Wednesday 25 April 2012

APRIL

My Easter lunch treat from my husband was to one of my favourite Bistros. This is the Harbour Front Bistro situated behind the Maritime Museum at Holyhead. It is in the old lifeboat station and we were lucky enough to get a table by the large window that used to be the doorway through which the lifeboat was launched years ago. In front of us was the Breakwater built from local stone which was completed in 1875 and opened by King Edward V11. This provides shelter for all kinds of boats during bad weather. However, when we were there, it was a lovely sunny day with a good breeze, so that we were entertained by the comings and goings of the various yachts in front of us. It is advisable to book, especially during the evening. You can peruse their menu on their website: http://harbourfrontbistro.co.uk


We are very fortunate that one of our recent U3A members has set up a website for us namely; http://u3asites.org/anglesey This now gives an insight into all our society’s activities each term. He is a railway renovation enthusiast also and has set up a very interesting webpage for the Joys of Life, Bethesda, where he is a volunteer. Joys of Life, is set in a lovely valley landscape. It is an especially good venue to take children to as they can have rides on the little trains. You can view a list of their Open Days on “Joys of Life Railway” website. Alan and I went to visit various art exhibitions during “Open studios” fortnight. The one we enjoyed immensely was to Jayne Huskisson at Dothan. Jayne produces beautiful vivid, uncluttered silk framed paintings based on local landscapes. If you prefer, you can but framed prints of the originals or even Greeting cards. My husband, being an artist, was highly interested and impressed with her work. My favourites were the beautiful machine-stitched appliqué work which she then used to make such things as book covers etc. and also quilted throws. You can often see Jayne’s work exhibited at various Anglesey and North Wales venues. Her website is : jayne@angleseytextileart.co.uk Examples of her work seen here are an appliqué - The 'Sails on The Menai Straits' and the other is a collection of silk paintings called 'Four Coastal Birds at Anglesey’ Lighthouses'



 My first visit relating to the story of Llyn Cerrig Bach this month, was to give my presentation to Age Well at St Cyngar’s church hall in Llangefni. Quite a number of old acquaintances came up to me at the end for a chat, which was lovely. I met also, the famous Welsh author, Mair Wynn Hughes, from Pentraeth. She has written about fifty books in Welsh for children and
young people. It was a nice surprise a couple of mornings later, to receive three of them from her by post, as a gift for my grandchildren. You can buy her books on Amazon.


My second visit of the month was to Kingsland School in Holyhead. This is quite a large school now. The Headmaster, Mr Tristan Roberts, had asked me before Easter if I would give the talk to two groups. Of course, I completely forgot about this, so when he said, “timed that well – you’ve 5 minutes before you start with the next group”, I asked would he press the rewind button on me first! As you can see from the pictures, it’s an extra pleasure during these visits to see the reactions on the children’s faces.


Following a request from two nice young men, Mike & Kenny, who power blasted our patios this weekend, I am putting their info. on my blog for others who may need similar work done. They have set up a business doing this and also car valeting. - Soap and Shine at the Cyttir Rd. Industrial site in Holyhead, around the corner from TJ’s) - 01407 764 860. Finally, this year’s Anglesey Walking Festival booklet is out. You can pick up a copy from the Tourist Centres on the island or from their website: www.angleseywalkingfestival.com There are loads of interesting walks and activities arranged,so do book early. I shall be giving a talk by Llyn Cerrig Bach on Saturday, June 2nd 9.30am - (WALK 2). On the Monday evening of June 11th at 7.00pm, at the Valley Hotel, ( Entertainment 2 I shall be giving a presentation on - “ The Iron Age Discovery in Llyn Cerrig Bach lake on RAF Valley in 1943”.