Arts Update

A fabulous weekend of weather and art - the village was very busy with both incidental and purposeful visitors, all of which seemed to enjoy the bright sunshine and cheery atmosphere that it brings. Attendances were excellent for the Jazz Rag and local Male voice choir who performed at Y Stablau Thursday and Friday. Mr Algieri also seemed pleased with the interest shown and would like to return later in the year - it was a privilege to host his work - see http://www.algieri-images.co.uk/. John Lees and his freinds also joined us in the Stables for an impromptu Blue Grass jam session which caught fellow diners by surprise but the atmosphere was as rich as you would probably find in Appalachia. More good weather is forecast which should bring on the trees and flowers, adding to the Spring revival.

Arts Festival

Tonight saw the launch of the inaugural Betws-y-coed & District Arts Festival with the Alison Bradley Gallery hosting and the Honorable Elfyn LLwyd MP officially opening the program. A well attended event with work displayed from the local primary and secondary schools which were very impressive - it looks like the local children really got something interesting from the event already. Full details of what's to come and historical background can be found at www.betwsycoedartsfestival.org.uk. Tomorrow sees a number of exhibitions and openings to include Pierino Algeri at the Royal Oak, a highlight of the program, as well as mixed media and charcoal master-classes. More details to follow.

Easter Break

The traditional Easter Break has arrived with its usual urgency for which we are grateful. Even in 2001 with foot and mouth, the uk public graced us with their patronage and so, with the financial institutions of the world falling around us, it is still of great comfort to see the streets alive once again. Two of the kitchen deserve a special mention this week - one for the special chocolate brownie creation and the other, who is only part time, for winning a competition in Manchester for which they will be interviewed (further details to follow). on one cautionary note, local auction prices for lamb and beef has risen rapidly on the back of significant reduction in breeding stock. This will inevitably result in higher plate prices and present an on-going challenge in the future.

Spring start

It is really nice to see a good bit of weather at the start of the spring break for the holiday makers; although cold later on, the sun has some strength and gives a pleasant warmth - it is also ideal for the spring lambs in the fields whose mums are able to enjoy some early grass growth - last year, the weather was a different story and they all had their little blue jackets on!! The locals have also been out enjoying the produce from near - details can be seen on the photo.

Early Bird

The early spring sunshine brought an unexpected bonus and visitor to the village this morning as two enthusiastic and eagle-eyed birds spotters found today as perched up high on the forest skyline was a Sparrowhawk as it proudly displayed its chest to the rising sun. The pair had just dropped off for a spot of breakfast as they looked forward to day of spotting along the Conwy Valley - it just goes to show some of the unexpected uprises nature has in store for us - what I would like to know is how many other times the bird had perched in the same spot, quietly eyeing what must appear to it, as the tiny images of village visitors and traffic, scurrying around below ?

Perfect Preparation

The fine weather over the weekend prompted local members of the Betws-y-coed Anglers Club to undertake tree trimming and surgery along our stretch of the river Llygwy. They enthusiastically set about their work and the aspect looks all the better for it. I am reliably informed that the Llygwy is the fastest recovering salmon river in the country which is fantastic news for keen followers of the sport and the environment in general -keep up the good works lads. Local fishing day tickets are available at the local news-agents and rod licenses from the post office - the club has access to over 30 pools along the river as well as well stoked lakes providing excellent value and sport.

PGI - Local, welsh and proud

This weekend brings local welsh beef from Mr Hughes, Melin-y-coed, Llanwrst via the abattoir at Llanrwst giving a total of about 6 miles for the entire journey for field to plate. Our lamb is sourced from both Mr G Jones, Llanrswt and Mrs G Roberts, Ysbyty Ifan, the latter being a little over 4 miles away giving a total journey of between 8 to 10 miles. We still await the first new season spring lamb which should be of the best quality given the current recent weather conditions. The weather is fine and blustery but at least dry - an excellent forecast for tomorrow should see some locals about enjoying their produce.