The posts of Hilda Reynolds

December

2006-12-04T16:52:00.000Z

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

2006-11-04T12:42:00.000Z

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

2006-10-03T16:25:00.000+01:00

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!)

2006-09-04T14:58:00.000+01:00

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!

2006-09-04T14:45:00.000+01:00

Scorchio!

2006-08-08T13:36:00.000+01:00

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

2006-07-03T16:19:00.000+01:00

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

2006-06-04T15:46:00.000+01:00

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!

The Merry Month!

2006-05-05T17:17:00.000+01:00

May, the month of blossom and celebrating the coming of Summer. It certainly arrived with a bang, the hedgerows making up for lost time and brimming over with snowy white Blackthorn. It is very similar to Hawthorn except the latter has leaf before the blossom, commonly called "May". It is unwise to "cast a clout" before that is out!

We had a busy Easter in Aberaeron, still cool but dry and sunny. Visitors looked happy strolling around the town. Some maybe went on the Easter Egg Trail at the Llanerchaeron estate or visited the Antique Fair at the local Memorial Hall (where Dylan Thomas went to watch the cowboy films many years ago).

On Bank Holiday Monday we walked around the Headland and had it all to ourselves, apart from a few interested heifers. North past the great wall of Aberarth, as pictured, we remembered to take the camera this time. Two miles south of Blaenplwyf on the A487 there is a lay-by near the stile for the footpath leading to this part of the coastal walk. The woodland clinging to the cliff edge at first looks like scrub until closer you realise it is a mature oak wood, but less than 12 feet high. This has survived for more than 2,000 years, very gnarled and twisted but sturdy oak nonetheless. The vanilla scent of the gorse in the sunshine and outcrops of violets in the grass, with an amazing view up the coast all added to the pleasure.

Traditionally May Day is a celebration of international worker solidarity. A recent talk on Radio 4 told of the famous American singer, Paul Robeson and his Welsh connection. Appearing in the London production of Showboat, after the show one night he heard Welsh miners singing in the streets, appealing for relief aid. He found echoes of the soulful quality of his music in the Welsh voices and asked them to join him for supper in a smart restaurant. Thus began a long relationship with Wales, and when his passport was revoked in the 1950's because of his left wing sympathies he was unable to leave the U.S. The narrator recalled one Welsh miners' gathering in Porthcawl when Paul Robeson was invited to sing down the telephone line to the waiting crowd. They responded likewise, including the Treorchy Male Voice Choir!

In Paul Robeson's Autobiography "Here I Stand" he said that he first learned in Britain that the essential character of a nation is determined... by the people... and the common people of all nations are truly brothers in the great family of mankind". What more can I say? Heb ddiwedd bydd i'r gan. The music lives for ever.

What is a Blog?

2006-04-04T16:57:00.000+01:00

According to Jeff Jarvis in Media Guardian it is "the most frequently asked question of the age. But the answer has nothing to do with the tools and technology that make this phenomenon possible. No, it's quite simple, actually: a blog is a person in conversation".

So, here we are in Aberaeron, and at Carno House I could possibly be talking to myself. However, as friends and family will confirm that is not so unusual!!

It is April at last, British Summer Time and Spring has arrived, daffodil days. I have just returned from a northerly walk up the Coast, turning off up-hill past a lovely old Church (Llandewi, Aberarth). The Churchyard has inspiring views over the whole of Cardigan Bay and on a clear day the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia. Today the sky was cloudless and vivid blue against the vibrant yellow of the headland gorse. Young lambs were enjoying the sunshine in the fields and one was chasing a pheasant on foot! Why the bird didn't take flight was surprising, but maybe he was enjoying the sport.

Either side of Aberarth is the "Great Wall" in newly restored stone and a testament to the skills of the masons, all thanks to the Welsh Assembly. Praise too to the Welsh Tourist Board who have brought out an excellent double page spread advertisement for Wales showing Aberaeron Harbour in all its' glory. Da iawn!

The coastal walk further north between Llanrhystyd and Aberystwyth runs along an elevated ridge and an exciting variety of wildlife can be seen, ravens, black redstarts, choughs, peregrines and seals. A Red Kite was circling above some ducks which soon dived for cover.

Aberaeron Town is preparing for Easter and the start of the Season, new paving stones have been laid on some streets and everywhere is looking spruce. A large crane visited the Harbour last weekend and lifted the sailing boats back into the water. People were sitting outside cafes and pubs today, enjoying snacks and drinks in the sunshine, even the locals act as if they're on holiday in Aberaeron!

March - Lions and Lambs!

2006-03-09T12:05:00.000Z

March, as the old saying goes, 'Comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb'. We certainly had a cold snap with easterly winds and snow, which lay for a few days, unusual in this mild west coastal area. The sheep were well looked after, as you can see in the photographs. In spite of the heavy rainfall of late the River Aeron is still lower than usual. An Autumn downpour last year left its mark when the surging river eroded the wall in front of an adult learning centre near the harbour, which is still standing in spite of one demolished outer wall. It was strange to see computer wires dangling in the breeze!

We are ready for the 'lamb' end of March now and it's good to see young lambs in the fields again. Bookings are coming in for the Spring and Summer and we look forward to seeing new and old friends. Next year we see the celebrations of the town's bi-centenary and plans are underway to celebrate the 200 years with events such as a Venetian Night, Rock Concert and Stars on the Square Classical Concert to take place between July 28th and August 4th, 2007.

This year the Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival will be held on Sunday July 16th, with demonstrations and tastings around the Harbour. The Festival of Welsh Ponies and Cobs will be held on August 13th, following the theme of the Rebecca Riots, and promises to be an exciting spectacle. The National Trust Mansion and Country Estate at Llanerchaeron holds a performance day on August 6th with the Cardigan Bay Riding Club.

The daffodils are bobbing on the green in front of Carno House, with the small cherry trees in bud, and we look forward to them blooming in the longer days of Spring.

Hello from Aberaeron!

2006-02-19T14:14:00.001Z

After some very capable up-dating of the Carno House website by Mr. Paul Morris, IT expert and friendly Advisor, I am faced with writing my first Blog, or web log!
This is the quiet time of year for the town, a chance to catch up with friends and socialise. Aberaeron is a very friendly town with being sociable the main choice of past-times. Also a time to tickle up the house, decorating and spring cleaning, although nothing gets too grimy in this rural area, mostly salty window panes from the sea air.

The weather has been glorious this week, crisp mornings, blue skies and sunshine, which makes it hard to stay indoors. A favourite walk is alongside the Aeron River, following the old railway line, now a resurfaced bridle way and cycle track leading to Llanerchaeron, a charming country estate and mansion restored by the National Trust, designed by the Architect John Nash. (He later designed parts of Buckingham Palace and London terraces, also having a hand in the planning of Aberaeron. Street names like Regent, Oxford and Drury Lane have a familiar ring!)

The sound of the river as you walk is very relaxing. The catkins are early and plentiful this year and a welcome touch of gold in the hedgerows. Birds are cheered by the sunshine and there are so many chirping away in the trees above. Saw Red Kites too, they are making a come back thankfully, beautiful birds with a very elegant flight pattern, unlike the Buzzards which tend to flap more. Dylan Thomas on his outings with the local Vet many moons ago, was very fond of the Aeron Valley (Llaethlliw, a local name meaning colour of milk, was thought to be the inspiration for Under Milkwood). It is said that Dylan named his daughter Aeronwy, for as the story goes, she was conceived on the banks of the River Aeron!

Yesterday I passed some local teams playing football on the Alban Square Field, in the centre of town, about 150 yards from Carno House. The multi coloured Georgian houses facing around the Square have a bird's eye view of the many happenings in the field. Following the river walk down to the sea (crossing Lovers' Bridge, very romantic) was happy to see the first daffodils nodding their sunny heads and banks of primroses. Spring already? People were playing tennis on the outdoor courts of the Aberaeron Sports Club (Visitors Welcome!), it could have been Summer. I blame it all on the town's micro-climate.

Strolling along the South Beach looking towards New Quay the surf was rolling in and the sun was low in the sky over Cardigan Bay, the sea was pink-edged silver mercury. We enjoy incredible sunsets here on the West coast of Wales and never tire of seeing them, no two ever look the same, all unique and wonderful, in Welsh, Bendigedig!!

Welcome to Carno House Bed and Breakfast

2006-02-17T14:15:00.000Z

In this blog we would like to tell you about our guest house, The town of Aberaeron, and the wonderful countryside in this part of Wales.