Bluestone - a new adventure centre opens in time for february half term
“You’ll find boredom where there is an absence of a good idea”
- Earl Nightingale
The recent cold weather school closures may make it feel like your children have only just gone back to school, and yet in a couple of weeks time they will be off school again. 2010 February half term is around the corner.
Parents will be scouring the internet for deals on halfterm activities, attractions and ideas to make the family holidays interesting for the kids and less demanding for themselves. What you need is ideas.
We have some solutions……..
1. Conscript your kids to the army
We aren’t suggesting packing them off to the marines - its life in the Roman Army they will be learning all about at the Roman Soldier Workshops at the national museum of Wales.
2. Give them a worms eye view of the big issues
The award winning Centre For Alternative Technology offers loads of things to keep kids occupied including the ‘Mole Hole’ allowing them to experience green issues from a worms perspective.
3. Let the ’snakeman’ guide them on a paranormal journey through haunted castles
When he’s not trudging across Antarctic ice you’re likely to find TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle relaxing in Wales. As a campaigner for landscape protection he’s an enthusiast for our National Parks.
“I love the National Parks in Wales – they are breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and within them adventurous spirits can thrive and people seeking peace and tranquillity can find it aplenty.
A personal favourite for me are the windswept beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast, like Newgale, where surfers and kayakers battle the elements all year round. Pembrokeshire’s coast path is at its most beautiful in the spring when an abundance of wild flowers cling to the cliff tops. If you’re lucky you might see the first puffins returning to their nesting sites on Skomer Island or a harbour porpoise off Strumble Head.
When I’m in need of a challenging climb I head for the rugged peaks of Snowdonia where I’m spoilt for choice. The classic walks of the Snowdon massif or the Carneddau are among my favourites, but I am also drawn to quieter hills such as the Rhinogau when I need some time out.
I am also drawn, time after time, to the wide open spaces of The Brecon Beacons. This National Park is a haven for all sorts of wildlife – check the sky for red kites with their distinctive forked tails, and listen out for the summer song of skylarks and pipits filling the air.
I hope that you will find time to explore the National Parks in Wales during 2010 – I might see you there!”
Ben is president of The Campaign for National Parks the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.
she loves me, she loves me not....... (image by: Elvvia)
Patron Saint of lovers
St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Which makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine. This means that Wales enjoys two Valentines Days, one on the 14th February and The Welsh Valentines day - St Dwynwens day on 25th January.
Unrequited
Ironically, St Dwynwen’s love life was a sad and traumatic affair, suffering a bungled arranged marriage, unrequited love for a prince and brainwashing at the hands of an angel. Unmarried, St Dwynwen founded a convent on the remote and magical Llanddwyn Island, off the west coast of Anglesey.
The Sacred Fish
Every year people make a pilgrimage to St Dwynwen’s Well, where it is said that the movements of a sacred fish can predict how you and your partners relationship will fair. If you and your partner visit the well and the water starts boiling, this is a sure sign that love and happiness will follow you.
