Magazine is an independent, regional monthly magazine produced by KSG Publishing. It is available to pick up from a wide range of independent outlets throughout Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey.

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part (electronically or in print) without written permission by North Wales Magazine is strictly prohibited. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of published content, and any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of North Wales Magazine. Please note that some of the authors and companies featured may have paid in order to write their column or article. The publishers assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from participation in, or as a result of, any offer, competition, information, editorial or advertisement contained within the magazine. North Wales Magazine does not endorse any of the advertisements featured, or any of the author’s opinions. All words and images remain the property of their respective owners and all copyrights are observed. North Wales Magazine is not associated with any newspaper group.

Privacy Notice. You can read North Wales Magazine’s Privacy Notice in full at www.northwalesmagazine.com

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

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

What’s on

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

8th & 9th Fire & Stove Show

Friday 1st

Sketching Wildlife Walk at the Spinnies

Come to the Spinnies Aberogwen

Nature Reserve to walk and sketch

wildlife with local Anglesey artist Christine Garwood and the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Beginner or experienced, anyone with a interest in learning to sketch is welcome

Friday 1st

An evening of Burlesque

Roll up, roll up to Rhyl Pavilion Theatre for night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour!

5th & 6th

Mark at Mayflyfishrecreations

Mark offers an alternative to traditional taxidermy, and will have many of his crafts on display at Afonwen, where traditional or modern techniques can be used upon request

Thursday 7th

Drawn to War

Theatre Colwyn is hosting a film night tonight at 7.00pm. It’s called Drawn to War and is a biography of Eric Ravilious, one of the artists who painted the murals on the Pier tea rooms that got dismantled a couple of years ago. The murals are still in storage and the Trust is hoping to get some, if not all, restored at a later date

RN Williams is hosting its annual Fire & Stove Show in St Asaph. With over 120 stoves and 30 range cookers on display this is an event not to be missed if you are in the market to cut your fuel bills. In addition there are big discounts and extra incentives, such as up to £1,500 off range cookers and no VAT on stoves, fires & fireplaces

Saturday 9th

Go Wild at West Shore

Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust for a fun day of familyfriendly activities at their annual Wild at West Shore event. There’s lots to see and do: egg case hunts, beach clean, strandline search, arts and crafts and nature-related games

Sunday 10th Comedy Club

Join Theatr Clwyd for this month’s Comedy Club. Featuring: Dave Thompson, Pete Selwood, Faizan Shah and Bethany Black (Joe Lycett Support), it promises to be a great night out

Tuesday 12th

Joy Williams at HFT

HFT is a charity that supports adults with learning difficulties and disabilities. They operate sites in Flintshire and information can be accessed online. They make a variety of gift items, made from recycled wood pallets, plus many things gathered from the environment which you can see at Afonwen today

Wednesday 13th

‘Garden Escapers!’

Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust’s ‘Garden Escapers!’ project at St David’s Church Hall in Penrhyn Bay this morning to explore the many ways in which gardeners can tackle one of the ‘top five’ issues facing nature; invasive species

Thursday 14th

Autumn walk at Gors Maen Llwyd

Join the North Wales Wildlife Trust for an early autumn walk across the moors at Gors Maen Llwyd Nature Reserve, and enjoy a spectacular heather display

14th & 15th

Dawn French is a Huge Tw*t

Roll up! Book early to see the telly vicar lady be a total tw*t at Venue Cymru, live-in front of your very eyes. And ears…

Saturday 16th

Colwyn Bay Artisan Market

Come along to the market today to shop, be entertained – and to celebrate the humble biscuit! The market has teamed up with ‘Together For Colwyn Bay’ to honour this classic British favourite with a mini ‘Biscuit Festival’ where there’ll be many biscuit themed activities and games to get involved in – as well as plenty of quality shopping

Sunday 17th

Clwb Comedi Cymraeg - Medi

Theatr Clwyd’s Welsh Language

Comedy Club brings the most talented comics in Wales for a night of stellar stand up. With tickets from £10, it’s your new favourite night out! 7.30 at The Mix

19th & 20th

Ikaria

This love story about finding salvation in someone else comes to Theatr Mix tonight

Saturday 23rd

Alfie Boe

Alfie Boe returns to Venue Cymru with his latest concert tour

21st & 22nd

Local Artist Tracey Davies

Tracey paints mainly from photographs, mostly of dog portraits. Tracey has taken many commissions for her portraits, and will have some on display at Afonwen

23rd & 24th

The Adventures of Little Red Hen

Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farmyard animals got off their reclining sofas and lent a hand! Join this plucky little hen at Theatr Clwyd this weekend as she finds her own way to get stuff done.

28th & 29th

Holywell Art Club

The club will be exhibiting a selection of their paintings at Afonwen, and are happy to answer any queries about their work and the club

Saturday 30th

Tales from Acorn Wood

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre today

BIG the picture

The view of the North Wales coast is nothing short of spectacular from Gwrych Castle. The Grade I listed country house was home to ITV’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! for two consecutive years, and now makes for a fantastic day out. Boasting fabulous views of Abergele golf course and the towns of Abergele and Pensarn, this beautiful vista is at its best just as the leaves begin to turn a delightful shade of gold…

Starry nights

delights

With its remote landscapes, minimal light pollution, and breathtaking natural beauty, North Wales has established itself as a stargazer’s paradise. As the cool breezes of autumn begin to replace the warmth of summer, the September issue of North Wales magazine invites you to embark on a celestial journey through the stunning night skies of this region. Home to Snowdonia International Dark Sky Reserve and away from the urban hustle and bustle, the stars shine with unparalleled brilliance, forming constellations that have guided explorers and storytellers for generations.

When choosing your stargazing location, it’s important to consider the distance from artificial lights. If you’re able to, travelling to a remote location away from streetlamps, car headlights, and residential lighting will gift you with a memorable star-studded tapestry. The simplicity of stargazing is an element of the activity that makes it especially wonderful alongside being inclusive and accessible to many. However, if you’re interested in taking a closer look at the constellations and nocturnal landscapes, why not bring a pair of binoculars or a telescope?

For an extra special experience, consider visiting during meteor showers or other astronomical events. North Wales provides an excellent vantage point to witness plenty of astronomical phenomena and fantastical displays. Some upcoming events include International Observe the Moon Night (September/October), Draconid Meteor Shower (October), and Orionid Meteor Shower (October).

While not a specific event, September and October can be excellent months for observing the Milky Way in North Wales. The reduced light pollution in certain areas allows for clearer views of the galaxy’s band stretching across the night sky. Find a cosy spot to lay back, let your eyes adjust, and watch as shooting stars dance across the inky expanse.

Gazing upward on a clear September night, one can easily spot iconic constellations that have woven their way into human culture for centuries. The majestic constellation of Orion stands tall, recognizable by its distinctive belt of three stars. As the hunter of the skies, Orion is surrounded by tales that have been passed down through time.

Bethany Birch explores the astronomical wonders of North Wales…

and celestial

Ynys Môn lights up at night

When choosing your stargazing location, it’s important to consider the distance from artificial lights.

Whilst you’re often able to enjoy a moment marvelling at the wonders that lie above from the convenience of your own garden, there are plenty of locations in North Wales that, when the conditions permit, will grant you a particularly impressive view. Be sure to check weather conditions and local guidelines before heading out, and be respectful of the environment while enjoying the wonders of the night sky. Some top locations include:

Eryri: Wales’ largest National Park provided many secluded spots for stargazing, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) itself can offer a unique vantage point for observing the night sky.

Llŷn Peninsula: Away from major urban areas, the peninsula offers clear views of the night sky. Pwllheli and Aberdaron are two popular spots for stargazing here.

Anglesey: Ynys Môn is a great location for stargazing due to its relative lack of light pollution. Places like Newborough Forest and the Menai Bridge offer unobstructed views of the stars.

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley: Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region provides a quieter environment for stargazing. The Llandegla Forest and Moel Famau are recommended spots.

Bwlch y Groes Pass: This mountain pass provides an elevated vantage point and breathtaking views of the night sky. It’s a bit more remote, which helps reduce light pollution.

Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve: This glacial valley in Eryri offers impressive rock formations and minimal light pollution, creating an ideal setting for stargazing.

Talacre Beach: Located along the North Wales coast, Talacre Beach provides a peaceful setting for stargazing with the sound of the sea as your backdrop.

Criccieth Beach: This beach town along the coast is known for its medieval castle, and its beach can be a great place to stargaze with views out over the water.

North Wales has not only captured the hearts of casual stargazers but has also become a haven for astronomers seeking clearer views of the universe. The region boasts a handful of observatories and astronomy clubs that cater to enthusiasts of all levels. These institutions offer public events, workshops, and telescope viewings, enabling anyone to delve deeper into the mysteries of the cosmos. From novices to seasoned experts, North Wales provides an inclusive platform to explore the universe’s vastness.

So the next time the clouds pass and a clear sky awaits, grab a blanket, pull on some layers and make a flask of your favourite beverage for a date beneath the stars. Take a moment to truly appreciate the majesty of the night sky, and allow the sheer vastness of the cosmos to humble you. With its dazzling constellations, meteor showers, and the everwatchful moon, this region offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the universe on a profound level. n

Bethany Birch is a freelance writer based who often seeks inspiration from the beauty of North Wales. Chasing beautiful beaches and the invigorating sea air, she loves to write by the water’s edge. Watching the sunset by the sea, glass in hand, is her ultimate bliss...

Gazing upward on a clear September night, one can easily spot iconic constellations that have woven their way into human culture for centuries

The Milky Way behind Dolbadarn Castle in Llanberis

Snowdonia Crib Goch Ridge and Snowdon Night Sky

Autumn colour across North Wales

The warmer months might be drawing to a close but that just means that nature’s greatest show is about to begin. Visit one of the historic gardens cared for by National Trust Cymru from September through to early November and enjoy the kaleidoscope of autumn colour which heralds the changing seasons…

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Bodnant’s collection of native and exotic trees are at their very finest at this time of year. Take in 80-acres of dazzling autumn colour as you explore the Old Park’s stately chestnuts and beeches, the Acer Glade’s vibrant ornamental cherries, and the Round Garden’s Katusra trees which fill their air with their sugary fragrance.

Chirk Castle, Wrexham

As autumn arrives vibrant reds, yellows, oranges, and golds sweeps across this 480-acre historic estate. See the 500-yearold Sweet Chestnut on the Woodland Walk, enjoy far-reaching views of the surrounding countryside, and go in search of the colourful Waxcaps which form part of Chirk’s SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) accreditation.

Erddig, Wrexham

Autumn is the time to admire Erddig’s skilfully trained espalier fruit trees and an orchard that’s bursting with 180 different varieties of apple – visit the Apple Harvest Celebration on 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd October to see this year’s harvest showcased. Elsewhere, catch the impressive pleached lime avenue turning gold, the blaze of red Boston ivy covering the hall, and the colourful historic trees on the 1200-acre estate.

Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor

Set on the Menai Straits with dramatic views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the Great Orme, Penrhyn is the perfect place for an autumn stroll. Admire the vibrant red Virginia Creeper covering the dramatic castle walls, take in the last of the blossoming flowers in the Walled Garden, and follow the peaceful paths that wind beneath a canopy of golden trees.

Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit Plas Newydd’s 150-acres of garden, woodland, and parkland. Discover ever changing colours as you look out across the Strait to Eryri (Snowdonia), explore the fragrant Australasian arboretum, and spot Red Squirrels busily preparing for winter.

Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool

Breathe in the scent of ripening apples in the Formal Garden, listen to the leaves crunching beneath your feet in the formal woodland, visit the Italianate Terraces which are brimming with purple beautyberries and sedums, and admire the striking gold, orange and yellow acers that sit beneath the castle. There’s plenty to discover all season long. n

Autumn sunshine at Bodnant Garden ©National Trust Images Iolo Penri

Autumn colour in Wales ©National Trust Images Iolo Penri

Powis Castle in autumn ©National Trust Ruth Scutter

Autumn at Penrhyn Castle ©National Trust Images Rob Stothard

A family playing with autumn leaves ©National Trust Images John Millar

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The wind in Wales

It’s only September, too soon to be thinking about the onset of winter. But it’s been windy enough to blow my thoughts boisterously back to my long ago schooldays again, and school nights, when the trees in the woodlands of Pwllycrochan would roar in an autumn storm. I would look out of my dormitory window, across the tops of the highest trees and out to sea, and I would imagine how wild the wind would be, out there, on the faraway horizon.

The wind, out at sea – hard to imagine its power and the sheer relentlessness of it! Nowadays, of course, instead of just dreaming and imagining the might of the wind, we have harnessed it. Not a new idea, indeed man has been bending the power of the wind to his own needs for many centuries and in many countries all over the world. And here in Wales, where there’s plenty of it, we have plenty of windmills. When I was a little boy and we lived in the temperate lands of the Trent valley, in the very midlands of England, we would drive to North Wales for our annual summer holiday. Fortunately my Dad had a big car, because he and my Mum would sit in the front, while my big brother and my little

sister and our Grandpa and Grandma, would sit in the back. Yes, seven of us, travelling for three or four hours from Nottingham to Colwyn Bay and onwards to Abersoch and the holiday cottage we rented...

And in those days, to try and keep us three children reasonably calm as our excitement grew and grew, the game was ’to spot the first seagull’ as we came closer and closer to the coast.

There weren’t so many seagulls in those days, none at all in the midlands, so we craned our necks and peered up into the skies as we motored past St Asaph and Holywell and on towards Abergele and Prestatyn... until one of us, pointing at the vast expanse of the sea off Rhyl, would claim the prize –the sheer marvel of seeing the gulls against the hugeness of sea and sky.

Nowadays, visitors cruising along the North Wales coast road and enjoying their first view of the open sea can marvel at a truly impressive man-made spectacle. A veritable forest of windmills, far out to the distant horizon. It’s the offshore wind-farm called Gwynt y Mor.

Gwynt y Mor, the sea wind – one of the biggest offshore wind farms in the world. Indeed it’s the fifth biggest in the world. There are 160 wind turbines, covering an area of 30 square

Stephen Gregory ponders Welsh wind – a powerful source of energy that is to be greatly admired…

When I was a little boy and we lived in the temperate lands of the Trent valley, in the very midlands of England, we would drive to North Wales for our annual summer holiday

miles. As you drive along the coast road, you have a vision of blurry, spindly shapes ... yes, like a forest or a plantation of thin, bare, white trees, each with its skeletal branches turning slowly in a ghostly dance. Yes, 160 of them, and each windmill is nearly 500 feet tall, that’s four times the height of the Eagle Tower of Caernarfon Castle.

They are truly colossal, and they gather the wind into their enormous arms and somehow bend it into the energy we need, to try and satisfy our hungry human appetite... This offshore wind farm, channelling the power onshore and into a sub-station at St Asaph, provides electricity to more than 400,000 households in the UK.

And soon there will be more. Plans are already far into development for another wind farm, to be called Awel y Mor, a few miles further west. There will be 107 more wind turbines, or windmills, and then the two farms will combine to become the biggest in the world, here in North Wales.

The sea wind in Wales, gwynt y mor... there’s plenty of it. I can’t imagine we’ll ever use it all up. It isn’t going to run out. I’ve been to other, very windy places, on my distant and long ago travels. In the vast, empty deserts of northern Sudan, in the sub-Saharan region known as Sahel, the wind was a relentless blast of sand. It was hot and dry, it blew the sand into your eyes and your nose and your mouth and other uncomfortable parts of your body. The desert wind was the same heat and intensity you feel on your face when you open the oven to check the Christmas turkey... and even more choking when it grew into a haboob, the suffocating sandstorm which could change the landscape by shifting and re-shaping the dunes in a matter of minutes.

In South America I attempted to climb to the summit of a volcano called Cotopaxi, into snow which was waist-deep at 18,000 feet above sea level. The wind was a blast of snow, never changing, never slowing, a force of icy coldness like a fist. We didn’t make it to the summit, to the snow-filled crater. We were forced down by the sheer weight and mercilessness of the wind.

In Borneo we had sun and sea and the deluge of monsoon rains, but it was colloquially known as ‘the land below the wind’ because it was spared the terrible pummelling of typhoons endured by other countries in South East Asia. Who knows how things might be different in years to come, as our

climate changes and becomes more extreme in so many parts of the world?

Yes, here in Wales there’s plenty of wind. And so far it’s a fairly predictable and manageable source of energy. We often drive along the North Wales highway and see the wonderful white windmills far out at sea. Near our home in Caernarfon we gasp at the speed and skill of the windsurfers on the Foryd estuary, their control and mastery of the wind. And we go for a Sunday afternoon panad and a homemade sausage roll at Caernarfon airport, where the wind-sock stretches long and taut and tells the pilots to point their planes into the wind as they take off – and again into the wind as they come into land – things which the gulls instinctively know and practise every day of their lives, jousting and dancing and careening with the wind.

It’s September already, a lovely autumn. Too soon to be thinking about the winter and wondering where the wren will snuggle to survive the cold.

Right now, on the top of an oak tree outside my window, there’s a mistle thrush singing. Nicknamed the storm cock, he’s singing with all his bravely beating heart, defiant in the face of our blustering Welsh wind, celebrating the gwynt y mor which is providing the energy to sustain our everyday human lives. n

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

Gwynt y Mor, the sea wind – one of the biggest offshore wind farms in the world. Indeed it’s the fifth biggest in the world

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MURDER ON THE STREETS OF WREXHAM

The last twelve months has seen quite the transformation in the image and public perception of Wrexham. Gaining City status last September, King Charles toured Wrexham before the local football team gained promotion to the Football League, a perfect Hollywood fairy-tale ending for owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Last May, 40,000 people lined the streets of the city to welcome both the men’s and women’s football teams in an open top bus parade, plus their famous benefactors.

Now Wrexham is the location of a new crime thriller by Simon McCleave, a multimillion-selling author who lives in North Wales with his wife and two children. The story starts when a young woman is discovered in Wrexham covered in someone else’s blood. Detectives realise that a horrendous crime has been committed. The only questions are who and where. But there’s a major problem. She can’t remember a thing – not even her name!

Since its release at the end of July, ‘The Wrexham Killings’ has reached the UK top ten, become an Amazon bestseller and gained thousands of rave reviews. It’s the sixteenth book in the highly successful DI Ruth Hunter Snowdonia crime series.

Originally born in South London, when Simon McCleave left University he worked in television and film development. He was a Script Editor at the BBC, a producer at Channel 4 before working as a Story Analyst in Los Angeles. He worked on films such as ‘The Full Monty’ and television series such as the BBC Crime Drama ‘Between The Lines’. Simon then became a script writer for television and film. He wrote on series such as Silent Witness, Murder In Suburbia, Teachers, Attachments, The Bill, Eastenders and many more.

His first book, ‘The Snowdonia Killings’, was released in January 2020 and soon became an Amazon Bestseller, reaching No 1 in the UK Chart and selling over 400,000 copies. His fourteen subsequent novels in the DI Ruth Hunter Snowdonia Series have all ranked in the Amazon Top 10, with many hitting the top of the digital charts. He has sold two million books to date. His highly successful London based DC Ruth Hunter Murder Case books, set in the late 1990s, was snapped up for an audiobook series by market leader WF Howes.

‘The Dark Tide’, Simon’s first book in an Anglesey based crime series for publishing giant Harper Collins (Avon), was a major hit in 2022. Reaching Amazon’s UK top ten, it became the highest selling Waterstone’s Book of the Month ever.

The Snowdonia based DI Ruth Hunter books are now set to be filmed as a major new television series, with shooting to begin in North Wales in 2024. Simon has also been commissioned to write a ‘Welsh Cowboy’ television series based on the 18th Century drivers of Snowdonia. n

‘The Wrexham Killings’ is available from independent bookshops, Waterstones and Amazon. For more information, please visit www.simonmccleave.com

The Lost Tramway

Scars of past industry and tough livelihoods can be found in Welsh hills which no longer thrum with activity. Once a major producer of slate, North Wales supplied the material for roofs across the world. But before it could be transported within Britain or shipped overseas it had to be brought down from the quarries. In the Croesor valley (Cwm Croesor) the remnants of a tramway now carry nothing heavier than walkers.

In the early days of quarrying slate was carried by mules on a dangerous journey to the Festiniog railway. Though these animals are strong and able to carry significant loads, heavy slates limited the amount per mule.

Wanting a better solution, solicitor and entrepreneur Hugh Beaver Roberts worked with other quarry owners to build the 2ft narrow gauge Croesor Tramway which opened in the summer of 1864. It ran from Porthmadog’s wharves to the quarries at the top of the valley. In those days the port would have bustled with ships connecting North Wales to other parts of the world.

Another key player in the venture was Charles Easton Spooner, Secretary and Engineer of the Festiniog Railway Company. During the time in that role he also did survey and engineering work for the tramway. Later, Moses Kellow became part-owner and manager of the Parc and Croesor quarries in 1893. Though they’re referred to as slate quarries, they were really mines and one innovation Kellow made was to bring electric power to them. But the tramway itself was never electrified.

On the relatively flat sections wagons were usually hauled up the tramway by a pair of draught horses which could pull up to ten empty wagons, or fewer filled ones. On the way back up from Porthmadog they drew either empty wagons or goods to be delivered to places on the route. Getting laden wagons down from the quarries to the flat sections was easier since gravity did the hard work until after Croesor Junction.

Running through Porthmadog, the tramway then headed along a mix of bleak and beautiful landscapes to Croesor Junction, and in places over relief culverts on ground prone to flooding. At Croesor village it traversed the high street’s crossing. Adjacent to the level crossing was a siding for wagons and a shed to store goods that had been delivered by the tramway. Further up the hills, quarries connected to the tramway were Parc, Pant Mawr, Croesor and finally Rhosydd.

The Croesor Tramway was a vital part of the slate industry. Today all that remains of this lost line is it’s well-earned place in history. Dene Bebbington finds out more…

Once an industrial route, some stretches of the Croesor Tramway are now used for recreational walking Credit: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA

In the tramway’s day Pont Croesor had sidings but no station like there is now Credit: Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0

A map of the Croesor Tramway that ran from Porthmadog to the Rhosydd quarry Credit: Dan Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0

The final incline to a quarry was way too steep for horses. There wagons were connected by rope to a winding house and winched up – known as being crewled up. Of course, danger lurked if a rope should snap and the wagon careered back down the slope. At least one worker stood inside a wagon when this happened had to jump clear to avoid serious injury.

Wagons sometimes returned empty and ready to be filled with slate, but they were also used to transport goods to the village and quarries. Since coal fires were the norm in those days, coal was often brought up the line this way. Other products were building materials, domestic necessities such as flour, and explosives for the quarries.

By the turn of the 20th Century slate production was in decline. Reduced demand, foreign competition and tariffs all played a part in the eventual demise of the tramway. From 1920 the quarries it served began to close, and by 1930 they’d all ceased production. It was the end of an era. The tramway operated for 80 years until fully closing down in 1944 when the last wagons from the Rhosydd quarry were sent down to Porthmadog, although the tracks weren’t lifted until several years later. Earlier, in 1922, the section between the town and Croesor Junction was taken over by the Welsh Highland Railway who ran steam trains on it.

A walk along the tramway where it’s not private land is to journey into the past. The tracks in Porthmadog are long gone and built over, but in the countryside a trodden path acts as a reminder. Venture further into the hills to find

On the walk to the quarries you may spot abandoned wagons and tracks rusting away. Continuing to the top brings the reward not just of a great view across hills and valleys, but also the ruins of quarry buildings and winding houses.

Maybe your house is roofed with slates that came from a quarry in the Croesor valley. There’s a story of ingenuity and labour that made possible its economic journey from the quarry to houses where it keeps the rain out. No longer ringing to the sound of trundling wagons and workmen, the paths of the Croesor Tramway are a peaceful and lasting memory of the region’s industrial heritage. n

Dene Bebbington is a part-time feature writer with an interest in heritage and history

tramway sections built into the slope which are an obvious sign of the route.

By the turn of the 20th century slate production was in decline. Reduced demand, foreign competition and tariffs all played a part in the eventual demise of the tramway.

A waterfall at the Rhosydd quarry contrasts with the abandoned industrial buildings

Credit: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0

This peaceful path through farmland was once the scene of tramway wagons taking slate to Porthmadog Credit: Richard Webb, CC BY-SA 2.0

The disused Blaenycwm hydroelectric power station at the foot of a tramway incline Credit: Dan Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0

The old tramway route to the Rhosydd quarry attracts walkers Credit: Llywelyn2000, CC BY-SA 4.0

1

FunFacts Top 10

We all know that North Wales has a rich and varied history – but did you know these ten fascinating facts?

We all know that Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the longest place name in Europe – but did you know that if you translate it into English you get ‘St Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave’? It’s probably less of a mouthful in Welsh!

3

Wrexham is home to the oldest international football stadium in the world. The Racecourse Ground has been used for various sports and activities including boxing and women’s wrestling, and in the late 1880s it was even used for the National Eisteddfod. Today the club has reached fame once again for having just been bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Cardigan Bay is home to the UK’s largest dolphin pod. They can be seen making their way up and down the North Wales coast all year round, but in order improve your chances of getting a glimpse, pop down during the summer when you can expect to up to 12 at once.

4

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason. This is the tallest aqueduct in the UK, measuring a whopping 38 meters high. When it was first built by Thomas Telford in 1805 it was the tallest boat crossing on the planet.

The Smallest House in Great Britain, also known as the Quay House, can be found on the quay in Conwy. This miniscule house, which has a floor area just 10 by 5.9ft was used as a residence from the 16th Century until 1900. It is reported that the house’s final occupant, Robert Jones, was 6ft 3 – and the rooms were too small for him to stand up in fully!

6

St Trillo’s Chapel in Rhos-on-Sea was built in the 6th Century on the site of a sacred holy well. It is believed that the altar is built directly over the pure water of the well, but the chapel is better well-known for its size, with only six people able to fit in the building at any one time – making it the smallest church in the UK.

7

Forget the discovery of America being down to Christopher Columbus, a Welsh prince called Madog ab Owain Gwynedd sailed from Wales in search of new land and reached America – at least, according to local legend! This was in 1170, more than 300 years before Columbus’s voyage in 1492.

8

Did you know that North Wales could fit into Australia a whopping 1,222.89 times?! It may be relatively small compared to the land down under, but our wonderful region certainly isn’t lacking in any other department. OK, apart from the weather…

10

Lewis Carroll is believed to have had the idea of writing Alice in Wonderland while staying in Llandudno. The Walrus and the Carpenter, who both feature in Through the Looking Glass, are two big rocks that sit prominently on Llandudno’s West Shore.

9

The world famous Snowdon Mountain Railway is a narrow gauge rack and pinion mountain railway – and is the only public one of its type in the United Kingdom. It (usually!) takes thousands of visitors every year on a 4.7 mile trip to the summit of Snowdon.

1. Mindful nature walks

After a day of learning, step outside into the tranquillity of North Wales’ natural landscapes with mindful nature walks. Crafted with a checklist featuring treasures like conkers, fallen leaves, squirrels and local wildlife, these walks are an opportunity for kids to explore, engage their senses, and embrace the beauty around them. Add an extra element of fun, pull on your wellies and enjoy splashing in puddles or shallow rivers and brooks – if you’re feeling brave, enjoy a barefoot paddle!

2. Outdoor storytelling picnics

Combine the joy of storytelling with the pleasures of picnicking by organising outdoor storytelling sessions. Pack a basket of favourite snacks, choose a cosy spot, and let imaginations run wild as stories unfold against the backdrop of North Wales’ serene scenery. Otherwise, pack your child’s favourite book and enjoy a spot of outdoor reading.

After school adventures

Bethany Birch shares some great ways to get the kids to unplug, explore and embrace fun after the school bell rings!

As the school year begins anew, North Wales beckons with a myriad of after-school activities to keep kids engaged, happy, and connected to the beauty of the region. We’ve compiled a list of 15 after-school pursuits that celebrate the magic of nature, creativity and quality time with family for the little ones – enjoy!

3. Creative nature crafts

Encourage creativity by channelling the beauty of North Wales into nature-inspired crafts. Gather leaves, twigs, and stones to create masterpieces that celebrate the changing seasons and the wonders of the outdoors. Chalk drawing, water painting and clay modelling are some other inexpensive and easy activities to enjoy.

4. Cooking adventures and snack making

Turn the kitchen into a culinary playground by involving kids in cooking adventures. Together, prepare simple and delicious snacks like fruit kebabs, cakes, or homemade granola bars.

5. Beachcombing exploration

Unleash young explorers onto North Wales’ coastline for beachcombing adventures. Let them discover seashells, intriguing rocks and unique driftwood pieces shaped by the tides.

7. Outdoor games and sports

6. Creative outdoor photography

Ignite young imaginations with outdoor photography escapades. Armed with a camera or smartphone, kids can capture the beauty of landscapes, wildlife and the vibrant hues of autumn. Disposable cameras are a great option and add the extra excitement of getting the photos developed.

Let kids burn off energy and enjoy the great outdoors through classic games like tag, hide-and-seek or kickball. For those with a competitive spirit, organise friendly family matches of football, rounders or races in your back garden or local park.

8. Stargazing adventures

The evenings offer a canvas of stars for curious minds to explore. Venture into North Wales’ darker corners for stargazing adventures. Lay out blankets, look for constellations, and watch for shooting stars. It’s a perfect blend of education and wonder that will leave kids awe-inspired.

9. Gardening and planting fun

Encourage a green thumb by involving kids in gardening projects. Whether it’s tending to a small herb garden, planting seasonal flowers, or even growing vegetables, gardening fosters a sense of responsibility and offers a chance to witness the wonders of growth.

10. Nature scavenger hunts

Turn afternoons into exciting adventures with nature scavenger hunts. Craft a list of items to find, from pinecones to specific types of leaves. Let kids explore the outdoors while engaging in a friendly competition or cooperative quest.

11. Geocaching adventures

Combine modern technology with outdoor exploration by trying geocaching. Use GPS coordinates to search for hidden caches while discovering new places and enjoying a bit of treasure hunting.

12. Build fairy houses

Let your imagination run wild and channel your inner creativity by building fairy houses from sticks, leaves, and other natural materials. These charming creations can be left in the woods for a touch of whimsy and magic.

13. Outdoor science experiments

Turn the outdoors into a science laboratory by conducting simple experiments. Study the behaviour of ants, explore the properties of water, or investigate how leaves change colour in the fall.

14. Build a nature fort

Let your imagination run wild by building a nature fort using fallen branches, leaves, and other natural materials. This hands-on activity combines outdoor exploration with creative construction. If the weather doesn’t permit, then enjoy a cosy

15. Rockpool explorations

There are plenty of local beaches that are home to rock and tidal pools. When the tide permits, head to the beach armed with a net and bucket to explore what seacreatures reside in the rockpools. There are also useful online guides that available to download to identiy sealife on your next adventure.

Bethany Birch

is a freelance writer who often seeks inspiration from the beauty of North Wales. Chasing beautiful beaches and the invigorating sea air, she loves to write by the water’s edge. Watching the sunset by the sea, glass in hand, is her ultimate bliss...

Supporting Welsh food and drink to thrive

Welsh food and drink producers from across Wales have enjoyed a busy summer as part of a programme of activities coordinated by Cywain - at major events including the Royal Welsh Show and the National Eisteddfod.

Delivered by Menter a Busnes, the Cywain project is an advisory service for micro to medium-sized food and drink businesses in Wales. It works with producers, helping them grow and develop their businesses.

With a network of development managers throughout Wales, support is offered in various areas, including marketing, brand development, sustainability, and finance.

An essential part of that work includes supporting producers at events and test trading at high-profile locations. Among them is the Cywain stand at the Royal Welsh Show, which has been the launch pad for countless up-and-coming food and drink producers.

Emboldened by the early support and guidance they received from Cywain, many producers have gone on to take on their own stands at the Llanelwedd showground’s famous Food Hall, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

During last month’s Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod, an array of food and drink products were featured by Cywain

in the dedicated ‘Produce Corner’, where the display of products changed daily to reflect the broad-ranging themes and sectors of the food industry in Wales. Budding food and drink businesses learnt about the support available through Cywain at a free Menter a Busnes networking breakfast event on the Maes.

Over the years Cywain has expanded to provide a range of tailored and targeted growth-orientated support such as mentoring, workshops, study visits and events.

Support for Welsh food and drink businesses is delivered through Cywain’s Wales-wide network of development managers, and there are 37 staff members directly involved with the projects.

During the most recent mainstream period (2018-2023)

Emma O Mahoney of Afal y Graig Cider at the Cywain stand at the Royal Welsh Show 2023

Haf Wyn Hughes, Honey Cluster Lead showing people the honey at the Cywain stand at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod

of dynamic food and drink sector programme strategies –including Cywain, Food & Drink Clusters and Trade Engagement – delivered by Menter a Busnes, the industry has seen a return in sales of more than £45 million.

Menter a Busnes’ portfolio of expert support for food and drink businesses in Wales is to expand with the addition of a new Welsh Government skills programme.

The ‘Skills for Success’ programme is part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to working with the food and drink industry to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It will help Welsh food and drink companies access training and skills development for their staff, driving up productivity, improving bottom-line financial returns, and promoting best practices.

Increasing workforce skills is a prerequisite to increase productivity and efficiency and to fuel innovation and sustainable growth. The new programme will work closely with businesses of all sizes within Wales to identify skill shortages and opportunities to upskill their workforce.

It will also prepare employees across Wales to adapt to changes and opportunities in food manufacturing, including technical, business and environmental challenges. It will also contribute to the delivery of NetZero targets through integrating sustainability information and knowledge into the programme.

The ‘Skills for Success’ programme will engage via numerous methods with young people to improve the perception and understanding of the opportunities in the food and drink industry as an attractive sector for career satisfaction, career progression and choice.

Menter a Busnes Chief Executive, Llŷr Roberts, said, “Menter a Busnes has more than three decades of experiåence working with Welsh food and drink producers at every stage of their development from start-ups to established global companies.

“We, therefore, welcome the opportunity to work with Welsh Government to increase critical skills in the food and drink sector and to help businesses develop their full potential.

“We are also delighted to continue to deliver Cywain, the flagship growth support programme for the sector. It is an exciting time for Wales’ food and drink industry, and the increased portfolio of support available will help equip businesses with the skills and opportunities to continue to grow and thrive.” n

Welsh food and drink producers who would like more information about how Cywain could help them should contact cywain@menterabusnes.co.uk

INCREASING WORKFORCE SKILLS IS A PREREQUISITE TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY AND TO FUEL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Llŷr Roberts (Menter a Busines Chief Executive), Alex James (Cywain Project Manager) and Manon Llwyd Rowlands (Menter a Busnes Director) at the Royal Welsh Show 2023

Why are Wills important?

Did you know that around one third of UK residents die intestate (without a Will) – and that this can cause a host of problems for the loved ones left behind? There is a common misconception that surviving relatives can simply decide how an estate should be divided, but this is not the case – instead, there are strict rules that determine what happens and what is given to whom.

Writing a Will is something that we often put off until tomorrow – despite it often being a straightforward exercise which can take as little as 30 minutes. And even if you already have a Will, is it up to date? Are there any life events that may have changed your priorities? Is your Will signed, witnessed and safely stored in a place your loved ones are aware of?

North Wales Wildlife Trust’s ask is simple: please write a Will to look after your loved ones – then consider leaving your footprint in our landscape forever by leaving a gift to nature.

Why are gifts in Wills important?

Much of the charity sector relies on gifts in Wills to function – an estimated four billion pounds will be left to UK charities in 2023; whilst legacy giving is the second largest source of voluntary income for The Wildlife Trusts. Unfortunately, whilst 40% of charity supporters say that they’d like to leave a gift in their Will, only around 8% of people actually get around to doing it. There are many reasons for considering

remembering a charity in your Will – for example, a solicitor can advise whether leaving such a gift could reduce the inheritance tax paid on the estate, meaning that your descendants could actually receive a larger sum than they might otherwise have expected. However, protecting nature for future generations is a good reason in its own right – and it’s something we can all achieve with a legacy gift to North Wales Wildlife Trust, which both preserves the wildlife on your doorstep and contributes to fighting global climate change. n

Act today

Every gift in every Will, however large or small, makes a difference to your local wildlife

Your Will is the most important document you’ll ever sign – and it could be free!

“A Will is the only way to ensure that your money, property and possessions go to the people and causes you care about”

Kaye, Swayne Johnson Solicitors

Ringed Plover © Henry Cook

North Wales International Music Festival

The festival, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, takes place at St Asaph Cathedral from 15th to 30th September with the theme of ‘Horizons’.

Award winning vocal ensemble Tenebrae present a programme of Renaissance music including Byrd, Shepherd and Tallis, in a concert that promises to be an inspiring and immersive opening. The following evening the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers will bring their heart-pounding rhythms, sharp synchronisation and high energy.

On Thursday 21st September acclaimed acoustic quartet Kabantu present their eclectic, folk-inspired instrumental and vocal music celebrating the spaces where different cultures meet. A varied evening of virtuosic, truly original music which transports you from a raucous Scottish ceilidh to an Indian street market and back to a rugged Welsh coastline.

A bilingual concert ‘Gorwelion y Gair / The Horizon of Words’ on Friday 22nd September features Bro Glyndŵr & Trelawnyd Male Voice Choirs, Dee Sign BSL Choir, Welsh folk group Pedair and poet Aled Lewis Evans. Pedair’s ‘Mae ‘Na Olau’ has just been named as Welsh Language Album of the Year at the National Eisteddfod.

On Saturday 23rd September, the festival’s orchestra in residence NEW Sinfonia will be joined by Welsh pianist Teleri-Siân and American violinist Tai Murray, who is described as “technically flawless… vivacious and scintillating”. Their programme features Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires and Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue.

On Thursday 28th September Canadian-born pianist Janina Fialkowska “one of the Grandes Dames of piano playing” performs a recital of Schubert, Brahms and Chopin. Janina has enchanted audiences and critics around the world for over 40 years.

Welsh harpist Catrin Finch & Irish violinist Aoife Ní Bhriain’s programme features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from various genres and the cultures of their home countries, taking listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea.

The closing concert on Saturday 30th September takes the form of a farewell to Ann Atkinson, who is stepping down as Artistic Director after 20 years. It will feature NEW Sinfonia, NEW Voices Community Choir, soloists Lisa Dafydd soprano, Dafydd Jones tenor, Ann, an accomplished mezzo-soprano, and her husband Kevin Sharp, baritone.

There are morning concerts with classical guitarist Jonathan Richards and Ensemble Cymru. Clarinettist Peryn ClementEvans and pianist Iwan Llewelyn-Jones present a chamber music programme inspired by poetry selected by Aled Lewis Evans on the theme of horizons.

There are also masterclasses, workshops, a Dementia Friendly and Inclusive concert with pianist Iwan Owen, and Schools and Tots concerts with improvising violinist Billy Thompson.

Tickets are available from Theatr Clwyd - 01352 344101 (Mon-Sat, 10-6) and Cathedral Frames, St Asaph - 01745 582929 (Weds-Fri, 10-4). For further details about the festival programme and online bookings please visit nwimf.com

A good night’s sleep the impact of poor sleep and what you can do about it

According to recent estimates, a substantial proportion of the UK population (36%) now experiences regular bouts of insomnia. The definition of insomnia is “difficulty getting to sleep or sleeping long enough to feel refreshed.”

Short term insomnia can affect your mood and energy levels, but long-term insomnia can have a profound effect on your physical and mental health.

What happens when we sleep?

Sleep is as vital to your survival as food and water, it removes toxins in your brain and body that build up while you are awake and is crucial for your recovery and performance.

REM (or rapid eye movement) is a really deep part of your sleep cycle which helps to consolidate your memories. REM acts as a ‘secretary’ in your brain, sorting out and filing information on your behalf. It keeps the stuff you may need in the future and chucks away the bits that aren’t necessary.

If your sleep works its magic, you wake up with your “desk” cleared and feel ready and prepared for a brand-new day.

The impact of poor sleep

And the opposite is true too – if you sleep poorly, it can be much harder to process your thoughts and experiences, and you may struggle with your focus and energy.

Poor sleep can have a significant impact on mental clarity, performance, and your general mood. No doubt you’ve experienced some of the effects of this after even one poor night’s sleep. But when poor sleep is longer term it’s linked to lower immunity, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke.

How to improve your sleep

So, what can you do to encourage sleep? Here are my top tips to significantly improve your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Wake up at the same time every day – This is the single most important thing you can do to improve your ability to sleep. Waking up and getting out of bed at the same time every day creates a predictable internal sleep pattern. It also tells your body when to release cortisol to help you to wake in the morning. And yes, this does include weekends too!

Avoid caffeine after 2 pm – Caffeine is a powerful stimulant so it can be a big culprit for struggling to sleep well. If you find it hard to sleep, you may find it helpful to keep your caffeine intake to mornings and have your last caffeine hit before lunchtime.

Switch off tech – Avoid using your phone, tablet or laptop for at least half an hour before bed (longer if you can). There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that using tech stimulates the brain and suppresses melatonin – neither of which is conducive to good sleep.

Meditation and hypnosis – The state of hypnosis and meditation actually replicates REM sleep, which is great news for consolidating memories and relaxation. It’s not a magic wand or a quick fix, but with time, effort and a little determination, you can significantly improve your sleep. Download guided meditations on apps like Calm and Headspace to help you get started.

Breathe deeply – If you can’t get to sleep or you find yourself waking up in the night, try taking a few nice deep breaths – in for three and out for four. When you breathe out for longer than you breathe in, you engage your ‘parasympathetic nervous system’ otherwise known as your “rest and digest mode”, a state of relaxation.

Exercise – Taking moderate exercise during the day releases tension and will help you to get a better night’s sleep. Research suggests that exercise improves both sleep quality and efficiency. It doesn’t have to be vigorous, even a tenminute walk will have an impact. n

Charlotte Spillane is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Wellbeing Specialist, and Mindset Coach based in Colwyn Bay. She also trains Solution Focused Hypnotherapists at CPHT Liverpool in Liverpool Hope University. To find out more go to www.sparkhypnotherapy.co.uk

Food for thought

I’m writing this in August but it feels like the tail end of October. Since that marvellous heatwave ended at the start of July, it has rained pretty much every day. We can console ourselves with the fact that our green North Wales countryside will be especially lush this year which will please the lambs no end. For us humans pining for a little sun, it’s been a bit of a washout.

One solution to this in our house has been to enjoy the sun vicariously by watching as many episodes of Inspector Montalbano as possible. We discovered this show when it turned up on BBC4 in the foreign-language detective show slot. Its bright Mediterranean charm was something of a relief after all those Scandi-noir shows where solemn, secretharbouring Swedish police officers would drink themselves half to death while wearing lovely knitwear.

SPAGHETTI CON LE SARDE

Ingredients (Serves 2)

25g sultanas

1 handful of dill

25g pine nuts

4 tbsp breadcrumbs

Extra-virgin olive oil

Salt

½ tsp fennel seeds

250g good quality tinned sardines (or fresh ones if you can get them)

2 large shallots finely chopped

4 anchovies

175g spaghetti

1 lemon

By contrast, Sicily-based Inspector Montalbano is a show that you can bask in, and not just by enjoying the sun-baked scenery. Montalbano is famous for his love of Italian food and rare is the episode when he isn’t tucking into something so delicious to behold that you end up drooling all over your Radio Times.

We had some friends over and cooked up a Montalbano feast. Antipasti to start, some cannoli to finish, and one of the Inspector’s favourite Sicilian dishes for main – Spaghetti Con Le Sarde. All of it washed down with some excellent Italian wines from The Grape To Glass in Rhos on Sea.

After all that, it felt like we had dined on a sun-bleached balcony overlooking the bright blue sea… despite the sound of torrential rain hammering against the window. I used a recipe by Felicity Cloake which went a little bit like this…

This is one of those recipes where you have to do a bit of fiddly prep first, but then when the time comes to actually make it, it’s a doddle. First things first: soak the sultanas in some warm water and leave. Then crush the fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar. Toast the pine nuts until they go a bit brown then put them in a bowl. Do the same thing with the breadcrumbs.

Now attend to the task of taking the little spines out of the sardines (though I know some people who leave them in because they like the crunch. I’ll pass, thank you!) Finally, boil some water and add half the dill. After a minute or so, remove the dill and keep to one side, but hang on to the water.

When you’re ready to make the dish, boil a large pan of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the pack. Fry up the chopped shallots until they are golden, before chopping up the anchovies and stirring them in. Next, stir in the ground fennel, then flake in all the sardines. After a few minutes, stir in the drained sultanas and ladle in some of the dill water. Chop the blanched dill and stir that in too. Let that cook gently for about five minutes.

Finally, drain the spaghetti. Stir the sardine mix into the pasta, along with the pine nuts and the breadcrumbs. Chop the rest of the dill and sprinkle it over the dish, along with the juice of one lemon. Buon appetito! n

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

Ref:

Gwernymynydd

Ref: WM1626

• Traditional End of Terrace Cottage

• No Onward Chain

• Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• Three Bedrooms

£289,950

• Surrounded by Open Countryside

• Original Features Throughout

• Ample Off-Street Parking

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Ref: WR9528

• Detached Four Bedroom House

• Situated within a Favoured Village

• Perfect Family Home

• Private Rear Gardens

£390,000

• Perfect Family Home

• Open-Plan Kitchen-Diner

• Two En-Suites

• EPC Rating:B84

Ref: RN2501

• Four Bedroom Detached Home

• Welcoming Fabulous Views

• Ideal Family Home

• Double Garage and Large Driveway

• Modern yet Traditional Design

• Spacious, Versatile Accommodation

• Landscaped Gardens

• EPC Rating:C73

Rhuddlan

Ruthin

As funeral directors in Llandudno, North Wales Chris Lord-Brown and Jonathen Harty have over fifty years of combined experience. Serving both local and neighbouring communities, their expertise and knowledge combined with their extensive contacts have led to numerous families entrusting them to arrange and conduct the funeral services of their loved ones.

Together they run Lord-Brown & Harty Ltd. This independent, privately owned and professionally qualified funeral directors and monumental masons is situated in the heart of Llandudno on the North Wales coast.

They are proud member of The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), undergo regular inspections of premises and paperwork to ensure compliance, and abide by the NAFD's Code of Practice.

CHRIS LORD-BROWN

B.Ed(Hons) DipFD

chris@lbandh.co.uk

JONATHEN

B.Ed(Hons) DipHE FRAS

jonathen@lbandh.co.uk

www.lbandh.co.uk

12 Trinity Square, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2RA

HARTY

Property of the month

Huge floor-to-ceiling windows bring the breathtaking scenery to life, and make you feel as though you are floating above the golf course. Behind the fairway sits a stunning mountain backdrop, and a slight turn of your head reveals the ultimate in sea views.

All of the apartments, which either have three or four bedrooms, boast a huge square footage – both inside and out – and a fantastic quality of finish. Designed by BR Architecture, nothing has been forgotten. Tie such great design in with such luxurious fixtures and fittings and you have an apartment to be proud of for years to come – all while soaking up the best views that North Wales has to offer.

Madoc Cove is the new luxury development for Rhos-onSea. Located a short walk from the village, directly next to Rhos-on-Sea golf club, these fabulous apartments will appeal to a huge range of buyers. The apartments at Madoc Cove are currently for sale via Fletcher & Poole Estate Agents in Rhos-on-Sea. For further information please call 01492 549178 or email: rhos@fletcherpoole.com

Award winning education set in a 30 acre Tudor Estate, nestled between Snowdonia / Eryri National Park and the North Wales coastline

YEAR 5 & YEAR 7

For more information, scan this QR code or visit STDAVIDSCOLLEGE.CO.UK

Bringing the North Wales business community together

Tyron Probert is a landlord with over 13 years experience in the property market. He has a mixed portfolio of buy-to-lets, HMO’s and investment sales. He started his property journey by purchasing property on the open market using his own savings – he has since used numerous ways to grow his property portfolio from private investors to joint venture partnerships.

He hosts North Wales Networking Events which is a monthly independent professional networking event to help connect, support and educate. His aim is to give businesses across North Wales the opportunity to share their business and knowledge in a room full of like-minded people. With his passion for business and his local community he wants to encourage and support any entrepreneurs that have the ideas, but need support to grow their business.

After 15 years of working in retail and working up the corporate ladder, he stepped away from the industry to follow his passion for property. He has since worked on his business and personal development to gain more knowledge and understanding of the industry. He has had the opportunity to be coached by some fantastic mentors along the way, which has given him the drive to support others. He now coaches and mentors ambitious individuals and supports a variety of local businesses in their growth.

Tyron also brings a variety of local businesses together so we can all help, grow and support our local and small businesses. n

Tyron Probert runs a property training business as well as hosting North Wales Networking Events. For more information please visit www.tyronprobertproperties.co.uk or email info@Tyronprobertproperties.co.uk

HE HOSTS NORTH WALES NETWORKING EVENTS WHICH IS A MONTHLY INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EVENT TO HELP CONNECT, SUPPORT AND EDUCATE.

Yma i helpu. Here to Help.

Mae ein swyddfeydd agor ar gyfer cyfarfodydd sydd wedi eu trefnu o flaen llaw ac er mwyn gollwng dogfennau. Rydym eisoes yn cynnig cyfarfodydd dros y ffôn a thrwy fideo.

Rydym ni’n cynnig ystod eang o wasanaethau cyfreithiol, sy’n cynnwys:

· Eiddo Masnachol a Phreswyl

· Ystadau ac Amaethyddiaeth

· Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant

Cyfraith Teulu

· Cyflogaeth

· Corfforaethol a Masnachol

· Anghydfodau

· Niwed Personol ac Esgeulustod Meddygol

· Hamdden a Thwristiaeth

Our offices are open for pre-arranged appointments and to drop off documents, we continue to offer meetings via telephone and video.

Offering a wide range of legal services including:

· Commercial & Residential Property

· Landed Estates & Agriculture

· Wills, Trusts & Probate

Family Law

· Employment

· Corporate & Commercial

· Disputes

· Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

· Leisure & Tourism

MEET THE TEAM AT LANYON BOWDLER: MARTIN HOOD

A new addition to the Lanyon Bowdler team, Martin Hood is a clinical negligence solicitor, helping people to claim for life-changing compensation following an accident or injury.

What’s your favourite thing about working in North Wales?

Although I can’t claim to live in North Wales, I’m lucky enough to live nearby on the Wirral, where I’ve been based for a number of years. The short drive to all that North Wales has to offer is a big advantage, and the views of North Wales from across the Dee Estuary – especially in summer – are a particular highlight for me.

How would you describe your job?

Being a clinical negligence solicitor is very worthwhile, and I think it takes a number of different skills to do it well. The job requires attention to detail, a lot of empathy for the situation clients find themselves in, as well as a willingness to work with the defence lawyers collaboratively where you can –whilst fighting where you need to. You’re working for people who are very often going through the worst time of their lives, with not a great deal of trust in professionals. You’ve got to earn that trust, and during the life of the case you will often find yourself being both lawyer and counsellor – no two days are the same. It is also a very rewarding feeling to know that at the end of a successful case, I have changed someone’s life for the better.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in law?

Don’t be put off from the profession because of your background. I was the first in my family to go to university and had very few connections to the profession – I got my first legal work experience because my hairdresser knew a local solicitor. You can guess from my hairline how long ago that was! I’d also tell people starting out to get lots of work experience however you can, whether through law firms, barristers’ chambers, or going into court and watching some public hearings. Check out the many different areas of law and branches of the profession to find out what suits you

best – the skills you need most in one area of law will be very different to another. There are also more routes to qualification than there used to be – make sure you explore them all. The most expensive study options won’t necessarily be the best for you!

What has been your proudest moment (inside or outside of work)?

Outside work is the easy one – the births of my two children! In work, it’s very difficult to choose because I have had a number of results on cases which have meant a lot to me. I was recently invited back to see a client’s new adapted house a number of years after his case had settled, which was a huge privilege for me. My first big child brain injury case was acting for a client in North Wales and I was very pleased to get a life-changing settlement for them. We had got the damages to buy and adapt a house while the case was still ongoing, but seeing the stress lift from mum and dad at the end of the case was a very proud moment for me.

How do you relax away from work?

I wheeze my way round a five-a-side football pitch once a week after work, and love a round of golf at the weekend.

Where is your favourite place to visit in North Wales?

That’s a very tough choice. If it’s a day out with the family, we have spent many happy hours at Greenfield Valley Park and Wepre Park. If I was out golfing, perhaps Conwy or North Wales Golf Club.

Do you know of any hidden gems (shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes) which more people should know about?

I’m on the lookout for those myself! I like shopping with independents and small businesses. I especially love a good country pub with a roaring fire and home-cooked food, so any recommendations will be gratefully received...n

Martin Hood

EDUCATION NEWS

Rydal Penrhos school bucks national trend with exceptional a-level results

Coeducational independent day school Rydal Penrhos is celebrating exceptional A-Level examination results. This year’s results day revealed the school’s impressive achievements: a flawless 100% pass rate for the fourth consecutive year, and 91% of pupils achieving A* to C grades; the latter mirroring last year’s performance, despite widespread grade deflation. Notably, 40% of pupils secured A* or A grades, surpassing the Welsh national average of 34%. Rydal Penrhos’ latest alumni are now poised to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions including Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, Warwick, and the University of Idaho in the United States.

Degrees with a difference at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

Whether you’ve not got the A Level results you expected, you’ve changed your mind about going away to university or you fancy a change in career – it’s not too late to apply, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is here to help you. Not everyone follows the same path in their education and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai encourages students from all walks of life at the college. You could be coming straight from school or college; be returning to education after a break or looking to advance your career. Their degree courses provide the support, flexibility, and tutor contact time to help you succeed. The majority of the courses are delivered at the specialist university centre at the Rhos-on-Sea campus, or at their Bangor, Llangefni and Rhyl campuses. Some bilingual degrees are also available at Dolgellau.

Awards success for St David’s student

St David’s College would like to congratulate, Josh Gambrell, for winning a bronze award in the National Inspiring Skills Wales Mechanical Engineering in the CAD competition. To keep their students at the forefront of technological innovations, St David’s equips them with the absolute best and latest in all emerging technologies. To this end they have developed and delivered courses up to undergraduate level in Mechanical Engineering: CAD, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and emerging manufacturing techniques. Last month, they entered a team of three, Ffion Porter, Rowan Parry-Lord and Josh Gambrell into the National Inspiring Skills Wales Mechanical Engineering: CAD competition. All three performed exceptionally well and Head of DT Martin O’Leary was delighted to present Josh with his award. Well done Josh and what a fantastic achievement!

Wrexham top university in Wales for teaching in 2023 National Student Survey

Wrexham University has been ranked the top university in Wales for teaching in this year’s National Student Survey (NSS). Findings from the survey, undertaken by final year higher education students across the UK, show that Wrexham University is the top university in Wales in:

• Teaching on my course

• Assessment and feedback

• Student voice

• Students’ Union

The university has also been ranked first in the UK in a number of areas. Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor, said: “This is a tremendous result and one which reflects not only the hard work of staff but also the excellent experience students have, while studying with us.”

Learning by Heart

An Open Day at Rydal Penrhos School is about more than opening our doors to the world; it is about opening your eyes to a world of possibility that awaits within our historic buildings and class-leading facilities. As preparations build towards the upcoming Rydal Penrhos Open Day on Saturday 30th September, here is what prospective pupils and parents can expect:

Welcome from the New Principal

The turn of the academic year marks an exciting time for Rydal Penrhos as a new Principal joins the school. Mr Tom Hutchinson, formerly Principal at St Edwards Church of England Academy in Leek, becomes only the 11th permanent headteacher since Rydal Mount School was first established on Pwllycrochan Avenue in the 1880s. Attendees at this year’s Open Day will be treated to a formal welcome from Mr Hutchinson, who is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to speak with any parents considering the school for their child. Additionally, Senior School visitors will hear from the newly appointed Deputy Principals, Mr Thomas and Mrs Williams, both of whom have great experience at Rydal Penrhos and will happily answer your questions on matters of teaching, learning, pastoral care, and safeguarding.

Guided Tour of Buildings and Grounds

Following the welcome, guided tours will commence, offering a comprehensive view of Rydal Penrhos and showcasing the depth and diversity of our academic, sporting, and extracurricular offerings.

In the Prep School, there will be an opportunity to explore spacious and well-equipped classrooms, peruse books in the historic Lyndon library, admire the grandeur of the ornate dining hall, and venture to the vast forest school. Meanwhile, at the senior school, visitors will witness intricate experiments in the science laboratories, appreciate the remarkable work exhibited in our multi-level art studio, and discover a sports complex favoured by renowned Premier League and Super League clubs for training and development camps. Throughout, classrooms and sports facilities will be

full of life, as teachers and pupils lead a range of activities that will provide a snapshot of daily reality at Rydal Penrhos. Our dedicated and hard-working teachers will be eager to discuss the school, their subjects, and any questions you or your child may have.

Meeting Our Exceptional Pupils

While classroom visits and conversations with teachers can tell you a lot about our school, the true essence of Rydal Penrhos is best understood when speaking with our pupils. Kind-hearted, well-mannered, ambitious, and responsible, our pupils exemplify the values at the heart of a Rydal Penrhos education. Each and every one is a great ambassador for the school and makes us increadibly proud. As such, we encourage prospective families attending this year’s Open Day to take the time to speak with our pupils and learn not just what Rydal Penrhos means to them, but what it could mean for your child. n

Many prospective families have already signed up, so please book now without delay to secure your place at the Rydal Penrhos Open Day on Saturday 30th September. To find out more details and sign up, please visit our website or contact us at admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or 01492 530 155. There are three arrival times available; 09:30 or 11:30 if you would like to visit the Senior School, or 10:30 if you would like to visit the Prep School. For those interested in Pre-School, please note a separate event will take place in September; please contact the admissions team for details.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways launch new locomotive

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are eagerly counting down the days until James Spooner, first new-build Double Fairlie locomotive for 30 years, makes its debut appearance at the upcoming Bygones Weekend (6th - 8th of October 2023). The company hold the patent for these quirky ‘push me, pull you’ steam engines which have become an iconic part of the Ffestiniog brand. James Spooner joins fellow fairlies, Merddin Emrys (1879) and David Lloyd George (1992), all proudly built at the Boston Lodge Workshops near Porthmadog. The loco will be based in and around Porthmadog Harbour Station during the event weekend providing plenty of photo opportunities! James Spooner is pictured here at Boston Lodge Works in early August getting ready to enter the paint shop. Everyone is now looking forward to seeing it completed and ready to steam!

Competition success for Colwyn Male Choir

Just back from competing in the Pan Celtic Arts Festival in Kilkenny; Colwyn Male Choir won first prize cup in the male voice competition. The choir, now fully recovered after the meltdown caused by the Covid pandemic, continues to buck the trend with membership numbers now over 60 for the first time in their history! This is due in no small measure to their young dynamic conductor Gethin Davies who continues to bring inspiration to the choir. Congratulations to all involved.

North Wales law firm welcomes three new solicitors

Preparing a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family’s future and yet many of us put it off – sometimes until it’s too late. Lanyon Bowdler, which has offices in North Wales and Shropshire, has expanded its private client team, which specialises in helping people put their affairs in order, welcoming three new solicitors to the firm in recent months. Angharad Hird, Mai Lewis and Karl Beckett have joined the team to meet a growing demand for legal services, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the firm. Kevin Thomas, partner at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, said: “We have been really busy, with an ever-growing client list, so we are delighted to strengthen our team with such highly-respected solicitors. Angharad, Mai and Karl have worked with clients in the North Wales area for a number of years, and add to our capacity to help clients with the preparation of Wills, provide advice on inheritance tax, prepare and register Lasting Powers of Attorney, and assist with estate planning and administration.”

Angharad added: “It’s really important to have the right legal documents in place, such as a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney - whether you run a business or not - to ensure your wishes are carried out. I am really pleased to have joined the private client team in Oswestry, and am looking forward to continuing to help clients plan for their future.” Mai comes from a farming background and graduated from the University of Sheffield with a history degree before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course and Masters at the University of Law, Chester. She said: “I know from experience that preparing for the future is particularly important for farming families, and I am very happy to help clients avoid stress and heartache further down the line. The administration and ownership of a farm and its land can be complicated, so ensuring that everyone’s will is up-to-date, as well as preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney, is vital to enable the business to function even if someone loses mental capacity for any reason.”

Colwyn Bay Artisan Market goes bonkers for biscuits!

This September’s Artisan Market is dedicated to that much loved sweet treat – the humble biscuit! On Saturday 16th September, the market will be teaming up with ‘Together For Colwyn Bay’ to honour this classic British favourite with a mini ‘Biscuit Festival’ where there’ll be many biscuit themed activities and games to get involved in, including biscuit crafting & decorating, biscuit bobbing, a tea & biscuit dunking competition and so much more! Plus you can have your say and join in the poll for North Wales’ favourite biscuit! To go with the biscuit theme Alice in Wonderland will be in attendance at a special ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ – so pop along for a cup of tea with the characters of this magical story, originally inspired by Alice’s adventures in Llandudno! As well as all this barmy biscuit fun, there will be live music throughout the day, hot street food, a pop up bar, face painting, street art activities and games for the kids. And, of course, there’ll be plenty of quality shopping to be had with two large streets of the finest artisan stalls to discover and explore.

Official launch of Welsh Geographical Indicators for Single Malt Category at the Royal Welsh Show

Penderyn Distillery – The Welsh Whisky Company –has announced the official launch of Welsh Geographical Indicators for the Single Malt category. The momentous occasion took place at the esteemed Royal Welsh Show in the summer, and it comes after receiving approval from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for the protection of the Welsh whisky industry. Geographical indicators play a crucial role in safeguarding the unique identity and quality of regional products. The recognition of Welsh Geographical Indicators for the Single Malt category will highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctiveness of Welsh whisky, positioning it as a truly exceptional and protected spirit. “The official launch of Welsh Geographical Indicators for the Single Malt category marks a significant milestone for the Welsh whisky industry,” said Stephen Davies, CEO at Penderyn Distillery. “This recognition not only protects the integrity of Welsh whisky but also showcases our rich heritage, exceptional craftsmanship, and the unique characteristics of our whiskies. We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this development and look forward to sharing the outstanding quality of Welsh whisky with enthusiasts around the world.”

From left: Kevin Thomas, Mai Lewis, Angharad Hird and Karl Beckett

LLWYN Landscapes LTD

Landscape Design, Construction & Maintenance Contractors

Commercial & Domestic: Driveways, Decking, Lighting, Paving, Brickwork, Turf Laying, Water Features, Artificial Grass, Fencing, Tree Work, Stump Grinding, Ground Maintenance

LLWYN LANDSCAPES LTD

Quinten Hazell Enterprise Parc, Glan Y Wern Road, Colwyn Bay LL28 5BS

Office: 01492 552521

Mobile: 07896 222702

Email: info@llwynlandscapes.co.uk

www.llwynlandscapes.co.uk

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay

Abbeyfield offer a fully inclusive life, including all your heating and food bills in a sheltered housing setting

Why not try our guest/respite room to see if you would enjoy staying in an Abbeyfield House

Ring Anna on 01492 533724 for more information

Your family are welcome to visit you in your accommodation at any time, all flats and bedsits have door entry systems.

Let Abbeyfield take the strain of every day living; a life of no food shopping, cooking and household bills

• Home Cooked Lunch and High Tea

• All Bills included

• Community Alarm Service

• Weekly room clean and your washing and ironing done

If you would like to view any of our three properties please contact Anna by telephone or email Search @ abbeyfield colwyn bay society on facebook Abbeyfield.com

For more information contact General Manager Anna Hamblett on 01492 533724 or email abbeyfieldcolwynbay@gmail.com

Can my dog be involved in my funeral?

We’ve been asked by a few people recently if dogs can be involved in funerals, so we thought we’d explore the idea and discuss how their presence can bring comfort, love and solace during a time of grief. For many of us, we share a deep bond with our canine companions, so it feels right to include them in some way.

Things to consider

Unconditional Love and Support

Dogs are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and love. They can also offer solace and companionship during a difficult time, and due to their extraordinary ability to sense emotions provide a paw-fect presence to friends and family members. By including your dog in a funeral service, you allow others to be comforted by their presence. Colwyn Bay Crematorium are dog friendly and so why not ask your local funeral director to walk in front of the hearse with them, leading their owner on their final journey. The dog can then take their rightful place next to the family during the service.

Celebrating the bond with your dog

Dogs are often considered to be a part of our families. They will probably have been on daily walks with their owner, sat by their side in the lounge while they spent time reading the newspaper or watching TV and will have, undoubtedly, brought immense joy and happiness to the lives of many. Funerals should celebrate the life of the person who has died, and by acknowledging their connection with their dog is a great way to do this.

Emotional support for those who have been bereaved

Funerals are a time when people come together to support each other and share memories of the person that has died. The presence of a dog can provide a soothing and calm environment to help ease the grief and emotions experienced. Dogs are natural comforters, so their attendance can help to create a warm, nurturing environment. Our funeral home is dog friendly for this very reason.

In some cases it would be entirely impractical to include a dog within your funeral service, particularly if the dog cannot follow commands or would be too boisterous. Also, if the dog is of a nervous nature and being involved would cause them distress, we wouldn’t recommend it. Consider other guests who may have animal allergies.

In summary, incorporating dogs into funeral services is a beautiful way to honour the bond between humans and their canine companions. Their presence brings comfort, symbolises the love shared, and offers support during a time of grief. Including dogs in funerals allows us to celebrate the joy they brought to our lives and leaves a lasting impression on those who attend. As we embrace the idea of personalised, bespoke funerals, that are as unique as the person that has died, let us not forget the impact that our furry friends have had on our journeys, by including them in our final farewell. n

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com

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

1 Do you feel a sudden, urgent need to urinate, followed by accidental leakage?

Aspire North Wales Clinic is delighted to introduce the BTL EMSELLA Chair for Stress Urinary Incontinence and Female Health treatments to its clients. Featured across the UK and international media and notably at Dr Leah’s London Clinic, EMsella is revolutionising the way incontinence is treated, and even helps with your sex life!

2 Urine leakage is brought on by quick movements or pressure, such as from coughing or laughing?

3 Is incontinence frequent or a ecting your quality of life?

Aspire North Wales Clinic is the first location in Wales to offer the BTL EMSELLA treatment to help women and men of any age who desire a non-invasive solution for urinary incontinence and improvement in their quality of life and even proven to help with mens prostate health.

EMSELLA is a non-invasive, comfortable and FDA cleared treatment to strengthen the pelvic floor and greatly improve the inconvenience and embarrassment caused by unwanted urinary leakage

IF YOU ANSWERED “ YES” TO ANY OF THESE, IT’S TIME FOR EMSELLA!

BTL EMSELLA uses electromagnetic energy to cause deep pelvic floor muscle stimulation without getting undressed! A single BTL EMSELLA session brings thousands of Kegel-like contractions which help you train your muscles without any effort. Scientific research shows that 95% of treated patients have reported significant improvement in their quality of life.**

PATIENT TESTIMONIALS

Patient testimonial #1

I don’t know how it works… but it does. I don’t have dribbles anymore and when you are out in public I can make it to the bathroom without dribbles.

Patient testimonial #2

I sneeze, I can jump rope, I run… I can just do all kinds of exercise and competitions and I can now do them with a lot more confidence than I could before It’s… freeing, very freeing, to be able to just do what you want to do again.

Improvement

Please be aware that some of the information / intended uses / configurations / accessories mentioned here are not available in your country. For more information contact your local distributor. Results and patient experience may vary. As with any medical procedure, ask your doctor if the EMSELLA procedure is right for you. BTL EMSELLA is intended to provide pelvic floor muscle strengthening for treatment of urinary incontinence. ©2020 BTL Group of Companies. All rights reserved. BTL® and EMSELLA® are registered trademarks in the United States of America, the European Union, and other countries. Products, the methods of manufacture or the use may be subject to one or more U.S. or foreign patents or pending applications. Trademarks EMSCULPT®, EMSELLA®, EMTONE™, EMBODY®, and HIFEM® are parts of EM™ Family of products. Patient’s name has been changed for their privacy Results and patient experience may vary.

Patient testimonial #3

Before, I was getting up 4 - 5 times a night to go to a bathroom. It seems like it´s still improving. Even in past few weeks some nights I have not had to get up at all. It’s awesome.

Finance Options Available

*Data on file.

Puzzle corner

ASK

Across

1 Sheets and blankets (10)

7 Unfortunately (4)

9 Partly unrelated female sibling (10)

10 Grain husks (4)

11 Investigate closely (5)

12 Of no value (9)

14 Dog-houses (7)

16 Altar cloth (7)

18 Cases (7)

20 Implore urgently (7)

23 Inflammation of the stomach (9)

25 Wading bird (5)

28 Form of wrestling (4)

29 Beyond the power of Man (10)

30 Hay store (4)

31 The lot (10)

SALES@BTLNET.COM EMSELLA.COM

Breakthrough

Treatment for Incontinence

Down

2 Qualify (7)

3 Managed (5)

4 Leave out (4)

5 Frankfurter (3,3)

6 Small fish (5)

7 Vehicle for injured people (9)

8 Formerly the world’s fourth largest lake (4,3)

13 Stop up a hole (4)

15 Wee Willie Winkie’s attire (9)

17 Grass (4)

19 Sea north of Australia (7)

21 Hanging cloth (7)

22 Baby’s feeding bottle cap (6)

24 Point in question (5)

26 Not easily broken (5)

27 Salver (4)

©2019 BTL Group of Companies. All rights reserved. BTL® and EMSELLA® are registered trademarks in the United States of America, the European Union, and other countries. The products, the methods of manufacture or the use may be subject to one or more U.S. or foreign patents or pending applications. Trademarks EMSCULPT®, EMSELLA®, EMTONE™, EMBODY®, and HIFEM® are parts of EM™ Family of products. Patient’s name has been changed for their privacy. Results and patient experience may vary.

BTL_Emsella_BR_179F_EN100; 099-75EMSBR179FEN101

Reed, 19 Arafura, 21 Curtain, 22 Nipple, 24 Issue, 26 Tough, 27 Tray.

3 Coped, 4 Omit, 5 Hot dog, 6 Sprat, 7 Ambulance, 8 Aral Sea, 13 Plug, 15 Nightgown, 17

IN THE

STARS...

September’s horoscopes brought to you by Russell Grant

ARIES (March 21st – April 20th)

A romantic attraction that has been stalled will finally move forward on the 3rd. Resist the temptation to buy someone’s affection; spend more quality time together instead. A positive attitude paves the way for improved health on the 6th. This is also a good time to go to a job interview or audition. A lucrative job will be offered to you on the 8th; go out and celebrate with a friend who has supported you along the way.

TAURUS (April 21st – May 21st)

Domestic comforts bring out the best in you on the 3rd; keep a low profile on this restorative day. A flirtatious conversation on the 6th gives you an attractive glow that’s impossible to resist. If you’re looking for love, you’ll find it at a local hotspot. Expressing yourself through a creative project on the 8th will bring you fame and acclaim. Make sure to put your work on display. On the 15th, the New Moon could mark an exciting announcement about an engagement, pregnancy, or marriage.

GEMINI (May 22nd – June 21st)

Daily life becomes a lot more pleasant on the 3rd; the change of pace gives you a mischievous sparkle that’s very attractive. Talking with a relative inspires a creative idea on the 6th; follow up on a brainstorm for a story, film, or song. You could get funding for a home improvement project on the 8th; don’t let the prospect of filling out lots of paperwork get you down. The New Moon on the 15th finds you spending more time with loved ones.

CANCER (June 22nd – July 23rd)

You’re offered a lucrative job on the 3rd after giving up hope that you’d ever hear from this employer. Resist the temptation to give your first paycheque to a needy friend; it’s time to build up your savings. A wonderful idea keeps you busy on the 6th; get as much work done on this project as possible so it will gain momentum. Friends are happy to promote your business or talent on the 8th; don’t be shy about asking them for references.

LEO (July 24th – August 23rd)

Your charisma fires on all cylinders on the 1st; use it to enchant a powerful person who can help you. You won’t have to work nearly as hard as you have prior to this remarkable day. Negotiating a pay rise or salary is favoured for the 6th; give a detailed explanation about why you deserve more money. An authority figure appreciates your practical approach to work on the 8th and will reward you for it. The New Moon on the 15th attracts another source of income that allows you to indulge in more luxuries.

VIRGO (August 24th – September 23rd)

It becomes much easier to rest, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labour on the 1st. Stop pushing yourself to set new goals; bask in the beauty of the present moment instead. A brilliant idea brings fame and acclaim on the 6th; don’t be modest about accepting praise. The chance to travel for business will fall in your lap on the 8th. You will also encounter romance on this journey. On the 15th, the New Moon inspires you to change your look in a dramatic way. Prepare for a wave of sincere compliments.

LIBRA (September 24th – October 23rd)

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

On the 3rd, you’ll have lots more time for the people and activities you love. It helps that you’ll have fewer financial demands on you. Spend the 6th enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation; it’s a great time to binge-watch a show that makes you laugh. Money from an inheritance, prize-winning, or dividend arrives on the 8th, allowing you to indulge in more luxury. The New Moon on the 15th creates a spiritual breakthrough that deepens your appreciation for life. Don’t lend or borrow money on the 17th; the last thing you want to do is ruin a beautiful friendship.

SCORPIO (October 24th – November 22nd)

Commanding public attention is as easy as breathing for you on the 3rd; it’s a good day to make a professional presentation or go to an audition. A romantic or business partner will also become more self-sufficient. Collaborating on a creative project is rewarding on the 6th. The more detailed your discussions, the better your work becomes. Friendship could turn to romance on the 8th if you’re so inclined. On the 15th, the New Moon invites you to pursue a lifelong dream that surprises even your nearest and dearest. Don’t favour work over love on the 17th.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd – December 21st)

More opportunities to indulge your love of art, music, film, and other cultural delights will arrive on the 3rd. Stop putting so much emphasis on work. The 6th is a good day to talk to your boss about cutting back your work schedule. If you’re self-employed, stop putting in such long hours. Your improved health is obvious to everyone on the 8th; accept compliments on your radiant appearance with a grateful and happy heart. The New Moon on the 15th attracts an unusual career opportunity, it will be nice to expand your professional repertoire.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd – January 20th)

You can indulge your sensual side on the 3rd when money for luxuries becomes available. It may be wise to slow things down in the romance department, too, if you want a serious relationship. Signing a contract on the 6th is strongly advised; this agreement will serve you well for a long time. A financial or emotional gamble pays off handsomely on the 8th; venture out of your comfort zone. On the 15th, the New Moon settles a legal matter in your favour; you might even get a big reward for damages.

AQUARIUS (January 21st – February 19th)

Romance floods back into your life on the 3rd; scale back on family time for the sake of your amour. A scholarship, loan, or inheritance comes your way on the 6th. It will be a relief to be on secure financial ground. If you’ve been thinking about relocating, the 8th is a perfect day for finding a spacious new home. On the 15th, the New Moon finds you letting down your defences with a special person who makes you feel safe. Think about joining households and bank accounts with this lovely soul.

PISCES (February 20th – March 20th)

Spending more time on your appearance will pay off handsomely on the 3rd; prepare to turn heads. A flirtatious conversation on the 6th makes you glow with happiness. This will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. The good news about a financial matter arrives on the 8th; congratulations. On the 15th, the New Moon marks an engagement, marriage, or business partnership. It feels so reassuring to have the support of a stable person.