West Wales Life & Style

West Wales Life&Style

Inside the Garnant branch of Star Stores (above) where Thomas Thomas was murdered a century ago. The safe in the office behind the shop (below)
was left open after the killer made off with a little over £100 pounds.

Mountstephens had killed Thomas
Thomas. The shopkeeper had rented
a room in the Mountstephens
family home and when Thomas
Thomas failed to come home that
night, Mountstephens’ failure to
investigate was seen as proof that
he had played some part in the
crime. The fact that the murder
weapons – a bloodstained broom
handle and a knife taken from the
shop - were discovered near a path
that led towards Mountstephen’s
house further cemented the popular
belief of his guilt.

Steve, however, was unconvinced.
“It all seemed far too vague and
circumstantial,” he said. “Witnesses
had heard Thomas Thomas tell
Mountstephens that he planned to
work late that night and although
the knife and broomstick were
found on a path that went towards
Mountstephens’ house, there were
lots of junctions off it leading
elsewhere too. It was in the fact
the most likely escape route for
the killer wherever he or she was
heading.
“The most telling aspect though
was the fact that the police soon
dismissed Mountstephens as a
suspect.”
And the policeman summoned to
investigate the case was not your
average village bobby.

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 51

West Wales Life&Style

Detective Inspector George

Nicholls of Scotland Yard was sent

to Garnant to lead the investigation.

Nicholls was renowned throughout

the land as the man who caught

Charles Wells, himself made famous

by the popular music hall song, The

Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte

Carlo.

Nicholls was Britain’s leading

spy-catcher during the First World

War and went on to play a key role

in creating what would eventually

become Interpol, the international

police force.

“Nicholls was an incredible man,”

said Steve. “He was probably the

most feared and famous detective of

his day, but even he faced massive

problems when it came to solving

the murder at the Star.”

When he arrived in

Carmarthenshire, Nicholls

discovered that the God-fearing

ladies of Garnant had deemed it

blasphemous to leave the shop

stained with blood and had forced

their way past the young constable

left guarding the scene to scrub the

place from top to bottom, removing

all evidence as they went.

“When Nicholls arrived, the

scene was all but spotless,” said The scene of the crime: Thomas Thomas’ body was discovered behind the grocery counter. On
Steve. “The chief constable of the floor can be seen the head of the broomstick which snapped off during the brutal assault that
Carmarthenshire summed the
left the shopkeeper dead. Blood can be seen smeared on the crate in the foreground.

situation up when he later wrote invalided out of the Army, which – in the few days between signing

that Nicholls has been left with was only partly true. up at the recruitment office and his

‘nothing so much as a clue’.” “He had been blacklisted from medical – he suffered a serious foot

Despite the complete absence of working at any Carmarthenshire injury that meant he was deemed

evidence, Nicholls continued his coalmine due to his habit of unfit for service.

investigation for the best part of claiming the work – and wages – of “Even though the injury left

a month, interviewing and re- other men as his own. He was also him with a life-long limp, there is

interviewing potential witnesses suspected of numerous petty crimes no doubt in my mind that it was

and possible suspects. up and down the valley - from cash self-inflicted. It fitted with what I

“It’s clear from his notes that thefts to stealing chickens - but had discovered about him.

Nicholls suspected a man “I spoke to some of his
named Tom Morgan, a surviving relatives who
shadowy figure with a
history of petty crime who A bonfire in the killer’s described how older family
moved to Garnant during
the war years,” said Steve. ga‘ members had refused to
rden just hours after the even mention his name.”
Llandovery-born Morgan But when it came to the
had spent time in one of the murder murder at Star Stores,
’ Morgan, it seemed, was in
first institutions for young offenders thus far avoided arrest. the clear.

after being found guilty of a series “I discovered that he had joined Following the discovery of the

of thefts and break-ins that began the Army after being released from murder, village GP Dr George

when he was eight or nine. the young offenders institute in Evan Jones carried out both the

“The more I looked into him, the 1912 but deserted when it became initial examination of the body

more convinced I was that Nicholls’ clear his regiment would be sent to and subsequent post-mortem. Dr

suspicions about Morgan had been France when war broke out. Evan Jones was a hugely respected

correct,” said Steve. “Cunningly, he re-enlisted with a figure and had studied medicine in

“When he moved to Garnant different regiment only a week or Edinburgh alongside the creator of

he claimed to be a former soldier two after deserting but mysteriously Sherlock Holmes.

52 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

And in a twist more fitting of a West Wales Life&Style inquest, Dr Evan Jones maintained
Conan Doyle story, it was the doctor that the killer had to be right-
who ensured Tom Morgan was Face of a killer: Tom Morgam, handed and so Morgan was in the
beyond suspicion. the man Steve is convinced committed the clear.

“According to Dr Evan Jones, murder at Star Stores. “I’m actually convinced that the
the crime could only have been explosion that cost Tom Morgan his
committed by a right-handed the hangman,” said Steve. fingers was a trial run to blow open
man,” said Steve. “That meant it “I honestly believe that his initial the Star Stores safe, and to make
would have been impossible for matters worse, I now know of a
Morgan to have been the killer as assessment was wrong. After witness who saw a bonfire burning
just a few months earlier, he had analysing details of the injuries, in Morgan’s garden just hours after
lost almost all the fingers on his the angle of the blows and the the murder – presumably he was
right hand in seemingly incredible layout of the shop, I’m convinced destroying his bloodstained clothes,
circumstances.” that the crime could only have been but they didn’t tell the police.”
committed by someone who was
Morgan claimed that he had left-handed – or rather, by someone Without such key evidence,
been out walking one day when he wielding the weapons in their left Nicholls eventually returned to
had spotted smoke coming from a hand. London with the murder unsolved.
hedgerow. At the precise moment he
reached into the bushes to find out “Once that seems the most likely “I am absolutely convinced that
what was the cause, there was an scenario, the pieces fall into place Tom Morgan committed the murder
explosion which completely severed and it only leaves one plausible at the Star,” said Steve, “and I fully
the fingers on his right hand. suspect – Tom Morgan, but at the believe that if it wasn’t for Dr Evan
Jones, George Nicholls would have
Despite his horrendous injuries, got his man.”
Morgan had not sought medical
attention or reported the incident Murder at the Star: Who killed
to the police. When later questioned Thomas Thomas, published by
by police, he said he could not Seren Books, is available as an
remember exactly where or when ebook. Signed print editions of the
the explosion had occurred. book are also available to purchase
by contacting Steve directly at
“The doctor’s testimony was crucial [email protected]
in saving Morgan from a date with

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West Wales Life&Style

YwDwAYwRC.EcHoYlCeOgHsUiIr'gNEaLrG.IaGYcI.MuBkWLEYwFSwOIwRG.cFAeUrEeNLdiDCgiIYoNnLG.LacI?D.u?k

54 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

Fully funded training for

individuals and businesses

Anew initiative called a Personal leawortonbhfuieeenllidmigr4eeepva4eanl%onrhtynehaeiwannetgcssekillcomgaamami“pnsEIiepttcmqdlmrayuiepaleafsa,lnoolotmirtiyfisvitneucehaecasesnlitiuncidswoddcanlheuhnissfosedetameasrpnxtireyeecdeisrlrtefpfeiwuosnrgr,rohgamlwgoiricrudainhlenlgldsehichussneeesstc.dlt”hlopruefcidteiasrhsenaeclsamaaulrrcseyhoe. r.
Learning Account (PLA) has potential
been developed by the Welsh Priority sector training includes long and
Government to address barriers to adult
learning and the rising skills shortages.

Colleges and training providers,
including Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg
Sir Gâr are supporting the initiative by

delivering flexible and funded learning plans short courses which are delivered in the South

for individuals and businesses. West and Mid Wales:
Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Engineering
Many adults are discouraged to undertake a learning
•Construction
programme due to a lack of time or money but this •Creative Industries
•Digital and Technology
initiative aims to remove those barriers by providing •Financial and Professional
•Food and Landbased
flexible and funded training within priority sectors. •Health, Social and Childcare
••Hospitality, Retail, Leisure and Tourism
Businesses are also encouraged to get involved to access
The individual remains in their current employment
upskilling programmes for their workforce to help with

skills shortages.

40% The scheme is also designed to help while they complete their training. Once you have
of people in provide a route for those who are
Wales living in looking for progression, providing a completed your course or training, you will be equipped
poverty are stuck
in a career with route out of in-work poverty. with the skills and qualifications needed to improve
little or no future Anyone over 19 years old, earning
progression career prospects and apply for new
less than £26,000 a year and in
employment, is eligible for the scheme. opportunities. 76% of
Jemma Parsons, business development How do I find out more? employees
Whether you are an individual
officer at Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir looking for career progression or look for
a career change, or a business opportunities
Gâr said: “The PLA scheme aims to offer looking to upskill your staff, visit
the employer section on colegsirgar. for career
eligible individuals the chance to gain the skills and growth

qualifications that employers within priority sectors,

need to fill current and future skills shortages.

“Accessing free, part-time training to fit around people’s ac.uk to find out more.

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 55

West Wales Life&Style

In the latest in regular series, we examine the meaning
of some of the place-names found across Ceredigion,
Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, and ask...

Wa nhaamt’se?in

As we have previously discussed, Welsh place- respectively, in Welsh as Abergwaun – Mouth
names often include references to the natural of the Gwaun – and Aberdaugleddau – Mouth
geography. This is again the case when it of the two Cleddaus (The River Cleddau which
comes to places which begin with the prefix Aber. meats the sea at Milford Haven is formed by the
meeting of the Eastern and Western Cleddau
Aber is an extremely common place-name prefix rivers a few miles upstream).
throughout Wales, particularly – but not always –
in towns and villages along the coast, and for good But it is not just on the coast where you might
reason. find place-names beginning with Aber.

At its most straightforward, Aber translates as In Carmarthenshire, villages such as
mouth. However, unlike its English counterpart,
Aber refers specifically to the mouth of a river – the
Welsh word for the mouth on your face is ceg.

It should as no surprise then that many – if not
most – of the names of Welsh towns and villages
that sprang up where a river meets the sea begin
with the Aber prefix and end with the name of the
river in question.

Obvious examples of this include both Aberystwyth
and nearby Aberaeron in Ceredigion – Mouth of the
Ystwyth and Mouth of the Aeron, respectively.

Even seaside towns and villages that have
become better known by an English name often
maintain the Aber prefix in their Welsh names –
Pembrokeshire’s Fishguard and Milford Haven are
two of the best-known examples and are known,

56 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

Abergorlech, Aberarad and Abergwili, much There are a few cases where the prefix Aber
like Ceredigion’s Abermeurig and Aberffrwd, is followed by landscape feature rather than a
are considerable distances from the sea. In the reference to a specific river, albeit usually one
case of these inland examples, Aber refers to the related to a nearby river or rivers.
point at which a tributary joins a larger river – at
Abergorlech, the River Gorlech joins the larger One such example would be Ceredigion’s
River Cothi; at Abergwili, the Gwili merges with the Aberporth, where porth refers to the natural
mighty Towy; at Aberarad, the smaller river flows harbour created by the smaller Nant Gilwen and
into the magnificent River Teifi. Nant Howni reaching the sea. Nant being the
Welsh word for stream.

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 57

West Wales Life&Style

Homes

Summerhouses:

expand your options

The rise in popularity of the garden summerhouse
proves they offer plenty of potential all year round

The image of a garden are coming to see the benefits of them true all-year spaces suitable
summerhouse has changed a garden summerhouse – with for all manner of uses, including
dramatically in just a few many viewing the addition to their everything from garden offices and
short years. property as something closer to an children’s playrooms to spas and
extension, or at the very least as saunas, garden lounges and even
As recently as 20 or 30 years ago, extra roofed space where they can additional sleeping accommodation
mention of a summerhouse would relax and enjoy the fruits of their for guests.
have conjured images of well-to-do labours in a relaxing, informal
Victorian or Edwardian properties setting one step closer to nature. Modern summerhouses have
with a team of gardeners labouring become a haven to read, write,
over manicured flower borders Even in relatively recent times, dine, entertain, escape and relax.
while the ladies and gentlemen of summerhouses were seen as But whether it becomes a place for
the house invited their visitors to a simple wooden structure, work, play, or relaxation, the well-
an afternoon gin and tonic in the often without heating, water or designed summerhouse can provide
garden. insulation, used primarily – if not a lifetime of pleasure while being
entirely – to while away a few hours a fantastic enhancement to the
For the less well off, the only in the shade on a hot summer’s garden.
structure likely to be found in the afternoon.
garden was a rickety old shed, filled What’s more, it has been
with rakes, spades, buckets and However, thanks to a surge in recognised that a summerhouse –
cobwebs. popularity, contemporary wooden despite being relatively inexpensive
summerhouses have introduced a – can significantly increase the
But no longer. whole host of new features to make value of the main property.
Nowadays, more and more people

58 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

Homes

We take a look at just some of the True all-year spaces
benefits a summerhouse can offer:
‘ suitable for all
1. Extend your living space ’manner of uses
A summerhouse can be close to
your home, or at the bottom of the explore some me time. 10. Boosting the value of your
garden. Either way, it can be an 8. Guest accommodation property
extension of your current living Renovating your house can be very With the erection of a wooden
space and provide masses of extra expensive and lengthy process. summer house, your property
room and with the option of a fully Rather than disturb the structure of will get an immediate boost on
insulated building with electrical your home, a summerhouse can be a the housing market. Additional
connections, you can use it all year very cost effective and non-invasive structures on a property indicate
round. way to add extra accommodation full development with extra
2. Create a garden office to your property and give your functions. Experience shows that
A summerhouse can be used as guests some privacy by having a wooden summer houses make
a garden office, allowing you summerhouse that sits separately properties much more attractive on
considerable time to work from from your home. the market.
home and avoid long and costly 9. A more attractive shed 11. An eco-friendly option
commutes to business. Although a summerhouse is Summerhouses are usually made
3. Garden pleasure in all intended to be far more than a from a renewable, sustainable
weathers traditional garden shed, it remains timber. Not only is their energy –
A well-designed summerhouse a great place to store all the tools and carbon footprint very small,
becomes an extension of your home used in the garden. It also looks they also offer a natural, healthy,
while allowing you to enjoy the much, much better than a simple comfortable, and cosy living
beauty of an outdoor garden without shed. atmosphere.
being affected by inclement weather.
You can sit undercover in the warm
and dry and enjoy the beauty of
your garden and the wildlife that
visits.
4. An outdoor family room
A summerhouse can be a room
for all the family where you can
enjoy time together away from the
television.
5. A secret retreat
Escape from the pressures of
everyday life to your own garden
haven retreat, sit in style and enjoy
life’s labours at your leisure. A great
place for you to hide from the family
when you simply need space!
6. An outdoor gamesroom
Your garden summerhouse can
provide an excellent place for all
games and toys for children of all
ages, and the added benefit is that
when dinner is ready they don’t
have to tidy up but can close the
door on their mess.
7. A place to take up a hobby
A summerhouse can be the perfect
place to develop a favourite hobby
away from the hubbub of the house
and family. Whether it is knitting,
reading or writing, yoga or exercise,
or building a model train set, a
summerhouse is the ideal place to

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 59

West Wales Life&Style

10CELEBRATING
YEARS

IN BUSINESS

60 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

Gardening

Gardening guru Sara Milne with the tricks and tips
to make the most of a woodland garden

Spring into
summer

May is a great gardening
month and probably
the last month you
can plan for your summer
colour in the garden. For those
with limited space, bedding
plants will give you maximum
effect and can really make a
statement. If you are taking a
long-term view then a garden
full of reliable flowering shrubs
is also an option.

Whatever garden you have,
watering and weeding are
the key watchwords for May.
It’s essential to water newly
planted fruit trees, roses and
shrubs regularly to help their
root systems get established.
It’s also the time of year when
many plants’ demand for water
increases as they start their
major growth period. Top
watering tips include – every

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West Wales Life&Style

Gardening

time you plant something water it Keeping on top of garden maintenance is crucial in May. The
in well, make a moat of soil round garden is coming alive so there is plenty to keep you busy. Here
newly planted plants so that water are some jobs you should be thinking about this month from
doesn’t run off and goes to the roots, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)...
water pots and containers so that
water appears right to the top of Plant out seedlings and young plants
the pot and get a water butt. If you
have a drainpipe you have a natural •Watering and weeding
water supply so a simple garden •Start spraying roses to stop black spot and mildew
solution for May is to ensure that •Fast growing hedges will need a trim
you have adequate water storage. •Plant hanging baskets and containers
If you buy and fit a water butt it •Plant salad leaves seeds
will provide you with water for •Tie up climbers
the garden in an environmentally •Feed spring bulbs for next year
friendly way and on a regular basis. •Plant out tomatoes
••Mow the lawn
Annual weeds will be popping
up now, so weeding borders once A great plant to get you into different blooms including single,
a week to prevent weed seedlings the summer gardening spirit is double, ruffled or smooth petals.
establishing is a good idea. The the pretty Petunia.– perfect for They can be striped, veined or solid
problem with the most common containers and hanging baskets in colour and most sold today are
weeds such as nettles, dandelions and a great choice for instant hybrids developed for specific design
and bindweed is that they are very, colour. It can flower all summer purposes such as fragrance. They
very tough. They can continue to long, providing you deadhead need full sun and can’t tolerate frost
grow in conditions that make most regularly, and comes in a variety of but can grow in a wide range of soils
garden plants simply fade away – colours to suit any garden palette. and thrive in multipurpose compost
and they do that, in part, by using Petunias are also available in when planted in containers.
the moisture, nutrients and light of
the plants around them.

Open Mar-end Oct

62 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

NEW SHOWROOM COMING SOON!

Vine Road. Johnston. Haverfordwest. Pembrokeshire SA62 3NZ
westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 63

West Wales Life&Style
64 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

Health and Fitness

Four-time UK fitness champion,
ballet dancer, mountaineer,
GB Adventure Racer and

mum of seven, Joey Bull offers
tips and advice on all things
health and fitness.

Coming back to earth

If I ask you to picture exercise, I called Shinrin-Yoku, or you consigned to ancient history as a
am pretty sure you will bring to may have heard of it as ‘Forest result of almost infinite footwear
mind something energetic and Bathing’ (it has been referenced options. But should we ignore it
vigorous. I can be equally sure that a few times on BBC’s Autumn entirely on the grounds of ‘comfort’.
walking has not entered your mind’s and Winterwatch). These are all Increasing numbers of studies
eye. However walking is not only about gentle walks of 2-4 hours suggest not.
the most accessible activity for all of sensual immersion in a wooded
those who are able, it is a genuinely environment. It has shown results The mechanics of the foot and our
great exercise. in preventative healthcare and in gait are intricate and we all adopt
combating mental health issues. our own swagger, but they do have
It has been shown that the benefits a huge bearing on our movement.
of walking in nature are felt for up And the benefits even extend Thanks to footwear we have become
to seven hours afterwards. These beyond shoes! Kick off your trainers, so used to support that certain
benefits straddle the emotional walking shoes, hiking boots or muscles under-function and once we
and physical. Studies have shown whatever you might strap on and start out barefoot, the distribution
that it elevates positivity and get natural. Bear with me here, of pressure across the foot is even
actually counters what is known I’m not going all Woodstock and said to change our biomechanics.
as the ‘broodiness state’. This has ethereal on you, there really are
nothing to do with babies but is wonderful positive effects! I accept that walking on hard,
actually about the cycle of dwelling man-made surfaces might well have
on negative thoughts. Walking Of course walking barefoot in the it’s issues, but what if we just kick
has been shown to fix that broken modern world has largely been off our shoes and go barefoot more
record.

A good outdoor walk boosts energy
levels, it stimulates the brain,
forcing it to constantly engage
with your surroundings for every
single step, making a thousand
subconscious calculations and
decisions a second.

Trees naturally release something
called phytoncides which have a
beneficial effect on our nervous
system, and the whole process
can do wonders for a calming,
reflective process as well as boosting
creativity. How many times do you
have a great idea, or think of that
perfect line or paragraph to write
when you are out dog walking and
have no way of noting it down? It
happens to me often!

The Japanese practice something

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 65

West Wales Life&Style

‘Kick off your

trainers and get
natural. There

’really are wonderful
positive effects!

often? Walking barefoot activates the opposite effect. So Instead of chain reaction of damage, sending
something called ‘grounding’, having thin blood which is less a message to the immune system.
which is believed to do us all sorts likely to clot we will have thick
of favours. blood and inflammation potential. So with the earth endowed with
electrons, grounding has been
Walking with contact is believed Inflammation is produced by found to stop inflammation and
to reduce stress levels. It is even the body’s white blood cells. If pain. This is because the force
considered to support organ you have an injury you have a holding the heart, the lungs, the
systems down to the tissues and damaged cell and the white blood brain, is electrical equipment. We
the cellular function. But how? cells come in and encapsulate are electrical beings. ATP is the
the damage and release reactive energy currency for the cell, that
Grounding allows your body to oxygen species which rip electrons is how we run our body’s systems
absorb negative electrons, through from the damaged cells and that by generating a bio electrical
the earth, which helps to stabilize then destroys the damaged cell. transfer. And when we connect to
daily stress rhythms – that’s a conductor server in some way,
cortisol – and create a balanced If there are not enough free there’s a transfer of electrons that
internal bioelectrical environment. electrons there to reduce the are slowly going into our body.
So if we insulate ourselves from remaining radical, it steals from
this, as we have by wearing another healthy cell and damages It was an electrician Clint Gober
rubber soled shoes, we will have that cell – and then you’ve got a who started his own trials on

66 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style balance between the heel and big
and small toe and plug yourself
this before presenting them for into earth. Results have also
controlled studies. Suspicious of revealed that grounding influences
the implications of always being physiologic processes, induces
insulated from the earth, He relaxation and stabilises circadian
literally placed metal duck tape on rhythms; our response to light and
his bed, clipped it to a wire that dark.
he dropped out the window and
attached it to a metal stake in the We are blessed to live in a
ground. Having needed medication stunning part of the UK that is
to help him sleep, he found there absolutely prime walking territory.
was something in this grounding, As we ease our way back towards
as he slept so well and noticed less a few more freedoms, more
pain. activities, more social interaction
– walking is the perfect activity
With a group of 60 people to stretch our legs, get air in our
he found remarkable visual lungs, get the heart rate up, work
difference in scans before and after those legs and not only connect
grounding. And the participants with friends, but connect with the
said that PMS, inflammation Earth!
and pain had greatly improved
or even gone. Then he attracted You can find Joey’s walking
the attention of scientists and video online at youtu.be/
physicians and the effects of s1F3D72nTwU or visit joeybull.
grounding became apparent in com for a range of workouts
larger studies. and health and fitness advice.

You can make the most of your The winners of our Winter Joey
walking by playing around with Bull competition were: Julia
speeds, using the hills to march, Norton, Kristiina Castren and
the flats to do some walking Netta Stephens
lunges. Then take off your shoes
where you can and feel the
spread of the toes, the tripod like

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 67

West Wales Life&Style

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West Wales Life&Style

Farming diary

Debbie James lives on a coastal farm in
south Pembrokeshire where her family
produces milk from a herd of New

Zealand Friesians. The grass-based dairy
farm is also home to a beef enterprise
with animals reared on pasture.

This farming
wife

Pembrokeshire farmer Debbie James knows all about
the highs and lows of a life spent working on the land

Say what you like about farmers Debbie’s son George has now joined the
but we are a practical bunch and family business – much to mum’s delight.
have some pretty useful machines at
our disposal. 69

That, and our farm’s close
proximity to a road, makes us a
magnet for those unfortunate souls
in need of a tow when their car
breaks down or, worse still, get
stuck in a ditch.

Always, without fail, the SOS at
the door comes when we are trying
to grab a bite to eat.

Last week it was a parcel delivery
driver who came knocking. By
religiously following the guidance
on his sat nav, his van ground to a
halt in a ford at the bottom of the
farm track that runs alongside our
farmstead.

The sheer number of gates he had
to open to get there and the rutted
track should have served as red
flags but let’s not dwell on those.

The poor man was distraught
because, as we all know, delivery

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

drivers are under pressure to meet sustained our Keith with a couple a better person, if only it would rain

targets and veering off the beaten slices of fruit cake until the recovery or warm up.

track had already put him behind vehicle arrived. One of the reseeds is on a hill

his tight schedule. He kindly returned the overlooking the farm and the field

Cue my husband with a tractor compliment by calling with a bottle is a troubling reminder of the late

and a heavy duty tow chain and he of good wine later that week as he spring as it remains steadfastly

was soon back on the road. was holidaying in the area. brown as we wait for the green

He offered to cross Chris’ palm Bizarrely, thereafter he seemed to shoots to appear.

with silver but the man’s gratitude pop up endlessly in the television Farming requires nerves of steel

was enough on that day. dramas I watched, having not been because so much of what we do is

I can’t attest to the view of farming aware of him beforehand. weather dependant but at times

being an isolating and lonely When our tractors have not been of worry I have to gently remind

profession because of ‘Farmer bashers are myself that it mostly
our steady stream of always works out in
beleaguered callers. given so much airtime the end.

Our most famous ’that it can at times feel Surprisingly the
was the actor Keith farm is just about
Allen but I must like it is against the world growing enough
confess that his fame grass to feed the cows
passed me. I didn’t without too much
know him from supplementary feed.
Adam, even when
This week I spent

he was standing in our kitchen and in use as recovery vehicles, they a very happy morning measuring

using our phone to call the AA while have been notching up the miles grass with George, our middle son,

Chris furnished me with details of this spring cultivating some of our who has joined us in the business.

his identity. more unproductive fields. We were collecting the data we need

“Lily Allen’s father,’’ he loudly Anxious weeks of weather to calculate our grass supply and to

whispered as he struggled to rein watching have followed as work out if we have enough to meet

in his excitement. Ahh, now the the exceptionally cold and dry feed demand without supplementing

penny dropped as I happen to know conditions have delayed seed the cows’ diet.

who she is but as someone who is germination. Earlier, we had turned some of

completely unfazed by celebrity I Obsessively following the forecasts our calves out to graze for the first

did what any farmer’s wife would have made little difference as have time. While frolicking lambs are a

have done in the circumstances and making all those secret pacts to be cliché for the arrival of spring in the

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West Wales Life&Style

countryside, it is playful calves that
are the backdrop to our spring.

We calve the entire herd in the
spring and produce most of our milk
from grass. When the cows are at
grass, it is not long before the calves
follow. It is a truly uplifting sight,
to watch them learning to graze. It
has to be one of the most effective
antidotes to some of the negativity
doled out by those who seek to
discredit farmers.

Farmer bashers are given so much
airtime by the BBC and other news
channels that it can at times feel
like it is us against the rest of the
world but fortunately most people
use their own good sense as a
barometer of what is right and what
is wrong.

With a footpath leading to a
beautiful beach running through
the farm it is Open Farm Sunday
here every day on high days and
holidays.

The public can see how naturally
we produce our milk, how happy
and well looked after our cows are
grazing in the fields and that is good
enough for us. We count ourselves
lucky to be farming.

T Samways is committed to
providing locally sourced produce

� 01239 621225 Tom Samways started butchery at the age of 14 and has a passion for the
butchery trade. The original shop had been trading for 40 years and Tom had

been an employee for 18 years. Tom took the shop over in 2018 and since
then has expanded the business and the customer base. Tom prides himself on

sourcing the highest quality locally selected meats and poultry. T Samways is
dedicated to supporting local farmers and producers.

We’re � Quality Meat
currently car Local Delivery
looking for � Original Recipies

new
suppliers.

Bradford House, 53A Pendre, Cardigan SA43 1JR
www.tsamwaysbutcher.co.ukwestwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk
71

IF IT'S West Wales Life&Style

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West Wales Life&Style

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 73

West Wales Life&Style

Tastes of
Wales

With spring well and truly sprung, our thoughts are already turning towards lighter, fresher
meals to eat during the warmer weather. Welsh lamb with green salad and new potatoes
is the perfect dish to welcome in the summer.
Welsh lamb has achieved PGI status – Protected Geographical Indication – the much sought-after
marque that guarantees that you are buying a premium quality product with special characteristics
that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

For a delicious, nutritious yet light main meal to welcome in the summer, try out this fabulous
recipe for racks of Welsh lamb with rosemary, lemon and garlic. Add some new potatoes and green
saldIt really is the perfect warm weather dish, whether eaten inside or out.

Welsh lamb provides a true taste of Wales – and there really is nothing quite like.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hours
Serves five or more
Ingredients
2 lean racks of PGI Welsh Lamb
2 large sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 lemon, rind removed and juice
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Black pepper

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160°C fan / Gas 4-5.
Take the two lean racks of lamb and calculate the
cooking time: medium – 25 minutes per 450g/0.5kg
plus 25 minutes; well done – 30 minutes per
450g/0.5kg plus 30 minutes.
Mix together the rosemary, lemon rind and juice,
garlic, olive oil and seasoning, and rub into the
racks.
Cook on a preheated barbecue with a lid or place
onto a rack in a roasting tray and oven roast for the
calculated cooking time.
Serve the lamb with new potatoes and a green
salad.

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West Wales Life&Style

Food

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West Wales Life&Style
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West Wales Life&Style

Wine

Roy guides you from
decanters to dessert

Welcome again to the West Wales Life&Style pouring (decanting) the contents from one vessel
guide to wine with Roy Roberts of Celtic (typically a bottle) into another vessel (typically a
Wines. decanter). Usually, the wine is then served from the
Roy will be continuing to guide our regular readers decanter, but sometimes in a restaurant it is decanted
through his A to Z of wine, this time covering D. back into the original bottle for service.

Dornfelder is a dark-skinned increasingly appreciated Slowly and carefully decanting the wine ensures that
variety of grape of German origin used for red wine. the sediment stays in the bottle and you get a nice clear
Bred in 1956 by August Herold, it owes its name to the wine in the decanter, and subsequently in your glass.
19th century founder of the Wurttemberg viticulture
school. It incorporates every important red wine vine D is for Discorgement, a critical point in the life of
grown in Germany somewhere in its genealogy. Champagne wine, the grand finale after many months
and sometimes years of peaceful maturation on lees.
The best bottles of this variety, usually sold as a The purpose of disgorgement is to eliminate the deposit
varietal rather than blended, demonstrate the point of that has collected in the neck of the bottle as a result of
vine breeding. the remuage process.

D is also for Dão, one of the oldest established wine D is for Demi Sec, a French term meaning medium
regions of Portugal, located just south of the famous
Douro Valley with the reputation of producing some of
the country’s best red wines. Locked in on three sides
by high, granite mountains and sheltered from the
Atlantic, the region benefits from long, warm summers.

The mountainous region is home to Touriga Nacional,
the principal variety of port wine.

D is also for Decanters, essentially the process of

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 77

Wine West Wales Life&Style

78 dry. In practice, it designates a dosage level that yields 32 to 50 g/l of
residual sugar. In Champagne, the scale from driest to sweetest is:
Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra-Dry (or Extra-Sec), Dry (or Sec),
Demi-Sec and Doux.

D is also for DOC, which stands for Denominazione di Origine
Controllata and is a designation for wines that was introduced in the
early 1960s. It equates more or less to the French AOC/AC system.

The regulations for each DOC wine delimit the production area,
wine colour, permitted grape varieties and max/min proportions,

styles of wine, max/min alcohol levels as well as permitted
or mandated viticultural, vinification and maturation
techniques.
There are 330 DOC wines in Italy today.
DOCG, wine designation was created in 1980 to
differentiate the top Italian wines, as there was a
general feeling that the DOC status was graded too
liberally.
The regulations for DOCG wines are tighter and
more restrictive. For example, maximum permitted
grape yields are lower. Also, each wine must pass an
in-depth technical analysis and tasting to receive the
official DOCG seal of approval from the Ministry of
Agriculture.
DO is another classification standing for
Denominación de Origen. Some wines will have DO
labelled after the name of the region, meaning that
this is a quality-controlled appellation that has been
awarded a higher status of winemaking.
You can also spot a DO wine by the black label on
the back, known as the contraetiqueta.
D is for Dessert Wines, produced with extra-sweet
wine grapes.
The grapes used to produce dessert wines have
a higher sugar content than regular wine grapes,
yielding a sweeter, richer wine.
These high sugar levels are usually achieved by
leaving the grapes on the vine for longer than the
equivalent dry wines.
D is also for Dole, a red wine made from mainly
Pinot Noir with Gamay grapes grown in the Valais
of Switzerland. A high proportion of Dole lacks real
interest and concentration, but exceptions exist.
Dole Blanche is lightly pressed, pale pink version.
D is for Domaine, the French word for an estate - it
typically refers ti vine-growing and wine-making
estates in Burgundy.
D is for Dow, important port shipper.
And finally D is Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust,
a charity we work with that aims for more diverse,
beautiful and resilient natural landscapes in which
species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper
connection with nature.
Their strategy concentrates on the rewilding
of animals, the rewilding of ecosystems and the
rewilding of people. The Society of Vintners directly
supports the trust with every sale made. Please
visitdurrell.org for more information

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk

West Wales Life&Style

After having missed so many opportunities for Concerts,
Weddings, Family Events, not to mention Hugs and seeing Old
Friends things are finally easing up and we may soon have the

opportunity to say Hello to you again here at Rhosygilwen!
We have Catrin Finch, Llyr Williams, Martin and Eliza Carthy,

David Tress, Yoga with Hilary, Our Wednesday Art group,
Trystan Llyr Griffiths, Weddings and Parties, The Rhosygilwen

Proms, Treasure Island, Young Musician of Dyfed,
Rhosygilwen Dinners and many other things going on to whet

your appetite!
We look forward to seeing you here at Rhosygilwen very soon!

rhosygilwen.co.uk

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 79

West Wales Life&Style

Whether a large nuclear family or a two models in particular: to the EQA, whose
small extended family: as a seven- advanced drive technology it shares, and to
seater, the new Mercedes EQB all- the GLB compact SUV. This is where the long
electric compact SUV offers space for many wheelbase, the spacious and variable interior
family constellations and a wide variety of and the third row of seats with two additional
transport needs. individual seats come from.

This gives it an exceptional position not The amount of space is generous: the
only in the compact segment, but especially headroom and knee space in the rear of the
among electric cars. The two seats in the
third row can be used by people up to 5ft
4inches tall, and child seats can also be fitted
there.

The new EQB is the second fully electric
compact car from Mercedes-EQ. The
powerful and efficient electric drive,
clever recuperation and predictive
Navigation with Electric Intelligence
are just some of the features that
link it to the EQA.

The electric offensive from
Mercedes-Benz Cars is not
only picking up speed, it is
accelerating with as much kick
as the Mercedes-EQ vehicles
themselves. The design of the
new all-electric compact SUV
interprets the progressive
luxury of Mercedes-EQ in an
edgy and characterful way.

“With the all new EQB we have
created an iconic electric SUV
that takes the heritage of our boxy
off-road vehicles and transforms
this into the future. We combine
the significant boxy silhouette with
futuristic elements such as the black-panel
front to create the extraordinary look of the
vehicle”, says Gorden Wagener, chief design
officer of Daimler Group.

Customers will have the choice between
several models with front-wheel and all-
wheel drive and various power levels, some
rated at over 200 kW. The usable capacity
of the batteries in Europe is 66.5 kWh.
A particularly long-range version is also
planned.
Generous space and variable, level boot
The new EQB enriches Mercedes’ successful
compact car family and is closely related to

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West Wales Life&Style

Mercedes EQB:

An all-electric SUV to

get the family buzzing

five-seater reaches a comfortable level. The adjustment of 140 millimetres. This enables
boot is level and spacious: The load volume the boot to be enlarged by up to 190 litres and
of 495 to 1710 or 465 to 1620 litres (figures put to versatile use.
for five- and seven-seaters respectively) has
the qualities of a compact estate car. The As an option, the EQB has a third row of
inclination of the backrests in the second row seats with two additional individual seats.
can be adjusted in several stages as standard, Extensive safety features include extractable
and as an option it features longitudinally head restraints, seat belts with belt tensioners
and force limiters on all outer seats and a

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 81

West Wales Life&Style

side windowbag that also covers with upright windscreen makes the studded roof rails underline the

passengers in the third row. Four comfortable interior possible. The high utility value of the new EQB.

child seats can be fitted in rows muscular and sensuously modelled The large body of the dashboard

two and three, plus one more in the vehicle shoulder dominates the side has a cut-out in the driver and

front passenger seat. ‘An iconic electric SUV passenger area.
To increase luggage The driver faces a
space, the third row that takes heritage and Widescreen Cockpit,
seats can be lowered with control and
into the load floor. ’transforms it into the display via MBUX
Electro design future (Mercedes-Benz
aesthetics with User Experience).
corners and edges The robust character
The EQB interprets of the interior is
Mercedes-EQ’s underlined by tubular

Progressive Luxury in an edgy and view, which is further enhanced by elements in an aluminium look.

characterful way. It features the the rise of the beltline. Outwardly They sit as handles in the doors, in

typical Mercedes-EQ black panel positioned wheels give the EQB a the centre console and instrument

grille with central star. A further powerful character and confident panel on the passenger side.

distinctive design feature is the stance on the road. Exclusive to this Efficient driving pleasure

continuous light strip at front and model are light-alloy wheels in a bi- and Navigation with Electric

rear. A horizontal fibre-optic strip or tri-colour design, up to 20 inches Intelligence

connects the daytime running lights in size, in some cases with rosé gold- ECO Assist offers a recuperation

of the full-LED headlamps, ensuring coloured or blue decorative trim. process optimised to the particular

a high level of recognisability in The LED tail lamps merge situation. It incorporates navigation

daylight and at night. The inside seamlessly into the tapered LED data, traffic sign recognition and

of the headlamps is finished to a light strip. This underlines the information from the vehicle

high level of quality and precision. horizontal sense of width of the sensors into its efficiency strategy.

Blue colour highlights within the EQB in the rear view. In addition, Anticipatory driving saves power,

headlamp reinforce the signature the number plate is placed on thereby extending the range.

Mercedes-EQ appearance. the bumper, which allows for a The standard Navigation with

The function-oriented greenhouse beautifully sculpted tailgate. The Electric Intelligence also contributes

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West Wales Life&Style

‘A powerful

character
with a

confident

’stance on

the road
to the effortless handling of the then just over 30 minutes from 10- cyclists or vehicles, and a warning
EQB in everyday life. It calculates 80 percent SoC. when pedestrians are detected near
the fastest route to the destination, Cooperative support for the zebra crossings.
including any necessary charging driver and high level of crash
stops. On the basis of continual safety The EQB is also a true Mercedes
range simulations, the system The EQB features intelligent when it comes to passive safety.
makes allowance for any necessary driving assistance systems with Building on the robust bodyshell
charging stops as well as for cooperative support for the driver. structure of the GLB, the body of
numerous other factors, such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and the EQB was adapted to the special
the topography and the weather. It Active Brake Assist are fitted requirements of an electric car. The
is also able to react dynamically to as standard. In many critical battery sits within a frame made
changes, for instance in the traffic situations, the latter has the ability out of extruded sections. This takes
situation or personal driving style. to prevent a collision or reduce its on a structural function which until
In addition, the Navigation with severity with autonomous braking. now was maintained by the cross
Electric Intelligence ensures that The system is also able to brake for members in the underfloor. A guard
the high-voltage battery is brought stationary vehicles and crossing in the front area of the battery is
to an optimal charging temperature pedestrians at typical city speeds. able to prevent the energy storage
before a planned charging stop, if The enhanced functions of the unit from being pierced by foreign
needed. Driving Assistance Package include, objects.
Sophisticated charging for example, the turning manoeuvre
technology and green power function, the emergency corridor Thanks to a perfect blending of
At home or at public charging function, the exit warning function safety, design, performance and
stations, the EQB can be charged alerting the driver to approaching green credentials, the new Mercedes
at up to 11 kW with alternating EQB is a compact SUV that while
current (AC) using the onboard have the whole family cheering.
charger. The charging time for
a full charge depends on the
available infrastructure and vehicle
equipment. Charging at a Mercedes-
Benz Wallbox is considerably faster
than at a household socket.

And it is of course even faster at
direct current (DC) fast-charging
stations.

Depending on the SoC (State of
Charge) and the temperature of
the high-voltage battery, the EQB
charges at a corresponding charging
station with a maximum power of
up to 100kW. The charging time is

westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk 83

West Wales Life&Style

Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest • 01437 768014 • www.vincentdavies.co.uk
Free Parking • For opening times visit www.vincentdavies.co.uk

84 westwaleslifeandstyle.co.uk