Berclas Blog

Ffair y Borth 2011. Menai Bridge Fair

Ffair Borth is a vibrant local tradition which happens annually on 24th October in the centre of Menai Bridge.

 

 

The streets are taken over by dazzling rides for one day. All three central car parks and much of the main street are given over to the rides with any traffic cautiously making its way through the revellers. By the time people are driving to work the following morning, everything has gone, you would never believe the fair had been there at all. People of all ages arrive to enjoy this autumnal escapism. Rides vary from 'teacups' for the tinies to wild and wonderful technology which whips the youthful and daring into screaming excitement.

This year the weather was brilliant, it was a balmy evening as we wove our way through people enjoying candy floss and hot dogs before surrendering themselves to being flung round like rag dolls: I've never worked out how they survive without being very ill!They do!

The general atmosphere was relaxed and amiable and the rides did a good trade. I hope we have the same weather for next year's Ffair Borth.

 

 

 

Dorothy

Coed y Berclas Blog 25th October 2011

 

 

Conwy Celtic Fair and the Crab Fishers!

Daf and I spotted a sign for the Celtic Fair on the A55, followed the directions and ended up on the quayside in Conwy - not a bad place to end up! The castle makes an awe-inspiring backdrop and the boats moored up in the estuary add an air of romance.

We enjoyed wandering around the stalls of local produce and gifts and yes, our purses were lighter by the time we left!

One special mention has to go to the very rich, very chocolatey truffles made by Y Gyfrinach Felys of Trefor Gwynedd. We are really fussy about the chocolate we eat, usually we have 90% Lindt which tends to make everything else greasy, sweet and tasteless, and the Y Gyfrinach Felys truffles passed our, very stringent, test! - www.gyfrinachfelys.co.uk - Get some for Christmas!

But the most fascinating thing was the number of children, ably assisted by an assortment of parentsand grandparents, who were crab fishing along the dock-side.

There were buckets full of greedy little crabs who just couldn't resist the taste of bacon, dangled in a bag on the end of a fishing line. The intense concentration of the little fishergirls and boys was brilliant to watch and kept us amused for ages. Several of the children who have stayed at Coed y Berclas have spent happy hours fishing for crabs off either Beaumaris or Bangor Pier and there is now a bucket and net here waiting for the next budding enthusiast.

 

 

 

 

 

One of the dispalys was of a number of wols from the local wolery - we think The North Wales Bird Trust. Stroke them then count your fingers; although this young lady kept smiling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also on the quay at Conwy is a wonderful mussel sculpture of carved and polished granite - it's a beautiful thing and a must to touch - well worth a visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dorothy

 

 

The latest news about Red Squirrels in our area!

Our neighbours - only about 100yds away - excitedly watched from their conservatory as a red squirrel pootled happily about on their lawn, unaware it was observed. Our turn now please - well at least it's proof they're very close by!

The Old Gaffers' Weekend and
the Celebrity Swim for Cancer Research

Holyhead Harbour

It was a very busy time over the August Bank Holiday weekend! Saturday, Sunday and Monday saw the marina and moorings playing host to gaff rigged boats large and small. They are so beautiful especially in full sail.

Shoreside, there were various traditional crafts being demonstrated; rope making, kipper smoking, basket and coracle making and the life boat crews were on hand throughout the weekend.

There was also a (reconstruction) artillery team firing cannon at frequent intervals throughout Sunday and Monday accompanied by a rifleman, all firing at the pirates, real or imaginary - it was fascinating, but very noisy!

There was also a visit from the Rescue helicopter based at RAF Valley - which may or may not have been piloted by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daf and I spent a couple of days on our boat. We watched the Parade of Sail round the harbour, which included both the inshore and offshore life boats, (not a sail between them, let alone a gaff!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then enjoyed the Battle of Holyhead Harbour, fought out between the Vilma and Zebu, the largest of the boats with a crew of more than twenty 'scurvy knaves' (some with a history in film/TV).

 

All the pirates were decked out in best 'Pirates of the Caribbean' style and the battle, including loud cannon was appropriately accompanied by music from the film. They were obviously enjoying themselves and we were even treated to a boarding party and hand to hand fighting.

 

On Tuesday morning Daf and I sailed north from Holyhead Harbour to the Skerries for a brief visit. It's always tricky manoevering near the Skerries and care needs to be taken with tidal drift - you really have to choose weather and times carefully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The puffins had left some time ago, but on this visit we immediately realised the terns had also departed and the lagoon was left to the remaining gulls and the seals, whose calls we love to hear - they sometimes seem to 'sing' to each other.

 

We sailed back on the tide and as we entered the harbour limits, the magnificent Zebu was leaving to flood with the tide homeward to Liverpool. We manoevered near her for a while as the crew, up in the rigging, released the big square sails to the breeze - what a wonderful sight. Zebu sailed away east.

When we arrived at our mooring excitement was building in front of Holyhead Sailing Club, where people were gathering expectantly. It was all about the swim which was about to take place that evening...

Holyhead to Dublin Charity Swim

 

 

Steve Parry, champion swimmer, (third from the left), Pamela Stephenson, she has done too many things to list, (fourth from the left), Ronan Keating, singer, (fifth from the left), Jenny Frost, singer, (fourth from the right), Jason Bradbury, tv presenter, (second from the right) and other swimmers in front of Holyhead Sailing Club, posing for the press and public.

They set off on 'The Swim', a fundraising swim across the Irish Sea in aid of Cancer Research UK at 21:00 on Tuesday 30th August 2011. It was dark, which must have made it even harder walking down the ramp and into the cold, black water. No backing out though with people and cameras watching!

 

The first swimmer into the water was Ronan Keeting: he swam through the boat moorings accompanied by a canoe and several support vessels including a large life boat - I think he was choking in the exhaust fumes! He was followed by Jenny Frost then Pamela Stephenson. It's around a mile from the ramp to the lighthouse at the end of the harbour mole - then there are still about 58 miles to go!

 

The tides were on 'springs' so the currents were at their strongest and took the swimmers a long way south before bringing them back north with the next incoming tide. Even though the team included some 'serious' swimmers this was still a huge undertaking. I take my hat off to every one of them. Unfortunately Richard Branson, who had also intended to swim, called off following the lightning fire at his island home.

 

Peace

 

 

On Another Note!

If you'd like a taste of Welsh music, try this link but you'll have to be quick as it will finish by about 7th October 2011 (actually some of it is Italian!).
Click here

Dorothy

 

 

A Coastal Trip

 

Daf and I took the opportunity of a good weather outlook to leave Coed y Berclas for a couple of days sailing round part of the Anglesey coast - which is absolutely one of our favourite cruising grounds, with all it's sandy beaches and sheltering coves. We sailed out of Holyhead on a favourable tide to take us to the west coast haven of Borth Wen at Rhoscolyn; a favourite water playground for both local families and visitors. Despite the fact that it is only about twelve miles to Rhoscolyn by sea, it should be remembered that a yacht achieving five knots is doing a good turn of speed. And who wants to rush to a destination anyway, especially with South Stack to gaze up at and admire.

The stunning lighthouse on the rock, which visitors can reach via the white suspension bridge, has been important to shipping for many a season and kept vessels off the fearful and beautiful rocks of both South and North Stack. As is true of all lighthouses around the British Isles, South Stack is no longer manned but it still guides and protects mariners today, many in small boats like our own.

The high cliffs which climb up vertically from the sea, and on which can be seen the zig-zag path from the bridge, support colonies of seabirds which arrive in Spring to breed. At the top of the cliff is Elin's Tower, used as an observation post by the RSPB where visitors can watch TV monitors relaying pictures of young birds from cameras trained on their nests, or look out to sea to watch the movement of yachts and other vessels, or on a lucky day spot a dolphin or porpoise playing in the water. We arrived on just such a lucky day, and though we only enjoyed a brief sighting, it is always special to see a dolphin curve up near to the boat. On other outings round Anglesey, we have been accompanied by a school of dolphins surrounding the boat, swimming alongside or bobbing under the hull and popping up on the other side.

 

The cliff face itself is a wonder of tortured rock, evidence of upheavals of the earth as the island was forming. Holyhead Mountain, set a little way back from this section of the coast, which once vied with the Alps for grandure, has undergone massive changes over the millenia; but it is not far from the still terrific mountains of Snowdonia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Climbers find the twists and folds in the rocks of Gogarth and the surrounding cliffs, irresistible and we usually see tiny figures battling with the challenge of selecting and completing the trickiest routes.

 

Following us into Gogarth bay was Menai III, Plas Menai's sail training yacht from the Menai Strait. Plas Menai is the National Watersports Centre for Wales with it's base on the shores of the Menai Strait near Port Dinorwic (Felinheli). Their yachts are often seen sporting enthusiastic students at all times of year. Look at their website at www.plasmenai.co.uk. Make two weeks of it... book our Holiday Cottage at Coed y Berclas and sail climb or Sea Kayak at Plas Menai!

 

 

 

 

 

Leaving the bay, bathed in sunlight, we sailed south west along the coast and soon reached the Rhoscolyn beacon, once a warning to shipping and a welcome guide to the safe haven of the bay.

 

Even before we entered, there was evidence of much activity on the water with people fishing from small boats, tending their lobster pots, sailing dinghies, or steering small powerboats and canoes towards the bay.

 

 

Once inside, there were already yachts swinging gently at anchor, and a number of people, young and old, taking advantage of the sandy beach and clear water of the bay to enjoy whatever form of watersport took their fancy.

 

 

Once the anchor was safely bedded in, Daf and I stripped off several layers - it never fails to amaze me just how much cooler it is at sea than in a sunny, sheltered bay!- and settled down to a little gentle sunbathing while catching up with the day's paper. Even the news can't demoralise you when you relax this well. It is the most wonderful feeling to be in the middle of all this activity and fun.

 

 

After a good night's sleep, we breakfasted and set off to catch the north-bound stream to take us back to Holyhead. It has to be said that the tides are not always this kind and as time and tide await no man, one sometimes has to be up horribly early or miss the tide which will carry you safely round the stacks.

 

 

The day was overcast but the sailing was good and althought we had the engine running as we pulled up the anchor, it was not engaged as we sailed off the mooring, out of the bay and all the way back into Holyhead Harbour, with only the sound of the wind in the rigging and the seabirds to accompany us. There we passed the ferries waiting to take another load of passengers off to Dublin.

 

 

 

From time to time we were overflown by helicopters and a plane from the RAF base at Valley (Y Fali) two miles away where Prince William is stationed on Air Sea Rescue duties.

 

Tied up alongside at the pontoons was one of the training tall ships with a crew of teenage sailors up in the rigging, learning how to fold a sail and stow it safely.

 

 

This also acted as a reminder for us that the Old Gaffers Association Festival would be taking place in the harbour from 26th - 29th August. We went along last year and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We even made a length of rope which has since turned into a skipping rope and is used regularly, contributing to our health and fitness.

 

See you there next weekend - watch out for the Sea Battle of Holyhead Harbour (with cannon).

 

 

Dorothy

 

 

Summer at Berclas

 

In early Summer we added more plants to our pond; sufficient to attract a pair of Mallard who arrived most mornings, spent the day swimming or dozing on the grass, then later in the day flew away together. We wondered where they spent their nights. They brought the pond to life and we loved watching them.

 

 

One morning the male arrived alone: he didn't settle and was calling a lot. I suspect he was looking for his mate. This performance was repeated over the next few days, his visits became more sporadic and eventually ceased. I don't know whether mallard mate, like swans, for life, but I'm sure he was missing her. I hope he returns next year with another bird...

 

A few weeks ago, Alison and Martin became the first of our guests to spot a red squirrel - not on our land which is in a red squirrel area - but in the woodland at Newborough. They are such shy creatures that a sighting is very lucky. Daf and I have yet to see one, although I have found acorns buried in places where they couldn't have arrived on their own. They are probably sitting in a tree quietly watching us pottering about below and waiting for us to go away.

 

 

At the end of June we had a documentary crew at Coed y Berclas, making a programme about 'Kate and The Real Housewives of Anglesey'. In my interview I talked about living on Anglesey/our Holiday Cottage/Quilting/Kate on Anglesey, and probably rambled on for ages - I wonder what will be left when it is reduced to a couple of minutes.The company producing the programme are Back2Back but I don't yet know when or where it will appear. Let me know if you spot it first.

On the subject of TV, if you look very carefully you might spot me as a 'supporting artist' (extra) in a scene in a comedy series on Sky TV about the life and times in a Cafe on the prom at Weston super Mare, scheduled for the Autumn. I can recommend it for viewing even if you don't see me lurking in the background... Daf might have had something to do with it but he's not saying...

 

 

 

 

 

Back at Coed y Berclas, in the cottage orchard, one plum tree has finished fruiting and the Victoria plum branches are weighed to the ground with fruit which is almost ripe. Unfortunately the wasps are also aware! The apples are doing well, so there should be a good crop later in the year and there are lots of pears this year for the first time since they were planted. I'm looking forward to harvesting everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you're interested in quilting, look out for a touring exhibition called 'Spirit of the Celts' which will be seen at a number of galleries in the UK following its debut at Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham this week.

 

 

It contains work by Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish quilters and as a member of Cwilt Cymru, I have two pieces of work, Branwen 1 and Branwen 2, based on the legend of an Anglesey Celtic princess.

 

Dorothy

 

 

Royal Wedding on Anglesey

 

Like many other people, Daf and I watched as Prince William and Kate Middleton were married and became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. We saw the ceremony relayed to huge monitors at the Anglesey Showground, as the Island celebrated with festivities entitled 'One Big Day'. I was there demonstrating Patchwork and Quilting with members of my quilt classes.

 

 

Here on Anglesey, where they live and work, I'm sure the Duke and Duchess will continue to be referred to, with affection, as William and Kate.

Kate has appeared once more, in the newspapers, coming out of Waitrose in Menai Bridge (our local supermarket). It must be very difficult trying to maintain a 'normal existence' while being followed everywhere by cameras: perfect hair, make-up and dress, just to pop out for a spot of shopping - sounds like hard work to me! Nice security man to help with the bags though!

 

 

At the time of the wedding we had a lovely family staying in the cottage. We always have a welcome pack: tea, coffee, milk, butter and homemade Welsh cakes waiting for guests when they arrive. This time the tables were turned: our guests left us a special present - beautifully made chocolate crispies.

 

Thank you very much to Chris, Emma, Tom and Katie - they were lovely and they vanished like a magic trick, one minute they were there and the next they were gone!

 

Dorothy

 

 

Graham and Rosy

 

Graham and Rosy have been back to the cottage again this year so we have some more paintings and drawings to share with you. Graham brought acrylics with him this year and as they had amazing weather again, much of the time was spent in the orchard painting and drawing views of The Menai Strait and Snowdonia. He took over the Utility as an impromptue gallery.

 

 

 

In addition, Rosy did gentle, sensitive drawings of both the interior and exterior of the cottage itself. The contrast in their work offers a varied interpretation of Coed y Berclas and its surroundings. Enjoy!

 

 

Dorothy

 

Prince William and Kate Middleton are here on Anglesey

Like lots and lots of people around the World, we at Coed y Berclas would like to send our very best wishes to Prince William and Kate Middleton on the occassion of their engagement. The date for the Royal Wedding has been announced today: it will take place at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29th April 2011.

What makes it most exciting for us, here on the Isle of Anglesey, is that Prince William and Kate are already living here and will be spending the first two years of their marriage on Anglesey where Prince William is serving with the Royal Air force, based at RAF Valley in the North West of our lovely Island, flying search and rescue helicopters.

Just two days after announcing his engagement to Kate, the Prince piloted the rescue helicopter through fog to Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain, to rescue a walker who had suffered a heart attack. The man was astonished to be told by the winchman, as they landed at Ysbyty Gwynedd (Hospital), who had been the pilot involved in his rescue.

Congratulations to Prince William and Kate Middleton: you look so happy together, may you have a long and happy marriage.

Dorothy Russell

 

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