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- New Year At Angorfa Cafe: (21/12/05)
Angorfa Cafe open for breakfast on new years eve and new years day from 9.00am till 2.30pm - pop in and cure that hangover with the famous Angorfa breakfast !!

- Sandpiper Event: (15/12/05)
Flipside, Babi Bach and First Light are having an event at the Sandpiper on Sunday 18th December from 10.30am onwards.
There will be a cake stall (with its proceeds going to Ysgol Abersoch and
Cylch Meithrin Llanbedrog) serving teas, coffees etc and there will be special offers and reductions offered by all 3 shops.

- Vaynol Changes Hands: (04/12/05)
The Vaynol Arms arms changed hands on Friday with new landlords Jill and Jonathan taking over from Adrian and Sue. Adrian (or "Boulty" as he is known to many locally) has been the landlord for nearly 15 years and we wish him and Sue all the best for the future. Jonathan and Jill ran "Block's" restaurant at the Riverside last summer and we wish them every success in their new venture.

photo: John Wormald

- North Wales Water Supply Problems (Cryptosporidium): (02/12/05)
We have had a few e-mails asking whether the problem with the water supply that is affecting some parts of North Wales and resulting in instructions to boil all water - is relevant here. Well the good news is that our water supply does not come from the same source - so there is no problem in the Abersoch area. Boil water notices have been given to the following areas -

Bangor, Beaumaris, Beddgelert
Bethania, Bethel (Gwynedd), Betws Garmon
Bontnewydd, Caeathro, Caernarfon
Carmel (Gwynedd), Ceint, Cwm y Glo, Dinas
Ffridd Uchaf, Gaerwen, Groeslon
Llanberis, Llanddaniel, Llandegfan, Llandwrog
Llandygai, Llanfaes, Llanfaglan
Llanfairpwll, Llangoed, Llanrug
Llanwnda, Menai Bridge, Nantmor
Penmynydd, Penyffridd, Plas Gwynant, Pont Aberglaslyn
Pont-rug, Rhosgadfan, Rhostryfan
Rhyd-ddu, Seion, Vaynol Hall
Waunfawr, Y Felinheli

- New Year At The Wylfa - Press Release: (01/12/05)
"Join us at The Wylfa for a New Year House Party
A 'typically Wylfa' party. Join us for a "Harry Potter" fancy dress party, enjoy a gourmet buffet, champagne and live music.

We'll see in the new year with fireworks . Then the next day shake off the cobwebs with a wintry walk on the beach after a 'full monty' brunch.

Prices: Party including accommodation, buffet (to include free champagne, bring your own drinks) live music& breakfast adults £120, children £35

Party only including buffet (free champagne, bring your own drinks), live music & fireworks adults £55, Children £20" www.thewylfa.com

- Christmas Trees At Abersoch Garden Centre: (29/11/05)
Christmas Trees have arrived!! Best quality non-shedding Nordmann trees - various sizes. Order and reserve one today to avoid disappointment!
Also, see the fantastic selection of Christmas decorations, garlands, wreaths, candles, various lights - LED lights for inside and outside use, fibre optic and pre-lit trees and lots, lots more.

Late night opening until 7 o'clock Friday, 9th, 16th and 21st December.

"Support" Your Local Garden Centre - can deliver locally: Tel: 01758 713098 or 712452

- HideAway Books News: (28/11/05)
HideAway books is pleased to announce that in celebration of the start of
the Christmas Season all paperback fiction books will be sold on a 3 for the
price of 2 basis from Saturday 26th November 2005 until Sunday 15th January
2006.

- Wintry Covering For Abersoch: (25/11/05)
Overnight hail showers with a bit of snow have left a white covering over much of the village and the beaches this morning.

- First Wakestock Tickets For Sale: (25/11/05)
THE FIRST 200 TICKETS FOR O'SHEA WAKESTOCK 2006 WILL BE ON SALE THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER 05 9:00am AT 2005 PRICES.
DUE TO A WHOLE HOST OF IMPROVEMENTS TO WAKESTOCK NEXT YEAR THE CAMPING TICKET PRICE WILL BE INCREASED WHEN THEY GO ON SALE IN APRIL TO £20. FOR THOSE THAT ARE CLEVER ENOUGH TO BUY THEIR TICKETS EARLY. WE HAVE 200 WEEKEND TICKETS WITH CAMPING AND FREE CAR PARK PASS FOR WAKESTOCK 2006 AVAILABLE AT THE 2005 PRICE. THEY WILL GO ON SALE ON THURSDAY 1st DECEMBER AT 9:00am. TO ORDER PLEASE CALL 01758 710000.
THE FUNKY CONFIRMATION TICKETS WOULD BE GREAT AS A GIFT TOO! - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

- Rip Girl Goes Online: (10/11/05)
Rip Girl now has some products available to buy online - visit www.ripgirl.co.uk

- Babi Bach & Flipside Jewellery Preview: (08/11/05)
This friday (11th Nov) at 7pm Babi Bach and Flipside Jewellery are having a preview of their collections for winter and Christmas including a mini fashion show, raffle and stalls selling gifts, clothing, accessories, gift wrap and cards - all in aid of Hope House charity . Tickets are on sale at Flipside or Babi Bach Pwllheli, £5 to include a glass of bubbly and nibbles! This will take place at Plas Gallery in Llanbedrog.
For more info tel: 01758 612386

- Peninsula Ribs Press Release: (21/10/05)
Winter Specials cruising Cardigan Bay with Peninsula Ribs.
Two trips available so why not get a group together and take a cruise round the Bay or along the southern tip of the Peninsula and Bardsey Island.
During the cooler months it is common to see no other boats on the water. There are plenty of stunning photographic opportunities on either trip of scenery and wildlife.
Duration of both trips is 4 hours and a maximum of 10 passengers can be accommodated. At a total charter cost of £300 inclusive of fuel and crew this could cost as little as £30 per person. Contact Peninsula Ribs to discuss your requirements.
Beat those 'Winter blues' and enjoy an exhilarating journey on the water with friends or family.
Dates arranged to suit your needs but we reserve the right to postpone a trip if the weather is deemed unsuitable. www.peninsularibs.co.uk

- O'Shea Wakestock News: (19/10/05)
O'SHEA WAKESTOCK 2005 has been nominated for Best Small Festival in the UK Festival Awards 2005 and to vote for it - log on to www.festivalawards.com

O'Shea Wakestock Event Date & New Addition Announced
The O'Shea Wakestock festival, which plays host to the worlds best wakeboarders and finest bands and DJ's have announced the date for O'Shea Wakestock 2006; Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July.

O'Shea Wakestock has also already been aired on Sky Sports 2, 3 & Extra as well as BBC 2 Wales and is due to be aired on Extreme TV in November. The programmes show some of the world's best wakeboarding action, the festival setting and nighttime antics that entertained the 20,000 festival goers.

Mark Durston, Event Promoter comments: "We are very excited to announce the dates for O'Shea Wakestock 2006 as we can also reveal that for the festival's seventh year we will be introducing a massive open air stage. This will allow us to accommodate a larger crowd & with it bigger bands & DJ's.

The tide times for 2006 also mean the Wakeboard events at Pwllheli Marina will run at around 10am - 2pm, which will allow people a little more sleep than the early times of this year."

The last two years of O'Shea Wakestock have been a sell out event, for further updates please check the O'Shea Wakestock website, www.wakestock.co.uk

Special Dates At Goslings Restaurant, Abersoch: (10/10/05)
Friday 4th November: Bangers and Mash Night: Three course meal £12.95 per person

20th November 05: Sunday Brunch 11am - £9.95 per person

4th December 05: Sunday Brunch 11am - £9.95 per person

Friday 9th December 05: Christmas Wines and Food - £30 per person including wine

1st January 2006: Sunday Brunch 11am and 1pm sittings.
£12.50 per person including glass of bucks fizz

Bookings for all the above recommended: 01758 712526

- 2005 Surf Contest - Kieran Evans Regains Title: (10/10/05)
This years comp was held at Porth Ceiriad and was won by Kieran Evans...for results and event report visit... www.westcoastsurf.co.uk/comp2005.htm

08/10/2005: photo: John Wormald

- 2005 Surf Contest - This Saturday - October 8th: (03/10/05)
The West Coast North Wales Open (quite a mouth full!) takes place on Saturday 8th October 2005. The contest comprises of an open surfing event and also a body boarding category. Entrants can register on the morning of the contest at Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) car park between 8.30am and 9.30am for £2.00. If another beach is deemed more suitable on the day - then the venue of the contest will be moved.

The evening party on the Saturday night is at SCYC - where there will be 2 bands playing - the Stinky Limpits and Jack Rabbit Slims. Entry is strictly ticket only and these can be bought in advance from the shop for £5. Proceeds will go to local charities. The party is usually a sell out and there will be no tickets available on the door. Entrance from about 7pm.

On Friday evening, though there is no organised party as such, most people tend to end up at the Vaynol Arms in the village where there is usually a bar footie contest. Contact West Coast via www.westcoastsurf.co.uk for more info

- New Book & Gift Shop Opening In Abersoch: (30/09/05)
HideAway Books is opening this weekend, occupying ‘The hideaway’ formally occupied by ‘Thirst for Beer’. HideAway will be run by husband and wife team Richard and Vicky Gibson and will carry a range of books concentrating mainly in the areas of Fiction, Non Fiction, Gardening, Cookery, Crafts and also an extensive range of Children’s books and activity packs. HideAway will also stock a varied range of crafts, giftware and jewellery from around the world.

- Snatch Gig in Manchester: (27/09/05)
Local band "Snatch" have a big gig coming up on Sunday Oct 2nd in Manchester as part of 'In the City' They will be playing at 'Po Na Na' and hitting the stage at around 8:00pm.
For more info visit www.snatchband.co.uk

- Beach Clean Up - Porth Neigwl: (27/09/05)
Keep Wales Tidy are organising a clean up of the beach at Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) on Tuesday 11th October at 1.30pm. All volunteers are welcome.

- Tidal Aid Raises Over £1,000 For Local Charities: (31/08/05)
Abersoch’s annual Tidal Aid event held on Thursday 25 August raised £1,300 for the Wales Air Ambulance and Abersoch Primary School.

Tidal Aid, which consists of a volleyball competition and a evening party at the Harbour Hotel, started off with 16 volleyball teams of all ages battling it out for first place on the Abersoch main beach during the day. Team “Beamish” took the title in front of a good-sized crowd where £260 was raised through volleyball entry fees and money collections.

The fun moved over to the Harbour Hotel in Abersoch for the evening, where James John span the tunes and for the first time, DJ Play and Seb Cavill played back to back on four decks, building up a great atmosphere. The evening event raised a staggering £1,040 pounds, which will be added to the daytime funds and split evenly between the two good causes.

The Wales Air Ambulance has become a regular site in Abersoch this year with Anna Evans from the Wales Air Ambulance commenting: “We are delighted that Tidal Aid raised so much money for the charity. The Wales Air Ambulance relies solely on the generosity of the public and these donations are needed to keep the vital helicopter in operation in order to save lives.”

The money going to Abersoch Primary School will go towards much needed equipment.

Organisers of Tidal Aid want to say a big well done to everyone for their generous donations in helping raise so much money for local good causes.

- Annual Raft Race: (19/08/05)
There was a good turn out for this years annual raft race with 18 entries and a sizable crowd. The main race was won by Marcus and his son Jack for the second year running. The lifeboat team had another bad race with their newly built raft finishing near the back of the fleet. Click here to view more photos...

- Wakestock 2006 Dates Released: (18/08/05)
Wakestock 2006 will take place on 14th / 15th July 2006 at the same venues.

- Annual Raft Race: (16/08/05)
The annual raft race takes place this Thursday evening on the main beach. There are normally 2 races - a junior one that runs down the beach and the adults race that goes around the headland to the harbour jetty.

- Missing Jet Skier Found By Lifeboat: (15/08/05)
A Jet skier was reported missing yesterday evening when he failed to return to Abersoch main beach. Abersoch lifeboat was launched at 8.30 pm with the jet skier's last known position near St. Tudwal's Islands. A search was undertaken in fading light and an object was spotted by coastguards who were on the high ground above Porth Ceiriad. With a helicopter en route from RAF Valley to join the search, the lifeboat found the jet ski with 1 person on board approx 2 miles south of St. Tudwal's West. The jet ski had suffered mechanical failure by the Island and the wind and tide had carried him south. Unfortunately the jet skier was carrying no flares and was very fortunate to have been spotted by the coast guards as it was getting dark.

- Local Councillor Calls For Tighter Regulations: (13/08/05)
From this weeks Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald...

A BOATING accident at Abersoch over the weekend has fuelled calls for more stringent safety measures for beach users.

Local Gwynedd councillor Wyn Williams claims that there are too many accidents happening and action must be taken. He said: "As a council I think we should consider this matter. At the moment anybody can use a power boat or personal water craft and it can make the beach dangerous. I believe people should be forced to have training before they are allowed on the water, and all boats should be registered and insured and drivers should have a licence. Personal water craft have to be registered at the moment, but it is difficult to keep tabs on the situation, especially in the evening when the lifeguards go off-duty."
Click here to view the complete article at IC Wales

- What Are Rip Tides / Rip Currents (Rips)?: (10/08/05)
We have received several e mails asking this question in relation to Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) - but the same advice applies to all beaches where there are surf conditions. As there are no lifeguards on our beaches - it is important to have some knowledge of these currents if you are thinking of body boarding etc at Porth Neigwl.

Rips can be found on any beach where there are waves and they are currents running out to sea that can easily take swimmers from shallow water out beyond their depth. Rip currents are particularly powerful in larger surf. Waves bring water up the beach which has to escape somewhere so it takes the path of least resistance back out to see in between sandbars (an example of a sandbar is arrowed in the photo below).

Sandbars at Porth Neigwl

In bigger surf conditions, a series of waves flowing over the sandbars can exert so much pressure that it punches a whole through the sandbar or the sandbar collapses. This means there is a sudden rush of water back out to sea and this movement creates the rip tide, and is the chief reason it is so dangerous.
An example of such a rip occurred in Cornwall recently - see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/4134220.stm

Spotting a rip current
- Discoloured or brown water - caused by the sand being stirred up from the seabed.
- Foam on the water's surface.
- A break in the surf line where the waves are not as big.
- Debris floating out to sea.
- A rippled patch of sea, when the water around is generally calm.

Getting out of trouble
- The most important thing is to remain calm and try not to panic. If you do panic you will only make yourself more tired and reduce your ability to reach safety.
- Keep hold of your body board, surfboard or inflatable and don't fight the rip current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- Try and swim parallel to the beach and towards where the waves are breaking until you are out of the rip current, then swim toward the shore.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
- Never try and swim directly towards the shore against the rip current.
- If you can stand up, wade instead of swimming.

- Wales Air Ambulance: (09/08/05)
The air ambulance landed in Abersoch again today after an accident in the village - the second time in 3 days and it is worth pointing out that this life saving service is funded by voluntary contributions (only the paramedics themselves are paid by the NHS) and is based at Caernarfon airport. With our nearest main A&E department being based in Bangor, it plays a crucial role in getting people there quickly. To learn more - visit www.walesairambulance.com

- 16 Year Old Injured in Rib Accident: (08/08/05)
A 16 year old boy was injured in an accident off Abersoch main beach yesterday and suffered serious injuries caused by the boats propeller. He was airlifted to Ysbyty Gwynedd by the air ambulance. Abersoch lifeboat was called to deal with an unmanned rib that was still motoring in circles after the accident.

- Abersoch Regatta Events: (06/08/05)
There are lots of events associated with the annual Abersoch Regatta including a raft race and best dressed beach hut competition. Click here for the full list and dates

- Wakestock Wakeboarding 2005 Reults: (25/07/05)

Big Air Classic (Friday 21 July, off Abersoch Beach)
Winner: Dean Smith (Australia)

Wakestock UK Champion (Pro's Saturday 23 July)
Winner: Jonty Green (UK)
2cnd: Marc Rossitier (UK)
3rd: Shane Bonifay (USA)

Womens:
Winner: Dallas Friday (USA)

- Aerial Photo Of Wakestock Site: (24/07/05)

Photo: John Wormald

- Latest Press Release From Wakestock: (23/07/05)
BODYROCKERS ROCK 10,000 PEOPLE AT NORTH WALES’ BIGGEST FESTIVAL
Ten thousand people rocked at the first night of Wakestock on Friday 22 July.

Body Rockers - Photo: Turtle

The action packed day started with terrific performances at Pwllheli Marina, where amateur and ladies wakeboarders’ pulled off some great tricks in the water. The action moved to Abersoch beach on Friday afternoon for the Big Air Classic, where both pro and amateur wakeboarders used a purpose made floating kicker in the water to propel them in the air to attempt some massive tricks.

Photo: Turtle

The evening festival site packed full of some of the world’s best DJ’s played to a fantastic 10,000 strong crowd.

Saturday, 23 July, pro competition at Pwlhelli Marina saw Dallas Friday, female no 1 wakeboarder produce some phenomenal moves. Packed crowds cheered on some amazing wakeboarding from some of the best pro’s in the UK, America and Australia who were all battling it out for the prestigious Wakestock 2005 title.

The music site tonight, Saturday 23 July, will witness performances from acts such as Hundred Reasons, Million Dead, The Ordinary Boys and Thirteen Senses as well as DJ’s such as legendary Norman Jay, Matt Hardwick and new on the scene, Kano where another crowd of 10,000 is expected.

- Wakestock 2005: (23/07/05)
Wakestock is well underway with the competition taking place at Pwllheli Marina yesterday and this morning. Friday evening saw a large crowd on Abersoch main beach watching the big air competition with some spectacular jumps and wipe outs. Its looking like the forecast rain will hold off until tomorrow meaning a potentially fine night for the festival goers at the Penrhos site.

- Build Up To Wakestock: (19/07/05)
With only a few days to go, the build up to Wakestock has begun, with marquees being erected at the Penrhos site and the biggest wakeboard kickers and sliders in Europe being built in Pwllheli Marina, Wakestock 2005 is well under way

.
Slider Building in Progress

Wakestock organisers can confirm there are still tickets available but are fast approaching a sell out. Wakestock will announce the sell out online www.wakestock.co.uk if and when this occurs.

Wakestock organisers are promising this year’s event to be the best yet. Mark Durston, Wakestock promoter comments: “Wakestock has always been a unique event all about the music and wakeboarding, showcasing local and international talent with new arena’s and more prestigious wakeboarders coming from all corners of the globe the music, watersports and atmosphere will be the best seen yet, it’s promising to be an awesome weekend.”

To purchase your tickets for the biggest festival in North Wales, please go on either of the following options www.ticketmaster.co.uk Wakestock hotline: 01758 710000 / or in selected local shops in Caernarfon, Bangor, Pwllheli and Abersoch (e.g. OSD) for more information visit www.wakestock.co.uk

- Laser Nationals: (18/07/05)
SCYC is hosting the 2005 Laser National Championships this week with over 300 dinghies taking part. For results and more info visit www.scyc.co.uk or the Laser website at www.laser.org.uk

Laser Nationals 2005: Main Beach, Abersoch

- Bear Grylls: (18/07/05)
Regular Abersoch visitor and owner of St.Tudwal's West Island, Bear Grylls, was on Radio 1 this morning talking about his latest exploits, including his current television programme - Escape To The Legion. For more info visit his new website at: www.beargrylls.com

- Safety Afloat: (14/07/05)
We have received 2 interesting e mails today - one relating to the issue of sea safety which we will have more details of in the near future - the other relates to the news of the criminal prosecution of a PWC user in Dorset under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The implications are obvious for drivers of high speed craft, that they have the "same responsibilities as all other water users in respect of Collision Regulations and The Merchant Shipping Act". Locally this would appear to mean that the local council regulations on the water are now backed up by criminal law for the first time. The person in the incident in Dorset is facing 2 years imprisonment according to media reports. For the MCA article on this - www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-dops_pr_newsroom-press-releases-release.htm?mcga_news_id=2995&month=7&year=2005

- Online Hunt For Top Tourist Spot In Wales: (12/07/05)
The search is on to find Wales' most popular visitor spot as part of this year's national tourism awards - click here to view the BBC news story on this or go directly to the My Special Place Website to add Abersoch to the list.

- Scorcher!: (11/07/05)
It is baking hot in Abersoch today with the temperature going over 27°C - the highest so far this summer - which is hot for us here on the coast.

- More New Eating Venues: (11/07/05)
Following the previous news item about Egryn at the Tremfan, 2 new venues are now open all day - including evenings - they are the 5° West Bar & Restaurant and the Offshore Cafe. 5° West is the new name of the Anchorage, is under new ownership and has undergone a total refurbishment. The Offshore Cafe is in the main street where the Spinaker used to be. We are hearing good reports from people who have eaten at both - so give them a try!

- Latest Wakestock News: (11/07/05)
NEW DRUM AND BASS ARENA ADDED TO FRIDAY NIGHT’S WAKESTOCK FESTIVAL
With less than two weeks to go Wakestock Festival is thrilled to announce the line up for its fourth arena, the ‘Evolution Tent’, which will be a drum and bass tent for festival goers on the Friday night.

The tent includes Pendulum, who has been receiving massive air play for their new single, SLAM, which is set to take the Evolution Tent by storm, the arena will also see Ed Rush and Optical, DJ Poi, Sub Focus, and Affray. This tent will witness a great dance atmosphere but also offers an alternative to the Main Arena and Second Arena, which will host DJ’s such as Seb Fontaine, The BodyRockers, Layo and Bushwacka, Tall Paul but to name a few. The Brouhaha Beach arena will see the likes of the legendary Scratch Perverts featuring Dynamite MC and DJ Format offering hip hop and urban music on the Friday night. For a full line up of bands, DJ’s and their set times please visit www.wakestock.co.uk

The Evolution Tent on the Saturday night will see many local bands playing such as Jack Rabbit Slims from Pwllheli and Snatch from Abersoch.

PRO WAKEBOARDERS ANNOUNCED:Wakestock is also extremely excited to announce Pro Wakeboarders who are coming from all over the world globally, who will be competing at an international level in the competition on Saturday 23 July, at Pwllheli Marina, 9.00am – 1.00pm will include: Craig O'Meara (AUS), Ben Hitch (GBR), Shane Bonifay, (USA), Jonty Green (GBR), Ben Greenwood (USA), Matt Crowhurst (GBR), Cyril Cornaro (SUI), Kent James (GBR), Antz Colins (AUS), Dean Smith (Aus) Marc Rossitter (GBR), Jack Wayne (GBR), John Tully (GBR), Nikita Martianov (RUS), Johnny Carne (GBR), Johnny Farley (GBR), Tim Woodhead (GBR), Sam Carne (GBR), Dallas Friday (USA), Will Christien (GBR) Plus 4 Qualifiers from Friday (8:30am - 12:00am).

Tickets are still available but a sell out is still predicted, tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk / Wakestock hotline: 01758 710000 / or in selected local shops in Caernarfon, Bangor, Pwllheli and Abersoch for more information visit www.wakestock.co.uk

- Woman Injured in Boating Accident: (10/07/05)
A woman sustained serious leg injuries in a boating accident off Bwlchtocyn today. Abersoch Lifeboat launched to assist and she was airlifted from the vessel to hospital in Bangor by an RAF Sea King helicopter. The story is on the BBC website - click here and also logged on the RNLI Abersoch website.

- Vaynol Arms- (08/07/05)
The Vaynol Arms is now back on the market - for all lease enquiries contact Beresford Adams on 01758 712016

- New Restaurant for Abersoch: (06/07/05)
Regular visitors will no doubt have dined at Tremfan Hall in Llanbedrog and the hot news is that Tremfan Hall and The Egryn Guest House in the village, are opening a new joint venture restaurant at The Egryn on the 9th July for a limited period only. The menu has been designed by Nigel Skinner, Head Chef at Tremfan and includes a number of signature dishes that will be served during a family sitting at 6pm or later at a 2nd sitting. Both The Tremfan and The Egryn are delighted to offer quality food served in the Edwardian surroundings of The Egryn within the heart of the village. A spokesman for The Egryn joked that opening their own restaurant was the only way they could guarantee themselves a dining table in the village for the summer holidays! For more info visit www.egryn.com

- Speed Cameras: (02/07/05)
Following on from an earlier post about speed cameras on the A55 we have been asked to point out that there are now mobile cameras regularly on the road between Abersoch and Pwllheli - especially out side Fach Farm as you approach the village from the Warren.

- Proposed Marina Expansion - Latest Developments: (01/07/05)
For the story as reported by the BBC - click here

- Proposed Marina Expansion - Latest Developments: (30/06/05)
4.20pm - We have just heard that the controversial proposed marina expansion in Pwllheli will now not be going ahead after a council meeting this afternoon. More news on this to follow....

Sea Safety: (27/06/05)
Related to the item below - there is some useful information to be found at the RNLI Sea Safety website at www.rnliseasafety.org.uk

Power Vessel Regulations for Gwynedd Harbours and Coast: (27/06/05)
These have been sent to us and are in addition to the current PWC regulations. One regulation that some may be unaware of is that it is a criminal offence to disturb wildlife within the Special Area of Conservation of which much of our coastline is a part. Also International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea must be strictly adhered to at all times. Click here to view the latest regs.

- A Lucky Foal: (25/06/05)
Abersoch Lifeboat assisted in the rescue of a stranded foal that had fallen down cliffs near Porth Ceiriad yesterday afternoon. Click here for the story and photos.

photo: G. Eaton

photo: N.Lang

- Proposed Marina Expansion - Latest Developments: (23/06/05)
The Caernarfon & Denbigh Herald is reporting today that plans for an expansion to the marina at Pwllheli to provide berths for an extra 300 powerboats are facing another setback. Although earlier this month, the Gwynedd Council Board approved the expansion to 711 berths with the scheme set to go to a planning committee in September, it will now have to receive consent of the full council on June 30th. The expansion proposal has proved to be highly controversial in the local community with debate ongoing over its potential environmental, cultural and economic impacts on the area.

- Bracken Bash: (20/06/05)
The annual attempt to control the bracken behind the sand dunes on the main beach will take place from 7pm on 28th June and 5th July. The idea is too trample it rather than cut it down which is meant to be more effective in stunting the next years growth. All volunteers are welcome - meet at the golf slipway car park at 7pm and bring a big stick!

- Weekend Weather: (20/06/05)
Saturday was the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures up to 25.5 deg C.

- Blue Skies For Abersoch Jazz Festival: (11/06/05)
This years Jazz Festival has been blessed with fine weather with large crowds gathering in the sunshine for this morning's parade. Photos of the start of the parade can be viewed by clicking here...

Photo: John Wormald

- Pwllheli Marina Expansion: (09/06/05)
Gwynedd Council have given permission in principle this week for the Pwllheli Marina expansion to go ahead but work cannot start until a full planning permission application is considered in September - click here for more on this story...

- Wakestock Staff Needed: (09/06/05)
A large number of staff are needed for the Wakestock festival - click here for info...

- Abersoch Lifeboat Station Open Day Photos: (05/06/05)
Some photos from the very successful open day have been posted - click here to view.

Jazz Festival Reminder: (02/06/05)
Abersoch Jazz Festival kicks off on Friday 10th June - for more info visit www.abersochjazzfestival.com

Dallas Friday To Ride At Wakestock: (02/06/05)
The world number one female wakeboarder, Dallas Friday, will be flying in from Florida, America to compete at this year’s Wakestock on July 22 and 23. At just 18 years old, Dallas Friday is firmly at the top of women's wakeboarding and arguably has already proved her title as the greatest woman wakeboarder of all time.

Her titles include: Pro Wakeboard Tour champion, three times gold medallist at the X Games, National and World Championship titles and Vans Triple Crown of Wakeboarding. Dallas will be coming over to Europe for the first time, competing at Wakestock and enjoying the Abersoch lifestyle this July. She is joined by Swiss rider Cyril Cornaro & Alliance US editor Tony Smith for the week of Wakestock.

Dallas In Action

Wakestock is firmly at the forefront of the global wakeboarding calendar. Not only is this the first trip to Europe for Dallas, she will also be joined by other top riders from Canada, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland and France; a full list of riders will be released soon.

To watch Dallas and all the wakeboarding action, please see wakeboarding times below. To watch the wakeboarding is completely free.

Pwllheli Marina:
Thursday 21 July 7.30am – 11.30am Practice Session , 7pm–9pm Wakeboard/Wakeskate Slider Jam
Friday 22 July 8.00am – 12.00am Amateur Qualifier
Saturday 23 July 8.30am – 1.00pm Wakestock Pro
Abersoch Beach
Friday 22 July 5.30pm – 7.30pm Big Air Classic
www.wakestock.co.uk

The Harbour Project: (01/06/05)
This weekend, a Wakeskating showcase takes place at Abersoch Harbour just off the Land & Sea beach. 11 of the UK top wakeskaters will be hitting a variety of purpose built rails & obstacles on both Saturday & Sunday evening (4th & 5th June)- either side of high tide. The time to get to the beach is Saturday 6:30pm - 8:30pm & Sunday 7pm - 9pm.
The event party will take place on the Saturday evening at the Harbour with local band Jack Rabbit Slims & DJ's Tim Lyall & James John. For more info visit: www.alliancewake.co.uk

- Bank Holiday Sunshine : (31/05/05)
Its been one of the sunniest Bank Hoildays for quite a while. The weekend kicked off with blue skies and bright sunshine on Saturday but also with gale force winds with gusts over 40mph recorded in the village centre and higher gusts likely to have occurred over the open sea. Both Sunday and Monday also had blue skies with the cloud not arriving until later on Monday.

- Abersoch Lifeboat Station Open Day: (28/05/05)
This years Open Day will be on Friday 3rd June 2005 from 10.30am until 4pm. All are welcome for stalls, BBQ and refreshments - meet the crew and climb aboard the lifeboat. There will also be a tractor pull contest at 3pm on the Harbour Beach.

- Abersoch Yoga Classes - Abersoch Village Hall: (27/05/05)
Tuesday Evening - 6.30 - 8.00 - Gentle Yoga Flows - All ages and fitness levels
Thursday Evening - 7pm - 8.30 - Dynamic Astanga Style Yoga - Good fitness level and some knowledge of yoga required
Friday Morning - 11am - 12.30 - Gentle Yoga Flows - All ages and Fitness levels

All Classes £4.50.
All classes include breathing exercises and relaxation at the end.
Any enquries call Heather (Flipside) - 07736 157298

- Reminder - Important Whitsun Launching Information: (24/05/05)
Launching on the main beach (Porth Mawr) at the Lon Golff slip may be affected over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend. The beach barrier could be closed for launching 2 hours either side of high water. High water is at the following times.

Saturday 28th May - 12.17 hrs
Sunday 29th May - 13.21 hrs
Monday 30th May - 14.34 hrs

- A55 Speed Cameras: (24/05/05)
We have had a couple of e-mails recently asking us to point out that there will be additional speed cameras on the A55 this weekend.

- Babi Bach Giraffe Raffle: (24/05/05)
Babi Bach in Pwllheli have a lovely huge cuddly toy giraffe that needs a name ! He is nearly 5 foot tall and its only £1 a ticket - the winning name pulled out wins and names the giraffe and all proceeds go to Hope House charity.

- Record Traffic Through Abersoch.co.uk: (22/05/05)
2005 is already looking like a record breaking year for Abersoch.co.uk with the average daily visits to the site in May currently approaching 1500 - viewing nearly 15000 pages daily on the abersoch.co.uk server. We are expecting over 4 million page views in 2005. This does not include the traffic through our other 7 servers which take up the traffic burden of our various webcams. The volume of traffic has created its own problems with the site exceeding its 10 Gigabyte monthly bandwidth allocation! Many thanks once again to all the advertisers who support the site and to all those who visit.

- Abersoch Boatyard Services Ltd News: (19/05/05)
Abersoch Boatyard Services Ltd have been appointed Mastercraft sales and service agents for North Wales - click here for more details.

- Abersoch Jazz Festival Walking Challenge: (14/05/05)
Can you make it along the New Llyn Coastal Path 9 miles to Rhiw or the full 15 miles to Aberdaron? For more info - click here

Another Big Gig For Snatch: (12/05/05)
MCR Music Present "SNATCH" Plus Special Guests On Saturday the 4th of June at The LAte Room Manchester - for more info visit www.snatchband.co.uk

- Abersoch Lifeboat Station News: (08/05/05)
The annual Open Day at Abersoch Lifeboat Station is to take place on Friday 3rd June. The station and shop is also open to the public every Thursday evening... click here for details..

- Beach Hut Plot Sells for £63K: (05/05/05)
A plot of land on the main beach that can have a 12' x 10' beach hut on it, has been sold today for £63,000. For the full story - click here...

- New Webcam View: (03/05/05)
We have a new web cam online which is currently looking towards St. Tudwal's East - though we may change the view from time to time.

- May Day Weather: (03/05/05)
The heatwave that had been forecast for the bank holiday did not materialise - and it was generally cool and overcast with some heavy rain for Monday!

- New Rib Rides for Abersoch Main Beach: (19/04/05)
Two new rides have been introduced this year by Peninsula Ribs, operating off Abersoch main beach: They are....
- 15 minute Powerboat Experience £8 per person
- 30 minute ADRENALIN rush £13 per person
All enquiries and bookings to Abersoch Sailing School on the main beach.
Longer trips or bespoke charters for groups are available.
These are in addition to the 1 hour trips at £20 per person and the Powerboat Driving Experience at £50 per person. For more info visit www.peninsularibs.com

- Porth Neigwl Beach Clean Up: (19/04/05)
The beach clean up organised by Keep Wales Tidy was very successful with over 30 volunteers braving the wind and rain to take part. A large amount of rubbish was removed from the beach.

- Further Update To Abersoch Weather Station Data: (09/04/05)
Further tweaks have been made to the weather data page giving a further improvement to visual representation of recent wind conditions in Abersoch Click here...

- Job Vacancies Section Added: (09/04/05)
A new page has been added to the site that will show job vacancies in the area - if you have a vacancy or if you are looking to work in the area - just mail us and we will list you for free - click here

- Latest Cyngor Gwynedd Council Personal Watercraft Regulations: (08/04/05)
These include a 4 mph speed limit (where there is no existing speed limit) within 100m of the low water mark of all the coastline in the area and can be viewed by clicking here...

- April Snow! (08/04/05)
We have just had a brief but heavy snow shower - as the view from our office below shows....

April Snowflakes

- Abersoch Weather Station Update: (08/04/05)
The Abersoch Weather Station data pages have been changed slightly so that there is now a page dedicated to the current and last 24 hours readings and a second page dealing with monthly and yearly graphs. The daily page has a more useful highest gust graph which gives a better idea of what the wind has been doing over the last couple of hours. Monthly summaries will be appearing soon. Click here...

- Surf Relief North Charity Event: (08/04/05)
Whether there is surf or not - the Tsunami charity event will be taking place this Saturday (9th April 2005) at Porth Neigwl - For more info on this and the evening party - click here

- Abersoch Friends Reunited: (08/04/05)
We have received this appeal for information on childhood friends from Sam Brown. Click here for more info and to view enlarged photos.

Outside Abersoch Chip Shop - 1987

- Manchester Acadamy Gig For Snatch: (16/03/05)
Local band are playing Manchester Academy 3 on Friday 6th May.
Ticket and more info at www.snatchband.co.uk

- Abersoch Changes: (02/04/05)
For those that did not visit Abersoch this Easter - there have been a few changes in the village. The restaurant at the Riverside Hotel is now Block's Restaurant. The Spinnaker cafe next door to the chip shop in the centre of the village has now changed hands and is offering day and evening menus. On the approach to the village, Footprints have opened their second cafe where the Wimpy was last year. More details on these when we have them.

- Wakestock 2005: (02/04/05)
The full line up is due to be announced on 14th APRIL 2005 12:00pm
Check the wakestock website for details - www.wakestock.co.uk

- Surf Relief North Charity Event: (24/03/05)
SURF RELIEF NORTH - A SURFING FUNDAY IN AID OF THE TSUNAMI SURF RELIEF CHARITY - Saturday 9th April 2005.
There will be a surf competition at Porth Neigwl (Hell's Mouth) with registration from 8am - 9am. For more info - click here or ask at West Coast or Off Axis. There will also be a beachcombing competition from 10.30 onwards with a prize for the most unusual find and biggest pile of litter collected, surf cinema in the Harbour Hotel (2pm - 7pm), and then a surf party at the Harbour Hotel with tickets available from the hotel or West Coast. All are welcome.

- March Heatwave!: (20/03/05)
Amazing summer weather here in Abersoch this weekend with temperatures reaching 20.5°C on Saturday afternoon.

- Pen Llyn Lusitanos: (16/03/05)
Lusitano horses are bred and trained near Abersoch at Pen Llyn Riding Centre - who also provide a range of holiday rides and courses from novices to experts. Visit www.lusitanocymru.co.uk for more information.

- Snatch Easter Shows: (16/03/05)
Local band Snatch have the following Easter gigs...Good Friday (March 25th) at The Nanhoron Arms, Nefyn and Easter Monday (March 28th) at The Powerboat Club, Abersoch. More info at www.snatchband.co.uk

- New Website For Angorfa: (16/03/05)
Angorfa B&B have a new website at www.angorfa.com

- Harbour Hotel News: (16/03/05)
The Harbour reopens for 2005 at Easter with nights on Easter Friday (Boogie Nights), Saturday (Brouhaha), Sunday (Energy Hip Hop + R&B) & Monday (Twisted). It's also open May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday on Friday and Saturday Nights and On Saturdays during June. Then for the summer from Friday 8th July until Saturday September 3rd. Newly refurbished bar area, new lighting rig and improved sound system should make 2005 an amazing year for full information go to www.abersochevents.com

- Manana Re- Opens Tonight: (11/03/05)
Manana Restaurant re-opens for the season tonight!

- Windsurf and Wakeboard Equipment Half Price Sale: (08/03/05)
West Coast Surf Shop are having a half price windsurfing kit sale from now until the end of the Easter holiday. Masts, harnesses, booms and some sails are included - click here ... also OSD have wakeboards at silly prices with some boards, bindings and accessories now half price - click here...

- Abersoch Friends Reunited - Update:(08/03/05)
More information on an appeal for information on childhood friends...click here...

- Abersoch Boatyard Services Ltd News: (04/03/05)
Abersoch Boatyard Services Ltd have been appointed Yamaha Marine dealers for Abersoch - click here for more details.

- New(ish) Abersoch Website: (03/03/05)
Drunkagaininabersoch.co.uk have e mailed us telling us about their site which started in 2004 and is now receiving loads of photographic contributions...this is what they have to say...
"Here you'll find all sorts of interesting pictures, taken by lots of different people. Be sure to make some of your own comments next to the pictures and don't forget to rate the picture from 1 to 5 as well."

- Caravan Sites Re-Open (01/03/05)
March 1st is an important date in Abersoch - not only is it St. David's Day, but it is also the day when the static sites such as The Warren and Fach Farm re-open for the season. Unfortunately the weather has not been too spring like with the cold conditions persisting - however a spectacular rainbow was spotted earlier on this morning on top of Aberuchaf.

- Coldest Night of the winter- (28/02/05)
It looks like last night was the coldest night of the winter so far with a hard frost and a minimum of -3.3°C recorded by the new weather station (see below).

- Abersoch Weather Station Online- (28/02/05)
Abersoch has a new weather station which is being run and maintained by West Coast Surf Shop. Online updates are currently every 5 minutes. Click here...

- Can You Help Identify Where This Is?- (18/02/05)
We have recently been contacted by someone who is trying to find out the location of this photograph taken 55 years ago by his father. He believes it may be somewhere on the Llyn as they used to holiday in the area. If you think you might know - please e mail us and we will pass your messages on. You can click on the image for a much larger version.

- Angorfa Requires Summer Staff- (18/02/05)
Angorfa require staff for the summer season for their cafe and B&B - click here to contact them.

- Sandpiper Re-Opens For Season- (14/02/05)
The Sandpiper restaurant is now open weekends and Manana restaurant is set to re-Open on 11th March.

- Gales Start Half Term Week- (14/02/05)
It was the first weekend of half term week for many and there were plenty of people who had braved the gales and cold weather. Sunday was particularly wild with the new Abersoch weather station recording a gust of 51mph at lunchtime at its central Abersoch location. The data from this station will be available online very soon.

- Wakestock News - (14/02/05)
Early band confirmations include:
HUNDRED REASONS, SCRATCH PERVERTS Feat. DYNAMITE MC, BUGZ IN THE ATTIC - LIVE
NORMAN JAY, MATT HARDWICK, REBEKAH.
There will be more announcements over the next few months so keep checking the official website for updates. Tickets likely to go on sale 1st May.
www.wakestock.co.uk

- Snatch Gig- (04/02/05)
Local band have a gig on the 27th Feb at The Late Room in Manchester. For more details visit...www.snatchband.co.uk

- Online Weather Station For Abersoch- (02/02/05)
A state of the art weather station is currently being installed in the centre of Abersoch by West Coast Surf - this will go online in the next few weeks with data uploaded every 2 minutes - more news on this as we get it.

- Image Archive Added To SCYC Cams- (02/02/05)
A new rolling image archive has been added to 5 of the cams at SCYC - giving images from early morning to midnight. Click here...

- Draft management Plan For Llyn AONB- (30/01/05)
A draft Management Plan for the Llyn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is available to be viewed on the Gwynedd Council website . This is the first Plan that aims to recognise the area's special qualities and manage developments and changes for the future. Click here for more info.

- Abersoch Friends Reunited - (18/01/05)
We have received this appeal for information on childhood friends...

" The Warren - Abersoch 1955 to 1965
DID YOU SPEND YOUR CHILDHOOD ON THE WARREN BEACH,
ABERSOCH ? IF SO, PERHAPS YOU CAN HELP.
I am trying to locate friends who spent their summer holidays between 1955 and 1965 on the Warren caravan site in Abersoch, and remember any of the names listed here. During those summer holidays you could find a group of over 50 children playing cricket, football or rounders on the Warren beach or sailing out to the Islands.
IF YOU DO RECOGNISE ANY NAMES ON THE LIST PLEASE CONTACT IAN OLIVER ON oliver@vitamol.co.uk OR THIS ABERSOCH WEBSITE WITH A VIEW TO ORGANISING A REUNION IN THE NEAR FUTURE."

- Commercial Property Available to rent immediately - Easter 2005
Glynllifon, near Abersoch - Licensed premises situated in own substantial grounds with excellent trading position on the main Abersoch Road, within a mile of the Warren. Tremendous scope to operate all day as a cafe bar, eatery, restaurant, has an Entertainment Licence, possibility of applying for a full on licence. Ample owners accommodation, or for additional commercial use. Click here to view photographs.
For viewing and full details of lease, call 07900 217181 / 01758 740 147

-Recent Gales: (12/01/05)
The gales of the past couple of weeks have become a little tiresome and last night was especially windy - fortunately, however, there appears to be no damage in the village. The storm created a large amount of foam at Porth Neigwl this morning making the beach and dunes appear to have a layer of snow!

Fake Snow At Porth Neigwl!

- New Years Eve Pics: (06/01/05)
NYE 2004 at the Riverside Hotel was one to remember! Over 200 people rocked in the new year at the Spinal Tap party. Snatch played two great sets, the second of which was a special Rock Show set - the highlights of which were 'Eye of the Tiger' 'We Will Rock You' 'Here I go again' and 'Whole Lot of Rosie' The most rock and roll moment of the evening was Dom entering the marquee on Smurf's shoulders whilst playing his guitar solo for We will rock you - you can see the picture below! DJ Play kept the crowds entertained after Snatch had played and kept the rock theme going until the early hours. Further pictures will be posted soon at www.sensationgroup.com

Dom & Smurf of Snatch

- White Chritmas in Abersoch: (25/12/04)
Its a white Christmas in Abersoch with some early snow showers giving a dusting in the village. Happy christmas.

Towards the Warren - 9.45 am

- New Cleaning and Ironing Service For Abersoch: (23/12/04)
Visit www.bellecasa.co.uk for further information.

- December Swell: (20/12/04)
Spout from West Coast Surf Shop took this spectacular photo on Friday 17/12...For more images of local surf check out their website and click on the "local surf photos" link. West Coast is open throughout the festive period closing only for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and open over the New Year. Rip Girl and OSD are also open with OSD having a sale of winter fleeces.

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Click here for the news archive (2001 - 2004)