From
our 2005 newsletter….. From
our 2005 newsletter…..
Whether they’ve flown in from Southern Europe or from Africa, four Little Egrets have come to settle down with the grey herons, the cormorants, gulls, oystercatchers, shell ducks, curlews and all the other birds who feed in our deliciously stocked estuary. It’s thrilling to see these gorgeous white herons with their black legs and bright yellow feet. Now marine biologists tell us that the leather-backed turtles, great deep-water companions of the dinosaurs, are leaving the Caribbean seas where they are born, and making straight for Carmarthen Bay to gorge on our jellyfish.
In March, out of the blue, we received letters to say that the Department of Culture has chosen Llansteffan as the trial village to check how digital TV will work throughout the country. For every TV and video set we own, we will be given a digi-box free! In Llansteffan, every day is a miracle so we take such things in our stride, but if the boxes do appear, visitors to The Old Bakery in 2005 will have access, courtesy of HM Government, to all the BBC free to air channels
Then, in July, Prince Charles arrived by helicopter. The Cor Meibion Llansteffan, the Llansteffan Male Voice Choir and the children of Llansteffan School sang to him. He was given lunch at Hen Tafarn, and then a slice of Etta Richardson’s boiled fruitcake. Like in the fairy story, the palace phoned. ‘His Royal Highness thoroughly enjoyed the cake and no other cake will now do.’
Llansteffan Tourist Association
has brought out a leaflet and is setting up a web-site. The hospitality businesses
here are small, but becoming well known. This year Garth B&B was on S4C,
while Big Bill from Hen Tafarn took Rick Stein fishing.
It’s clear that everyone will in the end find their way to Llansteffan. Although
I knew that The Old Bakery was built in the garden of 1 Stratford Cottages,
I now learn that Stratford Cottages were built, of course, by a Mr George Shakespear,
around 1852… Need I say more?
Marina, I can’t thank you enough for your unfailing help, and all the friends and neighbours who are here when I need you. It’s wonderful to see visitors return each year, and to welcome new people to our very special delights.
Croeso i’r Hen Bopty!
Extracts from the visitors’ book 2005…..
"As we came in early spring we must mention the primroses, and how cosy it was to return to The Old Bakery after those keen March winds. We’d love to come back again. We’ve all foolishly started books we’ll have to finish!"
"Spent most days pottering about on the beach, fishing and crabbing and going for walks along the beautiful coastline.""Our second visit here and it’s started to feel like home. Wonderful hospitality much appreciated."
"It was a lovely, artistic cottage to stay in and marvellous to be able to pop across the road and watch the tide coming in."