Soch Press
by Bex Tappin
30 / 10 / 2009
THE SNOWDONIA MARATHON ONCE AGAIN ATTRACTS A FULL FIELD OF RUNNERS
Saturday saw the 27th Snowdonia Marathon take place. The event, which we promoted in the last issue of the magazine, proved why it can still be considered one of the very best 26.2 mile races in the UK.
With the entry limit of 2,000 reached in August, demand for this scenic, challenging and wild marathon continues to grow. In poor weather the men’s race was only decided in the final few miles.
After a thrilling race in strong winds and intermittent heavy rain Julian MacDonald (Chester Tri) sprinted in ahead of local man Gwyn Owen (Eryri Harriers) and Paul Lewis, with barely one minute covering the first three finishers.
In fact Owen had the Chester Tri man in his sights as the race hit 22 miles, however the wet and muddy descent into Llanberis between mile 23 and 24 saw the Eryri man fall on three occasions, leaving MacDonald clear to take his first Snowdonia title in 2–46:59.
Owen’s time was an excellent 2–47:39 and with Matt Roberts (2–50:43) running a superb race for fifth, ably backed up by fell-specialist Richard Roberts (2–55:10) in seventh, Eryri Harriers easily won the team race.
In the women’s race there were no such dramas for Shan Roberts. The Ingli runner won comfortably in 3–17:03 from Eryri’s Andrea Rowlands who ran a fantastic race for a runners up spot and a time of 3–18:32. With Nant Peris’ Sarah Ridgway in 10th (3–34:07) and Ali Thomas in 80th (4–21:04) the Eryri ladies also took the team prize, making it a superb double for the local club.
Husband and wife Iain and Sarah Ridgway also took further glory with the local prizes. Ian after a great run for 13th in 3–01:25. Marathon Eryri Cyf thank all sponsors and volunteers for their tireless work in helping bring about another highly successful event this year, in particular First Hydro and the National Trust, without whom the race would not have gone ahead.
Further race images can be found at www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk with full results online now on www.snowdoniamarathon.com.
For those of you who are keen to take part in athletics events of this kind, don't forget to put our very own Abersoch 10K 2010 in your diaries. Next year the event takes place on Saturday 5th June and there are already a number of entrants with their names down. You can enter now online by clicking here.
by Bex Tappin
29 / 10 / 2009
GOOD FOOD STAYS ON THE MENU AT PORTH TOCYN HOTEL
As the 2010 edition of the Good Food Guide arrives in the shops, the award winning Porth Tocyn Hotel at Abersoch is celebrating its continuous entry for 53 years in this, the UK’s most trusted, best-selling and best-loved restaurant bible.
First compiled in 1951, the aim of The Good Food Guide has always been to inform readers of places where “the cooking, cellar and courtesy came up to proper standards”. Today, the Guide is recognised as being the voice of the consumer while offering truly independent reviews of the best restaurants in the UK.
Nick Fletcher-Brewer, owner and manager of Porth Tocyn comments; “I just love the idea that our restaurant has been recognised continuously for 53 years now which is two years short of my birth date. That Porth Tocyn should have been listed in this Guide for longer than any other restaurant in the Good Food Guide outside London let alone Wales is quite a boast. Mind you we have had to work very hard consistently throughout those years to retain this record. We seem to have exhibited the necessary stamina and imagination, and not a little luck to have captured and maintained the support of the restaurant going market and we are nowhere near beaten yet!”
As well as the entry in the Good Food Guide, Porth Tocyn also boasts two AA Rosettes for Quality Food. The hotel offers a stimulating menu which changes daily and uses the finest local and regional produce which sees diners travelling from across North Wales and even the North West for this superior cuisine. With spectacular views across Abersoch Bay to Snowdonia, Porth Tocyn offers mid week light bite lunches, two or three course dinners with coffee and petit fours as well as its famous gargantuan Sunday Lunch Hot and Cold Buffet.
The Good Food Guide is completely rewritten and compiled from scratch every year using feedback from visitors as well its anonymous inspectors. It does not accept any sponsorship, advertising or free meals. The Good Food Guide 2010 is now available from book stores and online at £16.99. Why not check out the Porth Tocyn website and see just what it has to offer by clicking here.
by Bex Tappin
15 / 10 / 2009
GAME EVENING & COOKING DEMONSTRATION WITH CELEBRITY CHEF AT GLASFRYN PARC
Following the success of last year’s event, Siop Fferm Glasfryn will again be hosting a Game Evening & Cooking Demonstration at Glasfryn Parc. The event is to be held in the new Dining Room at 6.30pm on Wednesday 28th October.
“Local celebrity chef, Mel Thomas, cooked up a storm at last year’s event and we are delighted that he will be joining us again, together with Glasfryn Parc’s own chef, Nigel Higginbottom.” Said Jonathan Williams-Ellis.
Many people enjoy eating game but are less confident about cooking it for
themselves. Chef Mel Thomas will unravel the mystery and demonstrate several quick and simple ways to cook delicious dishes using a variety of Game raised on the Estate at Glasfryn. There will be plenty of opportunity to taste the food cooked and enjoy Glasfryn’s hospitality.
Advance ticket sales only (price: £8.00) which includes tasting all dishes. Tickets are available from Reception at Glasfryn Parc. Alternatively, telephone: 01766 810202 or email info@glasfryn.co.uk.
A wide range of Game is available from Siop Fferm Glasfryn including pheasant (and smoked pheasant), partridge, woodcock, duck, venison and rabbit. Also available from the shop is a selection of homemade ready meals, cuts of Welsh Black Beef and Llyn Lamb, Christmas hampers, burgers, sausages and locally sourced produce.
For more information visit: www.siop-glasfryn.com
For further information:
Jonathan Williams Ellis – 07831 336697; jwe@glasfryn.co.uk
Caroline Topham – 07796 896740; marketing@glasfryn.co.uk
www.glasfryn.co.uk
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