July 2013 Update - Friends of Borth-y-Gest

Borth-y-Gest Update
July 2013
Hello from Borth-y-Gest where the weather is wonderful, and the forecast is for more
of the same. It’s great for our visitors as we approach peak season, and great for
residents too!
Here’s a photo of some local boaters enjoying the weather in front of Sea View
Tearooms:
As ever, there are a few things to tell you about:
1. Ysgol Borth-y-Gest Summer Fair 11am to 3pm TODAY [Saturday 13th]
This is probably too late for most readers – sorry! If you are able to attend, it’s the
School Fair today, at the School. Do call in to support them – there are stalls,
barbecues, games etc. Full details on our website and the Noticeboard.
2. History walk - Saturday 20th July 1.30pm by the Car Park Noticeboard
Richard Walwyn, author of “A Little History of Borth-y-Gest”, has planned a
circular walk on the opposite side of the estuary, starting from Llechollwyn [Ynys] at
Map Ref SH597 358. Meet in Borth-y-Gest Car Park for car sharing or, if more
convenient, join at Llechollwyn at 2pm.
Richard says that the circular walk is fairly short – about two hours including stops
for explanations and questions and will include “Llanfihangel y Traethau church,
Tygwyn y Gamlas - original shipbuilding centre and ferry terminus, Mor Edrin Richard Hughes house and one or two other things). Ynys was our closest neighbour
in times past, and the main focus of the view from Borth harbour, and of course where
the ferry went to”. The Church is being specially opened for us and there is the
possibility of calling at Maes y Neuadd for afternoon tea afterwards! The forecast is
fine, Briwet Bridge is open [and toll free] and the views back to Borth-y-Gest are
spectacular, so it will be a super outing. Footwear suitable for the coastal section is
advisable, though Richard tells me that it isn’t particularly wet, just a bit rough in
places.
If you plan to come, do let me know if you can so that Richard can prepare sufficient
sets of notes to take away.
3. Flower walk in June
Many thanks to Kevin Hall for leading our Wildflower Walk in June. I believe it was
very successful, with many different plants seen – and also some midges! Kevin is
going to send me the list of plants seen and we’ll put this on the website for people’s
interest. I will also add the list of birds [over 50 species] seen at the Morfa
Bychan/Greenacres “bird blitz” by the Wildlife Trust in May. I think it’s good to
know what we have in our area, even if we aren’t great at identifying them ourselves!
4. Briwet Bridge
As mentioned above, Briwet Bridge – the toll bridge at Penrhyndeudraeth which is
being replaced – will be open through the summer, but there will be delays during
working hours from the end of July as lorries deliver stone for the new causeway.
5. Coastal Watch
The ‘watch station’ is back in place near Ynys Cyngar ( the Powder House ) for the
summer season. David Littlemore is looking for volunteers to give up a few hours a
week to keep an eye on our busy estuary and coastal waters – a potential life saving
service. Contact David on david.littlemore1@btinternet.com if you would like to help.
6. Marine Watch
This is the coastal equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch – keeping an eye open for
suspicious behaviour around boats. Paul Duggan, the PCSO overseeing the scheme
tells me that there have been a number of recent thefts of outboard engines [about 20
in total!] in South Wales and Anglesey. He would like to know of anyone offering
‘cheap’ engines for sale and advises boat owners to be especially aware of their own
security arrangements.
Paul is also looking to acquire a couple of ‘redundant’ boats – boats which are
basically intact but will never be used again – to be used as demonstration models
when he gives talks about engine security. Our village Flower Boats would meet the
description, but they aren’t available! Let me know if you have anything suitable and
he’ll take it off your hands.
7. Village Barbecue
We haven’t organised one this year – which is a shame as the weather is so good – as
the people involved in the recent ones have had other commitments. The Committee
are planning that it should become a bi-annual event to reduce the work load.
However….if anybody would like to get something organised for this year, do feel
free. The Friends have got two very good barbecues which are available.
8. Croesor Café
The charming ‘community’ café and gallery in Croesor is currently closed due to
shortage of volunteers. If you would like to help, get in touch with Sheelagh on 01766
770913
9. Superfast Broadband
This has arrived in Borth-y-Gest, at least in half of the village. The final work is
taking place above the Car Park with temporary closure of Amanda Terrace etc.
Here’s a photo of Amanda Terrace from an unusual viewpoint, before the work
started:
10. Our Facebook Page
If you are on Facebook, do seek out “Friends of Borth-y-Gest” and tick the box for
notifications. We are putting regular photographs on there of our local area, often
from unusual perspectives. There will also be news items.
Finally…….
Did you know that…..whilst nobody is really sure about the origins of our area name
“Gest”, many people think it is derived from the ancient chambered cairn “Cist
Cerrig” [which means “stone chest”] situated on the shoulder of Moel y Gest [hill of
Gest] and not far from Borth-y-Gest [Port or entrance of Gest]. It is suggested that,
over time, Cist transmuted to Gest which seems quite probable to me.
Here are a couple of photos of Cist Cerrig:
Cist Cerrig, in the field, looking towards Criccieth. Close up, courtesy of Dewi Jones
That’s all for now. Don’t forget our website www.friendsofborthygest.com & the
Facebook page.
David Medcalf
Secretary – the Friends of Borth-y-Gest
Tel: 01766 512115
eMail: medcalf959@btinternet.com