Top Talk
Freelance entity and horseman (and newly married) Brychan Jones is busy organising a 240 mile sponsored ride from the coast of north Wales to the coast of South Wales, which will start on the 25th August. The presenter of Ar Garlam (At a Gallop), currently showing on S4C, explains why. “We have set up a new Charity to raise money and awareness of pancreatic cancer. Good friend and fellow rider, Shan Cothi lost her husband, Justin, to the disease recently and we wanted to do something in his memory and to help others. Can you believe there has been no progress or developments in treating this type of cancer? The same number of people die from it now as did in the 1950’s and earlier. We are heading the Charity because we want the money to stay in Wales and to know how it is being used. You can see more at www.amswerjustintime.co.uk”
There is no doubt that plain speaking Brychan is very much an outdoor man. “I’m a farmer’s son and am in tune with nature,” he agrees. “I had a proper job for 5 years and hated my time being owned by someone else and being in an office. I’m a horseman, a countryman I love hunting (legally) and a big fan of point to pointing. I would like to see the Hunt’s promote it more – it’s a great sport that more people should be enjoying. The first time I jumped a fence was two weeks before my first race and I came 2nd” he laughs. “That was the second best day of my life he confides, marrying Sian was the best. We both rode to the Church, it was fabulous.”
“You get to see so much more of the countryside from horseback. We are blessed to have such a beautiful country and to be able to enjoy it thanks to the kindness or farmers and landowners.”
“I feel sad for City people who don’t realise the beauty of the countryside. I have Tipi’s on the farm in West Wales and people come to stay from London. They see real stars for the first time and hear the silence. Some of the kids have never even seen sheep. It’s tremendous to see the youngsters interacting with animals for the first time, it makes them realise life isn’t all about human beings, animals have needs and rights too. It’s emancipating.”
Back to Nature
Brychan’s Tipi’s are based in the beautiful countryside of Cardigan and are certainly an excellent way to get in tune with Nature. Where else could you lie in bed listening to the crackle of the open indoor campfire whilst watching the stars twinkle overhead? Cooking is easily done on the open fire and bbq’s are also available. The site is secure and overlooks Aber-porth with it’s sheltered beaches and all for only £20.00 per adult per night. The photos alone are worth checking out – visit www.tipiwest.co.uk or call 07813672336
Did You Know?
This week is Wildlife Week – running from the 31st May to the 21st June, this year hosts a Triple Bill (three weeks) of events offering everyone the opportunity to get involved in an activity or project to raise the awareness of conservation issues. Run by the Wildlife Trust there is an extensive programme of local events designed to encourage everyone to interact with wildlife, from Bat mornings, owl encounters and rockpool rambles. To find out more visit www.wildlifetrusts.org or call 01636677711 to find out what’s happening near you.
Tipi or not Tipi ...
Fancy having your own tipi? What better way to observe Nature and local wildlife? Although described as temporary structures, the Tipi’s are strong and durable enough to be lived in year round. If that seems a bit too ‘green’ for you, they also make excellent garden rooms, retreats and can provide extra sleeping accommodation. Available in sizes from 30’ to 10’, all tipi’s can be made to measure and to your specific requirements and even the largest can be dismantled and re erected in less than 3 hours. An 18’ Tipi will entertain 8 people comfortably, sleep 4 and cost £2,400; a 14’ Tipi will sleep 2 and cost £1,600.00 and children’s Tipi’s are available at around £900.00 The Bedouin tents are also beautiful and have separate indoor sections for a little more privacy. All these are available for hire too. Have a look at www.sheltersunlimited.co.uk or telephone Bob on 01654761720. Offering friendly and down to earth advice the company are based in Machynlleth, North Wales and have an 18 acre site that you can visit. And make sure you ask about the light shows, where Tipi’s are used as projection screens – brilliant!
www.lynneallbutt.co.uk
