Spring along to the Spring Festival!

The annual Spring Festival will be held on 18 and 19 May 2013 at the Royal Welsh Show Grounds in Builth Wells.  This has become one of the most popular weekend attractions in Wales showcasing smallholding, gardening and sustainable living – focusing on conservation, the environment and the saving of energy from installing a windmill to insulating your house with sheep’s wool.

There are numerous workshops, talks and question and answer sessions on smallholding, horticulture, and environmental and countryside matters – a really fascinating opportunity for learning and discovery.

The focus of the Farmers’ Market is on produce from small independent producers  where you will find some of the finest foods being produced from lamb, mutton, beef, wild boar and venison to beautiful cheeses (cow, goat and ewe); wines, cider,  liqueurs and hand made ice creams to jams, chutneys, preserves, cakes and artisan breads.

Having indulged your taste buds, perhaps move into the Floral Hall which offers a feast for every sense; wandering among the blossoms and stunning floral displays there is a visual treat in the wonderful design, colour and scent – a real inspiration for any plant lover.

Livestock, including the rarer breeds, are at the core of the event with its many displays and trade stands and full programme of entertainment.  My favourite event is the pig handling – who doesn’t love a pig?  From the handsomest Sandy and Blacks, Gloucester Old Spots and Tamworths to the dearest little Kunekune pigs. The miniature Kunekune pigs were originally kept by Maoris in New Zealand and the word kunekune means ‘fat and round’ in the Maori language.

These little pigs make good pets as they are friendly, also rather hairy!  It is the smallest domesticated breed of pig in the world, standing about 35cms. Watch small children handle these miniature pigs in the ring – most pigs doing their own thing, meandering wherever the will takes them, regardless of the small child on end of stick trying to direct them in the desired direction!

 

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Cambrian Mountains at Bro Tregaron Walking Weekend – 4 and 5 May 2013

Our day started at Llanddewi-Brefi, where we met the bus from Tregaron. We then had a bus ride up into the mountains where the road becomes impassable. Here we disembarked ready for our 10 mile Cwm Doethie Classic walk.

Nant Gwernog

Nant Gwernog

 

The walk took us across the mountain and down through boggy areas where there used to be many trees before they were chopped down. This left much uneven ground with tree stumps to manoeuvre around, making it fun and interesting to navigate to the track.

On the track

On the track

 

 

Once on the track we followed it down over a ford (there was also a foot bridge) and then our ascent began, a challenging but manageable walk up to the top of the mountain.

 

At the top

At the top

 

 

At the top we stopped for refreshments and took in the view before carrying on down the track to Soar y Mynydd, a Calvinist Methodist chapel, possibly the most remote chapel in Wales, the walks half way point.

 

 

Soar y Mynydd

Soar y Mynydd

The chapel was built in 1822 by request of Rev. Ebenezer Richard of Tregaron, in order to provide for the farmers, who lived in the surrounding area, and for the drovers, who would pass this way on their journey to or from the village.

Here we sat and enjoyed our lunch accompanied by a cuckoo, which is quite a rare occurrence these days.

Once refreshed we continued our trip behind the chapel and further up along the valley. As we come up the mountain we were met with the most amazing view of the River Camddwr winding its way through the bottom of the valley.

It gave me the sense that I wanted to fly as I looked down and took in the immense sight before me

It gave me the sense that I wanted to fly as I looked down and took in the immense sight before me

 

 

We stood for a time taking in the feeling of how fantastic nature is before we began to descend into the valley. We continued walking down in to the bottom of the valley.

 

 

 

 

Remains of cottages

Remains of cottages

 

Here we took stock of the isolated way of life farmers/shepherds lived as we passed through the remains of old cottages where they once lived

 

 

Afon Doethie

Afon Doethie

 

We continued round the mountain with the River Doethie ambling by our side until we returned to the track and back over the ford.

 

 

New Inn in Llanddewi-Brefi
New Inn in Llanddewi-Brefi

 

We continued to the youth hostel where we met up with the bus and had a bumpy but very welcome ride back to the New Inn in Llanddewi-Brefi with the knowledge that a hot bowl of cawl was awaiting us.

 

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A spring visit to Llanerchaeron

On a lovely sunny spring day we visited Llanerchaeron just outside Aberaeron, Ceredigion. The 500 acre estate was bought in 1634 by Llewelyn Parry for seven score pounds, the princely sum of £140! The house remained in the family for ten generations over the next three and a half centuries and was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1989.

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In 1783 William Lewis commissioned an unknown architect from London called John Nash to design a new house. He later became a great Regency architect, designing the Brighton Pavilion and Buckingham Palace. The house is now a combination of pre and post Nash parts. Nash believed the house should be symmetrical and throughout the house you can find false doors, windows that have been halved and fake windows put onto the exterior.

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The house is beautifully furnished and the kitchen and larders are full of interesting items. Around the rear courtyard are the laundry rooms, the dairy, the brewery and other rooms, which were important for the day to day running of a large estate.

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After leaving the house we strolled to the wall gardens, still early yet but the greenhouses were full of seedlings only waiting for warmer days.

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Next is the farmyard with cattle, hens and pigs, including Myfanwy and her piglets. In the milking parlour is a full size model of a cow, which you can have a go at milking by hand if you’re feeling adventurous!

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Along the path back to the visitor centre you pass the cart house and second hand book shop. From the car park is a foot bridge leading to circular woodland walks and the old railway track which will take you back to Aberaeron.

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After all this exercise the only place left to visit was the tea room which has a wide selection of snacks and cakes which we were unable to resist!

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If you would like to visit Llanerchaeron see: places to stay near Aberaeron and enjoy a day at the estate.

 

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Beachcombing

Beachcombing – Guest Blog by Kerry Hughes of Beachcomber Jewellery

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I’ve always had a bit of a thing for beachcombing – when I was little and living in the Midlands I would live for those 2 weeks on a Welsh beach and go home with buckets full of shells and sea glass and bits of driftwood that to me seemed magical – and  I have to say still do. We were lucky enough to move to West Wales 10 years ago and I’m now able to indulge my beachcombing passion on a daily basis.

I started Beachcomber Jewellery so that I had something to do with all my finds (and to justify coming home every day with pockets full of treasures). The jewellery I make is totally inspired by the amazing beaches in this area; I use locally found sea glass and sea pottery, and also textures and shapes from the beach.

Red sea glass

Red sea glass is rare

Sea glass for those who don’t know, is old bottles and jars that have been discarded into the sea over the centuries, worn down to smooth organic forms by the constant ebb and flow of the tide, eventually washing up on the shoreline, resting in the sand awaiting discovery – recycling at its best.

These beautiful translucent pieces can be found in many colours, the most unusual being reds and oranges, some can date back as far as the 17th century. The glass can be found in many shapes depending on the original shape of the shard and the length of time that it has been tumbled in the ocean.

Pottery and Pearls

Sea pottery and pearl necklace

The sea pottery is pieces of broken plates and cups etc. that have had a similar journey. It always intrigues me to know the history of these pieces; I particularly like to find pottery with text.

The beaches in Ceredigion are an absolute inspiration. Each of the beaches that I beachcomb on a regular basis has its own magic. The stretch of beach between Aberarth and Aberaeron always has ‘treasure’ to be found, in particular some lovely pieces of driftwood. Tresaith has an array of beautiful shells including the unusual pelican’s foot and my favourite the queenie scallop, I’ve even been lucky enough to find cowries there.

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Rolling waves at Penbryn Beach

Penbryn never fails to inspire with its spectacular waves.  The rock pools at Aberporth at low tide are always fascinating, it’s always worth taking the time to sit and gaze into the pools to watch the amazing creatures going about their business. Into Pembrokeshire there is Poppit Sands with its incredible dunes and there are always interesting finds on the strandline such as masked crabs.  There is always so much to see and find on all the beaches here, as for the best beaches for finding sea glass and sea pottery – well that would be telling wouldn’t it…

A days collection

A days collection of sea glass and sea pottery

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More information on the Beachcomber Jewellery Facebook Page

Stay in a cottage to explore the West Wales beaches.

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Silver Service

Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards 19.04.2013, Beggars Reach Hotel

Silver service! West Wales Holiday Cottages team collects their Pembrokeshire Tourism Award from category sponsors, Red Kite Solicitors, at the Beggars Reach Hotel at Burton.

From left: Dawn Falconer, Sarah Smith, Jo Locke, David Witt, Matthew Witt and Linda Plowman.

We’re delighted to announce that we have won another award! West Wales Holiday Cottages was awarded silver in the Best Supplier category of the Pembrokeshire Tourism 2013 Awards.

We would like to thank everyone who kindly sent feedback about our service and who nominated us on the Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards website.

We’re proud to win this award for outstanding customer service and for delivering beyond expectations.

Photo credit: Pembrokeshire Photography

 

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Barley Saturday in Cardigan

Barley Saturday in Cardigan takes place this weekend, an annual event held on the Saturday following the last Friday in April. There are records of a parade dating back to 1877. It is now known as a stallion show and parade through the streets of the town, but originally it was an event that took place after the barley was planted and was an opportunity for farmers to hire workers for the coming year and to show off their stallions or to select one for use at stud.

The judging takes place at Penralltddu fields, near the primary school, at 11.30am and the stallion classes include classes for Welsh ponies and cobs, heavy horses and donkeys. There are also classes for heavy horse turnouts, including a class for the best tradesman’s turnout, a chance to see vehicles such as milk floats and other interesting old carriages.  The ultimate prize is the Valiant Perpetual Cup.

Following judging, the horses all parade through the streets at 2pm, a spectacular sight. If you can come this year make sure you get a good view! If you would like to plan a stay in the area we have a number of cottages in and near Cardigan.

 

 

 

 

 

All photos: copyright ceridwen

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Wonderful Wonderwool Wales!

Wonderwool Wales is the premier wool and natural fibre festival in Wales. It was set up in 2006 in order to promote wool and natural fibre production and its use in Wales. This festival is held every April at The Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells and will be held on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 April 2013, 10am – 5.30pm Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm Sunday.

The Wonderwool Wales festival is a  ‘must’ for wool and yarn enthusiasts as well as those keen to learn and develop their skills or simply shoppers with a keen eye for quality crafts and innovative design.

This weekend is such a treat for anyone who loves colour, texture and natural fibres.  For those of us who do, this is like an outing to the sweetie shop for us!  A sumptuous choice to inspire and feed our creative impulses!

It is so exciting not only to pick and choose from the vast range of yarns on offer, but there are books galore on every aspect of felting, knitting, weaving, spinning and crochet to offer inspiration.  This show just makes me want to try my hand at everything!  Fortunately… there IS the opportunity to have a go!

There are many workshops on offer so I can have a taster of new skills and techniques.  Recently Wonderwool held a fantastic two day felting workshop, run by tutors from JAO, Finland. (JAO provides education for future Artisans and Professionals in Visual Expression. Previously the College was known as the Central Finland Handicraft and Industrial Art School).  We really hope to see them again in 2013! Even if not, we can be assured of some fascinating sessions from talented crafts people.

Wonderwool houses a huge number of Exhibitors and Trade Stands displaying equipment, materials and finished products and demonstrations, along with a selection of ‘fibre animals’ on display such as sheep, alpacas and angora rabbits.

An enriching day for beginner and expert alike; however, a day out would not be complete without something delicious to eat and you will be spoilt for choice amongst the various catering stalls, including vegetarian and vegan, home cooked Indian food, homemade ice cream, wonderful sweet pastries, Florentines, meringues and chocolate brownies and handmade Scotch eggs from the Handmade Scotch Egg Company who offer a massive 40 different types – how can there be 40 different Scotch eggs? (I hear you ask!)  Well, only one way to find out – get along to the festival and sample them for yourself!

Wonderwool aims to expand the show each year with new ideas, but still maintain the standards, ethos and enthusiasm of the Festival.

 

All photos by John Teale Photography

 

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Cenhinen Pedr – Peter’s Leek – The Welsh Daffodil

The Victorians are responsible for the fact that daffodils are pinned to Welsh lapels instead of leeks on St David’s Day.  The leek wasn’t considered glamorous enough to be the Welsh national emblem and the daffodil, which flowers close to the Welsh patron saint’s holiday, became the replacement.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA There are two varieties of daffodil unique to Wales – the Tenby ( Narcissus obvallaris) and the Welsh or Lent daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus). Both species have declined over the years as a result of development on land where they once thrived.

Tenby daffodils suffered in Victorian times from being too popular – regularly dug up, they became quite scarce but replanting has helped and nowadays there are plenty to see in springtime around Tenby.

Tenby daffodils are all one colour, whereas the Welsh daffodil or Lenten lily are two toned in colour with a different shade of yellow/ orange on the trumpet to that of the petals.

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Tenby daffodils are not only found in South Pembrokeshire, but also in Carmarthenshire and parts of Ceredigion. The Welsh variety is more widespread, but still quite scarce.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales, has about 100 varieties of Daffodil growing in the Double Walled Garden plus huge drifts on the banks below the Great Glasshouse, a wonderful sight.  One variety, special to The National Botanic Garden, is the ‘Derwydd Daffodil’, named after a garden in Llandybie where it was first found.

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Changeable Weather – Penbryn Walk

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Changeable weather at Penbryn Beach – rolling waves and cloudy skies

We had the pleasure of venturing down to Penbryn beach on a week day, celebrating another birthday at yet another beautiful beach.

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Snow filled clouds at Penbryn Beach

 

The day started with amazing dark, snow filled clouds and there were icicles forming interesting patterns on the cliff side.

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Icicles forming on the cliff side

 

 

 

 

As we explored the beach the sunshine began to appear through the clouds reflecting light in the white clouds that had formed.

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Sunshine through the clouds

 

 

The sea was out enough for us to venture round the rocks to another part of the beach, which we have only ever timed right once before; with the added excitement of exploring the new landscape and returning to the main beach before the tide turned.

 

 

Many happy hours have been spent on Penbryn beach and the awe of how the landscape alters each time; from sandy to pebbly in different parts of the beach; how the stream that runs down to the sea is calm or fast, narrow or wide, deep or shallow, always fascinates us.

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Changing patterns on Penbryn Beach

Another birthday well celebrated!

We have Cottages close to Penbryn if you would like to explore the beach for yourself

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The mystery of the ‘missing years’ of Haf the bottlenose dolphin

Haf is a beautiful female bottlenose dolphin who has had at least four calves, but she has a secret – nobody knows for sure why she vanished from Cardigan Bay for three whole years and then reappeared!

Haf the bottlenose dolphin in Cardigan Bay

Haf the bottlenose dolphin swimming with her calf in Cardigan Bay

From 2001, Haf (which means “summer” in Welsh) was seen and recorded regularly in Cardigan Bay, West Wales, by researchers at Sea Watch Foundation – a national marine research and conservation charity carrying out regular Photo-ID surveys of the population with the support of the Countryside Council for Wales (as from 1st April, called Natural Resources Wales)

Haf became so well known to researchers that she was one of the first Cardigan Bay dolphins to be offered up for adoption through the Sea Watch Foundation’s Adopt-A-Dolphin scheme www.adoptadolphin.org.uk. This scheme helps to raise money to support Sea Watch’s research and conservation of these dolphins, and it is that research which is helping to unravel what might have happened to Haf during her  three ‘missing’ years.

Sea Watch scientists recorded Haf with a juvenile calf in 2003, and in August of 2004 she was seen with a little new-born. These two were seen swimming closely together for a few years, and in 2007 Haf gave birth to another new-born named Bubbles.

Haf the bottlenose dolphin with her calf Bubbles in Cardigan Bay

Haf the bottlenose dolphin with her calf Bubbles in Cardigan Bay

Later in 2007, sightings of her stopped. Sea Watch researchers are informed of any bottlenose dolphins which wash up dead, or are stranded, so they held their breath for three years, but there were no reports of her dead or alive.

In July 2011, she reappeared just as suddenly as she had vanished, swimming happily alongside ‘Whisper’ – a dolphin who had also ‘disappeared’ at much the same time. During 2011, Haf was seen several times in Cardigan Bay but when she did not show up in the Cardigan Bay surveys in spring and early summer of 2012, it began to look as though Haf might have done another vanishing act.

In August 2012, there was joy amongst Sea Watch researchers onboard the research vessel Dunbar Castle 11 when they spotted Haf with a tiny new-born calf which, because of its ‘stripes’ and tiny size, may have been only a few days old. Since then, Haf and her latest calf have been seen  several more times, and researchers hope to see them again during spring and summer surveys in 2013.

Sea Watch Monitoring Officer, Daphna Feingold, explains: “We used to think the bottlenose dolphin population was resident to Cardigan Bay.  Photo ID however revealed a clear pattern of migration. We now know some stay in the bay year round, but from around October/November most of the Cardigan Bay dolphin population (including calves) move north out of the two SACs (Special Areas of Conservation) joining up with others to range around Anglesey and beyond, at least to the Isle of Man although their overall range is not yet known and may extend as far as Scotland. They return to Cardigan Bay in the spring.

” Most young are born during the summer months, and it seems that some mothers at least are using the shallow waters of Cardigan Bay as a safe calving and nursery area, where they can reliably find food and not leave their young for long unattended.”

It seems that Haf, then, may be amongst the dolphins that range far…. but how far, nobody yet knows!

Haf was one of the original dolphins on the Sea Watch award winning www.adoptadolphin.org.uk scheme. There are currently six dolphins available to adopt – Chris, Smoothy, Bond, Flint, Top Notch, and Nic Nic. By adopting one of these dolphins, you will be helping to fund the continuing research by Sea Watch to help develop effective conservation programmes.

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