Our tasters and talk session aim to introduce people to new skills and information, you never know where an interest may be sparked and where it could lead—a new hobby, a new business, a lightbulb moment. Come along and find out, there is something different every month. So far we have hosted:
Pen y Bryn Falconry with Islwyn
Islwyn from Birds of Prey North Wales came over from Corwen to give talks and display some of his amazing owls. He was kept busy all morning, adults and children (about 30) came in and out to chat, ask loads of questions and have their photos taken with the Barn and Eagle owls. The Eagle owl was huge and to be hoest I was petrified of it! A really interesting session and I’m sure all who came over learnt a great deal
Willow Weaving with Eirian Muse
A really great taster session was given by Eirian Muse from Helyg Lleu. Twelve attended and were busy weaving their willow to produce some wonderful Christmas decorations – Xmas trees, stars and reindeer. Every single one was so proud of their items after such a long morning of labour! Eirian is always busy growing and preparing the willow for her workshops and sells her produce in our monthly Marchnad. Thanks to Eirian for sharing her skills with us.
Fermenting Vegetables
Clair Mace came over to demonstrate the skill of preserving vegetables by fermentation so they are available during the winter months. A really interesting session and an opportunity to ask questions and taste the foods. Claire shared a recipe sheet at the end. Here is a step by step guide: https://fermentations.co.uk/fermented-vegetables-at-home-a-step-by-step-guide/
Bingo
Two Bingo sessions were held during the morning with a chance of winning a voucher for a cuppa and cake for any line and £20 voucher to spend in the Marchnad for a full house. There was some excitement at times! Congratulations to the winners.
Bocssebon Paper Making
Gwyneth Pritchard of Bocssebon hosted 3 classes of paper making, using herbs and flowers. People were enthralled.
Try Out Salsa
The Salsa taster session was popular this morning. Lots of laughter alongside some serious movements. Following the Salsa dancing in the Marchnad, several asked for local classes. Thursday evenings at 8.00 in Rascals Upper Bangor. £4.
Vale Animal Encounters
Vale Animal Encounters was very popular from creepy crawlies to Shetland ponies – the kids loved it. Find them on facebook:
Defibrillator Training with Dafydd Monks
A defibrillator in your workplace, community or school could save a life if someone has a cardiac arrest. There are a few things to be aware of before purchase and installation. Dafydd explained and demonstrated how to use a defibrillator effectively and safely, and how to get into the box to use it.
More information on the British Heart Foundation Website: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators or see Dafydd at the Snowdonia Botanicals Stall.
Stickmaking
Mel Morris from the North Wales Sticks Society showcased the old traditional craft of stick making – wood and horn, shepherd, thumb and walk. He had rows of his sticks on display and demonstrated the process of making a stick from start to finish. The Club meets the second Saturday of the month at Elidir House, Deiniolen.
Yoga Tryout with Nicole Le Maire
To kick off the new year Nicole Le Maire came over to hold Yoga sessions – one while sitting on a chair and the second a regular one. I’m sure some were in pain when stretching their muscles!
Nicole has a Yoga class at Canolfan Y Fron on Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. And is also an expert felter!
Talk: Climate Science for Beginners
Michelle gave a short very interesting talk on how and why carbon dioxide emissions have increased dramatically since the start of the industrial revolution. Climate data was explained so that people could understand the implications of continually burning fossil fuels. Here is a link to the booklet given out during the session.
Wreath Making with Wendy’s Plants
Wendy came to hold a wreath making session to put on a door, and there was a lot of talking and laughing while creating. 28 were made, all bright with orange slices, different greenery, cinnamon etc. Everyone was very proud of their hard work. Wendy has a wonderful, very affordable plant stall at most markets.
Uniform Swap
An email was sent to all schools in the Nantlle Valley to have space in the Market to exchange uniforms. With the cost of living increasing, it’s a great opportunity to get your child ready for September. Although only two schools came, several parents thought this was a great idea. Hopefully more schools will come then next year.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the principle that specific reflex points on the feet and hands which correspond to different parts of the body. The feet and hands are a mini map and a mirror of the body. Anwen showed techniques of light touch and pressure on the hands to encourage relaxation and balance. Her website is https://www.troedio.cymru/
Sweetmaking
This was a session to show how easy it is to make sweets with children and as a lovely gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day etc. Present them in little boxes, glass jars and bowls with some ribbon. They can be sold to raise money for your local school! Yvonne demonstrated how to make Chocolate Fudge, Peppermint Creams, Minty Snowflakes and Coconut Shies.
A fun activity, helping children weigh, measure and share.
BSL Intro to Sign Language
In the small room a session on Makaton and Sign Language was run by Ceri – it was really interesting and fun and the hour flew by. We finished the session by signing two songs – Yma o Hyd was the most popular. Thanks to Hannah from Groeslon who helped Ceri (and us!) Ceri will be running a Makaton course in the Galeri in the new year – a useful skill to learn and communicate.
Introduction to Felting
About 16 joined in with the wet felting session and made mushrooms. Amidst laughter and fun, each one left proudly carrying their felted fungi. Thanks to Nicole for the session.
Sewing Skills
Anwen came with her sewing machine to make some useful items: hand warmers, lavender eye masks, draught excluders, shopping bags, hems etc.