December

Wet and windy, high rivers and rough seas, after a warm autumn the weather has caught up with the season. There are few visitors in Aberaeron now, and the streets are strangely quiet. The shops look cheerful with their Christmas decorations and soon the big tree will arrive to light up Cae Sgwar, Alban Square Field.

It's a time to enjoy more socialising, and preparations for next year, also a good chance to redecorate! The Bicentenary celebration plans are taking centre stage and the Committee and townspeople shared the good news of a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Grant awarded to Aberaeron. The presentation was held in the Memorial Hall this week with local tradespeople displaying their excellent wares for some early Christmas shopping. The mulled wine and mince pies were much appreciated also!

To coincide with the Aberaeron Bicentenary next year the organisers are seeking poems, stories and anecdotes to compile an anthology. If anyone has any submissions they can be sent to Mrs. E. Ingham, Riversdale, Lampeter Road, SA46 OED. She quotes a story of her Grandmother 'making the newspapers' after her cows stampeded through the streets of Aberaeron having seen their reflection in the draper's window. Definitely the days of the Wild West!

A good Christmas gift for those interested in local history would be Dr. John Davies' new DVD. 'The Most Important Buildings in Wales' shows landmarks like the Old College Aberystwyth, the Parliament House in Machynlleth, Tintern Abbey, St. David's Cathedral, Caernarvon Castle and Strata Florida. Local people have pointed out the troughs in Aberaeron bay with some remaining walls, which at high tide, the story goes, retain some fish when the water recedes. Apparently the Monks from Strata Florida would walk about 50 miles, there and back, to collect the fresh fish.

Covering long distances on foot was not unusual many years ago, if you had no transport, horse or cart, you walked. People are rediscovering the joys of rambling, and there are still many walks in West Wales where you could spend a whole day out and not see another living soul. For example, from the desolate peak of Pen Pumlumon Fawr the view is breathtaking. On the highest point in the Pumlumon massif on a clear day you can see half a country, from Cardigan Bay in the west, south to the Brecon Beacons and to Snowdonia in the north. Highland cattle can be seen roaming near Nantymoch Reservoir.

What was once a diverse upland ecology is now grazed grassland and forestry plantation, but since 2004 Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust has been working with local farmers, and the support of the Welsh Assembly, to turn the 74,132 acres into habitats which will encourage the return of rare species and boost the local economy. Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trust (TWT), says 'Human activities and wildlife need not conflict. We're talking aboiut creating natural landscapes of which people are still a part'. 'A Living Landscape' can be obtained by calling 08700369711 or at www.wildlifetrust.org

So much to look forward to! Visitors can now visit the new bird hide at Cors Caron, near Tregaron, to enjoy birdwatching. The Reserve's winter residents include many species of wading birds and birds of prey. The highlights include 6 to 8 Hen Harriers, 20 Whooper Swans, large flocks of Teal and Wigeon, 60 Red Kites and more than 100 Snipe.

Some Christmas fun is planned for Nant yr Arian, the Red Kite Feeding Centre at Ponterwyd. On 2nd December there was a Christmas Tree Event, dressing forest trees with environmentally sound ornaments, ready for the 9th December Festive Forest Trail on a mission to find Santa's Grotto. Mince pies and mulled fruit punch for all in the Visitor Centre!

Wishing everyone a joyful winter, Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. Dymuniadau gorau ar gyfer y Nadolig a'r Flwyddyn Newydd.

Season of Mists

November brings the first chill of winter after a sunny and mellow October. 'Aeron' means berries, or fruitfulness, and the bushes here are laden with rosy berries. If the old saying is true, our holly trees more red than green, are a sign of a hard winter. The sunny autumnal scene of Aberaeron shows Carno, the big white house in the centre of the picture.

Meantime visitors can make the most of the local delights. Farmers Markets continue through the year and the Mid Wales Beer Festival at Llanwrtyd Wells is held 17th-26th November. The free houses in the smallest town in Britain offers 60 different real ales and specialist bottled beers. Related events include the Real Ale Ramble (25th & 26th November), with a choice of 10, 15 or 25 mile walks, free beer at each checkpoint! The Real Ale Wobble, the mountain bike version, is held 18th & 19th November.

There are so many beautiful walks in Wales. Near Aberaeron in Cors Caron, Tregaron Bog, the board walks have been recently installed by the Countryside Council of Wales. The raised bog is one of the first National Nature Reserves to protects its rich flora and fauna, and has received international status in recognition of its importance as a wetland site.

The Cambrian Mountains have magnificent walking terrain. In fact around 1965 the area was about to be given National Park status until the then Secretary of State rejected the plan in 1973, leaving one of the finest landscapes in Wales completely unprotected. However, last year the Cambrian Mountain Society was formed with Iolo Williams, Naturalist and Broadcaster, as its President.

There is still a chance to see the Dylan Thomas Festival, Swansea, which runs until the 9th November. The life and works of the Welsh Poet are celebrated in this annual event at the Dylan Thomas Centre. Talks, exhibitions and celebrity guest appearances will feature. www.dylanthomas.com

A recent book has been launched at the Drwm in the National Library, Aberystwyth. 'Walking to Greenham' by Ann Pettitt tells the tale of how one woman in Wales helped encourage the birth of Glasnost (and was name checked by Gorbachev himself). In August 1981 Ann Pettitt, a mother of three and a rural smallholder, walked with three like-minded women the 120 miles from Cardiff to Greenham. This was the beginning of the famouse Greenham Common Peace Camp, protesting against NATO's decision to site cruise missiles at Greenham. The Movement endured for 20 years and tells the story of one of history's iconic expressions of grass roots political will. Copies are available in bookshops and can be bought online at www.honno.co.uk

The big crane (craen mawr) arrived on cue some weeks ago to lift the sailing boats out of the harbour. It does not seem that long ago it was lifting them in! Seeing the boats lined up in front of the harbourside Yacht Club brings to mind winter walks when the chill wind plays a tune through the rigging. A special pleasure on a crisp and sunny morning!

Indian Summer

September was a perfect end to a (mostly) good summer, warm and sunny, and visitors came to enjoy with us the mellow beauty of the season. When children go back to school people who like a quieter town are tempted a take a late holiday, and we enjoyed their company.

A highlight for us one sunny and cloudless day was to walk the cliff path from Aberaeron to New Quay. Incredible shades of blue and turquoise lit the sea and sky. The stunning views from the promontory of New Quay with its rows of cottages following the cliff contours, across to Aberaeron, nestling comfortably at the river mouth, with the sweep of Cardigan Bay and the Lleyn Peninsula beyond was breathtaking. Seeing a Kestrel hover close by before descending on its prey was another bonus.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has launched a nationwide survey on its website to discover what makes our local heritage special, and what it means to come from a particular part of Wales. The results will be released to mark Wales Identity Day 2006, and incorporated into a mural that depicts the collective heritage of Wales. The Manager of HLF Wales, Jennifer Stewart, says 'The aim of both the survey and the regional events is to encourage communities to think about the past on their doorstep and the importance of safeguarding it for the future'. A regional event is to be held on Thursday, 5th October, at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.

The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea, holds a Festival from 27th October - 9th November, featuring talks, exhibitions and celebrity guest appearances, www.dylanthomas.com. Dylan Thomas' lecture tours in America, shortly before his death, is the subject matter for a one man play by the Aberystwyth writer Gwynne Edwards. Performed in the Arts Centre early September by the Swansea based actor Peter Read, 'Dylan Thomas in America' is based on his letters and writings and looks at his hilarious encounters with women, stuffed shirts of academia, 'hiraeth' and longing for Wales. Also domestic squabbles with wife Caitlin and his struggle to complete 'Under Milk Wood' for its first performance in New York. It promises to be an entertaining evening!

Missing from the last blog was news of the Hafod Estate, with the wonderful walks and scenery. Harddwch Hafod (The Beauty of Hafod) was an exhibition held in the Church with proceeds going to the Restoration Fund. Artefacts were donated by Ceredigion Museum, (voted the 'Prettiest Museum in the UK', and free entry).

The first Church was constructed in 1620 by the Herbert Family, who also built the Mansion. One of their daughters married into the Johnes Family who rebuilt the Church in 1803 which sadly caught fire in 1932 destroying also the famous Chantrey Statue. This was to commemorate the Johnes' first daughter, Mariamne, who was a sickly child and sadly died unmarried aged 27. Illustrations show the magnificent mansion situated to lead visitors through views of the woodland, river, cascades and hilltops above. Bendigedig, wonderful!

Earlier today walking in the sunshine through the Craft Centre, an unexpected treat was to see a rare Humming Bird Moth, a tiny version of its namesake. We have everthing in Aberaeron!

Carnival (continued!)

The long hot spell enjoyed earlier this Summer failed to reappear in August. Cooler and wetter days brought a flush of green back to the dry fields but interspersed with good spells of sunshine this didn't spoil the fun.

Aberaeron's Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs was very well attended in the town's Square Field. This year's theme was the Rebecca Riots with lady riders breaking down the burning tollgates. Daring stunt riders and 'Dancing Daffodils' on horseback were part of the spectacle and the six spirited cobs pulling a carriage through the streets was a joy to see. Bendigedig!

The Festival of Rugby from 24-27 August is one of Wales' best Rugby Seven tournaments due to the hard work of the Aberaeron Committee, the 'Magnificent Sevens'! The groups of young players, under 15's, and women's teams competed, followed by the men's Youth Teams. The Seniors concluded four days of exciting rugby and the Chinese National Team, here for the first time, were worthy winners.

Over Bank Holiday weekend Aberaeron proved as popular as ever with accommodation at a premium! The day was bright and sunny and the streets filled with happy crowds gathering to watch the 14 floats led by the excellent Adamant Jazz Band. The Square Field had entertainment for all the family, a real Summer Fair with a great carnival atmosphere. Judging by the expressions on people's faces a really good time was had by all!

The biggest National Whale and Dolphin watch was launched in August with volunteers from across the UK looking out for marine mammals. Information gathered by the Sea Watch Foundation is used for marine conservation and research. The Charity's Scientists can monitor how the mammals numbers are affected by rising sea temperatures and pollution. (www.seawatchfoundation.org)

A new group Save Our Sea (SOS) is hoping to stop plans for oil and gas drilling in Cardigan Bay. Mick Green of 'Friends of Cardigan Bay' formed to oppose such ventures, and thanks to such campaigning, areas of the Bay are designated SAC(1), Special Areas of Conservation by the European Union. They hope to protect 200 Bottlenosed Dolphins living in Cardigan Bay, as well as Sea and River Lampreys (a declining species) and many seals and outstanding Honeycomb worm reefs.

Incredibly Malcolm Wicks of the Department of Trade and Industry has written to the Group to say that 'licences for drilling would be awarded if there is no satisfactory alternative or it could be demonstrated that there was no over-riding public interest', thereby riding rough-shod over wildlife legislation. SOS are drawing up a petition for the public to sign to send a clear message that drilling and exploration for oil is not wanted in Cardigan Bay. The next meeting on 9th September at 12.30pm will be held at the British Legion Hall, Aberaeron.

To quote Mick Green of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, 'If there is gas or oil in commercial quantities ... using more fossil fuels is borderline bonkers ... we should be using less energy and managing demand rather than supply. We should be aware of the danger of creeping indifference over the wonders of Cardigan Bay and the Countryside Council should stop snuggling up to the DTI in the support of oil companies and firmly assert its conservative role'.

On 2nd September Aberaeron locals, braving the wind and rain, payed tribute to the humble Mackerel by parading a 19ft replica, carried by pall bearers, through the streets before it was blessed, towed out to sea and set on fire as a final salute. The wake and fireworks were enjoyed later at the Yacht Club. The Mackerel is praised for its bountiful return to feed fishermen, locals and visitors, and in maintaining the presence of the Dolphins and Porpoises in beautiful Cardigan Bay.

Carnival!

Scorchio!

July has been a very hot and sunny month and with soaring temperatures the sea breezes have been most welcome.

Aberaeron's Sea Food Festival on the 16th was an amazing sight and very well attended. Fishermen had been out early and provided over 700 fish, the barbecued mackerel was going, well, like hot mackerel! Thai sea food snacks, smoked fish, cheeses, wine-tastings, even strawberries and cream. All this accompanied by live music under a cloudless blue sky matched by the high blue water in the Harbour, the sound of the light wind singing through the boats' rigging. Sitting on the warm stones of the Harbour wall washing down fresh oysters with chilled white wine the scene was unforgettable, cofiadwy!

A later event, Aberaeron's annual Tug of War contest on 23rd July was very popular and crowds lined up to watch the losers get a soaking.

We look forward to the Welsh Pony and Cob Festival in the Square Field on August 13th, another highlight in the Aberaeron calendar.

This area is perfect for outdoor events, especially when the sun shines. At St Dogmael's Abbey near Cardigan, one of Shakespeare's comedies Much Ado about Nothing will be performed amid the stately ruins the first week in August. The 20th consecutive production combines live music and spectacle.

The Welsh Wildlife Centre at Cilgerran with its panoramic views across the Teifi Marshes was the beautiful site for Illyria's productions of Pride and Prejudice in July and Macbeth on 3rd August.

The Celtic connection between Strata Florida and Kells dominated by monastic settlements opened on 9th July. The exhibition opened by The Times' senior Art Critic, Richard Cork, moved to Kells after July 22nd
and included exhibitions by local artists, ancient bronze casting demonstrations, and visitors could see the results of the latest archaeological dig at Strata Florida carried out by Dr David Austin of St. David's University, Lampeter.

Keeping up the cultural tradition, the National Eisteddfod of Wales is held at Swansea from August 5th - 12th in the Main Pavilion, which this year is pink! Poets and prose winners are honoured ceremonially, the Gorsedd of Bards in traditional garb award a crown, medal and chair for literary achievement. The ceremonies are a highlight for visitors and the 3,500 seater Pavilion is often booked a year in advance.

On a more serious note, the long cold and wet Spring before this hot dry Summer had led to reduced vegetable crops. The green in front of Carno House is more yellow now for the first time and the surrounding fields are much the same, not a lot of the 'green, green grass of home' around this year. People are talking more about global warming as they experience record-breaking temperatures, and hopefully, taking steps to play their part in protecting the environment. For example, fewer carbon emissions from air travel if more British people stayed in the UK for holidays, especially if they used public transport or cycles. J. H. Catto says 'The world is an integral whole, its sum is larger than its parts and its inhabitants have been put on notice. She quotes a Chief of the Squamish Indian Tribe in 1851:
'Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is their mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves. The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone. The end of living and the beginning of survival.'

The Cat got the Dream

The weeks pass quickly and happily, hard to realise it's July and the height of our holiday season here in Aberaeron. June was marred by a Ginger Tom incident in our garden. We had put nesting boxes on the walls and were delighted when a pair of Blue Tits adopted one as a nesting site. The parents worked so hard, constantly popping in and out with food for their brood, until that fateful morning when the family fledged and the cat (who has recently adopted us and lives in the shed) turned our little plot into the killing fields. Statistics state that birds suffer more losses from predators than the effects of global warming. It was a very sad day for all here at Carno House. (We have since removed the nesting boxes and intend to site them in some local woodland, hopefully far away from cats). We still see Red Kites circling above the land behind the house and that is some consolation.

A special viewing scheme of these elegant birds of prey at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian site, near Ponterwyd, is part of the 'Aren't Birds Brilliant' scheme between RSPB Cymru, Forestry Commission Wales and the Welsh Kite Trust. Volunteers will be on site with information, telescopes and binoculars for views of the birds at feeding time, 3pm Summer.

Gardens are at their best mid-Summer and we were fortunate to visit the prize winning garden at nearby Llanllyr, Talsarn. It is included in the CADW Register of Special Historic Interest and was in the Good Garden Guide 2005, judged the best large garden in Wales by Clwb Garddio. (We saw our very helpful IT Advisor Paul Morris and Mrs. Morris there enjoying the scenery, even IT experts need an inspirational break occasionally. http://www.pmstudios.co.uk/

The garden was a delight with different 'rooms' and surprises around every turn. The Rose Garden was at its best with wonderful scented varieties, and the lovely old house formed a perfect back drop for the charming fish pond with Water Lilies and varieties of Flag Iris. To enjoy tea and home-made cakes beside the white Foxgloves ended the afternoon on a high note!

It is really fortunate to live in such a beautiful area and last week (all residents safely arrived), we thought to revisit the Hafod Estate about 45 minutes drive away. Designed in the picturesque style by Thomas Johnes (1748-1816), the estate and mansion were subject of numerous accounts such as 'An Attempt to Describe Hafod', George Cumberland, 1796. Sadly the mansion was demolished with only some stone steps remaining, but the Estate now managed by the Forestry Commission and Hafod Trust, to conserve landscape and protect habitats, provides well marked walks along Johne's paths.

The chain bridge (pictured) along the Ystwyth Gorge Walk, restored in 2003, is claimed to be the oldest in Europe using original anchors supporting the walkway. It is so peaceful and lovely, the river, rock formations, waterfalls, trees, with banks of Wimberry bushes and green moss all enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Back in Aberaeron, the two questions we are asked most often by guests are 'What happened to the building teetering on the banks of the river Aeron?' Yes, as pictured in a previous Blog, it is still holding on and something of a tourist attraction. Maybe we should run a competition to guess when it finally crumbles!

The second, and most asked, question, 'Why is that old Hospital in such a sad and neglected state?'The Aberaeron Hospital wards were closed some time ago and it now houses some 15 clinics used on week days. With its dedicated staff it is an asset to the town and necessary until the proposed new Health Centre materialises some time in the future. The old building, circa 1836, was a Workhouse where people exchanged their labour for shelter. Well built and spacious, but sadly now the exterior shows signs of long neglect. Last heard in 2003 ' Depending on ownership and funding it will be included in the Director of Estates works programme. Aberaeron is still waiting. Eventually it could be used as a Community Hall, Art Gallery or a Heritage Centre. With next year's Bi-Centenary celebrations in the town 'To Celebrate our Heritage' it would be admirable if we could preserve this 117 year old building that has been in the town for most of those years, for future generations.

Meantime the town's floral displays are out and looking impressive, with local shops and businesses providing their own colourful contributions. All ready for the Seafood Festival on 16th July and the daily delights of the town and locality. Popeth yn iawn! Everything's fine, or to put it in 'Wenglish' Popeth yn alright!

Blooming June

Summer came early to Cardigan Bay last month, thank you Justin Bell for acknowledging that, and your kind Blog comments. Sadly it was short lived then mostly cool and rainy, perfect for trees and hedgerows which burgeoned with growth. Walking along the old railway track to Llanerchaeron the lush canopy overhead and the sweet musk scent of hawthorn, the light wind carried seed and blossom petals as summer snow. The bluebells are fading now but made a grand show under the beech trees earlier, and to see wild orchids dotted around the picnic area was a rare sight, food for the soul. Edible treats can be found along the riverside, wild garlic beloved by celebrity chefs grows in abundance, you can eat the flowers, shoots and leaves!

Ceredigion is a farming area and in fields bordering the track sheep have enjoyed the plentiful grass, ewes and lambs. It is common to see a black and a white lamb suckling together and I heard from a knowledgeable local that is is a 'throw back' to the original darker Welsh breed, and not a promiscuous ewe after all. Every day's a school day! The fields in front of Llanerchaeron Mansion are yellow with buttercups and in a smaller meadow calves, sheep and pigs were grazing and rooting around in harmony. A country idyll and on a warm afternoon under a cloudless blue sky it's as good as it gets!

After the success of the Spring Plant and Estate Fair at Llanerchaeron last month a Shearing Day is planned for 4th June. There will be demonstrations throughout the day and a chance to see the Ceredigion Guild of spinners, dyers and weavers at work. The National Woollen Museum near Newcastle Emlyn at Dre-fach Felindre is a very interesting visit, with free entrance and helpful staff who are happy to demonstrate and explain the weaving processes.

Father's Day (don't forget the Dads) can be celebrated at the Brewing Festival, 17th and 18th June. Local experts deomonstrate cider and wine making and the Welsh Cider Association will provide more than 40 tastings, that should be a happy outing! If a meal out is more his style the local pubs and restaurants provide tasty and reasonably priced meals. More treats can be had at the Harbourmaster Hotel, still keeping up their excellent standards. Enjoying an evening glass or two on the harbour wall outside and watching the sunset is a delight. The five star Ty Mawr Mansion a few miles north of Aberaeron has recently opened and is worth the journey, they have a good reputation for food and service. A bonus for animal fans, there are llamas wandering the grounds.

Just back from a trip on the coast road lined with flowering Laburnhams for miles, the verges full of cow parsley and pink campions, over the hill into Aberaeron with the full blue sweep of Cardigan Bay ahead, dotted with sailing boats and the promise of a beautiful sunset later. Well yn hwyr nag yn hwyrach, better late than later!