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!