network news289

a guide to inspiring events in north wales

june 2017 £2

exhibitions ~ workshops ~ festivals ~ groups

signals of transformation ~ medicine for our troubled times ~ why massage? language of life ~ dandelion’s humble health benefits ~ staying connected

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A Guide to Inspiring Events in North Wales including

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Signals Of Transformation 4John Thackara

Medicine For Our Troubled Times 6Brooke Medicine-Eagle

Language Of Life 7Rik Midgley

Why Massage? 37Claire Freeman

Dandelion’s Humble Health Benefits 38Emma Schade-Stylli

Staying Connected 40Berni Cavanagh

Noticeboard 9

June Calendar 11

Workshops In July & August 26

Exhibitions 28

Regular Weekly Classes 31

Full Moon Meditation Network 41

Advertisers Index 42

Network News Outlets Inside Back Cover

See The Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour, Lib Dem & Green Party Alliance on the Back Cover!

Welcome to the June Network News. Yes, the great moment is approaching - when every citizen can wield supreme power for just a few moments while making a cross on a piece of paper. To paraphrase the classic song: “I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do... my gift is my vote and this one’s for you!”.We are amazed that Jeremy Corbyn has managed to maintain his composure, but crude insults and media bias have always been the staple diet of those who sincerely work for a more humane world. The seeds of the modern welfare state were sown by local hero David Lloyd George. For which he was called a "goat-footed bard, half-human visitor to our age from the hag-ridden magic and enchanted woods of Celtic antiquity". Nevertheless, the “People’s Budget” of 1909 introduced fairer taxation, national insurance (against the horrors of the workhouse), protections for the most vulnerable and the humble beginnings of a minimum wage. The next pioneer was Clem Attlee, about whom Churchill quipped: “An empty taxi arrived at 10 Downing Street, and when the door was opened, Attlee got out”. Nevertheless, this “ineffectual” and very socialist leader managed to drag the medical profession kicking and screaming into the NHS, launch “cradle to grave” protection for all citizens, and protect the core infrastructure of the nation - transport, water, energy et al. - as the common wealth of all the people - not gambling chips for an elite few. Almost overthrown by his own party but remembered as one of the greatest British PMs. With tactical voting, Labour can win the Tory-held constituencies of Aberconwy (Emily Owen), Vale Of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) and Clwyd West (Gareth Thomas). Yes, the whole system is broken, but while we’re busy fixing it, we can still make our mark on the 8th.Blessings to all beings

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My new book is for people who fear that there no escape from an economy that devours nature in the name of endless growth. I argue that another world is not just possible – it is already happening: a world in which we value all of life, not just human life; a word in which progress is measured by the health of living systems, and the quality of our relationships – not only by transactions and money.

The seeds of this world already exist. I know this to be true because I’ve spent 30 years collecting stories about people who tackle timeless needs in new ways: restoring the land, sharing water, making homes, growing food, designing clothes, journeying, and caring for each other.  Some of these activities can sound unfamiliar – for example soil restorers, or river keepers, or social farmers. But the people I meet are not super-heroes. They are regular people doing inspiring work in these strange times.

At the heart of our problems today is a disconnect between the man-made world and the biosphere of which we are a part. We either don’t think about rivers, soils, biodiversity at all - or we treat them like resources in a warehouse whose only purpose is to fuel the economy. This ‘metabolic rift’ leaves us awash in information, but starved of meaning. We have to reverse that damaging gap. That’s why I advocate an approach to design based on reconnection – not just with

each other, but with the many living systems upon which life depends.

For example, when I meet with city planners or managers I like to start with two questions: “Do you know where your next lunch will come from?” and, “Do you know if that place is healthy or not?”  These unexpected (to them) questions are a trigger to re-focus on the health of places

that keep their city fed and watered. Within this novel framework, new opportunities for innovation emerge – such as river restoration, or urban farming. Civic ecology generates a need for new kinds of enterprise: food co-ops, collective kitchens, community dining, edible gardens, new distribution platforms, different ways to share resources, and collaborate. These are all urban design opportunities.

From colonial times until now, rich people in the North have assumed without question that our way of life is more advanced than everyone else’s. We have assumed that urbanization and transport intensity are signs of progress; that walking should give way to cars; that tower blocks are better than co-housing clusters; that concrete is superior to local materials; that paid-for insurance is better than mutual aid; and that fast-food restaurants are an improvement on ecological agriculture. In particular, we have tended to view the people and ways of life that are already there as

Signals Of TransformationJohn Thackara

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impediments to progress and modernization. But as life becomes more uncertain and precarious for us, too, the difference between ‘them’ and ‘us’ is now dissolving.

When it comes to living on modest resources, the poor people of the world are further along the learning curve than the rest of us. It would be insulting of me to lecture poor people about their good fortune, but the fact remains that many people I have met in slums and favelas enjoy a decent and tolerably comfortable life on a tiny fraction of the energy and resource base that we are used to in the North. In sustainability terms the bottom of the pyramid is better described as the top. Billions of people with low cash incomes meet daily life needs outside the money economy through traditional networks of reciprocity and gifts. They survive, and often prosper, within indigenous social systems based on kinship, sharing, and myriad ways to share resources. I like the way Walter Mignolo puts it: ‘Their goal is working to live – not living to work.’  History is filled with examples of

economic systems that seemed permanent – only to disappear quite suddenly. Think of the Soviet Union. The French philosopher Edgar Morin puts it beautifully: ‘All the great transformations have been unthinkable until they actually came to pass;  the fact that a belief system is deeply rooted does not mean it cannot change’. In our own time, too, transformational change is unfolding now

– but quietly, and away from media and political attention.

Change happens when the effects of experiments, changes, and disruptions accumulate, and contribute to transformation of the system as a whole.

My impression as a writer – that change is already happening – is consistent with the way scientists explain how complex systems change – including economic and cultural ones. By their account, a variety of changes, interventions, disruptions, and oppositions accumulate across time until the system reaches a tipping point: then, at a moment

that cannot be predicted, a small release of energy triggers a much larger release, or phase shift, and the system as a whole transforms.

The priority is to foster better and richer connections between people, places and living systems – to reawaken a joyful sense of being at home in the natural world. This is where art and storytelling come in. They can tweak our interest, redirect our attention, and start conversations in ways that hectoring communications never do. Marcel Proust memorably said “The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes”.

Every time we contemplate an action, ask whether this action will  “do less harm” or – which is transformational –  “leave things better than they are”.John Thackara travels the world in search of practical projects that restore the planet and

realise a sustainable future.www.thackara.com

Essential FREE Event at Pontio, Bangor

on June 6th at 6:30pm

John Thackara Public Lecture“Back To The Land 2.0”

“With unique assets, North West Wales has the potential to lead the

world as a living laboratory for innovation; adventure sport, tourism, learning and wellness. To realise this

potential, turning ideas into new livelihoods and enterprise, the

region’s assets need to be combined and connected in new ways”.

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We are in the time of the Rising Feminine. Male elders from primary traditions around the world have in the past few decades handed the wands of power to females. Those seers amongst us observe the uplifting energy of NURTURING and RENEWING - from where it has been resting deep in the Earth - pushing up all energies of a different or contrary nature. Thus we see more hatred, anger, prejudice, misogyny, greed and other destructive energies right now than have been evident for a very long time.

And yet even the Dalai Lama has reminded us that Western women will be “the saving of the world”. My friend Vicki Noble and her colleagues suggest that a matri-focal (mother and child centred) way is the only thing that can save humanity and turn around the social, economic, ecological and political crises we find ourselves in.

In reference to the negative and dark energy we now see so evident, high guidance tells me that we have all agreed to go through this time in order that these hidden, unworkable energies can be seen in the light of day and cleared. My prayers are directed to supporting the rising positive Feminine energies, and toward clearing and releasing the negative - rather than engaging with them in anger or depression.

It’s important to acknowledge the reality

of what is happening and take positive, loving action when possible, yet not be dragged into the downward vortex of the

negative. Long have spiritual traditions asked us to pray for those who would do harm - bless their hearts and souls to invite loving, caring energy to come forth. We all know that wrestling with demons only makes them stronger; yet perceiving their soul essence without judgement and asking for their upliftment into the light can bring positive vibration to both them and you.

Path of HeartAn “action” to take, every moment of the

day you can remember, is to find a loving feeling in your heart and send it forth into your world. The charge of the Piscean Age in which we are living is learning to “walk the path with heart” - to let all the energy that comes to us from Father Spirit and Mother Earth be distributed through the heart.

This is not as difficult as we have been told. Simply take time in your quiet moments to remember a moment when you felt loved or loving - whether with your baby child, a friend, a partner, a pet, a beautiful sunset - and notice (track) how your body knows it is feeling love - it’s not just an idea or emotion, but also a bodily feeling and the latter is what you want to learn to bring into yourself with ease. Then as you walk through your day, do your

Medicine For Our Troubled TimesBrooke Medicine-Eagle

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work, interact with people intimately or just walking down the street, bring that feeling of love into your body and send it out to everything and everyone in your world through your heart. It not only helps your own brain and body feel and function better, it gives each person or thing around you a kind of vital energy for living well. It feels good and it doesn’t cost you a thing, so be grandly generous with it. Creator and Mother Earth are pouring love and support into your body at all times, and the more you give away, the more pours in.

This love is a baseline for the answer to many of our challenges. It gives us courage to care for others - courage meaning to be full-hearted and strong. Love is something given you as the essence of yourself; it can never be taken from you if you consciously find it in yourself and share it with others. Give it a try, and be a beacon of caring in this challenging moment in history.

Good MenGiven what we have observed in this last

part of Masculine dominant times, we sometimes assume that men are not basically nurturing and caring. So often the softer and more loving and feeling characteristics have been beaten or criticized out of them when they are very young by cultural expectations of toughness and aggressiveness. Yet it is clear from studies of matrifocal societies that men raised with good mothers and loving men around them, develop rich qualities of caring and nurturing.

In our Native ways, female relatives

trained boys to be good men by teaching them ‘feminine’ ways of nurturing and renewing life when they were young. Often boys lived, worked and learned with the women until they were seven, setting a baseline of nurturing qualities. Then they went to spend their time with the men.

A true warrior is one who not only can move powerfully in the world to procreate and provide, but also does that in service of the people - to protect, nurture and care for them. A real chief is often chosen by the wise grandmothers for just those balanced qualities. If he decides to neglect the people and cause trouble through warring and aggression which puts them in danger, then he is deposed. Another one is chosen who puts the well-

being of the people ahead of all else. So must we school our young ones in balanced ways. We will make “herstory” by doing so.

Brooke is is a legendary Earthkeeper,  wisdom teacher, healer, visionary, singer/

songwriter, catalyst for wholeness, and ceremonial leader. She is the best selling

author of the Native American literary classic, Buffalo Woman Comes Singing, and

of The Last Ghost Dance. www.medicineeagle.com

Brooke will be in North Wales in August to lead an uplifting and

nurturing women’s retreat exploring our connection between body and spirit: The Sacred and the Sensual

between 25th – 28th August at Trigonos. Bookings via Claire on

07970 409 724 or www.northwalesretreats.com

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Language Of LifeRik Midgley

In our modern language we may often use expressions such as a person ‘is a cook’ or ‘has an angry personality’. This defines the person as being something static, it labels them in a generalised simplistic form with which we can make comparisons. However the world that we are trying to symbolise with this language is a world of process, change, relationships, growths, and complexity.

There are indigenous tribes in Papua New Guinea that do not have a verb ‘to be’ in their native language. In these old indigenous languages these characteristics are spoken to directly by describing things in their present moment flux. For example, a man may be cooking, or is speaking in a tone of voice louder than he normally uses. Not only does this way of using language reduce things down to what is happening in the present moment, it supports the separation of evaluations from what is observed. This clarity supports the speaker to take responsibility for what he is speaking.

With nonviolent communication (NVC) we use language that we suggest is natural, as opposed to habitual. We speak ultimately because we want to, we want to express something, and in the terminology of NVC, we speak because we ‘need’ something. Simplistically, we are saying one of two things; please will you help me to meet my needs, or thank you for helping me to meet my needs. We know we need something because our bodies let us know with its own ancient language; we have feelings. Every feeling we have is an indicator of what we are actually requiring at that particular moment. For example, I feel frightened because I need to be safe, I feel worried and want reassurance. With

this language we are speaking from the present moment, from the observation of what is alive in us, our vulnerable truth.

By contrast, habitually we use language in a form which answers to what the system or social structure that we live in is wanting. For example ‘I have to go to work to make a living’ or ‘you should be faithful to your partner’, both of which deny the existence of choice. When we take responsibility for our actions, we may instead say ‘I choose to go to work because I want to pay my mortgage’ or ‘I am faithful to my partner because I enjoy the trust in our relationship’. Nonviolent communication is a process in which we learn to take responsibility for ourselves and use language which effectively and efficiently meets our needs.

www.LiveNonviolence.uk

Rik Midgley has been an independent trainer of Compassionate Communication

since 2013. Rik is holding a series of day long

workshops that are open to people both new to NVC and to those wanting to

deepen their practice. For those with no prior experience, I recommend that you

check out some of the resources given on my website before coming to my

workshop as it will support you to get more from the day.

The next workshop will be at ‘Ty Lorne’, 82 High St, Bethesda,

Saturday 10th June 10am – 5pm. Please arrive promptly so we can start on time. All of my workshops are run on the

principle of gift culture. They are given freely, and if you would like to give

something in return it would support the sustainability of me holding these

events. Booking is required as the room has a limited capacity.

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network newsa guide to inspiring events in north wales

In This Section: Calendar ~ Workshops ~ Exhibitions ~ Groups

FESTIVAL OF GARDENS 27th May - 11th June. Various gardens open to the public; for details of the launch and other Open Gardens visit: www.gardensnorthwales.co.ukART SHOW CALL FOR ENTRY To register celffestivalart@gmail.com Facebook: Sioe Gelf Criccieth Festival Art Show, 01766 522070. Art Show dates: June 17th - 24th.LLYN ARTS FESTIVAL The Open Studios with Exhibitions and Events continue through to 4th June in Aberdaron, Rhiw, Rhoshirwaun, Llangwannadl, Edern, Tudweiliog, Abersoch, and Pwllheli. See Calendar and Exhibitions30 DAYS WILD Do something wild every day for a month with the North Wales Wildlife Trust. You’ll get a pack full of ideas, inspiration and information on local events and places you can explore. www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.ukUNDEGUN 11 Activities until 18th June. A series of pop-up creative spaces of artists, musicians, dancers and film producers to exhibit, perform and record on the site. Regent St., Wrexham LL11 1SG. See Calendar 1st.TALKING POINTS Offer a different way for people to find out what help might be available in their community to support their health and well-being in North Wales. Single Point of Access 0300 456 1000.FIRE IN THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 1st - 5th June. You can still offer to volunteer at this festival - or buy tickets!! Nr. Aberystwyth. Visit fireinthemountain.co.ukGORJYS SECRETS MUSIC FESTIVAL 15th - 16th September in Caer Rhun Hall, Conwy. Musicians, artisans; camping, Stalls. Tier 1 (cheapest) tickets available: gorjys.com

JOHN THACKARA Philosopher, writer and event producer who has spent a lifetime searching for live examples of what a sustainable future can be like is

giving a talk on 6th June on how we can integrate living sustainably, and thrive together. Pontio, Bangor See Calendar/ page 4SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FESTIVAL 8th - 11th June. A celebration of sustainable ideas based on E.F. Schumacher. CAT, Machynlleth. See CalendarEARTH SONG & HEART STORIES New Quay, West Wales, 23rd June, £85. Storytelling, camp fires, gong bath, poetry. Sonia Caller 07837 396555. Facebook: Caravanof Storytellers

JUNENOTICEBOARD

DAY OF ACTION: IN SUPPORT OF THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR BAN

Women Ban the Bomb is a women-led initiative calling for people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, races, abilities,

nationalities, cultures, faiths, political affiliations and backgrounds to rally and march on Saturday, June 17th around the world in support of the negotiations.CND encourages you to arrange a local

event in solidarity with the march in New York. Let us know if you have an action

planned and we can promote it here. Contact: information@cnduk.org/ 020 7700 2393 for more details

www.abolition2000.org

V O T E ! 8th June

From the July issue of Network Newsthe Regular Weekly Groups and Classes

will only be available on our website:www.network-news.org

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1st THURSDAY Open Studio with Michele Heidi Sutton. Multimedia Artist exploring Birth, Life, Death and Transformation through Mythology and Imagination. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival, studio open from 10am - 4pm. Tŷ Bach Glas, Rhoshirwaun LL53 8LD, 07919 952356, creatrix@hohochiheaven. David Rovics ~ Palestine Solidarity David is one of the leading anti-war singer-songwriters in the US currently on a worldwide tour. The gig is to help fund a community project in Palestine. 8 -11pm, Saith Seren, 18 Chester St., Wrexham LL13 8BG. Weaving for Health & Wellbeing Evening 1st Thur/month. Learn Japanese SAORI freestyle hand weaving. No experience necessary, guidance given. 6.30 - 8.30pm, £25 per class plus materials. Please book/maximum of six. 6 Swifts Buildings, off High Street, Bangor LL57 1DQ (by traffic lights below the train station). 01248 345325, www.saorimor.co.uk Dru Meditation 1st Thurs/month, 8.30-9pm, Snowdonia Mountain Lodge, Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda. Contact Christiane 01248 602900, christiane@druworldwide.com Letters from Baghdad (PG) Film. Gertrude Lowthian Bell, sometimes called the “female” Lawrence of Arabia was a British adventurer, archaeologist and political powerhouse, who helped shape the modern Middle East after World War I. The film chronicles Bell’s journey into the uncharted Arabian desert and all-male halls of colonial power. 8pm, Theatr Clwyd, Mold 01352 701521, theatrclwyd.comSummer of Stories A celebration of Wales’ oral traditions. Listen to stories based on historical characters, legends and myths from across Wales. Drop in to listen to a story based on Welsh culture and heritage. Stories up to 30 mins long. 11am - 4pm, £8.95, concs & U16s £5.80. Conwy Castle LL32 8AY. conwycastle@wales.gsi.gov.ukPastel Workshop - Waterlilies See 8thCandlelight Poetry Pilgrimage A Welsh poet writing in English 7.30 - 8.45pm, part of Llŷn Arts Festival. St Hywyn Church, Aberdaron. Reservations: Susan Fogarty 01758 703039, susanafogarty@gmail.com, www.rsthomaspoetry.co.ukValley, City, Village - Wales Mela 2017 and Rebel Sun Book Launch Evening poetry reading and book launch for Rebel Sun with the award-winning performer and Young People’s Laureate Wales, Sophie McKeand in association with the vibrant spoken word movement Voicebox. A treat of a night with free entry. 7 - 10pm, Undegun, 11 Regent St., Wrexham LL11 1SG. Facebook: of same name.Children’s Fabric Painting Workshop Afternoon; Porth y Swnt, Aberdaron LL53 8BE. Part of the Llŷn Arts FestivalGwynedd Astronomy Society 1st Thurs/month, 7.30pm. Arts and Drama Rehearsal Room, Bangor  University. Parking is available directly outside the main entrance. Davyth Fear 01286 672882.Llangollen Friends of the Earth 1st Thurs/month; venue varies so call or text 07525 016504,

info@llangollenfoe.org.ukSing Out Your Song! Harmony Singing Group - Drop-in group, 7 - 9pm, £8, £6, £4. 1st & 3rd Thurs/month. Bishop Lloyd's Palace, 51 Watergate St., Chester CH1 2LE. Ella 07922 620503, ellaspeirs@hotmail.com Annie’s Bus Come and hear some Storytelling, including writing from RS Thomas. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Aberdaron car park or school. More Than Honey Film. A community social event to raise public awareness about this Bee Film project. One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent upon pollination. We live in a rural community, and many of us make our living from the land or its beauty. There will also be stalls, seedlings, bee-friendly forage plants, composting, organic soil, worms, literature, etc. All welcome to attend. A percentage will go to Bala Flower Bed Fund. 7pm, £5, £4 concs., £20 family. Cinema Bala, Neuadd Buddug, Pensarn Rd., Bala LL23 7SR, 01678 520800. 1st THURSDAY & 2nd FRIDAY Holiday Club Takes place in the woods next to The Warren; 2 Forest School sites with shelters and fire circles. A range of activities including basic bushcraft, such as shelter building, games and craft activities. £20, suitable for 7 - 14 year olds. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.uk 1st THURSDAY - 24th SATURDAY Gŵyl Ganol Haf Dinbych ~ Denbigh Midsummer Festival A cocktail of poetry, music, dancing, walks & talks, films, CD Fayre, Buzz Walk, theatre, Guided Walk, Environment Fair on 3rd; boules, ball drop, local and French markets, fun fair & more!! Facebook: Denbigh Mid Summer Festival 2nd FRIDAY Healing as a Complementary Therapy 1st Fri/month. A 2 year nationally recognised course. 6-7pm, new starters are welcome. £10 per session plus small annual membership fee. Quaker Meeting House, Dean St. Bangor. Claire Wiggins 07838 469174.Annie’s Bus Come and hear some Storytelling, including from RS Thomas’ works. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Whistling Sands c.p./Porthor. On the Beach if sunny; dancing in Llangwandl hall in the evening.Watercolour Workshop Summer workshop ‘Oxeye Daisies’. Led by Liz Bolloten, an experienced artist and tutor who will guide you, in two sessions, to produce your own unique watercolour painting. 2nd session 9th June. Both 10.30am - 1pm, Beginners welcome! £60 for both sessions, includes use of materials. Bodnant Art Studio, Tal y Cafn, Conwy. bodnantart.comSoup & Circus Every 1st Fri/month Circus skills, music and soup to share from 5 - 7pm, come and join. Donations welcome. Rhiwlas village hall. Lucy 07900 637333.Jonathan Richards ~ Guitarist 7.30pm, Gwaensysgor, nr Dyserth. Info: 01745 855801.

June Calendar

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Summer Discovery Day Bumble bees and butterflies, dragonflies and grasshoppers. In the second of our seasonal-themed afternoons, we’ll be looking at lots of bugs! Discover why insects are so important to habitats, and try your hand at some bug crafts. We’ll also be decorating our oak tree model for summer. 2 - 4pm, Newstead Gallery, Grosvenor Museum, Chester CH1 2DD, 01244 972197.Clay Play Ceramic sculpture and pottery inspired by nature, humankind, and myth. Lots to see! 10.30 - 12noon. with Annie Horsley, Tyn Y Parc, Llangwnnadl, Llŷn Peninsula LL53 8NY. 01758 770492, pandahorsley@talktalk.netSinging Bowls Crystal bowl sounds with Asanga Judge. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. 6pm, free, Bryn Moelyn, Boduan LL53 6DP. Contact 07740 306474, meaureennaylon@hotmail.co.uk Prison Fellowship NW Coast Prayer Group The Prayer Group meets to pray for those in prison, their families, and for those involved in their pastoral care.   We are also involved in the restorative justice programmes run at several prisons that house people from this area, and in caring for ex-offenders as they leave prison. If you have a heart for this kind of work, we would love to hear from you. 9.30 - 11.30am. Sure Hope Church, 317 Abergele Rd., Old Colwyn LL29 9YF. Arwel Jones 07519 357523, arwel@email.comFolk and Roots Club 7pm for 7.30pm; £7, £8 door. Theatr Clwyd, Mold 01352 701521, theatrclwyd.com 2nd FRIDAY & 3rd SATURDAY DemFest A mini-festival considering Democracy as an everyday process in the UK. Held in association with The Raymond Williams Foundation and The Democratic Society. Suitable for all. More info: Gladstones Library, Hawarden, nr Chester 01244 532350, gladstoneslibrary.org 2nd FRIDAY - 4th SUNDAY Yoga and Weight Loss This retreat is not about dieting in the normal way and doesn’t involve calorie counting. Instead we apply specific Ayurvedic principles to find the correct yoga, diet and lifestyle that is just right for you. It is about being kind to yourself, using natural foods and gentle exercise to help you maintain a healthy weight, and feel good too. With the right foods, it may even be possible to eat more and weigh less! Dru Yoga, Snowdonia Mountain Lodge, Bethesda LL57 3LX. 01248 602900, www.druyoga.comPoems After Poems For those who wish to explore how new poems can emerge from existing ones in the rich cultural and historical canon. £220 - £295. Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Llanystumdwy, nr Criccieth LL52 0LW, 01766 522811, tynewydd.wales 3rd SATURDAY Annie’s Bus Come and hear some Storytelling, including from RS Thomas’ works. Evening party weaving of all the songs and story gleanings, fire on the beach, bring food! Traeth/Beach, West End sea front, Pwllheli. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival.Dry Stone Walling Taster Day Clawdd Construction. Clawdd tasters are run in conjunction with full weekend course. £25. Bethel nr Caernarfon. Training officer Paul Smyth 01766 513213.

RSPB Conwy Biodiversity Fair Meet lots of wildlife and conservation organisations by browsing the stalls, with various hands on nature activities taking place for children too. Free entrance, with a small charge for some activities like pond dipping. 10.30am - 4pm. RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, LL31 9XZ, 01492 581025, conwy@rspb.co.uk Part of Wales Nature WeekOpen Wildlife Garden Award-winning wildlife-rich garden; grass snakes, spotted flycatchers, lots of flowers. Off-road parking. 2 - 5pm, £5 includes tea, children free. Venue: Y Felin, Sarn, Pwllheli LL53 8HF. Kate Gibbs 01248 681936, kategibbs.nwwt@gmail.comDiscover the Carneddau Our professional and experienced guides can navigate you around the less travelled parts of Snowdonia. They will ensure you have the best experience by challenging you to discover new routes, as well as sharing all the history and nature of the area with you. Snowdon Walks, www.snowdon-walks.co.ukThe Mountain Environment This workshop is aimed at developing your understanding of the natural world. We take a look at the mountain environment from its geological history to its vegetation and human influences upon the landscape. We will identify general characteristics of rock types, habitats and take a closer look at the wildlife which inhabit this environment. A series of engaging activities are used to help promote our understanding and these will offer ideas for you to use with your own clients. A notebook, pencil and camera would be useful to bring along. £45. Nature’s Work, Snowdonia. 01248 361142, www.natureswork.co.ukSummer of Stories Beaumaris Castle, £6.50, £4.20 concs. See 1st for details.Denbigh Midsummer Festival Environment Fair Set in the lovely Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Gardens, the fair promotes all things green and pleasant. Plants, crafts, food, art, nature and wildlife - plus many other facets of our environment, brought together for a fascinating day. 11am - 3pm. Vale St., Denbigh. Also the Denbigh Plum Group are organising afternoon tea with entertainment for everyone, 3 - 5pm at Myddleton College, Peakes Lane LL16 3EN. Facebook: Denbigh Mid Summer FestivalAcoustic Overload Live acoustic music on the Promenade, Llandudno. 10.30am - 4pm, free, donations welcome.Cemlyn Creature Count A fun, family-friendly event for experts and absolute beginners. Includes rockpooling, bughunting and birdwatching . Field equipment and ID guides provided. 10am - 1pm, donations welcome. Venue: west c.p., Cemlyn NWWT Nature Reseve, Tregele, Anglesey LL67 0DY. Ben Stammers 01248 351541, benstammers@wildlifetrustswales.orgMaking Little John Egan (Wood), Junko Mori, Yusuke Yamamoto, Satoko Takemura (Metal) will welcome visitors to show their works and studio. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Open 9am - 4pm. We all will be working on the day so that visitors can watch our working process. We will display our finished works & welcome everyone with cacen a panad! Raifft Bach, Tudweiliog, Pwllheli, LL53 8PB. 01758 770 640, www.makinglittle.co.uk

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Introduction to Bushcraft Making shelters, making fires and cooking great food! Identify trees and plants and how they can be used in cooking and medicine. £30 deposit, £60. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.uk 3rd SATURDAY & 4th SUNDAY Designing a Keyhole Garden An accessible carefully planned growing and composting system perfectly suitable for your own garden. Join us in building our own and help plan, build and plant. 10am - 3pm, £70 lunches provided. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, nr Bangor, 01248 602793, www.moelyci.org Introduction to Beekeeping The importance of sympathetic beekeeping: working with honeybees in a more natural way; discover the importance and benefits of bees in the environment. Designed as a taster session to enable people to decide whether to pursue beekeeping. Suitable for beginners. 10am - 4pm, £95. Bangor. More details Lisa Mundle and Jonathan Garratt 01248 361576, busybees@cooptel.net 3rd SATURDAY - 6th TUESDAY Eco Refurbishment Find out how to make critical improvements to your home to make it more comfortable, cheaper to run and better for the environment. £450, low waged/concs £400. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk 3rd SATURDAY - 10th SATURDAY Teacher Training Retreat Level 1 This training programme is offered to those who are at an early stage in developing mindfulness-based approaches in their work context - and to those who want to support their ongoing development but have not yet attended any teacher training. £367 - £647. Held at Trigonos, Nantlle. Bookings through Bangor Uni, mindfulness@bangor.ac.uk 3rd SATURDAY - 11th SUNDAY Wales Nature Week ~ Wythnos Natur Cymru Public events inspired by Welsh wildlife - from bees in our gardens, alpine flowers in Snowdonia and sea birds on Skomer. www.biodiversitywales.org.uk 4th SUNDAY Yoga Workshop Practicing yoga clears the energy pathways of the body enabling the free flow of prana (vital life force). Book early! 11am - 4pm. Portmeirion. Tracey 01766 770610, 07809 485323, www.traceyyogamassage.co.ukAlpine Flowers of Snowdonia This course will help you to recognise and identify mountain and alpine flowers. Snowdonia is home to specialised plants more at home in the European Alps and Arctic environments. We will look at the adaptations and ecology of these plants and develop your skills and confidence in identifying plants in the field. Bring along a notebook, pencil and camera to help you remember the plants you discover once you’ve returned home. £45. Nature’s Work, Snowdonia. 01248 361142, www.natureswork.co.ukClybod Acoustic Club Meets 1st Sunday/month. 2pm, open to all musical abilities and styles of music - no electricity connecting! Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org

Sharpening Edge Tools Sharpening is probably one of the most under-appreciated skills in all crafts yet it’s one of the most important things you can possibly learn if you are into Bushcraft, Green Woodwork or more general Coppice crafts. £55, £30 deposit. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.ukPoetry Reading With Siôn Tomos Owen, Srijato Bandopadhyay and Natalie Ann Holborow. Part of Valley, City, Village IndiaWales Project. 3pm, free. Palas Print, 10 Palace St., Caernarfon LL55 1RR. parthianbooks.comGreat European Nurdle Hunt Please come along and learn more about nurdles, plastic pollution and help us to get the problem in North Wales on the map. 1 - 2.30pm, free. Contact NWWT 01248 351541, northwaleswildlifetrust.org.ukOpen Garden for National Garden Scheme Open for plants for sale, woodland walks, tea and lawn to sit on. 10am - 5pm, £3.50 in aid of Marie Curie & MacMillan Nurses. Pensychnant Centre, Conwy 01492 592595, pensychnant.co.ukBirds of Estuary, Heathland and Coast Tour With wildlife guides from RSPB. From 10am finishing about 4.30pm. RSPB members £5.50, non-members £7. RSPB Conwy and the Great Orme Country Park, LL31 9XZ, 01492 581025, conwy@rspb.org.ukHypnobirthing Workshop Designed to prepare you for a calm and positive birthing experience. By the end of the workshop, you will understand what hypnobirthing is, how it works, and the benefits it can bring during pregnancy, labour and postpartum. 10.30am - 1pm, £30, light refreshments provided. Held at Studio Bump, 16a Madoc St., Llandudno LL30 2TL. Facebook: MamAFIMumAndMeStreet Circle Training Meditation outdoors, bearing witness to the life of the city around us. Open to all, free of charge, 2 - 4.30pm. Bring simple food to share. Children (and dogs!) are very welcome too as long as parents stay responsible for them at all times. Chris Starbuck 07906 040159, greatheartchester@gmail.comWalk: Dyffryn Lledr a’r Wybrnant, nr Dolwyddelan, Conwy. Moderate walk with NW Gay Outdoor Club. More info from www.goc.org.ukFlowers and Invertebrates Under the guidance of Andrew Graham, a chance to visit land recently purchased by a Wildlife Trust member to be farmed whilst also being treated as a nature reserve. 2 - 5pm, donations welcome. Gwynfryn, Minera, Wrexham 07876 501014, stevepalin@supanet.comGreen Woodworking Everyone welcome, from 10am - 4pm with Bill. Eternal Forest, Boduan, Pwllheli. 01758 612006, 07968 167204, www.eternalforest.orgEvie Ladin & Keith Terry Neo-Trad soul & Folk. 6.30pm. Caban, Brynrefail, Llanberis 01286 685500, caban-cyf.org 5th MONDAY Beicio Bangor Meets 1st Mon/month (except August). We campaign on cycling issues affecting Bangor and the travel-to-work area around. All welcome, 7pm, £5 per annum. Basement Fat Cafe, High Street, Bangor. Details: accounts@beiciobangor.org.uk

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Big Allotment Growing Day An opportunity to grow your own organic nutritious food for free, learn new skills: planting and harvesting the veg and fruits; pickling, preserving, cooking, baking and brewing, craft work and wood work or come and chill out with a brew. 11.30am - 4pm. Tyn y Nant, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Nr Corwen. Facebook: Eco Fferm Frwythau/Gift Economy, or wellhealthcooperative@googlemail.comGoing in Style (12A) Film. Three life-long pals embark on a daring bid to rob a bank. 10.30am with panad/tea, £3. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. Hot Rod Pilgrims Duo The Claw-hammer Banjo and Guitar duo of Dan Edwards and Hubert Murray is a collaboration steeped in acoustic roots music. Doors open 7pm, Gig 8pm, £10. Blue Sky Café, Bangor 01248 355444, blueskybangor.co.uk 5th MONDAY - 8thTHURSDAY Build A Tiny House Learn how to make a beautiful and bespoke tiny house from the ground up including the timber frame structure, interior and relevant renewable systems. £600, low waged/ concs £550. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk 5th MONDAY - 9th FRIDAY Volunteer Week A wonderful week of diverse volunteer activities in Snowdonia National Park. Activities will include maintenance of the countryside, litter pick, woodland care and pathways clearance. Free transport available from Bangor and Caernarfon. 10am. Booking essential via Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk 5th MONDAY - 10th SATURDAY Anglesey Prayer Walk Carrying the Cross across Anglesey and linking in prayer with Christians throughout the island, led by Emyr Mathias and Lindsay Harmon. Finish on 10th with praise and prayer in Town Hall, Llangefni LL77 7LR. Ruth Owen 01248 410658. 6th TUESDAY Cygnus Cafe in Chester An opportunity to join like-minded people to discuss and explore spirituality, well-being, holistic therapies, transformation, community, ecology and much more. For those who are not familiar with Cygnus Review, it offers books, CDs, reviews, articles to uplift and inspire you on your path of self-discovery. 11am - 1pm, The Lodge Cafe, Grosvenor Park, Chester. Lynn Alexander 01244 951753, lynnalexander@talktalk.netGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. Mums & Mums-to-be, 7pm, £13. Studio Bump. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.ukMeditation at Hillside Retreat is a mixture of guided meditation, silence and some sharing, finishing with a cup of tea. No charge, just donations towards refreshments. It is not necessary to have done any meditation before – everyone welcome. It is helpful if you can email me to let me know you are intending to come. 7.30 - 9pm. 1st Tues/month. Hillside Retreat, Rhosesmor, nr Mold CH7 6PP. Contact helen@soul-life.co.uk, www.soul-life.co.uk

Back to the Land A talk by John Thackara, Philosopher, writer and event producer who has spent a lifetime searching for live examples of what a sustainable future can be like. If the health of people, and the places where we live are connected, what kinds of business can help them thrive together? With unique assets, North West Wales has the potential to lead the world as a living laboratory for innovation; adventure sport, tourism, learning, and wellness. To realise this potential, turning ideas into new livelihoods and enterprise, the region's assets need to be combined and connected in new ways. But how? For John Thackara, hybrid approaches to innovation are needed that are centred on people and place, tech enabled, and design-led. 6.30pm, free event. Pontio, Bangor 01248 382828, pontio.co.uk See article page 4 and ad on page 10.Conwy County Peace Group Meets 1st Tues/month, 7.30pm, St. John's Church Hall (between the two M & S stores on Mostyn St., Llandudno). Contact Don Saunders 07748 927643, donsaundersopt@aol.comGoing in Style (12A) Film. Three life-long pals embark on a daring bid to rob a bank. 7.30pm. £6.25, £5.25. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. 7th WEDNESDAY SAORI Weaving Taster Session 1st Weds/month. Half an hour introduction to SAORI freestyle hand weaving, using a SAORI loom and take your weaving home. No experience is necessary, £10 per class including materials. Please book/maximum of six. 6 Swifts Buildings, Bangor LL57 1DQ (opposite Domino’s Pizzas below the train station). Rosie Green 01248 345325, www.saorimor.co.ukInstalling External and Internal Insulation - Practical Day Using materials kindly donated by system providers, this practical 1 day workshop will show you a range of practical details, installation issues and alternatives for external wall insulation (EWI) and breathable wood-fibre internal insulation (IWI). 9.30am - 4pm, £55. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.ukGuided Visualisation 1st Weds/month. The high vibrational guided meditation evenings with Jonathan involve self healing, chakra work, visualisation and healing. 7.30 - 9pm, £6. To register for this group contact 07548 998439; Facebook: Tŷ Cariad Spiritual Sanctuary, Colwyn Bay. Gong into Summer Baby Gong, 10am, £13. Studio Bump, Llandudno. Also at: 7pm, £14, Bodhi Movement, The Stables, Betws y Coed. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.ukConscious Dance Bringing awareness to all that is within us; body, heart and mind, and giving it expression in movement. Drop-in. Suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. 7 - 9pm, £10, £8, £5. The Little Theatre, Gloucester St., Chester CH1 3HR. Ella Speirs 07922 620503, ellaspiers@hotmail.comFences (12A) Film. Tells the story of a working class black man’s struggle to make ends meet. 2pm, 7.30pm. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comVintage Film Matinee 1st Weds/month. For more information contact Denbigh Film Club; Lilian Jones 01745 813426, denbighfilmclub.co.uk

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ROH: The Dream/Symphonic Variations/Marguerite and Armand The Royal Ballet celebrates 70 years with a mixed programme of works by its founder Frederick Ashton. 7.15pm, £15, £12.50. Pontio, Bangor 01248 382828, pontio.co.uk Also Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech £15, £13 concs., £10 children. 01766 780667, theatrardudwy.cymru Also Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org £10, £8 concs., £3 children. 7th WEDNESDAY & 8th THURSDAY Zero Carbon Britain: Making it Happen! An in-depth introduction to CAT’s latest Zero Carbon Britain research, offering a robust, evidence-based scenario that explores ways we can deliver a climate positive future, whilst also maintaining a modern lifestyle. Fee: £100, low waged, concs £70. Rooms available at extra cost. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk 8th THURSDAY VOTE!! See Back CoverCycles of Eternity A group discussion with Bangor Theosophical Lodge. An overview of the Ageless Wisdom by Tim Wyatt - Accident or Grand Plan? 2pm, £5, TS members £3. Book Sale and refreshments. Parkway Community Centre, Rhos-on-Sea, LL28 4SE. Pauline 07547 135491, p.owens@live.co.uk.Extreme Ecology: Become a Nature Detective Fieldwork is a vital part of the Natural Sciences and in some cases there is a powerful overlap between the various natural scientific disciplines - biology, chemistry and geology. 10am - 4pm, £50, low waged/concs £40. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk www.smallisfestival.orgElinor Bennett ~ TONIC Elinor plays two very different harps to create images in music. 2.30pm, £5, with panad/tea. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comPastel Painting Workshops Half days, 10.30am - 1pm, everything you need is provided. BYO lunch; booking essential. Held at Bodnant Art Studio, Tal y Cafn, Conwy. Contact katepigram@aol.co.uk ~ bodnantart.comJelly Day Just bring your laptop or whatever you need to work, and share our space (and free WiFi).10am - 4pm, Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, nr Chester 01244 532350, gladstoneslibrary.orgA Botanical Foray Explore the dunes and slacks at Newborough Warren on the hunt for orchids and other delights. Led by Nigel Brown. 2 - 5pm, donations welcome. Llyn Rhos Ddu c.p., Newborough, Anglesey LL61 6RS. Penny Radford 01248 713022, radfords713@btinternet.comGrow Your Own - 3 Sisters In Action In this spring-summer course; you will learn what to plant, where, how and make plans for your own vegetable and fruit gardens. Even a small plot will benefit from this course and will reward you with higher yields over a longer period. 6 - 8.30pm. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, nr Bangor, 01248 602793, www.moelyci.orgSing Out Your Song! 1st & 3rd Thurs/month. Harmony Singing Group; drop-in 7 - 9pm, £8, £6, £4. Bishop Lloyd's Palace, 51 Watergate St., Chester CH1 2LE. Ella 07922 620503, ellaspeirs@hotmail.com

Chastity Brown Singer-songwriter with roots in the Deep South of USA. 8pm, £12. Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge LL59 5DR, 01248 712309, vicmenai.com 8th THURSDAY - 11th SUNDAY Small is Beautiful Festival A celebration of sustainable ideas with the theme of housing, inspired by E.F. Schumacher’s seminal work. The festival combines hands-on workshops, an inspiring arts and music programme, hard-hitting debate and inspirational talks. Leading minds in engineering, sustainability and social change combine with a buzzing music and arts programme. Tickets are various prices depending on specific events/weekend; u9s free. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.ukGottwood Festival Llanfaethlu Electronic Music and Arts Festival. A mystical party hidden in the middle of the woods. Gottwood is an independent, boutique, and very intimate underground electronic music festival. Full (limited) weekend tickets left - £180; Sunday ticket £59.10. Tents, Tipis and Yurt glamping available. Held Carreglwyd, Llanfaethlu, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 4NY. For a full run down of the artists and timings go to website: gottwood.co.uk 9th FRIDAY Full Moon in Gemini 2:09pm World Invocation Day A world day of prayer and meditation when men and women of every spiritual path join in a universal appeal to divinity and use the Great Invocation. Together they focus the invocative demand of humanity for the light, the love and the spiritual direction needed to build a world of justice, unity and peace. See page 41.Fiona Owen: Literary Society “Cutting to the Quick” A creative writing workshop. What techniques can help a story spring to life? What are we looking for when we start editing our fiction? What happens when we overwrite? Exxplore how to develop your writing or learn new skills that can strengthen your work. This workshop is open to all levels of experience. A warm welcome to all/Croeso cynnes i bawb. 1 - 3pm, £5, £4 concs., Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.orgClouds Harp Quartet Classical cross-over with pedal harp, inspiration from Celtic folk music, Jazz blues and dance. 7.30pm, £10, £8 concs., Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.Watercolour Workshop See 2nd JuneRomantics Anonymous (12A) Film. What occurs when a highly emotional man meets a highly emotional woman? 7 for 7.30pm, £4 door, refreshments available. Denbigh Film Club, French with English subtitles. Theatr Twm o'r Nant, Station Road, LL16 3DA. Lilian Jones 01745 813426, denbighfilmclub.co.ukRhyl Comedy Club Will host a line up of 9 super talented standup comedians from across the country. Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. A licenced bar is available and coffee if you're driving. Entry by donations on the door. A warm welcome and great atmosphere is guaranteed! Rhyl Little Theatre, Vale Road, Rhyl, LL18 2BS. For info Sarah 07773 195010, www.rhyllittletheatre.co.uk

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I, Daniel Blake (15) Film; Ken Loache’s quiet rage about injustice in modern Britain’s benefit system. 8pm, Upstairs @ Llangollen Town Hall, Castle St. New Dot Cinema hello@newdotcinema.orgAlys Willliams a’r Band Local musicians, 8pm, £7, £5 concs., Theatr Fach, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77. Tickets : 01248 725732.Nightjars and Nightlife Walk in the fading light along forestry tracks to see birds, plants and other wildlife; then a look at the moth traps. 8.30pm. meet Gwydyr Forest, cuffty Mine. Book: Mark sheridan, NWWT 01492 583820. 9th FRIDAY - 11th SUNDAY Yoga & Seashore Foraging Weekend Join us on our summer escape, a yoga and seashore foraging weekend. Its our latest retreat new for 2017. It combines our love of the coast, nature, food and of course yoga. £375 - £515. Menai Bridge. Laura Bell 07989 512859, www.thezestlife.co.uk Annual Sangha Celebration Saturday morning will be to celebrate those who are taking refuge or Bodhisattva vows, the afternoon for those who are making commitments to the Sangha, with their Mahayanagana or Mentor vows. Sunday we receive teachings from Lama Shenpen on Death and Dying, impermanence and the importance of turning our mind towards Awakening for the benefit of others. We finish with a great feast, entertainment, singing and dancing. You are invited to bring vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drink to share and entertainment to offer. All help to set up and clear up welcome. Plenty of camping space; B&Bs. Bookings - Sangha/accommodation: jayasiddhi@ahs.org.uk ~ hermitageoftheawakenedheart.orgYoga Retreat The yoga sessions will be a mix of dynamic and restorative Yin yoga; both can be modified to meet your needs. Suitable for all levels. 11am - 4pm. £265 - £390 inclusive. Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Llŷn Peninsula. Tracey 01766 770610, 07809 485323, traceyyogamassage.co.uk Poetry and Dementia This course is a taster of what’s involved in embarking on creative writing with people living with dementia. Interactive talks, workshops and readings, and books, pamphlets and articles will be available for consultation and purchase. £295 - £220. Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Llanystumdwy, nr Criccieth LL52 0LW, 01766 522811, tynewydd.walesGŵyl Lenyddol RS Thomas Literary Festival With Dr. Rowan Williams, Prof Helen Wilcox, Prof M Wynn Thomas “Yr Hen Fam”, and Revd. Mark Oakley “Taking RS With Me”. St. Hywyn, Aberdaron. Contact Susan Fogarty 01758 703039, susanafogarty@gmail.com, rsthomaspoetry.co.ukNW Cajun & Zydeco Weekend A whole weekend of dancing and music to some of the best Cajun & Zydeco bands the UK has to offer - Louisiana style. 6 Live Bands, London DJs , Dance Workshops. 8 - 10.30pm. Conwy Comrades Sport & Social Club, Church Street, Conwy LL32 8AF. Info & tickets northwalescajun.co.uk

9th FRIDAY - 12th MONDAY Singing & Sound Healing Retreat Guided by Rafaelle Mackay ~ Vocalist, Composer, Therapeutic Musician and Workshop leader based in Canada and Carly Grace ~ Sound and Meditation Practitioner working with Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls and Voice. Slow down, connect with nature, discover and celebrate your authentic voice, experience the therapeutic power of sound, re-juvinate, connect deeply with yourself and others. £495, £550. Cae Mabon Brynrefail, Llanberis LL55 3HB 01286 871542, caemabon.co.uk ~ www.carly-grace.com 9th FRIDAY - 18th SUNDAY The Dynamics of Insight Spiritual death or insight, is followed by spiritual rebirth. Spiritual death leads to seeing through a delusion, while spiritual rebirth embodies what we ‘open to’ after such a seeing-through. This retreat is suitable for people who have been meditating for at least 3 years. £360, £324 concs., Vajraloka Buddhist Centre, Corwen LL21 0EN 01490 460406, vajraloka.org 10th SATURDAY Focus on Printmaking Workshops Our series of Focus on Printmaking Workshops offer a valuable opportunity to discover new processes and develop a deep understanding of printmaking. They are designed to cater for varying levels of experience. 10am - 4pm; intermediate/advanced non members £60, members £50, booking essential. Regional Print Centre, Coleg Cambria, Wrexham LL12 7AB, regionalprintcentre.co.uk Also 17thNonviolent Communication (NVC) Workshop Learning the language to express our needs. 10am – 5pm, gift culture/donations welcome. Booking required. Open to those new to NVC or for those who want to deepen their practice. Bethesda. Rik Midgley ~ livenonviolence.uk See article on page 8Pastel Workshop - Waterlilies (after Monet) Led by Paul Pigram. 10.30am - 4pm, £55. Beginners welcome, materials supplied. Bodnant Art Studio, Tal y Cafn, Conwy. bodnantart.comPeter Pan A live recorded performance of JM Barrie’s tale with National Theatre. 2.30pm, £10. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. Also Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comThe Lost City of Z (15) Film A true life drama based on a man who goes looking for the city and gets lost in the Amazon in the 1920s. 7.30pm, £6.25, £5.25. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.Summer of Stories Denbigh Castle, £4, £2.60 concs. See 1st for details.Gong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 9am-1pm The Share, Mochdre Village Hall, pay as you feel. Also at: 7pm or 8:30pm £10, Mynydd Llandegai. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899. puresound.org.ukSnowdonia Society 50th Birthday A celebratory picnic with a walk and informal talks at the former home of Snowdonia Society’s founder, Esme Kirby - Dyffryn Mymbyr farm house. 10am - 4pm. Booking essential: Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, claire@snowdonia-society.org.uk

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10th SATURDAY & 11th SUNDAY Reiki 1 Reiki is a simple form of healing and self-healing. Vivien teaches the original form of the Usui System of Healing. She offers continuous on-going support to all of her students. £125 class fee, accommodation is available £30 per night. Anglesey Healing Centre, Llangoed, 01248 490814, vivreiki@hotmail.comWater in Stitch - Machine Stitch Learn how to use layering of fabrics, detailed stitching, complex threads and basic bobbin work to create movement and capture light in water. Inspired by the award winning rockpool series and taught by Bex Raven. £120. Funky Aardvark, 61 Bridge St Rows East, Chester CH1 1NW. 01244 630202, www.funkyaardvark.co.uk 10th SATURDAY - 14th WEDNESDAY The Art of Radiant Living You will learn relaxing tai chi, chi yoga, and chi kung movements, simple mindfulness practices and mindful meditation. Reduce your stress, restore inner peace and re-energise your body. Held at Trigonos, Nantlle. Bookings: Gloria Hanson 07870 335 348; Jacky Seery 07540 840835. 11th SUNDAY Bailey Hill Festival A family fun event; plus live bands from the region, storytellers and living history. Children’s creative workshops and guided heritage tours; circus skills, a variety of stalls and of course, the ancient monument. 1 - 6pm, £3, free for U16s. Bailey Hill, Mold. Celebrate Wales Nature Week Family Discovery Day with activities, guided walks, explorations, Art & Craft demonstrations, Cafe. Free entry, 10am - 4pm. Nant Alyn Rd., Rhydymwyn CH7 5HQ. 01352 740949.The Bubble Rush A 5km fun run, walk or skip with a difference – you get showered with coloured bubbles along the way! £20 for adults, £10 for children and £50 for a family booking of two adults and two children. Llandrillo College, Llandudno Rd., Rhos-on-Sea LL28 4HZ. Proceeds for St. David’s Hospice. Visit www.stdavidshospice.org.ukTaraloka Open Afternoon What’s a Buddhist retreat centre like on the inside? Enjoy short talks, taster meditation sessions or Tai Chi, parent and kids activities, guided tours of buildings and grounds or browse our bookshop. 2 - 5pm, free, child friendly. Taraloka Buddhist Retreat Centre, Whitchurch. 01948 710646, www.taraloka.org.ukGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm, £13. Llanfairfechan Town Hall. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.ukCalling In Your Soul Family This workshop gives you the opportunity to call in people to help you with your life, be they in the physical or another dimension. Whether you need support with your life purpose or a situation in your life, you will receive the guidance you need. 12.30 - 3.30pm, £25, booking essential. Hightown Community Resource Centre, Bryn Y Cabanau Road, Hightown, Wrexham LL13 7BS. Bookings: Jo Ann Stuart: info@cariadcrystal healingandspiritualguidance.co.uk

The Bangor Forest Garden An opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends whilst contributing to maintaining and developing the Garden! Session starts at 11.30am - 4pm. Wear some outdoor suitable clothing and bring some lunch; tea and coffee provided. If you need a lift ask us about car sharing. More details from bangorforestgarden@gmail.com, www.thebfg.org.uk Or have a look on Facebook bangorforestgardenCarrog Bioblitz Experts will be on hand to help us record as many species as possible, from mammals and birds to spiders and moths. 9am - 4.30pm, BioBlitz Bat Walk 9pm-11pm with Gwynedd Bat Group. Carrog Farm, Cwm Penmachno. Contact 01758 510120, nationaltrust.org.uk/ysbyty-ifan Part of Wales Nature Week.Estyneto Join inspirational dancer & choreographer, Cai Tomos as he leads monthly dance/movement sessions for those over the age of 60. 13.30pm, £3. Galeri, 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comBreastfeeding Support Workshop An informative and supportive session to help you on your breastfeeding journey. 10.30am - 1pm. Held at Studio Bump, 16a Madoc St., Llandudno LL30 2TL. Facebook: MamAFIMumAndMe 12th MONDAY Disability of Arts Wales Writing Group Do you write non-fiction, poetry, drama, or novels.....in the Welsh language? Do you self-identify as a disabled person and/or have a long-term physical mental health condition? Come and participate in a monthly group. 4.30 - 6.30pm, free. Caernarfon Library LL55 1AS. Contact post@dacymru.com / 029 2055 1040.Seriously Books Want somewhere to discuss literary classics: past, present and future? Here you'll find a warm welcome and intelligent discussion that ranges from the light-hearted to the challenging. Meets 2nd Mon/month. Books selected by vote and alternate between contemporary and classic fiction. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden. Contact Louisa Yates louisa.yates@gladlib.orgHolyhead Writers Group 2nd & 4th Mon/month. PenFriends is a creative writing group who offer support and feedback on each other’s work and also do fun writing exercises to stretch our creative muscles! 7pm. £1. Harvest Moon, Newry St., Holyhead (opposite Holyhead Library). Karen 07929 069235.Lady Macbeth (15) Film. A young bride is sold into marriage to a middle-aged man. 10.30am, £3 with panad/tea. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.Wildlife Gardening Whether you are completely new to gardening or have years of experience, whether you can spare one day each month or one day every week, we need you! 10am, Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, tyhyll@snowdonia-society.org.uk

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12th MONDAY - 17th SATURDAY A Novel Journey: Writing the Novel from Beginnng to End This is a course for anyone who wants to write a novel, no matter what stage you’re at. Your book might be already written, or might only be an idea bubbling away or some scribbles in a hand written notebook. This course will explore the mysteries of the novel and share ways and means of capturing that mystery in a concrete form on the page. £495. Led by Kate Hamer and Holly Müller; with guest reader A.L. Kennedy. Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Llanystumdwy, nr Criccieth LL52 0LW, 01766 522811, tynewydd.wales 13th TUESDAY Big Balsam Bash Join this community-based day of practical conservation and learn how to tackle invasive Himalayan balsam in your area. 10am. Held at Capel Curig. Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.ukThe Healing Well Hands on Healing, by donation. All welcome, 7-9pm. Ganolfan Pentrefelin, nr Criccieth. Mayamara 01766 770874.Cycles of Eternity A group discussion with Bangor Theosophical Lodge. An overview of the Ageless Wisdom by Tim Wyatt - Accident or Grand Plan? 7.30pm, £5, TS members £3. Held in Hirael Hall, Ambrose St., Bangor LL57 1DF. Enquiries 01248 600267, toddyalc@gmail.comGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm, £13. St Marys Church, Tremadog. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.ukCylch Gitar Gogledd Cymru/ North Wales Guitar Circle 2nd Tues/month. All styles of acoustic guitarists - from non players to professional (non vocal). 7.45pm, £1 per person. Anglesey Arms Hotel, Menai Bridge. Jane and Dave Sinnett 01407 831480, jane.sinnett@btinternet.com ~ Facebook: northwalesguitarcircleLady Macbeth See 12th, except @ 7.30pm.The End of Europe An evening with political writer in residence James Kirchick - author of The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues and the Coming Dark Age, argues that though Europe was once the world’s bastion of liberal, democratic values, it is now having to confront demons it thought it had laid to rest. 8pm, £15 includes a copy of The End of Europe. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, nr Chester 01244 532350, gladstoneslibrary.org 14th WEDNESDAY Holyhead Writers Group 2nd & 4th Mon/month. PenFriends is a creative writing group who offer support and feedback on each other’s work and also do fun writing exercises to stretch our creative muscles! 7pm, £1. Harvest Moon, Newry St., Holyhead (opposite Holyhead Library). Karen 07929 069235. Conscious Dance Bringing awareness to all that is within us; in body, heart and mind, and giving it expression in movement. Drop-in. Suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. 7 - 9pm, £10, £8, £5. The Little Theatre, Gloucester St., Chester CH1 3HR. Ella Speirs 07922 620503, ellaspiers@hotmail.com

Circle Dance A relaxing afternoon with a friendly welcoming group. No experience or partner needed. 2-4pm, Old Colwyn Methodist Church Hall. Phone Janice 01492 545587 / Susan 01352 219464.Daring to Touch the Flame of Wisdom: The Source of Brotherhood A talk by Michael Buren, Bishop of the Grail Community. Sponsored by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies. 7pm for 7.30pm. £5.50, £3.50 concs., refreshments and Book Sale. Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham St., Chester CH1 3LF. Enquiries 01244 370461, www.chestertheosophy.orgAcoustic Music Night With Andy Bob Beaument and his guests, 9pm, free, Auckland Arms, Menai Bridge. Ruthin Reading Group 7.30pm, Ruthin Library, 01824 705274.Llandudno and District Writers Group This month: Reading and Writing Fiction, with Tony Brown. 2pm, all welcome! Llandudno Public Library. Contact: llandudno.writers@aol.co.uk Gong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm £13. Canolfan Beaumaris. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.uk 15th THURSDAY Sing Out Your Song! Harmony Singing Group - Drop-in group, 7 - 9pm, £8, £6, £4. 1st & 3rd Thurs/month. Bishop Lloyd's Palace, 51 Watergate St., Chester CH1 2LE. Ella 07922 620503, ellaspeirs@hotmail.comPositive Birth Movement Meeting Our theme for discussion will be - Dads and Birth Partners; the role of dads / partners at birth, should they be there?! What they can do to help, what women need from them, space for them to speak hopes / fears. 7.30 - 8.30pm, Theatr Clwyd, Mold CH7 1YA. Facebook: Positive Birth Movement North East WalesDune Wildlife Led by Rhodri Dafydd, we'll walk a route to suit the weather. Bring a picnic! 11am - 4pm, donations welcome. Myn y Don c.p., Morfa Harlech. Janet Baker 07812 659593, jemmole@hotmail.comChester CND Our monthly meeting, all welcome, free. 7.30 - 9pm. Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham St., Chester; chestercnd@gmail.comPastel Workshop - Waterlilies See 8thHedd Wyn (12) Film. 1992 Oscar nominated Welsh language film on the big screen. 7.30pm, £1. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comEwan McIntyre Band with Circe’s Diner Together, with live zoetrope animations and a four piece band from Canada and Scotland, Ewan will weave his own blend of folk pop traditions. 7pm open, Gig 8pm, £10. Blue Sky Café, Bangor 01248 355444, blueskybangor.co.ukGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 8pm, £13. Rhuddlan Community Hall. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.uk

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16th FRIDAY Mindfulness Open Day Our open day is intended for anyone with an interest in bringing mindfulness into their professional work, for those that would like to teach Mindfulness or for those that would like to learn more about the work of the CMRP. Experience some mindfulness practice together and a chance to meet the presenters. 2 - 4.30pm. Dean St., Bangor 01248 382498, mindfulness@bangor.ac.ukCaffi Stori Llangollen Storytelling Café Join us for stories, songs, music and poetry ~ come to tell or just to listen. 7.30pm ~ only £2, in the Courtyard Coffee Shop, Cwrt-y-Castell, Castle Street, Llangollen LL20 8NY. Delicious coffee and cakes on sale from Julie of the Coffee Shop. Croeso cynnes i bawb! A warm welcome to all! Fiona 01490 430551, fionastory3@gmail.com Introduction to Aromatherapy This Introductory Course in Aromatherapy is ideal for those who would like to be able to use Aromatherapy on their friends and famlies and is of particular interest to those considering a career in the Holistic Massage sector. 10am - 4.30pm, £65. Greenhouse Therapies, Chester 01244 637851, greenhousetherapies.co.ukWireless in Wales "Radio Luxemburgh in the 1950s and 1960s". 7 - 9pm. Canolfan Iaith Clwyd, Pwll Y Grawys, Denbigh LL16 3LF. 01745 812287, gwybod@popethcymraeg.com Stargazing Take a tour of the night sky, viewing familiar and unfamiliar constellations of the northern hemisphere, find various deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula and learn the correct use of binoculars and navigation via star maps. You will also be shown how to set up a telescope correctly before viewing and then photographing some of the magnificent sights in the night sky. No prior knowledge or equipment needed, but feel free to bring both! 12yrs+. Bring blankets, torch; from 9.30pm. From 9.30pm, wear warm clothes and suitable footwear, bring a torch and blanket. Bryn Celli Ddu, Bodorgan, Anglesey LL61 6EQ. Meet the Gardener Tour Find out the secrets of the gardens at Plas Newydd with a tour of the grounds with the gardener. 10am - 12noon. Admission costs apply. Plas Newydd, Llangollen 01978 862834, plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.ukPoetry in the LookOut Enjoy an evening of poetry surrounded by nature. Local poet, Garry Chilton will be sharing some of his wildlife inspired poetry, in a relaxed environment. 6.30 - 8pm, RSPB members £3, non-members £4. RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, LL31 9XZ, 01492 581025, conwy@rspb.co.uk 17th SATURDAY Early & Contemporary Colour Pigments Led by Jan Gardner. This workshop will give you the opportunity to benefit from Jan’s research and experience in creating and using colour pigments. With pestle and mortar, grind your own colours and using egg tempera and modern binders, create both early and contemporary pigments. Then undertake your own explorations using these colours. There is an additonal cost of £10 for the materials. 10am - 4pm, £65. IARD, Parc Glynllifon, nr Caernarfon LL55 1RR, 01286 672472, www.iard.co.uk

All about Compost and Liquid Feeds Come along and learn the best methods of compost making.  Learn how we make liquid feeds on the farm and how best to feed your seasonal vegetable plants. 10am - 1pm, £20. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth 01248 602793, www.moelyci.orgLive at the Beach Live artists and bands, 10.30am - 4pm, free, donations welcome, child friendly. The Promenade, Llandudno. Know Your Trees Learn to recognise native trees, leaves, twigs, flowers and seeds. We will also look at the wildlife value of different trees and the uses of timber. 10am - 5pm, £50, £25 deposit. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.ukDay of Action in Support of the Global Nuclear Ban See NoticeboardBryn Celli Ddu Open Day Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Bryn Celli Ddu. Live flint knapping demonstrations; meet Neolithic characters, and have a go at making a beautiful Neolithic pot just like the ones found at the tomb. Living history, tours, talks and child-friendly activities. Find out more about our current excavations of the Bronze Age cairn in the field next door, with live tours of our open trenches. Enjoy a full day of hands-on activities, exhibits, archaeology and information stands. Learn about what our ancestors wore, what they ate, and how they lived. Chat to members of the Anglesey Druid Order about the significance of the sunrise of the Solstice at Bryn Celli Ddu. Come and re-discover a local gem. 11am - 4pm, Bodorgan, Anglesey, LL61 6EQ. Mind, Body, Spirit, Holistics and Craft Fairs Holistic treatments, therapies, Readings, Fairtrade and festival clothing, crystals and massage, refreshments, raffle. 11am - 4pm, free entry. Queensferry War Memorial Institute, Chester Rd West, Queensferry, CH5 1TD. More info from rainbowbiz.org.ukBotanical Painting Classes Led by Doreen Hamilton. 3rd Sat/month. Materials can be supplied at cost if you just want to give it a try and not have to buy expensive materials at the start. 12.30pm - 3.30pm; followed by tea/coffee. £15, students £10. Treborth Gardens, nr Bangor LL57 2RQ. Booking not required - but please let Doreen know by e-mail the previous week and then just turn up: doreensbotanicals@gmail.com Focus on Printmaking Workshops See 10thIntroduction to Herbal Medicine - First Aid A one day, 4 part course over 1 year. Each day will stand alone, but all four will add up to give a good introduction for the lay herbalist with an opportunity to work with an experienced medical herbalist to build on your skills and knowledge. 10am - 4.30pm, £50 course only. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.ukIsle of Anglesey Choral Society Includes choral classics of Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Handel’s Messiah, Welsh favourites Y Tangnefeddwyr plus the Hallelujah Chorus of Messiah; with Thai Soprano Organ Prawang of Bangor University alongside the choir. 7.30pm, £7, £6 concs., £3 children. Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org

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La Diva De La Guitarra Flamboyant guitarist Galina Vale presents a varied programme of music from the Flamenco tradition as well as music from classical composers, Paganini, Rossini and JS Bach. 8.15pm, £11. Thomas Telford Centre, Menai Bridge LL59 5EA. More info 01407 831480.Introduction to Solar P.V. The difference between on-grid and off-grid systems, design, including feed in tariffs and planning capacity. 9.30am - 5pm. Course only £60. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.ukSAORI Weaving for Health & Wellbeing Day 3rd Sat/month. Learn Japanese SAORI freestyle hand weaving. No experience is necessary, all abilities welcome, guidance given. Items made can be a cushion or bag, scarf or clothing accessory, or simply display it as a wall hanging. 10am - 4pm, £75 per class plus materials. Please book/maximum of six. Held at 6 Swifts Buildings, off High Street, Bangor, LL57 1DQ (opposite Domino’s Pizzas below the train station). Rosie Green 01248 345325, www.saorimor.co.uk Cambrian OS: Field Trip to Gwaith Powdwr An evening meeting and chance to hear and hopefully see Nightjars. Led by Geoff Gibbs. Meet 9pm c.p, entrance by Cooke’s Industrial Estate SH616389. Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6LLSnowdonia Slate Trail Help complete the trail - our task is to guide the way by fitting way markers along designated sections of the new trail. 10am. Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, owain@snowdonia-society.org.uk 17th SATURDAY & 18th SUNDAY Seeing The Unseen - Sculpture Course The course will be designed to explore the things that are so often overlooked in the natural world by most people and will introduce students to ways in which they can interpret their findings in a creative way. No experience is necessary and all tools and materials will be provided. £120. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.ukBotany for Gardening With a practical and applied approach, this module aims to introduce the principles of botany that have a direct relevance to environmental studies and gardening in particular, giving the learner knowledge and understanding of plants and their responses to gardening practice. £60, £50 concs. Held at CAT, Machynlleth. Please book through Aberystwyth University 01970 621580. 17th SATURDAY - 25th SUNDAY Gŵyl Criccieth Festival Includes an Art Show, FoodSlam, Music, Garden Trail, Comedy Song, Singing for Fun U3A, Africa Cymru - food, words and music from Africa; Festival Service in Capel y Traeth. Full info about tickets, venues and event details 07790 830367, cricciethfestival.co.uk 18th SUNDAY Petals and Claws - Clay Modelling During this one day workshop you’ll create your own figurative sculpture of an owl / bird in porcelain paper clay. Liz will guide you through the process of the hand building method and discuss the different options for decorating the finished piece. 10.30am - 4.30pm, £50 including light lunch. Booking essential. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

Timber Processing We will demonstrate all the machinery we use to turn a round trunk into value-added products. We will use the timber we process to make something such as a gate. 10am - 5pm, £50, deposit £25. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.ukMonterey Pop 1968 Film. Scott McKenzie, Jimi Hendrix and Simon & Garfunkel on centre stage in a documentary about the greatest pre-Woodstock music festival. 7.30pm, £6.25, £5.25, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.Conwy’s Top 50 Wild Flowers Explore the reserve with the site manager, Julian Hughes, identifying some of the wild flowers that fill the reserve with colour. This event is timed to coincide with hundreds of orchids in flower. 1 - 3.30pm, RSPB members £6, non-members £7.50. RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, LL31 9XZ, 01492 581025, conwy@rspb.co.ukSolar P.V. Off-grid Systems How to combine modules, batteries, inverters, cable sizes, calculate load demands, issues and considerations of off-grid systems. 9.30am - 4pm, £60 fee only. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk Blending Essential Oils for Health & Wellbeing A must for all new and existing lovers of essential oils and a refresher course for those familiar with blending; including current updated information on oils that are safe to use during pregnancy and childbirth. All materials provided. A certificate for the day will be issued, together with a copy of all learning materials. Worth 5 CPD points. £50 - includes tea/coffee and biscuits; bring lunch.10am - 4pm, The Old Rectory, Llanfachraeth, Anglesey LL65 4YA. Camping maybe available for £10. Maggie Jennings 07825 285688, maggie.jennings@ntlworld.comGreat Get together ~ Y Picnic Mawr In support of refugees new in the area. Bring a picnic and folding chair; bring a teddy to give to the young refugees; bring new underwear for all refugees. there will be a play area, sack race, storytelling, sorting challenge and much more. From 1pm Clwb Chwaereon (follow signs to the car boot sale), Porthmadog. there is a club house in case of rain. We remember Jo Cox as well as mark the beginning of Refugee Week. cefn.cymru.com See CEFN/Bernie’s article on page 41Flexibility & The Spine ~ Feldenkrais Method Learn to use your spine without stiffness or strain. 10am - 1pm, £30. Held at Verve Health Fitness & Wellbeing, 2 - 4 George St., Llangollen. Veronica Rock 07990 825783, vhrock@feldenkrais.co.uk Quaker Meeting 3rd Sun/month, 10am, Memorial Hall, Market St., Llangollen. Maria Haines 01978 860349, northwalesquakers.orgSnowdonia Colliery Welfare Male Voice Choir The colliery closed in 1987 but the Choir flourishes still, with members now coming from varied backgrounds and a wide area. In 2010 the Choir created with voice the subterranean sounds of a mine with Mikhail Karikis “The Sounds Beneath”. Afternoon gig. Electric Mountain, Llanberis 01286 870636, electricmountain.co.uk

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19th MONDAY Chester Amnesty International We are ordinary people standing up for humanity, human rights and justice. Meets at 7.45pm, this month in The Watergate Inn, (room on the left inside pub), close to Chester Racecourse. Contact Alan 01244 679185/ Facebook for more details, www.amnesty.org Seriously Sentences - Writer’s Group Meets 3rd/Monday each month to review each other's submissions, share competition, market and publishing news and welcome all levels of expertise - prolific or wannabe! Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden. Contact Hazel: seriouslysentences@gmail.comGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm, £13. Canolfan Thomas Telford, Menai Bridge. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899. puresound.org.ukBangor Cellar Writing Group Meetings allow writers of prose and poetry to share their work with others by reading out their manuscripts. We also have a programme of writing challenges and workshops. All abilities are welcome from beginner to more experienced writers. The aim is to encourage people in their writing and able to meet with others who share their interest. 7 - 9.15pm, 1815 Cafe, Bangor. Mary Ward - merielward75@gmail.comBitter Harvest (15) Film. A love story set in 1930s Ukraine, amongst Stalin’s death-by-starvation programme. 7.30pm, £6.25, £5.25, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. 19th MONDAY - 23rd FRIDAY Special Teacher Training in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer In this masterclass, we will explore what mindfulness has to offer people with cancer. It is offered by CMRP and two teachers who are steeped in this approach and have considerable experience of working with people with cancer - Trish Bartley and Christina Shenna. Held at Trigonos, Nantle. £560, £490 concs. Bookings: Bangor Uni, 01248 382498, mindfulness@bangor.ac.uk Accommodation costs are extra via CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk 19th MONDAY- 25th SUNDAY Refugee Week ~ Different Pasts, Shared Futures You can find out What’s On online; with resources, toolkits and materials to hold events in your area. Go to: refugeeweek.org.uk/resources 20th TUESDAY Chester Humanists We seek to make the best use of the one life we have by creating meaning and purpose for ourselves, using reason, experience and shared human values. Meet at 7.30pm in the Custom House, Watergate Street Chester. Stuart 07954 166 567, Richard 07530 225268, chester.humanist.org.ukForushande ~ The Salesman (12A) Film of an Iranian couple’s relationship and how it unravels as they prepare for their roles in “Death of a Salesman”; with English subtitles. 7.30pm, £6.25, £5.25, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.

21st WEDNESDAY Summer Solstice 05:24 amBig Allotment Growing Day An opportunity to grow your own organic nutritious food for free, learn new skills: planting and harvesting the veg and fruits; pickling, preserving, cooking, baking and brewing, craft work and wood work or come and chill out with a brew. 11.30am - 4pm. Tyn y Nant, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Nr Corwen. Facebook: Eco Fferm Frwythau/Gift Economy, or wellhealthcooperative@googlemail.comSnowdon Footpath Maintenance Come and help us maintain some the most popular footpaths in the country. 7.45am, booking essential. Free train ride to summit. Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, owain@snowdonia-society.org.ukForushande (The Salesman) (12A) Film of an Iranian couple’s relationship and how it unravels as they prepare for their roles in “Death of a Salesman”. 2pm, 7.30pm, subtitled. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comChester and District Friends of the Earth Meet at 7.30pm in the Custom House, Watergate Street, Chester. Contact Peter Benson 07740 179939.New Storytelling Club 3rd Weds/month. Special guest wordsmith every month. All welcome. No charge! 7.30pm. The Blue Bell Inn, 19 Castle Street, Conwy LL32 8AT. Suzi & Simon on 01490 460563 or 07984 637068. Taking Flight - The Tempest An original take on Shakespeare’s magical masterpiece: the crew of luxury ocean liner, The Remembrance, take care of your every worry, your every woe on their 10 year anniversary cruise to the Island that Time Forgot. 7 - 9pm, £14.50, £10 concs., Beaumaris Castle LL58 8AP. Tickets: takingflighttheatre.co.ukWrite Now Meets 3rd Weds/month at 7.30pm. All types of writing welcome, we read our work aloud and share tips and news. Meet in Gales Wine Bar, 18 Bridge St., Llangollen. Rachel 07706 101349.Welcoming in the Summer Solstice Gong Bath Special event, 4.30am - 6.30am, £12. Mynydd Llandegai. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.uk 22nd THURSDAY Mindfulness Practice Group ~ Bala 2nd & 4th Thurs/month. Primarily for those that have completed the 8 week Mindfulness course but a warm welcome to anyone interested in Mindfulness or have had some previous experience. 6.30 - 7.30pm, £3. Gorwelion, Bala. Contact rowenna73@hotmail.com or visit FB page Mindfulness BalaSinging for the Soul Calling all those who find a soul connection through singing and music. Felicity Jones, a very experienced singer is offering to facilitate a Sacred Singing group 10.30am – 12noon once a month. She would need 10 – 12 people to make it viable for her travel. No need to feel you are a ‘good’ singer, you just need to enjoy it and the energy vibration our collective voices create. The songs will be simple and from a range of different traditions.  Cost £5. Hillside Retreat, Rhosesmor, Nr. Mold CH7 6PP. If you are interested please email me helen@soul-life.co.uk

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Create A Unique 3D Book Adult workshop led by Trish Bermingham, 11am - 4pm, £45 includes light lunch. RCA, Conwy 01492 59343, education@rcaconwwy.orgGrow Your Own ~ High Summer In this spring-summer course; you will learn what to plant, where, how and make plans for your own vegetable and fruit gardens. Even a small plot will benefit from this course and will reward you with higher yields over a longer period. 6 - 8.30pm. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, nr Bangor, 01248 602793, www.moelyci.orgSalomé(15) Screening of National Theatre Live production. A girl called Salomé is at the centre of a revolution. 7pm, £10. £6.25, £5.25, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. Also Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.com Also Pontio, Bangor 01248 382828, pontio.co.uk Also Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech £15, £13 concs., £10 children. 01766 780667, theatrardudwy.cymru Also Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.orgGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 10am, £12, Y Ffestri Llanberis. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.uk 23rd FRIDAY Glow-Worms and Moths See and learn about these fascinating beetles that glow in the dark on the Great Orme. Meet at the Pump House Shelter, West Shore. 9.30pm. Book: Mark Sheridan, NWWT 01492 583820.The Lighted Stage Originals An evening of original music from Jude Lane, with special guest, John Evans. Entry by donation to The Carriageworks - all welcome. 7.30 - 9.30pm. The Carriageworks, Love Lane, Denbigh LL16 3LS. 01745 797647. Part of Denbigh Midsummer FestivalSlow Into Stillness Every month. A class that is all about relaxing and spending time to just be. It will be an hour of pranayama (breathing practice) and gentle movements before moving slowly into a long relaxation to release tension and invite stillness into body and mind. 6.30 - 7.30pm, £5. Brymbo Exercise Centre, Blast Rd., Brymbo LL11 5BT. valleyyogawrexham.comConcert: Steffan Owen, Bedwyr Parri and Emyr Gibson, plus piano virtuoso Annette Bryn Parry. 7.30pm, £10, £6.25, £5.25. Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088.Taking Flight - The Tempest Denbigh Castle LL16 3NB, £14.50, £10 concs. See 21st for details.Mabinogi ar Gân In this Welsh Year of Legends, Côr Ieuenctid Môn and the William Mathias Chamber Choir present Mabinogi - a series of songs by Hector Macdonald and Mererid Hopwood based on the four branches of the Mabinogi. 7.30pm, £10, £9 concs., Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comA Comedy of Errors The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform Shakespeare’s classic. £14.50, doors open 6.30pm for start at 7.30pm. Conwy Castle. More from: thetournament.co.uk4 Good Comedians More details from: Blue Sky Café, Bangor 01248 355444, blueskybangor.co.uk

23rd FRIDAY - 25th SUNDAY Yoga & Wild Swimming Weekend Expert guidance to some of North Wales’ most beautiful wild swimming locations. Yoga sessions, meditation, healthy, detoxing, vegetarian meals. £395 - £535. Menai Bridge, Ynys Mon. Laura Bell 07989 512859, thezestlife.co.ukLlŷn Peninsula Camping Weekend nr Abersoch; with NW Gay Outdoor Club. More info from www.goc.org.uk 23rd FRIDAY - 30th FRIDAY Wake Up: Just Sit On this retreat we’ll be exploring some direct and very effective ways to let spacious awareness open up. £280, £252 concs. This retreat is suitable for people who have been meditating for at least 3 years. Vajraloka Buddhist Centre, Corwen LL21 0EN 01490 460406, vajraloka.org 24th SATURDAY Midsummer’s Day ~ New Moon in Cancer 3:30amCorn Dollies Practice this ancient craft, all materials provided, all welcome. 10am - 5pm, £55, £30 deposit. Woodland Skills Centre, Bodfari LL16 4DT, 01745 710626, woodlandskillscentre.co.uk Astanga Vinyasa Yoga This workshop will consist of a morning and afternoon session each day. Join us for the whole weekend for £100, includes brunch and power snacks; or individual sessions. 2 hr: £20, 1 hour: £10. Led by Emily Young. Held at The Cow Shed, Tyn Y Fridd Farm, Waen Wen, Bangor LL57 4UF. 07796 950742, ebbingandflowingyoga@gmail.comRed Tent Gwynedd Summer Solstice Wild and Wise Women of North Wales - let us gather for a sacred, social and safe space to honour our journeys through womanhood and celebrate the turning of summer. All ages welcome! Arrive from 1pm for social/BYO lunch; sacred circle prompt at 2pm, we aim to close at 5pm for food, leave 6pm or camp. Topic/theme to be arranged. This tent is held in Llanfachraeth, Anglesey. Join us and find out more on Facebook: Red Tent Gwynedd; or www.redtentgwynedd/wixsite.com/redtentnorthwales for details and directions.Butterflies and Bee Orchids Discover the rare wildflowers and invertebrates of (sometimes steep) limestone grassland with NWWT staff and volunteers. Bring a picnic! 11am - 3pm, donations welcome. Meet opposite Craigside Inn, Rhiwledyn NWWT Nature Reserve, Little Orme, Llandudno. Rob Booth 01248 351154, robbooth@wildlifetrustswales.orgHuw Warren ~ Jazz 7pm. More from Blue Sky Café, Bangor 01248 355444, blueskybangor.co.ukCraft Fair Range of quality handmade crafts. 9am - 2pm, light refreshments available. Y Canolfan, High St., Porthmadog LL49 9LU. paulinedurham@live.co.ukVoice Workshop With Marian Bryfdir. Voice Workshop with Marian and Robyn Masson aimed at developing your voice whether your interest lies in jazz, folk, opera or choral music. Come along and try it. All ages and levels of experience and interest are welcome. 10am - 4pm, £12, £6 students. Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org

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24th SATURDAY & 25th SUNDAY Reiki 2 As we deepen our commitment to Reiki with self treatments and treating our family and friends, we may feel ready to move on to the next level. Learn to use symbols with Reiki, and to send Reiki distantly. A weekend of peace and healing. £300 class fee, accommodation is available £30 per night. Anglesey Healing Centre, Llangoed. Viv 01248 490814, angleseyhealingcentre.co.uk 24th SATURDAY - 29th THURSDAY Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge (12A) Capt. Jack Sparrow returns to search for the legendary Trident of Poseidon. 7.30pm, £6.25, £5.25, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 01758 704088. 25th SUNDAY Talk and Demonstration with Terry Bell-Hughes on ceramics and his work. 11am - 3.30pm, £5 lunch not included. Please book with Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk See ExhibitionsMind, Body & Spirit Festival Over 70 stalls offering ethnic, Fairtrade and festival clothing, crafts, gifts, vintage, upcycled, recycled, and artisan stalls. Crystals, aromatherapy, handmade jewellery, readers, holistic and spiritual treatments and therapies. New stalls welcome; food available. Free workshops all day. 11am - 4pm, free entry. Theatr Clwyd, Mold CH7 1YA. More info from rainbowbiz.org.ukGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm, £13, Church Hall, Rhoscolyn. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.ukThe Great Orme Butterfly Survey Sally Pidcock, Park Warden, will lead us along the butterfly transect route. Booking essential. Bring lunch! 10.30am - 3pm, donations welcome. Meet: country park visitor’s centre, Great Orme, Llandudno. Mark Sheridan 01492 583820, mark.sheridan.mgc@gmail.comThe Savoy Family Cajun Band Put four masters/mistresses of their music and cultural ambassadors together onstage and you get performances which are expert, unpretentious, sensual, warm and inclusive, all at once. Victoria Hotel, Menai Bridge LL59 5DR, 01248 712309, vicmenai.com ~ savoyfamilycajunband.comMike Peters The Alarm front man plays a gig for cancer charity, evening performance. More details from The Heights, Llanberis 01286 238235.Menai Wind Quartet A concert in aid of North Wales Wildlife Trust, with special guest "Roscolin"! Featuring works including Paul Patterson's Westerly Winds and a special arrangement of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. 2.30 - 4.30pm, donations. Town Hall, Castle St., Beaumaris, Anglesey LL58 8AP. NWWT 01248 351541. 26th MONDAY Sonic Resonance A unique sound journey combining the serene with the sublime; the internationally acclaimed wizards of sound artists Bear Love and his giant gong of bliss, hypnotic Navajo flutist Andrew Begay and the didgeridoo virtuoso Ondřej Smeykal, who will perform a solo set as well. 7 - 10pm, £10. CAT, Machynlleth 01654 705959, cat.org.uk

26th MONDAY - 30th FRIDAY Certificate Course in Crystal Therapy £350. Cloverly House, Mold Rd., Ewloe, Flintshire CH5 3AU. More details from Hope College 01244 532051, hope-college.co.ukGenesis Redux: Divergent Readings Lyn Bechtel, feminist Hebrew Bible scholar, reveals the true meaning of three truly disturbing stories: Lot and his daughters; Dinah and Shechem, and Tamar and Judah. £410 residential, £290 non-residential. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, nr Chester CH5 3DF, 01244 532350, www.gladstoneslibrary.org 27th TUESDAY The Third Eye & Spiritual Development Part 1 A talk by Ted Capstick with the Bangor Theosophical Lodge. We look at the structure and energies involved in raising our vibrations to the Soul Level of consciousness. Sponsored by the Foundation for Theosophical Studies. 7.30pm, £5, TS members £3. Held in Hirael Hall, Ambrose St., Bangor LL57 1DF. Enquiries 01248 600267, toddyalc@gmail.comRandom Readers A friendly reading group enjoying a good chat about their chosen books. 6-8pm, Rhyl Library, Museum and Art Centre 01745 353814.The Healing Well Hands on Healing, by donation. All welcome, 7-9pm. Ganolfan Pentrefelin, nr Criccieth. Mayamara 01766 770874.Woodland Workday Whether you’d like to help out with our bird surveys or repair and maintain footpaths, we have plenty of practical tasks that need doing throughout the year! 10am, Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, tamsin@snowdonia-society.org.ukGong into Summer Take some time out to bathe in the sounds from the Gongs, so that you can gather yourself, centre and connect to your heart. 7pm, £13, Schoolroom, Horeb Chapel, Colwyn Bay. Bookings with Steph Healy 07534 118899, puresound.org.uk 28th WEDNESDAY Balance and Order in the Midst of Chaos A talk by Brian Gill, transpersonal psychologist. 7pm for 7.30pm. £5.50, £3.50 concs., refreshments and Book Sale. Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham St., Chester CH1 3LF. Enquiries 01244 370461, www.chestertheosophy.orgReiki Share Join us in the lovely village hall to reconnect, recharge and replenish. Reiki one, two and Masters of all lineage welcome. Seated share available, bring your bed if you can, and refreshments afterwards. Contribution to the cost of hall hire very welcome. Rhyd Y Foel, Abergele. Vicky : contact@victoria-parker.co.uk Holyhead Writers Group 2nd & 4th Mon/month. PenFriends is a creative writing group who offer support and feedback on each other’s work and also do fun writing exercises to stretch our creative muscles! 7pm. £1. Harvest Moon, Newry St., Holyhead (opposite Holyhead Library). Karen 07929 069235.WCAN ~ Wrexham Community Artists Network Last Weds/month. Open to all artists at any stage of their career and in any discipline; share experiences and make connections with artists around Wrexham. 7 – 9pm, all welcome. Galeri 3B on Priory Street, Wrexham, thisproject.co.uk

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BoHo an exploration of what it means to be good enough, to fit-in and to keep up, performed by an inclusive cast, with a vibrant original score, film and words. 1pm & 8pm. £10, £7.50 concs; Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comConwy Valley Wild Flower Meadows Visits to meadows in the Conwy Valley in support of National Meadows Day (on 1st July). All day, donations welcome. Various sites in the Conwy Valley. Mark Sheridan, NWWT 01492 583820. 28th WEDNESDAY & 2ND JULY, SUNDAY Hijinx : Gŵyl Undod Unity Festival Arts Festival Some of the best inclusive and disability arts from around the world: French Circus, Spanish Flamenco. See programme from Galeri, Caernarfon, 01286 685222; events also on the streets of Caernarfon and in Caernarfon Castle. galericaernarfon.com 29th THURSDAY Chester Poets The group is a meeting place for members to share information about: poetry events, members news, poetry news and Chester Poets in general. 8pm every last Thursday of the month in The Old Boot, Chester. All are welcome. Facebook: Chester PoetsOpen Doors A monthly evening of Holistic Healing: Chair Reiki, Thai Foot, Indian Head, Soul Connection. 7 - 10pm, £5 include 10min Reiki session. Above Archies, in Lola’s Bar, 151 High St., Prestatyn LL19 9AS. Bookings: 07584 022005.The Silver Screen Join local expert David Ellis for an afternoon of nostalgia with his evocative slideshow on Chester’s lost cinemas and the much loved Royalty Theatre. Bring your own popcorn! 2 - 3.30pm, £3. Chester History & Heritage CH1 1NW, 01244 972210. Gala Dawns i Bawb Showcase the talents of inclusive and disability-led community dance groups from Wales. 7pm, £6. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.com 29th THURSDAY & 30th FRIDAY engAGE: Using Digital Creativity with Older People This training course specifically focuses on technology inclusion for individuals with Dementia through looking at relevant Apps that touch on Sensory Stimulation and Creativity on iPads. Both one to one and participatory ways of working will be demonstrated and how staff and families can engage alongside this creative process too. Helfa Gelf member £22; non-member £44. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk 30th FRIDAY Discover Dragonflies An introduction to dragonflies and damselflies from local experts – come and learn about these enigmatic creatures! No previous knowledge required. Bring lunch! 11am - 3pm, donations welcome. Meet Penllyn Farmhouse, Cors Goch NWWT Nature Reserve, Llanbedrgoch, Anglesey LL76 8NX. Chris Wynne 07764 897411, chriswynne@wildlifetrustswales.orgThe Tempest With Taking Flight Theatre and their unique take on Shakespeare’s classic tale. 7pm, £14, £10 concs, £5 children. (£30 with meal) Dylan’s Restaurant, Criccieth Esplanade LL52 0HU, 01766 522773, dylansrestaurant.co.uk

To Belong A raw and untamed exploration of what it means to belong to a group, through dance, live music and an electric soundtrack. 8pm, £10, £7.50. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comOpen Mic Poetry Evening Another opportunity to read your own, or other people's work in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, held in the Ucheldre's Café. 7.30pm, £3 to listen, £2 to read. Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org 30th FRIDAY - 2nd JULY, SATURDAY Personal Idealism and the Christian Faith Exploring Christian doctrines and challenging their shaping by Greek philosophy. Keith Ward is a leading British philosopher, theologian, priest and scholar. £215 residential, £150 non-residential. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, nr Chester CH5 3DF, 01244 532350, www.gladstoneslibrary.orgThe Snowdonia Challenge Not for the faint-hearted! 3 day walking event – 100km over 3 days. Or if you'd like to be a part of it but can't commit to the full 3 days then join us for 1 or 2 days. Each morning we will start from the beautiful village of Betws-y-coed. On each day we follow a different route through the stunning Snowdonia mountains and forests starting from and returning to the same place each day. More info: www.gonorthwales.co.uk

All listings in Network News are FREEinfo@network-news.org

07777 688440Copydate for July issue: June 18th

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change but don’t know how?

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07777 688440“inspiring events in North Wales”

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With Iona Fredenburgh and Kirsten Wassermann£420 earlybird until 30th June, £450 afterwards all inclusiveFor more information and to register, please contact

iona@processworkuk.org or see www.processworkuk.org

the longing behind addictionfinding the deeper connection - making it easy

28 - 31 July 2017 ~ Cae Mabon LL55 3HB

Our addictive habits give us clues to the experiences we long for - and they also stop us from fully reaching these experiences. What are your addictive habits? Catch-up TV? Over-eating? Smoking? Sport? We use lots of different substances and habits to regulate ourselves - to manage experiences we find disturbing, and to try to reach states of pleasure, fulfilment and wellbeing. Connecting with ourselves, with each other and the world can be challenging and also deeply needed, especially in these times. It may surprise you how easy it can be to go beyond your addictive habits and connect with your deep pleasure and wellbeing, with the Processwork practice we will teach and explore in this group. The mutual support of people in the group helps to sustain what you discover for yourself.

Trigonos Nantlle, Gwynedd www.trigonos.org

We're recruiting!

Domestic Team Leader Maternity cover

From early June 2017 till mid February 2018 30 hours per week including evenings and weekends

Chef’s Assistant Permanent post

20 hours per week including evenings and weekends Extra hours may be available

In both instances, experience is more important than formal qualifications

Please contact Kayleigh Bedford for more information / full job description or an informal chat,

either at: 01286 882 388 or kayleighbedford@trigonos.org !!

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Workshops In July & August

AUGUST3 - 6 Yoga & Walking Retreat in

Snowdonia Dru Yoga, Bethesda LL57 3LX, 01248 602900, druyoga.com

13 Yoga Workshop Portmeirion. Tracey 01766 770610, traceyyogamassage.co.uk

19 & 20 David Crystal Summer Weekend: The Structure, Use and History of the English Language, Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org

JULY

1 Body As Imaginal ~ Rhwng Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, www.ucheldre.org

1 & 2 Dry Stone Walling Course Pensychnant, Conwy. Paul Smyth 01766 513213, pasmyth@btinternet.com

1 - 8 Formless Meditation The Hermitage, Criccieth. 01766 530839, www.ahs.org.uk

2 Move Flow Connect Yoga, dance, sound. Colwyn Bay. Roz: roz4harmony.co.uk

8 & 9 Reiki 1 Anglesey Healing Centre, Llangoed. Viv 01248 490814, www.angleseyhealingcentre.co.uk

8 & 9 Drawing From The Eye of the Heart Hawarden, Chester. Lynette Howells Moore 01244 313910, 07742 365623.

14 - 16 Yoga, Nutrition and Detox Retreat and Yoga & Walking in Snowdonia Snowdonia Lodge, Bethesda, 01248 602900, druyoga.com

15 Writing an Artist’s Statement Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

15 Voice Workshop Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 01407 763361, ucheldre.org

29 Introductory Workshop in Shamanic Journeying Llandudno. Paul Francis 01492 873739, therapeutic-shamanism.co.uk

29 & 30 Aerial Yoga Workshop Bangor. 07796 950742, tynyffridd.com

29 Jul - 19 Aug Goddess Awakening

Course Jo Ann Stuart cariadcrystalhealingand spiritualguidance.weebly.com

31 Jul - 22 Aug Portffolio Young People’s Art

School, Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk

List Your Workshop Here FREE 07777 688440 ~ www.network-news.org

Tŷ Newydd Writing CentreLlanystumdwy, Criccieth LL52 0LW

01766 522811, www.tynewydd.wales

JULY17 - 22 Short or Long Fiction24 - 28 Summer Retreat31 Jul - 4 Aug Yoga and Writing

AUGUST7 - 12 Poetry: Working the Body21 - 26 Non-fiction and Life-writing28 Aug - 2 Sept Writing Poems

Vajraloka Buddhist Retreat CentreCorwen LL21 0EN

01490 460406, www.vajraloka.org

JULY7 - 16 Simply Being21 - 30 Radical Emptiness

AUGUST4 - 13 The Awakening Heart and the Divine Abodes25 Aug - 3 Sept Compassion and Emptiness

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Woodland Skills CentreBodfari, Denbigh LL16 4DT

01745 710626, www.woodlandskillscentre.co.uk

JULY1 & 2 Family Weekend in the Woods

AUGUST2 - 4 Holiday Club5 Family Bushcraft Day6 Know Your Trees12 Introduction to Willow14 - 18 Family Week in the Woods19/20 Bushcraft Weekend23 - 25 Holiday Club

Trigonos,Plas Baladeulyn, Nantlle LL54 6BW 01286 882388, www.trigonos.org

JULY8 - 15 Bicycle Beano: Vegetarian Cycling Holiday15 - 20 Drawing on the Right Side

AUGUST21 - 25 Connected Drawing 25 - 28 The Sacred and The Sensual with Brooke Medicine-Eagle See page 629 Aug - 2 Sept One World Vegan: 4 Day Healthy Cooking Retreat

Gladstone’s Library Hawarden, nr Chester CH5 3DF,

01244 532350, www.gladstoneslibrary.org

JULY4 - 6 Fierce Imaginings - The Great War:

Symbol, Memory and God 14 - 16 Gladstone Umbrella24 - 28 Apocalypse Then and Now! 28 & 29 Writing and Memoir Masterclass29 A Masterclass on Biographical Writing31 Jul - 6 Aug Greek in a Week

AUGUST7 - 13 Hebrew in a Week14 - 20 Latin in a Week21 - 27 Welsh in a Week26 Reformation to Reform: Writing

Masterclass

Cae Mabon, Brynrefail, Llanberis LL55 3HB

01286 871542, www.caemabon.co.uk

JULY11 - 16 Hollow Bone Middle Earth Medicine Ways28 - 31 The Longing Behind Addiction See ad page 25

AUGUST9 - 13 Cae Mabon Open Week14 - 20 Green Spirit28 Aug - 1 Sept The Artist’s Way to Massage: Connect to the Healer Within. Details from Claire Freeman 07426 894640, www.sourcehealing.co.uk

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) Machynlleth, SY20 9AZ

01654 705959, www.cat.org.uk

JULY3 - 7 Building With Straw Bales8 & 9 Building with Rammed Earth8 - 10 Rewilding Ourselves: Deepening our Nature Connection15 & 16 Mandala Painting Inspired by Geometry in Nature21 - 23 Identifying Flowering Plants21 - 24 Build A Tiny House21 - 24 A Way of Building: Using locally source materials24 - 26 Identification of Grasses, Sedges and Rushes29 Stake and Strand Willow Basket Making29 & 30 Cob Building31 Jul - 3 Aug Build A Tiny House

AUGUST5 DIY Furniture- Upcycling with Pallets26 Hempcrete - Retrofitting for Self Builders26 Natural Beauty Shop26 Build a Shave Horse

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Exhibitions

David Nash, Kim Atkinson, Sian McGill & Neeta Madahar Until 16th July. We are delighted to host a special exhibition of work by the renowned artist David Nash celebrating 50 years of working at Blaenau Ffestiniog. Alongside Nash, a wonderful collection of monoprints of birds and wildlife by Llŷn -based artist Kim Atkinson; and colourful atmospheric views of north Wales by Sian McGill from Swansea. The Artist Film Programme features Neeta Madaha’s Falling, launching a year on the theme of ‘flight’. Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog, nr Pwllheli 01758 740763, www.oriel.org.ukLlŷn Arts Festival Exhibitions Until 4th June. Wide-ranging exhibition featuring over 20 artists at Neuadd St. Pedrog’s Church Hall. Open 10.45am - 4.30pm. Contact 07738 825808, ireneandedith@gmail.com Arlunwyr Sarn Artists Until 6th June. Wide range of work from this established group of artists. Open 11am - 5pm until 5th and then 11am - 1pm on 6th. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Neuadd Goffa Sarn Memorial Hall, LL53 8DU. 01758 730410, hello@suewoodfine.co.uk Exhibition of Art Inspired by RS Thomas’ “The Minister”; open 10am - 6pm, Eglwys St Hywyn’s Church, Aberdaron LL53 8BE. 01758 703039, susanafogarty@gmail.com. www.st-hywyn.org Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival.John Rowlands and Peter Kaye 30th May - 2nd June. New work from local artists. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Open 11am - 4pm, St. Peter’s Church, Pwllheli LL53 5DT. Arddangosfa Bryn Moelyn Exhibition 31st May - 3rd June. Featuring paintings and ceramics; enjoy the gardens, views and refreshments. Open 1 - 4pm. Part of the Llŷn Arts Festival. Bryn Moelyn, Boduan LL53 6DP. 07740 306474, maureennaylon@hotmail.co.uk The CATS (Chester Art Textile School) ~ Tudor Chester There are some lovely unique pieces on show and also for sale. 61 Bridge St. Row East, Chester CH1 1NW, 01244 630202, funkyaardvark.co.ukPaintings, Sculptures, Prints, Photographs Ongoing exhibition by local artists. Open 11am - 4pm, Tuesday - Saturday. All are welcome. Oriel Bangor Arts Initiative Art Gallery is in the Deiniol Centre in Bangor; bangor.arts.initiative@outlook.com or see www.facebook.com/bangorartsinitiative Alistair Tucker: The Sublime Landscape Until 16th July. The Victorian poet Gerard Manley Hopkins once said “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.”  Alistair’s work looks to explore such excellence, grandeur and beauty which so often inspires a response. Grosvenor Museum, Chester 01244 972197.

Bryn Humphreys Until 20th June. Atmospheric paintings from well-renowned local artist. Long Gallery, Oriel Kyffin Williams, Llangefni, Anglesey 01248 724444, www.orielynysmon.infoDisability Arts Cymru Until 26th June. Mixed media work. Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey 01248 724444, www.kyffinwilliams.infoGaleri Betws Y Coed An on-going, ever-changing selection of paintings, prints, drawings and mixed media by well known and emerging artists from Wales. Open weekdays 10am - 4.30pm, Sat & Sun 10am - 5pm. Holyhead Rd., Betws Y Coed LL24 0BW, 01690 710432, info@galeribetwsycoed.co.uk Wagstaff’s Until 25th June. Historical presentations relating to Wagstaff's store and the town of Llandudno. Mostyn Gallery Café, Llandudno 01492 879201, post@mostyn.orgTerry Bell-Hughes ~ Ceramics Until 16th July. One of Wales’ most celebrated potters presents a new body of work. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk Talk & demo by Terry on 25th June; see CalendarPhillippa Jacobs ~ Diary of a Year and Other Thoughts Until 4th June. Seasonal change: birth in spring, the glory of summer, the golden ripeness of autumn and the hibernation and death in winter. This is the story of a year. Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey 01248 72444, www.kyffinwilliams.info Glyn Baines and Helen Baines ~ Father and Daughter Until 4th June. Glyn is particularly noted for his abstract collages which have attracted much critical acclaim and an increasingly large following. Helen takes inspiration from the immediate mountainous landscape surrounding her home, working almost entirely outdoors during the summer months. Oriel Tegfryn, Menai Bridge LL59 5EW, 01248 715128, www.artwales.com

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An Anglesey Sketch Book ~ Kyffin Williams Until 18th June. Landscapes and sketches of thunderous seas, calm rural pastures and traditional cottages. 10.30am - 5pm, free entry. Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey 01248 72444, www.orielynysmon.infoForge Until 16th July. Fifteen international metal artists whose practice has been identified as having a significant impact, present their work which represents a paradigm shift from the traditional discourse of the blacksmith and breaks new ground by synthesising and articulating the practice of creative and conceptual working with forged metal. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, www.ruthincraftcentre.org.ukGraham Cox RCA and Pine Feroda 17th June - 22nd July. Landscape painting from Graham and wood block from Pine. Open 11am - 5pm, Tues - Sat., Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy LL32 8AN, 01492 593413, rcaconwy.org

Newfoundland: Romilly Saumarez Smith & Verdi Yahooda Until 16th July. Works by jeweller Romilly Saumarez Smith and artist Verdi Yahooda. Each of the pieces have at their core Roman, Anglo-Saxon or Medieval metalwork. These scraps of ancient lives have been transformed into wearable art; while renowned artist Verdi, has made some exceptional photographic prints of the original metal finds. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, www.ruthincraftcentre.org.ukSamuel Waterhouse ~ Jewellery 1st June. Samuel creates simple yet contemporary jewellery; rings, brooches, bangles and beaded necklaces. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.ukDavid Lloyd Griffith, Dewi Tudur and Susan Kane 25th June - 19th July. Landscape, plants and flower paintings. Ffin y Parc, Llanrwst LL26 0PT, 01492 642070, welshart.net

Digging For History Until 5th June. Exhibition of recent archaeological finds at the museum; with a film of Nefyn through the ages to be shown 11.30am and 3pm Wednesday to Sunday till 4th June. Llŷn Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Nefyn. www.llyn-maritime-museum.co.ukNew Members Until 10th June. Mixed show of Academicians elected to the RCA in 2016. Open 11am - 5pm, Tues - Sat. Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy LL32 8AN. 01492 593413, www.rcaconwy.orgHere and There Until 15th July. A selection of paintings from Bangor University Art collection. Open Tues - Sat, 11am - 5pm. Storiel, Bangor 01248 353368.EnglUniau Until 3rd June. The exhibition will also coincide with the launch of Gareth’s autobiography - ‘Rhyw lun o hunangofiant’. Galeri, Caernarfon 01286 685222, galericaernarfon.comFlintshire Visual Arts and Crafts Network (FVACN) 29th June - 30th July. Preview eve 29th June, 6 - 8.30pm, Gallery open Thurs - Sat, 11am - 5pm. Oriel Bodfari Gallery, Mold Rd., Bodfari LL16 4DN. www.fvacn.org.uk

Cilcain Artisans 5th - 17th June. An eclectic mix of media showcasing the work of Sharon Wagstaff, Carol Udale, Helen Taylor, Lyn Gibson and Ann Catheral. Preview 6 - 7pm, on 9th June. Theatr Clwyd, Mold 01352 701521, theatrclwyd.comHelfa Gelf Artists Until 10th June. Featuring work by members of the Helfa Gelf open studios network, don’t miss this opportunity to appreciate their artistic talent in a gallery setting. Theatr Clwyd, Mold CH7 1YA, 01352 701521, theatrclwyd.com ~ helfagelf.co.ukClwydian Art Society Until 3rd June. The Clwydian Art Group are professional and amateur artists who meet regularly and paint scenes from the local area. Theatr Clwyd, Mold CH7 1YA, 01352 701521, theatrclwyd.com

Helen Baines

Pine Feroda

Cilcain Artisans

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Crochet Workshop

www.helenahawley.co.uk

Helena HawleyIntuitive Vocal Sound Healer,

Channel, Speaker & Authoress

“I offer individual sessions adapted to your needs using intuitive vocal sound

healing and channelling guided by Maria (formally Maria Callas) and/or a

number of other discarnate healers.”Published works include The Other Kingdoms Speak, My Inner Life, My Spiritual Journal,

Maria Callas and I (& sequel), Helena’s Book of Healing, Fairies & Sasquatch. Contact:

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LITTLEFIELD WILLS

PROPRIETOR ANDREW LITTLEFIELD

Tel: 01407 763930 Mob: 07515 164169

Email: a.littlefield098@uwclub.net

Littlefield Wills and Estate Planning

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Regular Weekly Classes* monthly and fortnightly groups are listed in the Calendar

ACTIVISM Sorting and Packing Aid for Refugees Mondays: 7.30 - 9.30pm, including refreshments. Church of All Saints, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4AF. 07910 414489, cefn.cymru@gmail.com or for full list of items needed/financial donations please go to: Facebook: NorthWalesRefugee Support ~ www.cefn.cymru Supporting Refugees Wednesdays: Once a week sorting items for transporting to refugees. 6 - 9pm, Dr Zigs, Bangor. Email: contact@poblibobl.org.uk ART & CRAFT Art Group Wednesdays: Non-teaching group; artists of all levels come together to paint or draw, and share experience, tips and support each other. 9.30am - 1pm, £3, Dolwyddelan Pavillion, Conwy. Emma: emma@seeds-of-light.co.uk ~ Facebook: DolwyddelanWedArtGroupTaste of Craft A wide range of hands-on making activities with different local makers, for people aged over 60. 1 - 3pm, £5, refreshments. Ruthin Craft Centre 01824 704774, ruthincraftcentre.org.uk Drawing Class Thursdays: 6.30 - 8.30pm. All skills and levels welcome; bring your own equipment. £10 per session. Funky Aardvark, 61 Bridge Street Rows, Chester CH1 1NW, 01244 630202, funkyaardvark.co.ukThe Make Shift Tuesdays. Informal gathering to share ideas and making. Each week a different skill or project will be introduced by crafter Emily Ashworth. 6 - 8pm, £3, book please! Oriel Wrecsam, 11 Chester St., Wrexham LL13 8BE, www.wrexham.gov.uk/artsArt Club Monday afternoons: Open to all! Llanbedrog Church Hall, nr Pwllheli. Jacky Milton : miltonjacky@gmail.comLife Drawing Wednesdays: 1.30 - 4.30pm, £5. Garth Community Centre (behind Voltaire restaurant), Bangor. Contact 07533 341458.Life Drawing Classes Wednesdays: 6.30 - 9.30pm, £6. Institwt Pavillion Hill, Caernarfon LL55 1AT (opposite Barclay's Bank). Facebook: AgoraLife Drawing Wednesdays: 7 - 9pm, £8; drop-in or book. Funky Aardvark, 61 Bridge Street Rows, Chester CH1 1NW 01244 630202, www.funkyaardvark.co.ukPottery Thursdays: 6.30 - 8.30pm; Sundays: 10am - 12pm. Get creative with clay and make anything from a bowl to a dinosaur! £10, plus small firing fee. Funky Aardvark, 61 Bridge Street Rows, Chester CH1 1NW 01244 630202, www.funkyaardvark.co.uk CAPOEIRA Capoeira Classes A Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and movement. Enquiries: Monitor Colin Daimond 07773 798199, capoeiramocambo.co.uk Tuesdays & Thursdays: Adult class: 9.30 - 10.30am, £5, Neuadd Goffa, Mynydd Llandegai LL57 4LQ. Tuesdays: Adults, young people and beginners 6.30 - 7.30pm; adult classes till 9pm, £6, £5 concs. The Old Goods Yard, Bangor. Wednesdays: Open Hour for adults, young people and beginners, 6.30 - 7.30pm; adults till 9pm. £6, £5. The Old Goods Yard, Treborth, Bangor.

CIRCLE DANCE Circle Dancing Tuesdays: Carers are most welcome to enjoy a time of relaxation and reflection with Sacred Circle Dance. 2pm - come and join us! Noddfa, Penmaenmawr 01492 623473, www.noddfa.org.ukCircle Dance Wednesdays: Experience the joy and healing of dancing to World music - a blend of traditional European folk dances and modern choreographies. All welcome - no previous experience required. 10am - 12 noon at Y Ganolfan, Pentrefelin, nr Cricieth. Maia 01492 642123. CONSERVATION WORK Land Management and Woodland Conservation Thursdays: Learn about woodland, heathland, grasslands; Field and Fruit Production. Wednesdays & Sundays: Hazel Hurdles, Green woodworking, Coppice training, invasive species control, plus more. All 10am - 4pm. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, nr Bangor 01248 602793, office@moelyci.org, www.moelyci.orgFelin Uchaf Volunteer Days Wednesdays: Activities from coppicing willow, organic gardening, to stone walling, traditional building and woodworking, 9.30-4.30pm. All safety clothing provided, refreshments, and lunch. Felin Uchaf, Rhoshirwaun, nr Aberdaron, 01758 780280, www.felinuchaf.org DANCE Bellydance Thursdays Egyptian and Folkloric style, suitable for beginners; any age and all fitness levels. 6 - 7pm, £4. Held in Hightown Resource Centre, Wrexham LL13 7YF. Facebook: Rachels Bellydance Classes. Rachel: iscia_espirit@hotmail.co.ukBellydance Mondays Get fit and make new friends in this friendly non-competitive beginners class. Learn to move in a feminine yet powerful way with expression to beautiful soulful music. Excellent body conditioning especially in improving posture and core strength, with the added benefit of building confidence around body image and acceptance of the strong women we really are! Wear keep fit clothes with either soft dance shoes or gym trainers and bring water. 7 - 8pm, £5 per class. Academi Nightclub, Deinol Road, Bangor, LL57 2UW. Ramona 07745 971678, http://www.ramona.org.uk ~ ramonamoonstone@hotmail.co.ukSwing Jive (Lindy Hop) Wednesdays: All welcome, 8.15 - 9.45pm, £5, Academi, Deiniol Rd, Bangor, LL57 2UW. Helen McGreary 07751 017157. Salsa Tuesdays: Complete beginners welcome, including Two Left Feet! No need to bring a partner. £5. Helen McGreary 07751 017157, www.dance-classes-north-wales.co.uk Salsa Mondays: Intermediate / Advanced - learn salsa steps and sequences. No partner required. 8 - 9pm, £4.50. International Pavilion, Llangollen. NEW Dance 01978 869456, www.newdance.org.uk

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Just Ballroom Ballroom, Latin & Old Time Sequencing Tuesdays: 10am - 12noon at St Paul’s Church Hall, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno. Fridays: 2 - 4pm, St David’s Church Hall, Penrhyn Bay. £5 includes refreshments. 01492 540544, just-ballroom.co.ukBallroom and Latin plus Argentine Tango Wednesdays: Beginners, 7.30 - 9.30pm, instruction given bilingually, £4. Y Felinheli/Port Dinorwic. Contact Medi for venue details 07500 337093.Burlesque 7 - 8pm. Tuesdays: Academi, Deiniol Rd, Bangor, LL57 2UW. Helen McGreary 07751 017157. Dance Fitness Latin/Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Waltz. Mondays: 7 - 8 pm, & 8 - 9pm, £4.50, Llangollen Pavilion. 01978 869456, www.newdance.org.uk Flowdance Tuesdays: 10.30 - 11.30am, Abersoch Village Hall, with Sue Baumann, 07833 791317, llyntaichi@gmail.com, www.llyntaichi.com DRUMMING Drumming Classes Thursdays: weekly bodhran classes in Mold, and monthly classes in Llanwrst . Contact Alan Drwm, 01492 547975, 07876 255601, www.dragondrums.co.uk EARTH MYSTERIES Earth Mysteries A new working group is forming in North Wales, with an emphasis on Psychic Questing. Our initial investigation will be on Anglesey. If you are interested in becoming involved, email Mark at: orbeditions@hotmail.co.uk EXERCISE Actif Woods Workout Come a long for a blast of exercise in the outdoors. Open to all abilities. Moday: 10.30 - 11.30am, £2. Meet in Glaslyn Leisure Centre. More details Arwen 07554 855923. Actif Woods Wales ~ Coed Actif Cymru A relaxed and friendly group, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities. Other work includes, conservation, orienteering and den building. Fridays: 10.30am - 12.30pm. £2 per person. Meet Coed Llwynonn, Llanfairpwll LL61 6EQ. Karen Williams 07810 530326, www.coedlleol.org.uk FELDENKRAIS METHOD Feldenkrais Method Class ~ Awareness Through Movement Bringing us closer to our full potential. Tuesdays: Drop in and try a class, space permitting so please phone first to check, 5.30 - 6.30pm, £6 per class, Llangollen Natural Health Clinic, 6 Princess Street, Llangollen LL20 8RD. Veronica Rock 07990 825783, vhrock@feldenkrais.co.uk FOOD Bangor Veg Co-op Fridays: Healthy, locally sourced produce at wholesale prices. 5.30 - 6.15pm to take orders and give out the bags. Volunteers needed for packing, promoting, and distributing: Maes Glas Sports Centre, Bangor. Contact: rosie@kressman.co.uk GARDENING Digging Deeside Tuesdays: 10am - 12pm. join our gardening project; Connah’s Quay Community Allotments & Gardens. Contact 07759 753473.

Wildlife Gardening Mondays: An opportunity to help maintain the beautiful garden and woodland at Tŷ Hyll ~ The Ugly House, Capel Curig LL24 0DS. Snowdonia Society 01286 685498, owain@snowdonia-society.org.uk GIVE & TAKE STALLS Community Sharing Stalls Every Friday and Saturday, 11am - 3pm. Please put your unwanted useful items freely onto the stall - you can take anything off the stall free of charge. You do not have to put something on the stall to take something else off! Chester Market www.wigglywobblyway.weebly.com. LANGUAGES La Conversation Française Thursdays: upper intermediate level, 7 - 9pm, free, The Tap & Spile (near the Pier, Garth) Bangor. Jan: jannieu@tiscali.co.uk Bangor Language Café ~ Caffi Iaith Bangor Sundays: A conversation group for those learning a language/s. English, Welsh, French, German, Dutch and others. 3-5pm, Caffè Nero, Bangor. All welcome. Look for the elephant on the table. Facebook: Bangor Language Café. MEDITATION Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre Relaxation, Meditation and Teachings from a Buddhist perspective. 34 Mostyn St., Craig y Don, Llandudno,01492 878778 or meditatenorthwales.com Drop-in: Classes at the Centre: Guided meditations. All £3. Mondays: 12.30-1pm. Tuesdays: 7.30 - 8pm. Thursdays: 11.30am-12pm. Saturdays: 12.30-1pm. Also: Thursdays: Transform Your Life 7.30-9pm, £5. Meditation for Mums and Babies Relax and Unwind. Wednesdays: 11.30 - 12.15pm, £2.50. Half-Day Meditation Course Saturdays: 2 - 4.45pm, £15 includes high tea. Classes in Mold: Wednesdays: Teachings and meditations exploring Buddha's advice for a happy life, 7-8.30pm, £5, held at Bethel Chapel, New St., Mold CH7 1NY. Classes in Rhuddlan: Mondays: Teachings and meditations exploring Buddha's advice for a happy life, 7-8.30pm, £5. Community Centre, LL18 5AW. Classes in Conwy: Wednesdays: 7 - 8.30pm, £5. Seibiant Specialist Tea Shop, 8 Lancaster Sq, Conwy LL32 8HT. Classes in Llanrwst Wednesdays: 6 - 7pm, £5. Llanrwst Library, Plas yn Dre, Station Rd., LL26 0DF.Meditation Class Mondays: 12noon - 1pm; followed by tea. Oddfellows Hall, Saltney CH4 8SG. Teresa 07876254518, or teresa@teresa4yoga.co.ukTriratna@Chester Wednesdays: 6.30 - 8.30pm, £7, (concessions available), tea break. Quaker Meeting House, Union Walk, off Frodsham Street, Chester. Contact Prashrabdhi: triratna.chester@gmail.com ~ triratna-at-chester.org8 Steps to Happiness Wednesdays: 7.30 - 9pm. £5, Bishop Lloyd’s Palace, Watergate St., Chester CH1 2LE. 01606 77034, www.meditationincheshire.org

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Buddhism & Meditation Class As taught in the Triratna Buddhist Community. Small, friendly class. Thursday, 7.30 - 9.30pm; Quaker Meeting House, Oak Street, Oswestry, SY11 1LJ, 07508 148 297.Kagyu Buddhist Group Chester Tuesdays: An introduction to guided calm-abiding meditation and reflective meditation consisting of a brief explanation of a key Buddhist topic, followed by a period of individual contemplation. 8 - 9pm, £3, £2 concs, Quaker Meeting House, Frodsham St., Chester 0151 638 2568, www.dechen.org MINDFULNESS Bangor Mindfulness Meditation Group Wednesdays: To practice meditation in the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition. We alternate between a silent and guided practice and we take turns with the guiding. Following the meditation we practice deep listening before having a cup of tea and a chat at the end. 7.30pm, Tŷ Gwydr ~ Greenhouse, Bangor. Contact Meilyr on 07980 125665 for more information.Meditation Practice Sessions For people who already have some experience of mindfulness or meditation practice. Meets most Mondays, 7.30 - 9pm. £6 includes refreshments. Quaker Meeting House, Holt Rd., Wrexham. Alan 07816 988124, www.newmindfulness.net NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION Regular Nonviolent Communication Local group meetings take place on Fridays and Mondays in Bangor. For more information contact: Lisa at busybees@phonecoop.coop PEACE & JUSTICE Peace & Justice Meeting Mondays: 6.30pm, Quaker Meeting House, Dean St., Bangor; bangorpeace.co.ukPrayers for World Peace Fridays: 7 - 8pm, Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre, Llandudno 01492 878778, meditatenorthwales.com PILATES Pilates Classes available with Carys in Gwynedd area, various times, throughout the week. 01766 523131, www.carysmatic.co.uk Pilates Faye 07521 719031, faye_b_@hotmail.com Mondays: 7 - 8pm, £4, bring mat & small towel, Northgate Arena, Chester. Tuesdays: 6.15 - 7pm & 7 - 7.45pm; £6 a class, mats & blocks provided, Greenhouse Therapies, Parkgate Rd., Chester, 01244 637851. Thursdays: 6 - 7pm, Northgate Arena, Chester. PRAYER GROUPS Christian Praise and Celebration Groups and networks across North Wales. Events can be found at: www.north-wales-christian-events.co.uk

PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT Psychic Development Group Held for those interested in developing their own psychic abilities. £5 per session. Tŷ Cariad Spiritual Sanctuary, Colwyn Bay. Contact 07548 998439. Facebook: Tŷ Cariad Spiritual Sanctuary, Colwyn Bay. QUAKERS Ruthin Quaker Meeting Sundays: 10.30 - 11.30am, followed by tea and biscuits at Canolfan Awelon, School Road. Contact: Jean 01824 705592 RELAXATION CLASSES Relaxation Class Yin Yoga & Nada Yoga Nidra (Sound Based Deep Guided Relaxation). Fridays 6.30-8.30pm. Dyserth. Lisa on LCYoga@aol.com or see www.lcyoga.co.uk for further information. RUNNING Couch to 5k For beginners and improvers; 10 - 11am. All ages; under 16s must be accompanied. Free; Penrhyn Castle, Bangor 01248 353084, runleaderteam@nationaltrust.org.uk SINGING Chester Ladies Choir Open to new members, £30/term; free taster session! Linda Harris 0151 200 3170. Wrexham Community Choir ~ Sing Your Heart Out Tuesdays: Open to everyone regardless of age and ability. No auditions, just come along - uplift your spirit! 7.30pm, 16yr+, £3, £2 concs. Wrexham Methodist Church. Wendy Paintsil 01978 354706, info@wrexhamchoir.co.ukWomen’s Singing Group Mondays: 7.30 - 9.30pm, Ponsonby Arms, Llangollen. Bangor Community Choir Wednesdays: A friendly, mixed choir singing songs from all over the world. 7.30 - 9.30pm, Capel Penrallt, Holyhead Rd, Bangor LL57 2EU, 07881 463585, sarasings@ymail.comSoul Singing Thursdays: 10.30am - 12pm. Felicity Jones facilitates this Sacred Singing group. No need to feel you are a ‘good’ singer, you just need to enjoy it and the energy vibration our collective voices create. The songs and chants are simple and from a range of different spiritual traditions. £5 contribution to costs. Hillside Retreat, Rhosesmor, Mold CH7 6PP. If you are interested please email me: helen@soul-life.co.ukLleisiau’r Byd ~ World Voices Tuesdays: We sing songs from around the world, in 3 and 4 part harmony and as a round. No experience needed, no auditions, no need to read music - just come and enjoy! Meets in Porthmadog. Annie 01766 513542, www.porthmadog-world-voices.org.ukCantorion Gele Singers Mondays: The choir is part of the community and welcomes new members. 7 - 9pm. Meets The Old Red Cross Rooms, nr St Michael’s Parish Church, Abergele. Anne Cain 01745 822207.

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SOCIAL Friends In The Audience An informal, friendly, inclusive, self-organised group of cinema and theatre goers in North West Wales. Open to anyone who wants to extend their social circle. To receive email invitations: friendsintheaudience@gmail.comBangor and Anglesey Social This is a group for those who want to meet new people, have fun and find like minded people. We can go out for food or drinks, concerts, comedy nights, jogging or fitness buddies, cinema, watching sports, local events, trips away. Go to www.meetup.comMen’s Sheds Thursdays: 10.30am; join in - all welcome! Llanrwst Forest area. Golygfa Gwydyr 01492 642110, www.golgfagwydyr.orgU3A Society Variety of activities held at Ruthin Rugby Club. For membership contact David Hislop via: www.u3asites.org.uk Other areas listed too on website. SPIRITUALIST Bangor Independent Spiritualist Church Wednesdays: 7pm, £2. Quaker Meeting House, Dean Street, Bangor. Alison all1re1d@hotmail.co.uk SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION AberJabber Tuesdays: Spiritual discussions all welcome (channeling, Law of Attraction, Higher Spirit), 7.15pm, Fresh Café-Bar and Restaurant, Abersoch. Paul Murphy 07768 603365, helimurf@aol.com TAI CHI/ CHI GONG / TAIJI QIGONG Tai Chi Thursdays: 7.30 - 9pm, Neuadd Carrog Village Hall. Nr. Corwen. Ed Fisher 01490 430205.Tai Chi Classes with Eirian Harrison, Wings of Change 01492 544518, 07748 582380, Fbk: Wings of Change:  Fridays: 11am - 12pm at Spire (upstairs in the studio) , NW Business Park, Abergele.Tai Chi Cymru Tuesdays: New beginner’s classes - a chance to experience traditional Chen Style Taijiquan, 6.30 - 7.30pm, £6 per session, £20 for 4 sessions, booking essential, Llanfair TH Memorial Hall. Stan Boyd 07834 690964, stan@taiji-cymru.co.uk Other classes available - www.taiji-cymru.co.ukInfinite Tai Chi with Sue Baumann, 07833 791317, llyntaichi@gmail.com, www.llyntaichi.com Tuesdays: 7 - 8pm, £5, Capel y Drindod, Pwllheli; Wednesdays: 4 - 5pm, £5, Llanbedrog Village Hall; Thursdays: 11am - 12pm, £5, Abersoch Village Hall. also: New Simply Chi Kung Class Tuesdays: 9.45 - 10.15am; Thursdays: 10.15 - 10.45am, £3 per class, (exercises can be performed sitting or standing). Abersoch Village Hall. Try a first class for free!Taiji Qigong with Jill Turner 01248 351672, treespleas@yahoo.co.uk : Mondays: 11 - 12 noon, all ages/abilities welcome; first class free. Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead. Tuesdays: Glasinfryn Community Centre, Bangor.

Tai Chi Class For people with Multiple Sclerosis and thier carers. Mondays: 12noon - 1pm. Trefnant Village Hall, Denbigh LL16 5UG. Led by Peter Newton. Contact Alan 01824 705729.Tai Chi / Qi Gong Classes with Rose Ann Preston. Mondays: 7pm, £5, Holyhead Sports Centre. Rose 01407 769571, 07759 105504, roseannyoga@gmail.com, www.roseyoga.netTai Chi~Chi Gung with Jeff Cushing 01248 352336, jeffcushing1@hotmail.com ~ Mondays: Tai Chi Age Well Over 50s class, 10 - 11am, £4, Langefni Town Hall; Tai Chi & Chi Gong 2.30 - 3.30pm, £5, Llandegfan Community Hall; Qigong, 6.30 - 7.30, £5, Coed Mawr Community Centre, Bangor. Tai Chi 7.30 - 9pm, £5, Coed Mawr Community Centre, Bangor. Tuesdays: Tai Chi & Qigong 1 - 2pm, £5. Bangor University, Room F16, Memorial building. Wednesdays: Tai Chi & Qigong Age Well Over 50s class 10 - 11am, £5, Brynsiencyn Community Hall. Thursdays: Tai Chi & Qigong 10 - 11am, £5, Goronwy Owen Hall, Benllech. Also Age Well Over 50s class, 11.30am - 12.30pm, £3.50, Amlwch Memorial Hall. WALKS Cerdded Conwy Walks An independent, not for profit, group of Volunteer Walk Leaders who put together seasonal walk programmes with the help of Conwy County Borough Council. Full list/summary of walks available from: cerddedconwywalks.orgHealth Walk Wednesdays: 11am. A guided half hour walk around Blacon, refreshments. Meet Chester Healthy Living Centre, Blacon, Chester 01244 385035.Abersoch Walk Tuesdays: Approx 2 hours, easy, 10am - 12pm. Bus to Pwllheli; walk to Abersoch along coastal path. Meet outside Blades Café, Abersoch. Jean Lancaster 01758 740021.Gym Style Walks in the Woods Tuesdays: 11.15am £2. Meet Plas Arthur Leisure Centre, Llangefni and walk to Dingle Nature Reserve; suitable for most abilities. Craig Cornes 07881 977383, www.coedlleol.org.ukGroundwork - Go Green 4 Health Walks Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays Free, local, led walks - all welcome. 11am - 1pm approx. Around Wrexham. 01978 757524, groundworknorthwales.org.ukNordic Walking Saturdays: 10am - 11.30am. A full body workout with specially designed walking poles. Free. Meet at Erddig car park, Wrexham. Jasmine 01978 315179, jasmine.hopkins@nationaltrust.org.ukSummer Evening Strolls May & June. Wednesdays: Meet at the entrance gate to the reserve. All welcome! Donations gratefully received. Meet 7pm -9pm, no charge, donations welcome. RSPB Conwy LL31 9XZ, 01492 581025, conwy@rspb.org.uk WEAVING SAORI Weaving for Health and Wellbeing Thursdays: Wellbeing through weaving with colour and texture. 6.30 - 8.30pm, £25 per class or £135 for 6 classes. 6 Swift Buildings, nr the station, opposite Domino’s Pizza’s, Bangor. LL57 1DQ. Please book as places limited! Rosie Green, 01248 345325, www.saorimor.co.uk ~ Facebook: saorimor

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WRITER’S GROUPS Colwyn Bay Writers' Group Saturdays A diverse collection of scribes meet to exchange ideas, conversations and their individual responses to a writing task set the previous weekend - very informal, friendly, positive assessment and helps develop new directions for everyone in the group. Bring some of your prose or poetry. 1 - 3pm. Multi-Cultural Centre, Greenfield Road, Colwyn Bay. Chris Hemmings crishtrees@gmail.com Writing For Well-being Tuesdays: 6 - 7pm. Jessica Clapham is offering a series of information workshops for people of all ages to try out new ways of writing. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, Bangor LL57 4BB. Contact Jessica 07807 332775, j.j.clapham@bangor.ac.uk YOGA Dru Yoga with Teresa Mondays: 1.30 - 3pm; Tuesdays: 6.30 - 8pm; Wednesdays: 10 - 11.30am. Oddfellows Hall, Saltney, Chester. Teresa 07876 254518, or teresa@teresa4yoga.co.ukSource Yoga has classes Monday through to Friday in the Rhos on Sea and Colwyn Bay area. Ring 07704 437415 or check www.sourceyoga.org.uk Yoga with Jeff Cushing 01248 352336, cymrutaichiwales.co.uk Tuesdays: 7.30 - 9pm, £6/£5, Coed Mawr Community Centre, Bangor. Thursdays: 7.30 - 9pm, £6/£5, Llandegfan Parish Hall.Be Balanced Yoga Class Mondays 7 - 8.15pm, £7, Maesbrook Village Hall, Oswestry SY10 8QW. Wednesdays: 7 - 8pm £6, Felin Puleston Countryside Centre, Erddig, Wrexham LL13 7RF. Gaele Atkinson 07807 215537, gaeleatkinson@gmail.comDru Yoga Class Mondays: Flowing moves; for all ages and abilities. Please bring yoga mat, blanket, cushion and water. 6.30 - 8pm. Ffarm Moelyci, Tregarth, Bangor. Lynne 07984 360294, lynneparry1@gmail.comYoga Mondays: 10 - 11.15am & 6.30 - 7.45pm; Wednesdays: 5.30 - 6.45pm & 7.15 - 8.30pm. Suitable for all ages. The Cow Shed, Tyn-y-Ffridd Farm, Waen Wen, Bangor, LL57 4UF. Ceri 07796 950742, www.tynyffridd.com Dru Yoga Class with Christiane 01248 602900 ext 223, christiane@druworldwide.com Try your first class for free! Wednesdays: 9.30 – 11am (term based) Beginners welcome, The Bulkeley Hotel, 19 Castle Street, Beaumaris LL58 8AW. Thursdays: 6.15 -7.45pm, £7, £6 concs., in Bethesda. Yoga Class Thursdays: Held in the LookOut building. 9.30 - 10.45am, RSPB members £5, non-members £6. RSPB Nature Reserve, Conwy LL31 9XZ. Bookings: Cathy 07704 437415, cathy-i@hotmail.co.ukYoga Classes with Rose Ann Preston 07759 105504. Mondays: 10.30am; Tuesdays: 10.30am and 7pm. All classes £5; all held in Holyhead Sports Centre. Rose 01407 769571, 07759 105504, roseannyoga@gmail.com, www.roseyoga.netForrest Yoga with Claire Mace 07970 409 724, claire@inspiratrix.co.uk ~ www.inspiratrix.co.uk Mondays: 7 - 8.30pm, St. Mary’s Church Hall, Holyhead LL65 1TR. Wednesdays: 6 - 7.15pm & 7.30 - 9pm. £6/£6.50 pay as you go. Hen Eglwys y Santes Fair / Former St Mary’s Church, Tremadog, LL49 9RA.

Yoga Tuesdays: 7.30 - 9pm, Queen’s Park High School (term only) Chester CH4 7AE. Luos Johnson at yogaveda@live.co.uk Yoga in Denbigh, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Monday - Friday. Laura Bell, 07989 512859, thezestlife.co.uk Mindful Yoga with Elaine Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.25pm at Ysgol y Borth, Menai Bridge; Wednesdays 10 - 11.55am at Capel Mawr, Menai Bridge; and 7pm - 8.55pm  at Ysgol y Graig in Llangefni. Thursdays 7.30 - 9.25pm at Ysgol Gymuned in Dwyran. Elaine 01248 430147, www.yoganorthwales.co.uk  ~ elaine.yoga@tiscali.co.uk Iyengar Yoga Class Thursdays: 7 - 8.30pm, £8 or £35 for 5 classes paid in advance; concessions available. Rhoscolyn Village Hall, Anglesey. Ruth Johnson yogamon@myphone.coop No class in school holidaysYoga Classes with Lisa at lcyoga@aol.com; www.lcyoga.co.uk Tuesdays:  Hatha Yoga 7.45 - 8.45pm. Six week introduction. Dyserth. Wednesdays: Hatha Yoga. 5.30 - 6.30pm. Term time. Colwyn Bay. Also: Hatha Yoga & Relaxation, 8 - 9.15pm. 6 week courses, Mancot. Thursdays: Kundalini Yoga, 6.30 - 7.30pm. 8 week courses, Dyserth.Yoga with Tracey 01766 770610, 07809 485323, www.traceyyogamassage.co.uk Mondays: The Arts Room, Dragon Theatre, Barmouth. Gentle yoga class 4.15 – 5.45pm. Dynamic yoga class 6 – 7.30pm. Tuesdays: Gentle yoga class 4.15 – 5.45pm. Dynamic 6 - 7.45pm, and Thursdays: Astanga Yoga 6 - 7.45pm. £7.50 drop in or £30/5 wks. Calon Lan Yoga Studio, Penrhyndeudraeth. Yogarami Drop-In Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Flow. Mondays: 11am -12.15pm, Level 1, £6, Gellifor Chapel Vestry rooms; 7 – 8.30pm, all Levels, £6, Ruthin Rugby Club. Tuesdays: 10 – 11.30am, Level 1, £6, Llanasa Village Hall; 6 -7pm, Vinyasa Flow Level 3, £7, Springs Spa Denbigh; 7.30 – 9pm, general class, Gellifor Community Centre. Thursdays: 6 -7am, Early bird Vinyasa Flow Level 2, £7; and 9 - 10am, Yoga Light Level 1, £7, Springs Spa Denbigh; 7 - 8.30pm, Yoga Light Level 1, £6, Trelogan School. Fridays: 7 - 8.15pm, Restorative - all levels, £7, Springs Spa Denbigh. Claire Riley 07764 945885, claire@yogarami.co.ukStarflower Yoga Mondays: 11am & 12.30pm at The Carriageworks, Denbigh LL16 3LU; also 6.30pm HWB, Denbigh LL16 3RG. Tuesdays: 12.30pm The Studio, Rejuva, Rhuddlan LL18 2TU; 12.30pm NOVA, Beach Rd West, Prestatyn LL19 7EY. Wednesdays: 5.45pm Dyserth Community Centre, 29 Cwm Rd., LL18 6BD. Thursdays: 12.30pm & then 6.30pm The Studio, Rejuva, Rhuddlan LL18 2TU; 12.30pm NOVA, Beach Rd West, Prestatyn LL19 7EY. Fridays: 12.30pm HWB, Denbigh LL16 3RG. Classes led by Sadie or Upali and cost between £4.50 - £6. www.starfloweryoga.com ZUMBA Zumba Dance-Fitness. Helen McGreary 07751 017157, dance-classes-north-wales.co.uk Mondays: 6-7pm, £5, Menai Bridge Memorial Centre, LL59 5DD. Wednesdays & Thursdays: 6.30 - 7.30pm, £5, Academi, Deiniol Rd, Bangor, LL57 2UW. Zumba with Shari Pollitt Thursdays: 7 - 8pm, Llanbedrog Village Hall. Cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility. www.zumba.co.uk

36

Woodland Skills CentreThe Centre is run by not-for-profit Social Enterprise Company Warren Woods Ltd.We have 50 acres of woodland with 2

Forest School sites and also covered workshops in the heart of the Clwydian

Range AONB near to the village of Bodfari. We run a wide range of courses in

traditional crafts including coppice and greenwood crafts, basket making, wood carving, timber frame building, basket

making, making shave-horse and pole-lathe, stool and chair making, Gypsy crafts, charcoal burning, coracles, woodland

management, home chain-saw, fencing and hedge laying.

We also run a wide range of bushcraft courses and also family days, weekends and weeks in the woods. We can also do special events such as birthday parties. As well as

our Forest School programme we run courses for youth, community and home education groups. We can offer free camping with

access to w.c and shower.www.woodlandskillscentre.co.ukContact Rod Waterfield on 01745 710477 or

enquiries@woodlandskillscentre.co.uk www.northwalescancercare.org.uk

North Wales Cancer Care

Gofal Canser Gogledd Cymru

A ydych angen siarad gyda rhywun

ar ôl derbyn diagnosis o canser?

A ydych wedi gorffen triniaeth ac yn teimlo’n ansicr sut i ail-gydio yn

eich bywyd?A oes ganoch

ddiddordeb mewn therapïau amgen

ond ddim yn gwybod lle i ddechrau?

Gallwn helpu

Have you been diagnosed with

cancer and need someone to talk

to?Finished treatment

and feeling uncertain how to

move on with your life?

Interested in using complementary

therapies but don’t know where to

start?

We can helpCysylltwch/Contact:Sheila 07851 792014,

info@health-matters.bizor

Natural Therapy Centre, 73a High St., Porthmadog LL49 9EU

GiGaiCrystalspresent...

Mind,Body&SpiritFairLlandudnoTownHall

23rd&24thJuly

10.00am-5.00pm

Therewillbereaders,therapies,gi6ideas,crystalsauraphotographyandmore.

FreeAdmission

www.gigaicrystals.co.ukcontact:gina-gail@gigaicrystals.co.uk

andsomedatesforyourdiary!Mind,Body&SpiritFairswillbeheldon

22nd&23rdJulyatLlandudnoTownHall26th&27thAugustatBeaumarisTownHall,Anglesey28th&29thOctoberatLlandudnoTownHall

Beaumaris Town HallJune 10th & 11th

10am ~ 5pm

37

Why Massage?Claire Freeman

There are many ways in which we can put 'self-care' into practice. The definition of 'self-care' will vary from person to person. For many, positive nurturing touch

through massage is one method of practising good self-care.It is rare in this busy world that we take the time to thoroughly switch off.

Having a session of massage therapy is one way we can counteract this busyness and ensure we are taking much needed 'me time'.

There are many benefits to receiving massage. One main effect is that it increases the production of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is a naturally occurring chemical produced in our brains when we feel safe and nurtured. It calms our nervous system, decreases anxiety and increases feelings of well-being. It can even stimulate feelings of trust and empathy. Massage also reduces levels of cortisol, the 'stress hormone', as well as naturally boosting the immune system and encouraging better sleep.

What is even more amazing is that the giver of massage also benefits from these increases in oxytocin, it is a reciprocal process, so everyone benefits!

If you are interested in exploring your own capacity to give and receive massage, in learning skills and techniques to use creatively and intuitively to give safe and effective nurturing massage, the perfect opportunity is coming up 28th August ~ 1st September: 'The Artist's Way to Massage Retreat; Connect to the Healer Within' at Cae Mabon eco retreat near Llanberis in Snowdonia.

The retreat is open to women and men over the age of 18. For all who yearn to discover or rediscover nurturing, healing touch and discover their own way to massage creatively, away from a prescribed routine. No previous massage experience is required, and there will be no routine to learn by heart or remember!

For more details about the retreat, or to book your own personal massage treatment at Cae Mabon, please contact on-site massage therapist Claire Freeman on 07426 894 640 or visit her website (see below).Claire Freeman is a doula, massage therapist

and grief counsellor.www.sourcehealing.co.uk

38

Dandelion’s Humble Health BenefitsEmma Schade-Stylli

Last Spring and Summer many of you may have seen the TV commercials demonstrating the powerful weed-killing effects of ‘Round Up’, a toxic chemical used against common weeds such as dandelion.

Many of us consider dandelions as nothing more than annoying weeds to be destroyed, yet humble dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) have an array of health benefits and are frequently used in Western herbal medicine.

They are beautiful perennial plants with delightful golden flowers, growing wild in most parts of the world. In continental Europe they are cultivated for their young, tender Spring leaves, filled to the brim with powerful nutrients such as vitamin A, B, C, D, and K1. Added raw to salads or juiced for cleansing and tonic benefits to restore ‘health, tone, vigour and function’ to the kidneys. Two-year-old plants are harvested in the Autumn for their roots, and dried to use as herbal medicine for the liver and gallbladder. The roots are powerful and effective for detoxification, aiding in the removal of waste products. The leaf and root, bitter tasting, act as agents to stimulate healthy digestion.

Dandelions are amazingly useful little plants. For example, the diuretic action of the leaves enables the increase of urination and excretion of metabolic waste products (nitrogen compounds, water,

CO2, phosphates, sulfates etc), without displacing the mineral potassium. This is because dandelions contain high levels of potassium, unlike pharmaceutical diuretics which cause loss of potassium. This makes dandelion a feasible option for conditions such as hypertension (high blood

pressure) by safely reducing fluid retention in the body.'Round Up’ on the other hand contains glyphosate, a herbicide yet to be fully tested for safety, yet documented as having a high

correlation with ‘cancer, endocrine disruption, damage to DNA, and malformations of the reproductive, neurological, and developmental systems of animals and humans’, as well as polluting our soil and water.

It seems ironic that there is now promising research indicating dandelion root extract in the prevention and treatment of many types of cancer. In 2016 the potential anti-tumour benefit was studied in preclinical settings, with clinical trials in the pipeline at the University of Windsor, Canada.

Avid gardeners might be intrigued to learn that dandelions ‘create drainage channels in compacted soils, restore mineral health to abused soils, and aerate and attract earthworms in all soils.’ Dandelion blooms are also an important food source for honey bees, necessary to  help pollinate plants that provide our

39

food. Herbicides are strongly implicated in the demise of bees, other insects and birds!

Next time you spy a dandelion on your lawn or peeping through the crevice of a manmade landscape, will you be spraying it with ‘Round Up’, or collecting it for food (dandelion fritters), for a drink (dandelion flower wine), for herbal medicine or simply admiring and embracing its bountiful pharmacy?

A Light and Refreshing Dandelion Green Juice

Skill: Easy ~  Serves: 1 to 2 ~ Time: 10 minsHere is my recipe for a light and

refreshing dandelion green juice, packed with bio-available nutrients, easy to assimilate and digest. Like an injection of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals, this recipe is quick and easy to add to one’s organic seasonal diet. Ingredients:

1 romaine lettuce1 bunch celery½ cucumber4 to 6 dandelion leaves½ lemon or lime, remove peel

Optional additional ingredients:

1 tbsp cold pressed omega 3:6:7:9 oil1 apple, remove core and pips

Note:

Blend the juice with ¼ of an avocado to help keep blood sugar stable, if you are sensitive to juice on its own!

Method:

Wash and prepare the vegetables and fruit, and press the ingredients through your juicer.Stir the ingredients and sieve the juice before drinking to remove any fibres, as this may irritate sensitive digestive tracts. Sip the juice slowly but immediately, drinking within 20 minutes to maximise nutrition. Place any leftovers in a stainless steel thermos flask and store in the fridge, consuming within 24 hours.

N.B  If you intend to go foraging for wild food or medicine, please take care to identify plant species accurately and to harvest away from polluted areas such as busy roads and industry. My favourite beginner’s guides for wild food for free and herbal medicine identification, including recipes are:Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 2nd edition, by Andrew ChevalierThe Wild Food Cookbook by Roger PhillipsWild Food: A Complete Guide for Foragers by Roger Phillips

If you have enjoyed reading this article, you are welcome to connect with me on social media and/or sign up to my seasonal blog posts.

Emma Schade-Stylli is a Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Naturopath & Herbalist

www.contemporaryhealthcare.co.uk

40

If you are reading this, you are staying the course with the people who are struggling to find safety away from their home countries. Whilst it is painful to contemplate the tragedies of their losses and journeys, and  of their hopes being dashed, the fact that we still WANT TO DO SOMETHING means that we stay connected with their suffering, and play our part in trying to alleviate human suffering. We can be fuelled by compassion and a vision of greater justice.

I am appalled at how little the UK government is doing. Local people can do more - by giving regular contributions to grassroots organisations (like Refugee Aid NW, One Nation, Help Refugees, SHARE (UK) and CEFN of course); by offering a spare room to a recently arrived immigrant; by campaigning and keeping the issues live in our social circles. Meanwhile, as of May 16th, 1,364 people are known to have drowned in the Mediterranean  in 2017 - crossings from Libya to Italy have increased by one third already.

Good news is seeing Hassan Akkad receive the BAFTA award for “Exodus”, the documentary that followed refugees (Hassan included) across Europe: his words on receiving the award: the people trying to get to Europe and safety “are not just numbers...they are husbands and wives and fathers and mothers and children. This was my experience yesterday: it is their’s today” -

right now. He wasn’t the only one with a lump in his throat.

Looking at what is happening around Wales and the rest of the UK: ten areas of Wales have joined the City of Sanctuary movement. This includes Wrexham.  

According to their website, “City of Sanctuary is a movement committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution.”

Together with organisations like Refugees Welcome, Places of Sanctuary can help you offer accommodation to a refugee  or a refugee family. Sometimes this can be  short term - up to 6 months say. Or, under the government's “Community Sponsorship” scheme, you need to raise around £9000 and be able to provide suitable housing for up to two years. The people who come to the UK under this scheme are additional to the

“20,000 vulnerable Syrians” who David Cameron pledged to accommodate in the UK by 2020 (out of 5,000,000

Staying ConnectedBerni Cavanagh

41

The Great InvocationFrom the point of Light within the Mind of God

Let light stream forth into the minds of men.Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.

May Christ return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known Let purpose guide the little wills of men –

The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men Let the Plan of Love and Light work out

And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

Full Moon Meditation NetworkCancer: May 21st ~ June 21stFull Moon: June 9th at 2:09pm

www.lucistrust.org

displaced Syrian people). See: www.gov.uk/government and look for Full Community Sponsorship Guidance for how the scheme works.

Here at CEFN we are in the process of becoming a registered charity - we aim to be more transparent and accountable by doing this, and to be able to increase our income with Gift Aid from UK taxpayers’ donations (currently 25%).

More importantly (!) we are organising a GREAT GET TOGETHER - Y PICNIC

MAWR, in Porthmadog on June 18th. Do come. Bring a picnic, and a folding chair. Bring a teddy with a message to give to our youngest refugees and new pants (underwear) for all refugees.. There’s a play area, a sack race, storytelling, clothes sorting challenge and much more - we start at 1pm at Clwb Chwaereon in Porthmadog (follow signs to Car Boot Sale) and finish around 4.30pm. There is a club house in case of rain. This is part of a national movement remembering Jo Cox - and especially her work with displaced people, as well as marking the start of REFUGEE WEEK. It is also Fathers’ Day, so make sure you bring Dad to join the celebrations.

THANK YOU  for your continued support: our Drop Off points for aid are still receiving your donations (see list) - by the end of May you have helped CEFN send seven shipping containers of aid to Syria and Greece. Wow!

cefn.cymru@gmail.com facebook.com/groups/

NorthWalesRefugeeSupportwww.cefn.cymru.com

Local Collection Points for CEFNFor a list of most needed items, please look at

our pinned post on Facebook or email: cefn.cymru@gmail.com

BLAENAU FFESTINIOG - Bookies’ Shop, 14-15 Church Street, LL41 3HBPENRHYNDEUDRAETH - Holy Trinity Church on the main road, 10am – 3pmish: behind curtain at back please.PORTHMADOG - The Hair Lounge, Bank Place, LL49 9AAY BALA - Coleg y Bala, LL23 7RY, 9 - 3 weekdaysDOLGELLAU - Mantell Gwynedd, Y Lawnt, LL40 1SBNEFYN - Siop Siarad, LL53 6HDHARLECH - St Tanwg's Church, Top Harlech, LL46 2YACAERNARFON - Mantell Gwynedd, 23-25 Y Bont Bridd, LL55 1ABBARMOUTH - St David's Church. Beth 01341 247499, bethbaileybro@gmail.com LLANGOLLEN - Hostel on Berwyn Street, LL20 8NB, opposite the petrol station. Via back gate, off main Car Park (Market St). Leave bags / boxes in log store and Manager puts into a locked area.LLANRWST - The Natural Building Centre, Plas Tirion, Betws Rd, Llanrwst LL26 0PU. Open Mon 9-5, Wed 9-12 and Friday 9-5. Out of hours by arrangementpost@thenaturalbuildingcentre.co.uk

Sorting SessionsMondays 6.30 – 9 pm.Wednesdays 12 – 3pm

at The Church of All Saints of Wales, Manod, Blaenau Ffestiniog, LL41 4AF

Cash Donations to CEFN; Sort code 54-30-07 Account number 34615326 or via PayPal at:

www.cefn.cymru

42

Advertisers IndexJohn Thackara Public Lecture, Bangor 01248 382 828 10“The Longing Behind Addiction” ~ A Summer Retreat 01286 871 542 25Trigonos ~ Employment Opportunities 01286 882 388 25Littlefield Wills 01407 763 930 30Sound Healer ~ Helena Hawley 01244 683 775 30Claire Wiggins ~ Hypnotherapy 07838 469 174 30Woodland Skills Centre 01745 710 477 36North Wales Cancer Care 07851 792 014 36Mind Body & Spirit Fair in Beaumaris 0151 648 8277 36Emma ~ Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Naturopath, Herbalist 07863 221 914 39The Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour, Lib Dem & Green Party Alliance! Back Cover

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A Network News Campaign

The Plaid Cymru, Welsh Labour,

Lib Dem & Green Party Alliance!

Let us remember exactly why there is an election on June 8th! It began when Nigel Farage & friends formed a nationalist party to prey on the fears of the British people. The media loved them. Their percentages rose.Some Tories knew their seats were at risk from UKIP, so persuaded David Cameron to hold a simplistic “IN or OUT” Referendum to appease them. In their arrogance, the Tories thought the outcome was a foregone conclusion. In fact, the process and the result painfully split the nation.So ALL the Tories knew their seats would be at risk in 2020 - when the people will have suffered more austerity plus isolation. Surprise, surprise: Theresa May decides to hold a “HIT & RUN” Election. Again - in their arrogance - the Tories think the outcome is a foregone conclusion... Is it? Or will YOU say “Enough!” ~ and vote tactically for common sense and humanity? And end these crude manipulations by ConKip? In the 10 constituencies in North Wales it means making your vote powerful by choosing the candidate that can unseat ConKip!So wherever you are in North Wales, and whether you’re Lab, Lib, Dem, Green, Cymraeg, Indy or even reformed ConKip, there is a fine candidate worthy of your vote... Here they are:

DwyforMeirionnydd:

Liz Saville-Roberts (PC)

Arfon:

Hywel Williams (PC)

Ynys Mon:

Albert Owen (Labour)

Clwyd West:Gareth Thomas

(Labour)

Aberconwy:Emily Owen

(Labour)

Vale Of Clwyd:Chris Ruane

(Labour)

Delyn:David Hanson

(Labour)

Alyn & Deeside:Mark Tami (Labour)

Wrexham:Ian Lucas (Labour)

Clwyd South:Susan Elan

Jones(Labour)