A great day out for the whole family - Anglesey Show 2010

One of Wales' premier agricultural shows - a feast of merry making, noise and colour, outdoors and under cover.

More than 65,000 visitors expected this year.  If you have the stamina there is easily enough entertainment to keep the whole family amused for the 2 days of August 10th & 11th at the Mona Showground, Anglesey. Quality Cottages will be there too. Drop by and say hello.

Make sure you are well rested and full of energy to enjoy
displays
parades
competitions
animals
crafts
horticulture
childrens entertainment
food & drink
vintage vehicles
and much more....see you there.

Damson & Slate (specialists in Welsh products) Narberth

Stepping into Damson & Slate in Narberth is like stepping into the warm heart of a cosy Welsh home. Specialising in all things Welsh and chic, old and new, traditional and modern. One imagines the smell of freshly brewed tea and Welsh cakes warm from the cooking plank.

Choose something for yourself, your home, your garden or a beautiful Welsh gift for a friend.

Products range from vintage Welsh blankets, fine hand knit soft scarves and hats, sophisticated slate soap dishes, sheepskins, bags, soft furnishings, willow structures for the garden, blackberry baskets and cream jugs, stoneware pottery, stationery, teddies and dolls, fashions, delicious soaps and potions and much more.

When in Narberth do call in for a truly Welsh experience. You won't be disappointed.

Dyfi Ospreys 2010 Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve

The female osprey arrived on April 4th and the male on June 24th so this is an ideal time to visit Cors Dyfi just outside Machynlleth to see these magnificent birds in the wild.

 The reserve has habitats of bog, swamp, wet woodland, gorse and willow, silver berch and alder trees. All easily accessed by board walks. Look out for lizards they are plentiful right now as are other summer visitors such as the cuckoo, swallows and several warblers. Water buffalo have returned to help manage the vegetation.

An excellent outing for the whole family. The reserve is open daily from 10am -6pm until September.

The Old Pharmacy Restaurant Solva

Featured in the Good Food Guide consistently for 11 years.

Modern and traditional dishes are freshly prepared using the best seasonal local produce.

Proprietors Becky and Mathew invite you to eat as much or as little as you like in the relaxed informal atmosphere of their lovely Solva restaurant. From a full blown four course meal with all the trimmings to a starter and a glass of wine or if you prefer drop in for an indulgent pud with a cup of coffee. Sit in the stylish dining room surrounded by local art and photography or in the delightful secluded gardens - perfect on warm summer evenings.

The Old Pharmacy Solva 01437 720005

Atramont Arms Croesgoch Chip Shop Menu

The Atramont Arms n Croesgoch North Pembrokeshire has introduced a new 'Chip Shop Menu'. Eat in or take away. Pick up a menu from the pub or from Croesgoch Farm Stores. Mon - Sat 5-10pm Sun 4-9pn

Bistro Moelwyn Blaenau Ffestiniog

A recommended bistro in Blaenau Ffestiniog for coffee, tea, wine or lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy delicious Welsh produce with views of the Moelwyn mountains.

Ffestiniog Railway in the Moelwyn Mountains

Beach Wheelchair Hire Pembrokeshire

There are several locations in Pembrokeshire where you can hire beach wheelchairs:

Haverfordwest from P.I.P.P.A. (Physically Impaired People of Pembrokeshire Association) Phone in advance to book 01437 760665 or 01437 760999

Saundersfoot from the Tourist Information Centre in the Harbour car park 01834 813672

Whitesands Bay from the sun lounger service near beach 01437720692

Newport Sands from Newport Surf Life Saving Association 01239 820866

Broad Haven (north) from Haven Sports Ltd Marine Road 1437781354

Tenby from Bourne Leisure, Reception Team, Kiln Park 01834 844121

The Old Printing House Solva

                                                           

A converted 18th C house on Main Street Solva where the local paper was once produced. The Old Printing House is now a delightful cafe/tea room serving family meals, business  lunches and cream teas with cakes freshly baked on the premises - see the 'Fresh from the oven' board. Eat inside or al fresco on the sunny terrace just yards away from the pretty harbour.

Special events and cookery demonstrations are held throughout the year. Local hampers can be supplied and if you visit during December be sure to drop in and browse the indoor Christmas market.

Secluded South Facing Beach of Gwadn, Solva

A fabulous secluded sun trap Gwadn is a pebble beach with a wide expanse of golden sand at low tide. If you are prepared to make the small effort to reach it you may even find that you have the whole beach to yourselves.
Either take a walk up over the Gribbyn (part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path) on the eastern side of picturesque Solva's fiord like harbour or walk around the headland on the sand at low tide.
Pack up your picnic, swimming gear and sun tan lotion and take a look. You won't be disappointed.

The Welsh Game Fair Sat 19th & Sun 20th June 2010, Gelli Aur, Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

 

The Welsh Game Fair in Carmarthenshire is extensively considered as the sporting pinnacle of the country sports calendar, attracting thousands of visitors including working dog enthusiasts, anglers, clay-pigeon shooters, hunt followers and of course lurcher and terrier enthusiasts.


The　event is blessed with one of the most scenic show venues in the country, with the River Towy, famous for its sea trout and salmon providing a natural boundary on its west side.
With over 250 Trade Stands there is always a fantastic array of equipment and goods available at the Welsh, in addition to a huge Craft Marquee encompassing rural traders. The Main Arena has always been one of the many highlights with fantastic displays and exhibitions, and in 2010 will be no different. Amongst those appearing will be　The Adrenaline Tour star ex-world championship moto-cross rider Jason Smyth who will be displaying his breath taking　skills. The　World Famous Red Devils Parachute Display team will　once again be jumping into the main　arena in　2010. Of course many of the old favourites will once again be appearing, including Terry Large of Falconry fame, Meirion Owen and his Quack Pack and Chris 'The Countryman' Green. Due to popular demand in 2010 the simulated coursing demonstrations will take place on both Saturday and Sunday in the main arena, where those with dogs encouraged to participate in what is often a popular event in the arena.


Away from the Main Arena there are competitions and attractions galore for all the family to take part in. On Saturday the Hound Show located on the North end of the venue will attract this years largest gathering of hounds in the principality.

On Sunday The Terrier and Lurcher Show rings will once again be overflowing with entries for The Countryman's Weekly sponsored show, which will commence at 12.30. Immediately after the show the Terrier and Lurcher Race will take place on the racing track near the show rings.

The scurry competition is located on the banks of the river towy is kindly sponsored by Gelert Country Choice and Jane Robinson Animal Portraits and is open to allcomers and any breed of dog.　 Prizes include a limited edition animal portrait and dog food. Entry is on the day, including dry and wet retrieve.

Archery, airguns, a rifle range, climbing tower, mini motorcycles, a fun fair and a pets corner will all feature at the Welsh Game Fair, so be sure to come along on June 19th & 20th.
The show opens at 10am each day while the main arena commences at 11am and will be running continuously　on both　days until 5pm.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Admission prices are Adults £10, Senior Citizens £7, Children £5 (Under 5's FREE) also available is a Family Ticket £25 (2 adults 2 children U16).　

Seafair Festival - 10 Jul 2010 - Mlford Haven Waterway

Communities in Pembrokeshire will stage a series of entertainment and activities to welcome visitors to Milford Haven Waterway for its SeaFair Festival 3-10 July 2010.

Dale, Neyland, Lawrenny and Pembrokeshire Adventure Centre are the main host ports for over 200 vessels during SeaFair Week. Pembroke, Angle, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Landshipping, Llangwm and Haverfordwest will also be hosting events. They will welcome crews and celebrate their own communities, staging entertainment ranging from live music to sampling traditional Pembrokeshire produce.

Coordinator, John Arcus commented; "SeaFair is growing into an international festival that embodies and celebrates traditional sailing and vessels. It also engages both crews and the public in a week long programme that has a blend of seamanship, camaraderie and exploration; mixed in with good food, entertainment and Welsh hospitality.
"We are so pleased that the communities and yacht clubs have got into the ethos of the event and are delighted to have each port on board as they are all beautiful locations."
Lawrenny has a team of volunteers who worked hard to organise accommodation and arrange hospitality for the crews. Stephen Oates of Lawrenny said, "The whole village has been mobilised to welcome SeaFair and provide a full programme of shore-based evening events. The village is looking forward to a really special and enjoyable week for visitors and residents alike."

Llynon Mill, Holyhead

Llynon Mill, Holyhead, Anglesey is the only working windmill in Wales. Visit this agricultural museum to see the milling process and the reconstructed bakery. Enjoy freshly baked cakes and bread made with the mill's own flour and buy organic stoneground flour to take home. (particularly good for diabetics due to the low glycaemic index). There is a wide range of gifts and crafts to browse in the Llynnon shop. 

Pontcysyllite Aqueduct, Llangollen

Enjoy a horse drawn or motorised canal trip from the wharf at Llangollen across the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford. On your return browse the gift shop and have a tea and cakes in the tearoom.

A Feast Night at Druidstone Hotel perched on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

How to describe Druidstone Hotel in Pembrokeshire that is the question? Perched on the cliff in 22 acres of wild coastal gardens above the beautiful beach that gave it its name with stunning views of Cardigan Bay. Shabby chic goes part of the way, throw in quirky, rambling, homely, relaxing, exciting, intriguing and then add a few happy children, family pets, a couple of artists and the odd musician and you're nearly there.


Together with family and friends we recently enjoyed a Turkish Feast at Druidstone - a delicious running buffet of Turkish dishes hot & cold, meaty and veggie, fish too. The children dipped in and out sampling morsels then being drawn back to the rambling gardens still bathed in evening sun. Three musicians played a few tunes in the bar just for the fun of it.


The staff are friendly, welcoming and helpful. Don't expect a butler here but they do have their own fisherman so if there is bass or mackeral on the menu you can be sure it is fresh.

If you have not already been to the Druidstone Hotel do go and have a drink or a feast. It might be your first visit but it won't be your last.

Pembroke Potato Festival June 5th 2010

Pembroke Potato Festival makes an exciting day out for the whole family. The festival celebrates the potato crop and aims to increase its profile at a time when growers have to compete with cheaper imported potatoes grown in warmer climates or in polytunnels.

The day will be filled with events, displays and activities such as pick your own , tasting, potato cookery demonstrations, ready steady cook competition, make a potato head mask, potato juggling, music, trade stands and more.

Last year Jo Knight  of Lovespoon Gelato, Capel Iwan, Newcastle Emlyn launched her new sweet spiced potato icecream Jo said
"It's definately different and decidedly moreish with a subtle earthy potato flavour mingled with hints of pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg & clove."

Bosherston Lily Ponds Pembrokeshire

Go to the ponds in the cold weather, armed with digestive biscuits and the robins will find you and almost sit on your hands - yes, they are hungry but thy are also so very tame. Just wonderful !

Penrallt Garden Centre & Nursery, Cardigan

Not just a garden centre and nursery with a comprehensive collection of plants but also the Pavilion Cafe, trout lake, picnic area and coastal walks. In fact there is something for everyone. Why not take a trip to Molygrove, Cardigan drop in and see for yourselves.

Carew Cheriton Control Tower, Pembrokeshire

A local group of enthusiasts have restored a World War II airfield control tower at the Carew Airfield Pembrokeshire. Having done that they turned their attention to an Avro Anson plane, with many more projects in the pipe line. The control tower is used regularly by educational groups and  will be opened by arrangement for any enthusiastic group.

During World War II the airfield was a base for maritime patrols and then as a training base for air crew wireless operators. In 1941 the base was a hive of acivity with planes regularly flying in and out including Oxfords, Ansons, and occasionaly Spitfires which were based in Angle.

The aim is to create a small museum at the site with a hangar in which to house planes.

The Haven's Festival Week, Little Haven & Broad Haven Pembrokeshire

Enjoy lots of family events at the Haven's Festival Week in the neighbouring seaside villages of Little Haven and Broad Haven Pembrokeshire from 27th May - 6th June. Try a craft, art exhibition, rock pooling, mini beast safari and lots more. A 'Blessing of the Boats Service' will be held on Sunday in Little Haven. There will be lots of other events throughout the week.
The villages have a vast expanse of golden sands between them. It is possible to walk from one village to the other over the beach on a low tide.

Blue Flag Beaches & Marinas Awards 2010 - A Welsh Record

A record 45 beaches and 5 marinas have achieved prestigious Blue Flag Awards in 2010.
Minister for Environment, Susutainability & Housing Jane Davidson said:

"I am delighted that beaches & marinas in Wales have this year collectively accrued an impressive 45 Blue Flags. This is an achievement we can all be proud of and is a demonstration of the excellent natural quality of Welsh beaches".

Beaches are judged against 30 criteria including water quality, litter management, dog control, visitor safety & sustainable environmental ethics.

Marinas have 16 land based criteria including waste facilities, life saving equipment & safeguards for the environment.

Pembrokeshire topped the list with 13 awards, Gwynedd 8, Anglesey 7, Ceredigion 5, Swansea 5, Conwy 4, Carmarthenshire 2, Bridgend 2, Vale of Glamorgan 2 and 1 each for Denbighshire & North Port Talbot.