Property Drop Issue 61

8
LOCAL LIVING
I love where I live…
Crickhowell
Sharon Chilcott meets Nikki Dale, Volunteer Co-ordinator at Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre
(CRiC), to find out more about the town’s Great British High Street and its welcoming community.
When did you move to Crickhowell?
About eight years ago, following in the footsteps of
my parents who had retired to the area from Kent. My
husband and I were drawn to the town because we were
aware of its great reputation, warm, friendly people
and community feel. We were also swung by the good
schools and the surrounding area, which is stunning.
For you, personally, what’s the best thing about living there?
I have three children, the youngest nine months and
the oldest aged seven and I have to say that Crickhowell
is a wonderful place to raise a young family. There are
baby and toddler groups on every day of the week
in various venues which means, as a mother, you do
not feel isolated. The schools are highly regarded and
known for creating an environment which allows
children to thrive. Dedicated local volunteers run after
school clubs which range from Brownies and Cubs to
football, rugby, dance and more. For older children the
Volunteer Bureau (based in CRiC) run a well-regarded
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme encouraging them to
take part in caving, camping, canoeing, riding, hiking
and so on.
Where would you shop locally?
We are honoured to have been the overall winner of
the Great British High Street Awards in 2018 and have a
bunch of independent shops which offer everything you
need for everyday shopping and for something special,
too. It is so refreshing to go into shops and be met with
a friendly smile and assistance, if necessary, like Cashells
the Butchers who advise me on different cuts of meat
and tempt me with tastings of new cheeses (yummy!)
and Grenfells & Sons Grocers who deliver shopping if
you need it.
Our award-winning High Street has everything from
family-owned department store Webbs to Cashells or
Richards, the butchers, to Natural Weigh, Wales’ first
zero waste shop, to CwCw for lovely clothing and the
Welsh independent bookshop of the year, Book-ish.
Describe the vibe in your favourite local café or pub...
We are lucky to have a great range of unique and
privately-run eateries, cafés and pubs, all with their own
vibe. I love them all!
Where would you book up for a celebratory meal?
One of three places - The Bear for a wonderful steak;
The Vine Tree for their cocktails or The Gliffaes Hotel
for a scrummy afternoon tea!
Where would you go for a more relaxed vibe?
The Dragon, with its cosy open fire, is a favourite for
Sunday roast and they do a brilliant children’s version
for the kiddie winks.