Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry

Zip it!

We are pretty excited here at the Oakeley Arms this week, because we're bracing ourselves for the opening of a brand new North Wales family attraction.

Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry is an exciting new adventure experience that has just opened, a short drive from the Oakeley Arms, at the village of Bethesda. Penrhyn Quarry was once the largest slate quarry in the world, and the main pit is almost a mile long! At the peak of it's output, 3,000 local men worked the mine there. Nowadays, although the quarry is still operational, it is with a significantly smaller workforce. 

The majestic Penrhyn Quarry sits in some of the finest scenery in North Wales.

Image by Ian Greig via Wikimedia Commons

And the quarry is all set to become known for something other than it's slate. The Zip World experience promises adventurers the "ride of a lifetime" as you fly along two specially designed zip wires 700 feet above the quarry - travelling at speeds of up to 75mph! It's as near as you'll ever get to flying!

The zip wires at Penrhyn Quarry are a mile long, making them the longest, and fastest zip wieres in Europe. And while it's not one for the faint hearted, the safety considerations and regulations are second to none. Over two years of planning, research and development have gone into the Zip World experience, making full use of some of the latest and safest technology and zip wire innovation.

So why not give it a go? Not only will you have the ride of your life, but you'll also be able to delve deep into the rich history of the mines, men and quarries that etched North Wales firmly onto the slate map of the world. See you up there!

Zip World is open daily from 10:00 to 3:00pm, with sessions running every hour. From £50 per adult and £40 per child. For more information, booking details and directions, see the Zip World website

Enjoy a bird's eye view of the historic Penrhyn Quarry

Image by Eric Jones via Wikimedia Commons

Special Offer on Snowdonia Self Catering

Oakeley Holiday Cottages

Summer's just around the corner folks, we promise! Have you sorted your summer break yet? Well, just for you, lovely blog readers, here is a very SPECIAL OFFER that is just toooooooooo good to ignore. 

Here at the Oakeley Arms, we've got a stunning range of self-catering holiday cottages in the hotel grounds, that are just waiting to be the perfect companions to your holiday in Wales.

A stable block was lovingly converted last year into stunning holiday cottages - each one packed with period features but kitted out with modern appliances to make sure your stay is a comfy one.

Our special offer is for the three bedroom cottage (which sleeps six people). Usually £800 a week, this beautiful cottage can be yours for the week for just £500! That's less than £85 a week each for a stay in our fabulous holiday cottages in Snowdonia. 

But, just what is there to see and do in our beautiful area? As it happens, there's LOADS!  We've put together a little itinerary for your week, full of our best suggestions to make the most of your holiday in Snowdonia.

• Saturday - arrive and unpack. Have a wander into Maentwrog village and explore our pretty church, the stunning Llyn Mair and the beautiful views of the Vale of Ffestiniog. Come back for a delicious bar meal at the Oakeley Arms.
• Sunday - Head into the nearby town of Porthmadog, just five miles away. There's a supermarket and selection of greengrocers, delis and off-licences so you can stock up on essentials. And while you're there, explore the historic harbour and the famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

Stunning views of the Moelwyn and Cnicht mountains from Porthmadog

• Monday - Enjoy a day out at the magical Portmeirion village. This famous Italinate village was built by local eccentric architect Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, and the peaceful grounds and idyllic village are a must see! Don't miss the remote beach and the wild landscapes, as well as the pretty village centre with it's shops, cafes and ice cream!
• Tuesday - Feeling energetic today? Good! Because it's time for a trip up Wales' highest mountain, Snowdon! Reaching the top of this beautiful peak will inspire and enthrall you. And if you really don't feel like the trek, then you can take a short-cut to the top - via the Snowdon Railway!

Take a trip up Wales' highest peak

• Wednesday - phew! Ok, today you can have a rest after yesterday's exertion, but there's still plenty to see. How about jumping on the historic Ffestiniog Railway at the nearby station of Tan-y-Bwlch? Enjoy the scenic journey to the mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can visit the subterranean slate mines before jumping on the train back.
• Thursday - Today is one for the family, with a trip to Gypsy Wood Park, a fabulous animal activity park for little, and big, kids alike!
• Friday - Ready to make like a medieval knight and enjoy a spot of history? Today it's time for a trip to nearby Harlech castle. This spectacular thirteenth century fort is one of Edward I's Iron Ring which were built to subdue his greatest enemy - the Welsh army! Delve into the history and zoom back in time at one of Wales' most historic buildings.

Historic Harlech

• Saturday - put on your sad faces, because it's time to go home...... We hope you enjoy your stay as much as Snowdonia enjoyed entertaining you! And come back again and visit us soon.

And don't forget to take a look at our blog posts, website or ask any of our staff for more ideas for great days out, local walks and things to do and see. We promise you won't be bored!

To take advantage of this fabulous offer (remember, it's just £500 for the 3 bed self-catering cottage that sleeps 6 people - that's a whopping £300 saving on the usual price of £800!). For more details about the holiday cottages, see our website click here. 

Call or e-mail today to check available dates and to book. Quote BLOGOFFER when you enquire. The offer is subject to availability.

info@oakeleyarms.co.uk or 01766 590 277

Easter Bunnies!

Happy Easter!

Gosh! Here at the Oakeley Arms, we can't believe how quickly this year is flying by! It's Easter weekend already. And while we've been pretty busy here gearing up for the beginning of the hectic summer season, we'll definitely have time to fit in some chocolate chomping!

Image by ChIandra4U on sxc.hu 

Because, let's face it, Easter is great for lots of reasons, but the crazy amounts of yummy sweet treats has got to be one of the best things about it!

Of course, the celebration of Easter is linked to the Christian remembrance of Jesus' Resurrection over 2000 years ago. But these days for most of us, the celebration is more closely associated with a long weekend with family, friends and of course those chocolate eggs.

Eggs have been linked to Easter for over a thousand years because they have long been associated with fertility and re-birth and so were a fitting symbol for Easter. Early Easter eggs were empty bird shells, stained red to echo the blood of Jesus, but the history of chocolate Easter eggs are a relatively new phenomenon. The first were made in Germany in the early 1800s, but it took a while for technology to catch up - the eggs were often solid (mmmm, sounds ok to us!) because the machinery to make hollow eggs wasn't yet invented.

Chocolate company Cadbury's were behind some of the techniques that inspired the modern chocolate bar and Easter eggs. In 1866 the Cadbury brothers found a way to process large quantities of pure cocoa butter, which is an essential ingredient in chocolate. In 1875 Cadbury's launched their first chocolate Easter egg, and they have been hits ever since. 

image by  Crispin Semmens on wikicommons

So, what better way to celebrate Easter than with a delicious chocolatey egg? We certainly don't need telling twice! Pass us the CHOCOLATE!

And why not come and join us here at the Oakeley Arms over the Easter weekend? Treat the family to a delicious bar meal or if you fancy a day off from cooking on Sunday then pop down for our fabulous Sunday Carvery.

See you soon, and Happy Chocolate, oops, we mean Easter!

Image by aschaeffer on sxc.hu

Festival Number 6 is a winner!

A Winning Festival

 

Last year was special for the Number 6 Festival - it was their inaugural event, held at the magical location of Portmeirion, just a stone's throw from the Oakeley Arms Hotel.

 

It's a festival like no other, partly due to the special venue, and the first year was an enormous success.  The festival has already scooped two awards at the UK Festival Awards last December, for Best New Festival and Best Headline Performance - for the awe-inspiring live set by legends New Order. And last week it was announced that the event has landed another top prize. Festival Number 6 was awarded the Best Small Festival at the NME Awards.

 

So, it seems that it's not one to be missed. Bands, acts and headliners are due to be announced shortly so keep an eye on the festival website for more info. And it's not just an event for music lovers either. With a thriving Arts and Culture section, last year's festival featured appearances and talks by writers, comedians, journalists, presenters and poets. It's also a family-friendly festival, so it's suitable for the little ones too.

 

Don't fancy camping? Then why not reserve a festival day ticket, and come and stay with us here at the Oakeley Arms? We've got a wide range of rooms and self-catering cottages so there'll definitely be something to suit your group. See our website for more details and how to book.

 

The 2013 Festival Number 6 will take place on the 13th-15th September. For more information and tickets, visit their website www.festivalnumber6.com/

 

See you there!!

 

The magical Italianate village of Portmeirion is the setting for Festival Number 6

Image by Scott Wylie via Wikimedia Commons

 

Mountain Rescue Wales

Stay Mountain Safe

 

The Oakeley Arms Hotel is situated in the Snowdonia National Park, one of the most beautiful parts of Wales (well, we are a little biased......). The park is home to some of the most stunning mountain ranges in Britain, as well as some of the highest peaks.

 

And while the hills are beautiful from afar, many visitors to the area want to get a little closer to the action and opt for an adrenalin filled day on the mountains. The first recorded ascent of Snowdon was in 1689 and it is now estimated that approximately half a million people stand proudly on the summit of Snowdon each year. And, while the majority get up and down with no incident, each year there are a few cases who need expert help.

A rescue helicopter arrives on a snowy Snowdon

Image by John S Turner via Wikimedia Commons

 

This is where the amazing services of our brilliant Mountain Rescue Teams come in. There are four Mountain Rescue Teams that cover the Snowdonia Area. The Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue is based in Porthmadog; the South Snowdon Team is based in Trawsfynydd and covers the southern ranges such as the Rhinogs, Arrenigs and Moelwyns. Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue is based in the northern Snowdonia village of Capel Curig, and the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team covers the most popular ranges of Snowdon and the Glyders.

There was a time when there was no help for people who got into trouble in the mountains, but by the early twentieth century, mountain hiking and exploring had begun to become popular as more and more people took to the hills for a day out. Incidents and accidents in the hills were increasing, and after a particularly nasty accident in the Peak District in 1928, a small band of mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts came together to try and co-ordinate rescue efforts to make them more efficient, and safer. By 1936, The First Aid Committee of Mountaineering Clubs was formed and was the forerunner of all the Mountain Rescue Teams in the country.

Today, Mountain Rescue England and Wales oversee all regions and Mountain Rescue Teams; their work is invaluable and saves countless lives every year. The teams are run by volunteers who give up their time to assist those who need help, often in severe and dangerous weather conditions. Although the primary function of all Mountain Rescue Teams is to assist those in difficulty on upland terrain, the teams also help in other crises - searching for missing people, assisting in floods, animal rescue and major incident emergency assistance.

Mountain Rescue Teams in England and Wales provide valuable support and assistance in crises

Image by Iain Lees via Wikimedia Commons

So let's give a big cheer for the fabulous Mountain Rescue Teams of Snowdonia. You're all heroes to us.

Snowdonia's Mountain Rescue Teams rely on donations and voluntary contributions to keep going. If you'd like to support any of the teams, click on the links above for details of how to donate. It's a worthy cause.

Find out more about Mountain Rescue England and Wales click here

If you need Mountain Rescue assistance in an emergency whilst out on the hills, dial 999 or 112. Ask for the Police and then the Mountain Rescue service.




 

A Night at the Oscars

Lincoln Lines

 

Ok, so we know we're a long way from Hollywood here at the Oakeley Arms, but we were glued to the coverage of the Oscars 2013, as Daniel Day-Lewis made Hollywood history. The British actor became the first person ever to win the Oscar for Best Actor three times - leaping ahead of legendary names like Marlon Brando, Tom Hanks and Jack Nicholson, who all have two Best Actor wins each.

 

Daniel Day-Lewis scooped up the award for his role as US President Abraham Lincoln in the epic historical drama Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film, which was released in UK cinemas last month, chronicles the last months of Lincoln's life in the mid nineteenth century as he battles to abolish slavery in the USA.

 

Despite being born into a poor farming family, Abraham Lincoln is known as one of the greatest American Presidents of all time. He led the country through one of it's most testing periods, both morally and consitutionally - the American Civil War (1861-1865).

 

President Abraham Lincoln

Image by Alexander Gardner [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

It is thanks largely to Lincoln that slavery was abolished and thousands of slaves across America were given the freedoms and rights of white American citizens. But, did you know that President Lincoln's roots can be traced back to a tiny village not too far from the Oakeley Arms Hotel?

 

Ysbyty Ifan is a tiny rural hamlet on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, and it is believed that Lincoln's great, great grandfather, John Morris, lived and worked in the village. His daughter, Ellen, left behind rural North Wales and emigrated to America with a group of local Quakers, sometime in the early 1600's.

 

She met and married Cadwaladr Evans (who was, coincidentally, from nearby Bala) and the couple settled in Pennsylvania. They had a daughter called Sarah Evans, who in turn had a daughter called Nancy. Nancy was to eventually marry Thomas Lincoln, and their second son Abraham would change the course of American history forever.....

 

Much of Ysbyty Ifan is run and managed by the National Trust. It is set in the beautiful, rugged and remote hills of eastern Snowdonia, and is well worth a trip to explore. For more information see the National Trust website. Ysbyty Ifan is a short 30 minute drive from the Oakeley Arms. If you'd like to visit during your stay with us, please ask staff for directions.

 

 

Rugby Rugby

A French Stick?

 

Well after last week's defeat at home to Ireland, the Welsh team have got a little catching up to do this week. The team head out to Paris in time for Saturday's match against France.

 

Are you brave enough to make a match prediction? Here at the Oakeley Arms we'll be cheering on the boys, "COME ON CYMRU!"

 

Join us for the game, showing live in the bar. There's even a big pot of home-made chilli or curry for everyone at half time.

 

See you on Saturday!

 

Saturday 9th February. Kick off 17:00

 

France v Wales 2007

By Fabienkhan on Wikimedia Commons

 

Happy Holidays

Holidays help you live longer!

 

Here at the Oakeley Arms, we've always known that holidays are good for you. And that there should definitely be MORE of them every year (are you listening Mr Cameron - more bank holidays please.....), but a groundbreaking new study has shown that holidays can actually help you live longer!

 

The study was conducted by holiday company Kuoni and Nuffield Health has found that a break away from it all can......

•  help lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure can contribute towards strokes, heart attacks and general ill health.
• help you sleep better. Good sleep is essential to repair and renew your body.
• help you recover quicker and better from stress.  

And all of the above can help you have a happier, healthier and longer life. So, as we always thought, holidays are good for you! And it doesn't have to be a bank-busting luxury holiday to the Carribean, any break away from home and the daily routine counts as a holiday!

 

image by Vanepan on sxc.hu

 

 

What more of an excuse to you need? Book your lovely holiday here at the Oakeley Arms today! Choose from one of our lovely hotel rooms, or how about one of our fab self-catering cottages - we've got all you need for the perfect and life-saving holiday.

 

Come chill with us here at the Oakeley Arms

 

Check out our website for more information www.oakeleyarms.co.uk or call us on 01766 590 277 to discuss your requirements. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

For more information about the study and the full report, click the link here

Big Loves

Dydd Santes Dwynwen

 

Is love in the air for you today? Here at the Oakeley Arms, we're hoping for some romance, because today is Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day), the Welsh equivalent of Valentine's Day.

image by nellart on sxc.hu

 

Today celebrates the Welsh patron Saint of lovers - Dwynwen, and of course, like any good love story, her path to true love didn't really run smoothly. And so the story goes......

 

A long, long time ago, there lived a beautiful princess, in fact she was the most beautiful princess in all of Wales. Princess Dwynwen was the daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog, the powerful Welsh king of the 5th century.  One fateful evening, King Brychan organised an enormous feast for all the noble families of the land. During the party Dwynwen soon caught the eye of the handsome Maelon. After the party, he declared his love for her and they vowed to marry as soon as they could.

 

As young lovers often don't, they hadn't counted on the wrath of Dwynwen's father, for his daughter was a valuable asset to him and she had been promised to another powerful family. A heartbroken Dwynwen told Maelon of her father's plans and the young man was furious. He pushed his princess to the ground and spat angry rage at her as he marched away.

 

Dwynwen was so upset that she ran as far north as she could and by the time she'd reached the dark forests of Anglesey, she was exhausted. She prayed to forget her love for the cruel Maelon and as she fell into a fitful sleep she was visited by an angel. The angel first turned Maelon into a frozen block of ice, ha, and then granted the young princess three wishes.

 

Dwynwen still thought Maelon cruel, but she was a kind soul and wished him to be thawed, and live a happy life. She also wished that the dreams of all true lovers across Wales be granted. Her final wish was for herself - she wished never to go through the heartache of love again. Dwynwen vowed to dedicate the rest of her life serving God.

 

And she didn't go back on her word. She became a nun, and founded a church on the remote island of Llanddwyn, just off the coast of Anglesey, living as a virtual hermit for the rest of her days. In medieval times, the church became an important place for religious pilgrims, many coming to pay their respects to the tragic Dwynwen.

 

You can still see the ruins of a church on Ynys Llanddwyn today, although it is a much later building than Dwynwen's. You can walk to the island from Newborough Beach at low tide, so why not woo your loved one with a romantic winter day out at the beach.

The beautiful Ynys Llanddwyn

 

Newborough beach is just over an hour's drive from the Oakeley Arms - perfect for a day trip! Ask our staff if you need help or directions. For details of a walk and parking, click here

 

A snowy week

Snow Business

Most of the country is bracing itself for a blanket of snow and icy weather this week, as weather forecasters predict that not much of the UK will escape the white stuff. From the hotel windows here at the Oakeley Arms we can see a smattering of snow on the top of the Snowdonia hills, but it's not a snowy wonderland down here yet!

 

It's been a relatively mild start to the winter so far, with the festive season being more soggy than snowy, so just where has this cold snap come from? Well forecasters believe it's to do with a phenomenon known as Sudden Stratospheric Warming. It's all a bit scientific for us, but basically it means that even though the atmosphere high up there has experienced a warm snap, for us down here that equals a chilly one!

 

So, will the snow be a fun diversion? Or will it be the bane of the country as it disrupts roads and rail, not to mention issues with school closures, travel plans and even the daily commute. But, always ones to look on the bright side, we got to thinking about all the fun things you can do in the snow, and here are our favourites......

 

 Image by stone0206 on sxc.hu

• Build a snowman! And don't forget his carrot nose, coal eyes and a scarf to keep him warm.....
• Go sledging! There are some great little hills and sloping fields here that are just perfect for sledging.
• Go on a snowy walk. Make the most of the beautiful winter conditions and enjoy the snowy mountain views. Just take care out there!
• Make a snow angel. Who doesn't know how?
• Have a snowball fight! And a forfeit for the winner.......
• Build a snow castle. Save the beachy sandcastles for the summer, and construct your own snow palace instead.
• Learn about snow. Did you know that no two snowflakes are ever the same? Or that chionophobia is the fear of snow. Or that about 12% of the earth's surface is permanently covered in snow and ice?
• Forget all the snowy activities, and come over to the Oakeley Arms to warm your cockles by one of fabulous real fires in the bar. Heaven!

Whatever you get up to, stay warm and stay safe. It's brrrrrrrrrrrrrr cold out there!

 Image by porah on sxc.hu

Festival of Winter Walks

Get Walking

 

So, it's that time of year again. Here at the Oakeley Arms, we're joining in with the rest of the nation as we all collectively loosens our belt buckles after throwing calorie caution to the wind. Our well stuffed bellies are still happily round after a huge Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and the 487 Quality Streets eaten in front of favourite festive films.

 

Well, if you want to shift the festive pounds and make those Christmas calories cry, why not check out the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks - taking place between the 22nd December and the 6th Jan.

 

There are loads of events taking place across the country, organised by Ramblers Cymru. From short countryside ambles to day-long guided mountain walks, there really is something for everyone.

 

Image by MidnightA on sxc.hu

 

 

You can find out more details of the walks nearby using the handy map search - click here.

 

Did you know that a regular brisk walk can help to:

• Reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce harmful cholesterol levels
• Lower body fat and burn calories
• Give an instant energy boost
• Enhance your mood and emotional well being
• Increase bone density and so reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Help our bodies to stay flexible, strong and healthy
 

All this, as well as getting to know your local area, appreciating the great outdoors and making the most of the stunning area that we live in. Wow, what are we waiting for. Grab your walking boots and see you there!

 

 

Image by benjipie on sxc.hu

 

 

 

 

 

International Mountain Day

Pick of the Peaks

 

Tomorrow (11th December) is International Mountain Day. And here at the Oakeley Arms, we think that's reason enough to celebrate the stunning Snowdonia mountains that are just a short hop from the hotel.

 

International Mountain Day was first held in 2003, as a way to celebrate and create awareness of the world's mountains and how important they are. The international day was established by the UN as a way to share education and knowledge about sustainable mountain development and about some of the issues that surround the world's highest peaks.

 

Mountains are not only beautiful, but they provide much of the world's freshwater, are natural habitats for a huge range of wildlife, plants and birds, and are home to one in ten people across the globe! Yet the world's mountain ranges are under constant threat from global environmental issues such as mining, conflict and climate change.

 

View from Snowdon

 

Here at the Oakeley Arms, we are incredibly lucky to sit in the shadow of Snowdonia, which of course is home to the finest mountains in Britain (not that we're biased!). Not only is Snowdonia National Park home to Wales' highest mountain Snowdon, but there are also many more mountains within the Snowdonia ranges, such as Cadair Idris, Moel Siabod, the Moelwynion, Cnicht, the Glyderau, Moel Hebog, the Rhinogydd and Arenig to name but a few.

 

So why not make the most of this lovely bright winter sunshine and explore some of Snowdon's beautiful mountains and hills? Remember to stay safe though - winter can unleash some difficult mountain conditions. Find out more about mountain safety here.

 

View from Cnicht

 

 

You can find out more about International Mountain Day here

 

 

 

Stay safe on the mountains, never proceed with a walk if conditions are unsafe. Any mountain walks are undertaken at your own risk; the Oakeley Arms cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from the use of this blog post.

Creative Christmas Trees

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.....

 

So, is your Christmas Tree up yet? Are you a "can't wait to get it up as soon as it's December the 1st" kind of person, or a "chuck it up on Christmas Eve and hope for the best" type?

 

Well, all this talk of festive forests got us to thinking about how, and why, it all started. Who on earth thought of throwing tinsel and shiny balls onto an evergreen tree and calling it Christmas?

image by DR04 on wikicommons

 

Well, the tradition can be traced as far back as ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilisations, when evergreen trees and plants were used in celebrations to symbolise eternal life. But the Christmas tree as we know it today has its roots in Northern Germany around the 16th century.

 

Large manor house owners and aristocracy began to bring in giant evergreen trees to display in the hall, decorated with sweets and treats that the children and servants would get to eat on the day before Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the tree would be brought outside again so that the whole village could dance around it, to mark the start of the festive celebrations.

 

By the early 19th century, the tradition had been adopted by nobility and wealthy families across Europe, as far as Russia. In Britain, we first began to embrace the idea when our Royal Family was united with the German house of Hanover by King George III in the early 1800s. At first it was a custom for the rich only, but a hundred or so years later, the tradition was much more widespread.

 

Today, it is more uncommon to not see a tree in houses and public places across Britain - both indoors and out. Advances in technology mean that there are now a huge choice of trees - from real and fresh to plastic and paper. Originally trees were decorated with sweets, paper decorations, and later candles. Thankfully, we now have clever Christmas tree lights to thank for a much reduced fire risk! But all other decorations are unique and individual - some prefer a minimalist look, others go all out on tinsel and glitter! And let's not forget the age-old debate about the tree-top resident? Is it a star, or is it a fairy?

 

But, one thing's for sure - when the festive tree goes up, it means that Christmas is sniffingly close, and we here at the Oakeley Arms absolutely cannot wait!

 

image by Kris69 on sxc.hu

 

 

 

Christmas Countdown

25 little days to go!

 

Gosh, where did 2012 disappear to? Here at the Oakeley Arms, we can hardly believe it's very nearly December already! But, we're all set for the countdown to Christmas - it'll be a busy few weeks for us here with Christmas menus, parties, dinners, buffets and presents, but that'll just make that big glass of fizz on Christmas morning taste even better.

 

So, in case you're stuck for ideas, here's the things that the month of December is just made for.......

• Get writing that letter to Santa. It might take some time to convince him that you really have been good this year.....
• Get that tree up!!
• Start making the Christmas pudding and cake? Or alternatively, think about where to buy it from (anything for an easy life!!). For a selection of the best, click here
• Snuggle up and watch a Christmas film! Yeah, forget about the cooking, shopping and list-making. Get festive Hollywood style and watch a classic - The Grinch, Love Actually, Santa Claus the Movie, It's a Wonderful Life.... Which is your favourite?
• Write a list! Christmas is the season for list writing, so start yours today. Got several lists already? Then start a list of lists....
• Go to a Christmas market - see this week's previous Oakeley blog post for our pick of the best.
• Bake some Christmas cookies, mmmmmmmm!! Check out the BBC Good Food website for some great ideas.
• You can open that chocolate advent calendar now, at last!!
• Book tickets for a local pantomime. They'r behhhhhhhhhhhhind you! Find listings of what's on and where, click here.
• Organise a Christmas meal for your friends. Can't be bothered to cook? No problem - come and check out the Oakeley's yummy Christmas menu!
• Have a drink... go on, it's Christmas!!

And, if you need a reminder of the Christmas countdown, then keep this link somewhere handy.....

http://www.xmasclock.com/

 

Image by MeiTeng on sxc.hu

 

Christmas Markets

A Winter Wonderland

 

Here at the Oakeley Arms we like to think we're pretty organised, but that's not to say that we don't suffer from the odd bout of Christmas chaos. As the big day draws ever closer we wondered what better way there was to escape from festive stresses than to have a jolly good day out; even better if that day out is at one of the UK's finest Christmas Markets and includes a BIG glass of mulled wine and a giant hot-dog, yum.

 

Image by Office de Tourisme de Colmar via Wikimedia Commons

 

There's not a lot that will induce the jolly yuletide spirit more than a fabulous Christmas market. They originated in medieval Germany but over recent years their popularity has spread across Europe, and now there are hundreds taking place up and down the country. You'll find bags of Christmas cheer, loads of craft and gift stalls, delicious hot and cold food, gallons of mulled wine and plenty to keep the kids entertained too.

 

There are lots of markets being held across Wales - here's our selection of the best, along with a few a bit further afield - you could always make a weekend of it! (Click on the market name text for more info - opens in a new window)

• Erddig Christmas Market - Erddig, Wrexham. LL13 0YT. November 24th - December 16th 2012. Entry is £3.50 (or £5 to visit house as well).
• Llandudno Christmas Fayre - Madoc Street, Llandudno. November 2012
• Wrexham Victorian Christmas Market - Church Street, Wrexham. December 13th
• Betws y Coed Christmas - December 1st and 2nd
• Chester Christmas Market - Chester Town Hall Square. November 22nd - December 24th
• Caerphilly Christmas Market - Caerphilly Town Centre. December 8th and 9th.
• Swansea Christmas Market - Oxford Street, Swansea. November 23rd - December 16th
• Cardiff Christmas Market - The Hayes and St Johns Street. November 15th - December 23rd.
• Manchester Christmas Market - St Peter's Square, Manchester. November 17th - December 23rd

To find a Christmas market near you visit http://www.christmasmarkets.com/

 

 

Image by lizerixt on sxc.hu

 

 

Red Kites of Mid Wales

Kite Flight

 

The red kite is one of Wales' most majestic birds. These beautiful birds of prey are elegant and graceful as they swoop and soar above the mountains, ever watchful for the next catch. The fact that Red Kites were once on the verge of extinction in Wales, only adds to their mystical air.

 

We don't spot them here at the Oakeley Arms very often, but you don't have to travel far to find them. These days, there are healthy breeding populations in mid Wales, which is just a short journey from the Oakeley Arms.

 

The plight of the red kite starts in medieval times, when they were deemed as scavengers and vermin that lived on rubbish and food waste, and indeed in Scotland in the 1400s, King James ordered that Red Kites should all be destroyed, so much were they abhorred. By the early 1900s, there were just a few breeding pairs left in the UK, in South Wales, but since the 1950s, a sustained programme of breeding and protection has enable the red kites of Wales to rise again. Today there are thought to be over 1,000 breeding pairs of red kites in Wales.

 

One of the best places to see them is at the Bwlch Nant yr Arian feeding centre near Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales. This Forestry Commission site in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains is a favourite spot for the red kites, thanks to the wild woodland and craggy moors.

 

 

Image by Tony Hisgett on wikicommons

 

 

Bwlch Nant yr Arian was first established as a red kite feeding centre in 1999, and it now attracts around 150 of these wild birds every day. The kites are fed on offcuts of meat from a local butcher, and not only does it provide an essential source of food, but it also encourages the birds to gather together.

 

Feeding time is quite a spectacle, and not to be missed! Feeding takes place at 2pm every day during the winter months (3pm in the summer).

 

Find out more at the Forestry Commission website here and read more about the beautiful red kites from the RSPB here.

 

Bwlch Nant yr Arian is approximately an hour's drive from the Oakeley Arms Hotel. For public transport options see www.traveline-cymru.info or ask staff for assistance.

 

Image by Chriss Denny on wikicommons

 

 

National Kindness Day

Got to be kind....

 

Did you know that today is National Kindness Day? No, we didn't here at the Oakeley Arms either, but we're fast thinking up some good deeds we can do for the day.

 

National Kindness Day comes from the World Kindness Movement (WKM) which was started in 1996 in Japan. The idea is that business, corporations, greed, fortunes and economies are  all forgotten for a day, and instead the focus is on being kind and doing kind deeds to create and inspire a nicer, more harmonious world.

 

As part of last year's event, more than 30,000 flowers were given out to strangers on the streets of Singapore and in Australia, a mass-hug was organised on Bondi beach. But, the emphasis of Kindness Day isn't necessarily about grand gestures and expensive presents, it's about the small things that make a difference to another person's day.

 

Here are some ideas for little acts of kindness:

• Offer to help an elderly or vulnerable person nearby
• Clear our your wardrobe and take your unwanted items to a local charity shop
• Put out some bird seed as a kindness to the local birds!
• Buy a sandwich and give it a homeless person
• Spend 10 minutes thinking kind and positive thoughts for a friend or relative who needs them.
• Offer to take your best friend out for lunch, for no other reason than "just because".
• Be kind to the planet - make a pact to buy a bag for life and not use plastic bags in future.
• Smile and say "good morning" to a stranger (not if it's in the evening, obviously.... or they'll be extra kind to you and  lock you up!)
• Buy an extra box of pet food and take it to the local animal shelter.
• Let someone who looks in a hurry go ahead of you at the queue for the till
• Buy your husband/wife/partner/girlfriend/boyfriend/grandmother/aunty their favourite chocolate bar.
• Start filling a shoe-box with christmas gifts for a charitable cause.
• Help a friend with a DIY project, walk their dog or baby-sit for them
• Give your unused pay&display ticket to another car as you leave the car park
• Bake some biscuits or cakes and leave them out for the postman/binmen/courier
• Buy a drink for the person stood next to you at the bar
• Make a small donation to charity, or put your change from your shopping in a charity collection tin.

So, as we're thinking about what little acts of kindness we can do today, we'll just be ummmm hanging out here at the Oakeley bar, hoping for an act of kindess ourselves!!

 

You can read more about Kindness Day and Kindness UK here

 

 

Be kind to birds today....

Image by twitchtoo on sxc.hu