Wales
Wales is a country in the South West of Great Britain known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, distinctive Welsh language and Celtic culture. Cardiff, the capital, is a coastal city, whose fame was built on the shipping of coal and these days has a lively nightlife scene and a medieval castle with ornate Gothic Revival interiors. In the North of Wales lies the Snowdonia National Park, which has lakes, glacial landforms, walking and cycling trails and a railway up to the peak of Snowdon the second highest peak in the UK. Wales has also developed a bit of a foodie reputation in more recent years.
Famous for: Leeks, sheep, rugby, mining, singing, daffodils, welshcakes, dragons, Welsh gold, beaches, mountains etc
Well we have arrived back in the homeland after a calm crossing into Fishguard. There is so much in Wales that we do not know and we shall discover just a bit more of South Wales as we wend our way home after our few days virtual holiday. I hope thus far you have enjoyed it!
Now we have a tour of Pembrokeshire to tempt us. A beautiful county and where I should be on holiday as we journey in reality today.
Excursion 1 is to the rather lovely Woodlands Farm and its natural and inviting gardens. It was only in 2001 that the gardens were first developed by Craig and although the beginnings were very humble it now covers some four acres. There's lots to see, whether you are an enthusiastic gardener or you simply enjoy wandering around gardens. There are fun sculptures, ponds, a viewing platform, a "parterre garden," man-made mounds, a cherry blossom orchard, a huge veggie garden, an Acer walk, a rose garden, a glass house, a garden room, a cutting garden and so much more. I think you will find plenty to gaze upon and to be a veritable feast for the eye and soul.
Now on we go to Raglan Castle. How many of you have stopped here at this Romantic building nestling in the Monmouthshire countryside? Raglan was built to impress as much as to put fear into the enemy. It was built after the hey day of defence castles in Britain and Raglan was initially constructed that is the moated Great Tower in 1435 by Sir William ap Thomas otherwise known as "the blue knight of Gwent." It was further developed by his family.
History and Culture
I am a fan of Owen Shears and his poetry. See if you like this rugged piece, entitled Skirrid Fawr. Shears lived in Abergavenny and so he has drawn much inspiration from the land and history around him. Owen Sheers is a happy poet, author, playwright and TV presenter. He was the first writer in residence to be appointed by any National rugby union team.
Skirrid Fawr
Just like the farmers who once came to scoop handfuls of soil from her holy scar,
so I am still drawn to her back for the answers to every question I have never known.
To the sentence of her slopes, the blunt wind glancing from her withers,
to the split view she reveals with every step along her broken spine.
This edge of her cleft palate, part hill, part field,
rising from a low mist, a lonely hulk adrift through Wales.
Her east-west flanks, one dark, one sunlit, her vernacular of borders.
Her weight, the unspoken words of an unlearned tongue.
- Owen Shears
Excursion 2 - Now how many of you have heard about Llwyn Celyn? We have fortunately gained access for a lecture and tour but should you wish to visit again "in the flesh" it is fascinating and the Landmark Trust have several free admission days a year, other than that you can book and stay there. I had thought I might fancy this as I celebrate my 60th birthday with a small party, but sadly this now can't happen.
It is situated in the Llanthony Valley in the Black Mountains and in what would have been a remote and wild situation and even today, it is fairly quiet. It is regarded as one of the most remarkable of all surviving late-medieval houses in Wales. It was built in 1420 and the Land,mark Trust have restored it faithfully from a very derelict state.
Do click on the tour link below - there is plenty of other information there should you wish to see it.
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Visit what appeals and the views are wonderful too.
Our talk will last an hour, so you may wish to pop in and out of this time slot.
Just a few miles up the road is Llanthony Abbey and will allow us a quick pause in this remote and dramatic valley, which from the tour doesn't look quite as impressive as it really is.
Back in Cardiff, we have two trips available here and maybe will be new to you. I am always amazed how many locals haven't visited Cardiff Castle, though are very well familiar with its exterior. Inside it is either a love or hate experience, but in all cases well worth viewing.
Follow the link below and click on the different named areas to navigate your way around:
If you have already discovered the Castle, have you been in the Principality stadium (Millenium)? How do you fancy seeing a little more of behind the scenes?
Evening Entertainment
We have had a wonderful time together on our virtual holiday and seen and done so much, but like all good things they must come to an end. So concluding Wales, we have a Male voice choir leading Myfanwy, a great mixed choir with Calon Lan and a massed male voice choir with "Santus."
Prayer Rev Eli Jenkins from Under Milk Wood, Dylan Thomas
Every morning when I wake, Dear Lord, a little prayer I make, O please do keep Thy lovely eye On all poor creatures born to die
And every evening at sun-down I ask a blessing on the town, For whether we last the night or no I’m sure is always touch-and-go.
We are not wholly bad or good Who live our lives under Milk Wood, And Thou, I know, wilt be the first To see our best side, not our worst.
O let us see another day! Bless us all this night, I pray, And to the sun we all will bow And say, good-bye – but just for now!