Welsh Country March-April 2017

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PARSON & PUBLICAN THE PUBLICAN Snowy hilltops stand against a sky of cornflower blue. The even tin fluting of a Great Tit, so evocative of late winter, carries on the wind as I stand here, one hand on the knob of the front door of The Harp Inn, looking over the valley to the Radnor Hills beyond. ‘Oh dear’, I hear The Parson mumble to his daughter Katie, who is keeping an eye on us for the day. ‘I hope he doesn’t stay too long by that door, he’ll disappear’. I look down at my usual attire then at the sludgy green of the door and the soft mellow grey stone of the longhouse. ‘In his hedgerow colours he blends in’. His parsonical asides can be so cutting. Choosing to ignore him I push open the door and am met with a warm glow from the open fire. Odd chairs are scattered around scrubbed pine tables, dark wood settles are set at odd angles upon slate flagstones. I immediately feel at home. Joined by my two companions we make our way towards the small, bright corner timber fronted bar bedecked with glistening ale and cider pulls, where we are warmly welcomed by our hosts. I am just stepping over the greyhound resplendent on tartan travelling rug when it raises its noble head. The starters all sound good and difficult to choose. ‘Why don’t we have three and share?’ Expounds the Old Codger. The best idea he’s had this side of Epiphany. ‘I know you’; those three immortal words. I freeze with foot raised,; a jealous husband with a long memory, a creditor perchance or some long forgotten family member? I should not have concerned myself as the comment from the hound’s owner was directed at the Parson. We retreat to a table in the window and I sit next to Katie who can read the days runners on the blackboards. He sits opposite to enjoy the view across to the ecclesiastical pile. The starters all sound good and difficult to choose. ‘Why don’t we have three and share?’ Expounds the Old Codger. The best idea he’s had this side of Epiphany. Three seared scallops arrive each resting on a slice of black pudding and a tarragon flavoured sprout puree topped with a square of pork cracking. Parsnip fritters come with a classic blue cheese, walnut and apple salad and a red onion jam. It is picky to say the duck liver pate was a bit crumbly but everything else is of such high standard. As its Friday my Old chum has to have the cod in batter and when he lifts up his eyes unto the church Katie and I nick his excellent chips. My butternut squash and sage arancini on creamed leeks are just right with the pecorino crisps. Katie has the bubble and squeak on creamed spinach topped with a perfectly poached egg and a drizzle of lightly curried Hollandaise which again works well. As we sit in companionable silence over coffee listening to the ticking clock, I am reminded that our hosts’ statement was to have a real pub, a place where they themselves would like to visit. They have achieved exactly that and long may it last. U Words: Parson - Ian Charlesworth, Publican - Richard Stockton Illustrations: Richard Stockton Who are the Parson and the Publican? Richard Stockton is a retired Innkeeper who once kept a 16th Century sporting Inn of considerable repute and Ian Charlesworth, the Rector of five rural parishes in the beautiful Wye Valley. Together they enjoy jolly jaunts around the countryside. Frequently these lead the Parson and the Publican along the road less travelled, where interesting churches and welcoming hostelries lead them astray. There is always a story to be found in either place. Sometimes told in marble, sometimes heard over the pumps. Such tales and their observations form the substance of their articles, each delicately illustrated with daubs from the InnKeeper’s brush. www.welshcountry.co.uk 49
Mother's Day 26 th <strong>March</strong> 1 2 4 5 3 Kath Loves - Jo Loves 6 One of Kath's Faves! Heathcote & Ivory are one of Kath’s favourite companies. They have a great range, the quality is superb and the prices offer tremendous value. For more details of all they have on offer visit: www.heathcote-ivory.com 1. Lily of the Valley Cosmetic Purse This cosmetic purse offers a travel sized body lotion and shower gel, both 50ml. Customised zipper and co-ordinating fabric make this a great gift for those who enjoy getting away for a few days. £8. 2. Lily of the Valley Luxury Hand & Nail Cream (Boxed) Hand cream is essential for me and should be for you too if you wish to keep your hands looking good. Advanced formulations combine essential oils of ylang ylang, lemon and Sicilian orange with shea butter, vitamin E, glycerine and pro-vitamin B5 in increased levels to help soften and protect hands and strengthen nails. 100ml/£6. 3. Blush Rose Eau de Toilette (Boxed) The classy glass perfume bottle is filled with a garland of tender, changing rose notes, perfectly balanced with subtle strands of cassis and the softest cedar woods, enlivened by yuzu and warmed by musk and amber. For Mother’s Day this makes a super gift that will last. 50ml/£9. 4. Blush Rose Moisturising Shower Gel (Boxed) A gentle, beautiful body cleanser with Rosa Rugosa rose flower water combined with chamomile flower and ginger root essential oils to leave skin purified, soothed and moisturised. Totally gorgeous. 250ml £7.50 5. Morris & Co Strawberry Thief Scented Candle (Boxed) A beautiful crafted candle, that comes in a bespoke glass with full colour Morris & Co. design, for English heritage at home. Share the romantic candlelit vision of William Morris and savour the rich, earthy grounding scents. Burn time: up to 50 hours. 240g/£25. 6. Vintage & Co Patterns & Petals Lip Butter from (Boxed) One of the best lip butters I’ve tried made with beeswax and tasty hints of coconut and sweet caramel; in a jaunty little box bag, reminiscent of the days when handbags and gloves were the rule. All ages will love this. 20g/£4. 50 Mar-Apr 17
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Mar-Apr 2017 • Issue 75 • £2.9
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ADDYSG BELLACH A ADDYSG UWCH CYRSIA
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NTS 35 HOT FROM THE KITCHEN - Chef
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WELSH CONNECTIONS white dove settle
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FISHING Changes made to Rod Licensi
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STORIES IN STONE I Never Did Do It
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STORIES IN STONE Butler gave varyin
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Walker’s Fact File Distance: 11 m
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WALKING WALES www.welshcountry.co.u
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BIODIVERSITY BIODIVERSITY Grayling
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THE RAVEN I scan across the beach,
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Compiled by Kath Rhodes The Bug Far
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Bim’s Kitchen, Flintshire Bim’s
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Preseli Gold Sausage Company, Pembs
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Welsh Brew Tea, Swansea Special ble
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WELSH KITCHEN Sweet Gem and Cod bra
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Welsh Country Your Countryside Maga
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Hot From The Kitchen Mary Ann Gilch
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Music GRUMPY OLD GEEZER A Bit of Bl
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PICTORIAL WALES My name is Thomas W
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PICTORIAL WALES The Waxwing The wax
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POETRY Poetry Vole, Mole, Stoat and
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Advertising Feature Arts & Crafts T
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Here is our latest selection of boo
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PARSON & PUBLICAN THE PUBLICAN Snow
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L’Occitane 7. Beautifying Body Lo
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More Gift Ideas 1. Vintage Blooms H
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PUZZLES SUDOKU 1 2 Find the answers
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Elm Grove Country House G St Floren
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Twr y Felin HBR St Davids Pembrokes
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GARDENING The Early Spring Garden
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Page 67 and 68: NOTHING TO WEAR? Nosilife Camille C
Page 69 and 70: Front Cover Image: Thomas Winstone
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Page 73 and 74: WELSH CONNECTIONS A Stamp of Approv
Page 75 and 76: Welsh Country Your Countryside Maga
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Page 79 and 80: The Tarren Hills 14 May-Jun Mar-Apr
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Page 83 and 84: Colliery Spoil Tips: Biodiversity H
Page 85 and 86: AGame of Chess Easter holidays. Unl
Page 87 and 88: newsround Wales' Reports Roundup Ro
Page 89 and 90: Best of Welsh & Borders BUY LOCAL -
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Page 93 and 94: Advertising Feature Tan Y Castell,
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Page 99 and 100: From The Larder MARKET DATES NOT TO
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Page 103 and 104: Thomas Winstone Photography Red Fox
Page 105 and 106: Red Kite Red Squirrel 40 Mar-Apr 17
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Page 113: The P arson & The P ublican THE PAR
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Page 121 and 122: Stay Awhile Wales eat, sleep, drink
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Page 125 and 126: Glascoed S# Ciliau Aeron, Ceredigio
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Page 129 and 130: WELSH COUNTRY MARKETPLACE Travel &
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Welsh Country March-April 2017

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