Summer days!

Phew! The summer is rolling on and temperatures are soaring! It's a busy time here - with Pembrokeshire Fish Week in full swing, Russell Crowe living it up at Freshwater West and a huge array of summer events going on. June wouldn't be complete without Wimbledon - did you see that epic Andy Murray match last night?! Although who wants to sit inside watching telly with weather as glorious as this!

We're busy bees here in the office and when we get a chance we've been enjoying exchanging news and summer plans over our new outdoor table and chairs, complete with parasol, at lunchtime. I keep hearing talk of an oncoming heatwave - it will certainly make a nice change after the last two summers.
Roll on Pimms o'clock!

Make a Splash!

Here I am, back in the office after a blissful month off and still aglow after the most beautiful, magical and memorable wedding.

Having caught up on all the news, we are now all looking forward to June - it seems that summer is here at last. The weather is absolutely divine and long may it continue! My kayak has at long last come out of hibernation and is raring to go, and Tessa has her boat out on the water and is putting it to excellent use. She has been updating me on the progress of her bee hives and bass in the river - it's all go (and all sounds very delicious!) Pembrokeshire's hedgerows are awash with beautiful flowers and yesterday whilst driving on the most secret of back roads between Newgale and Broad Haven it was a pleasure to see hundreds and hundreds of butterflies - the air seemed to swarm with them and the sight signalled the onset of summer. The possible demise of native British butterflies is often discussed but it is a delight to see them thriving here. 'Tis the season of impromptu barbecues, picnics, fresh strawberries and Pimms, ice creams, sandcastles and splashing about (if you're brave enough). The water is still pretty chilly, take my word for it, but few things beat throwing yourself about in crashing waves at Newgale as the tide comes in over hot sand on a long summer's evening. The Great British summer being what it is though, I would encourage everyone to make the most of it and find time to make a splash!

June 27th sees the start of Pembrokeshire Fish Week, a brilliant week which celebrates Pembrokeshire's seafood and coastline. The week, now in its tenth year, is jam-packed with a huge variety of events. From fish suppers with sea-shanties in local pubs and restaurants to fishing trips which cater for all levels, cookery demonstrations and activities for all ages. It's a great opportunity to sample the best of local produce and to see more of Pembrokeshire's longstanding fishing heritage.

It really is a perfect time to visit us here in Pembrokeshire and if I were a member of the Harry Potter film cast or Russell Crowe or Cate Blanchett and had come to Pembrokeshire for the first time to film a blockbuster movie at Freshwater West, I wouldn't want to leave again!

Wedding Bells!

It's the final countdown! Four days to go until the big day dawns! (Dry and warm I hope)

So this is it from me for several weeks; over and out from the blushing bride to be!

May Day Celebrations

What a glorious Easter we enjoyed here! Now we're looking forward to May Day and the celebrations that will ensue.

A Spring festival is being held in Newport over the bank holiday weekend, with outdoor activities and live music to celebrate the season, whilst Colby Woodland Gardens are hosting a Bank Holiday Owl Prowl. There is such a lot going on all over the county; Pembrokeshire really is a place for all seasons.

Last week some of the ladies from Coastal Cottages and Activity Wales enjoyed a get-together at the newly opened Ocean Cafe Bar in Broad Haven, perfect for a natter with drinks whilst admiring the view over the beach towards the setting sun. We're always keen to try out a new watering hole! And we really are the people to speak to about where to go.

At the moment though, I am finding it hard to concentrate on anything other than my forthcoming wedding on 2nd May. I daresay the ladies here in the office will be glad to get rid of me for a few weeks and to have a break from my endless tales of florists, bridesmaids, dress alterations and caterers (using the best of Pembrokeshire produce incidentally, one can't beat Pembrokeshire new potatoes and topside of beef). Not long now!

It's all go at Easter!

Easter events and celebrations are in full swing here, with lots going on over the next few weeks.

Magnificent St. Davids Cathedral will be host to Music for Passiontide on 8th April and on Easter Monday are 'Three Choirs in the Cathedral' performing pieces by Handel and Dvorak. Tickets can be bought from various places in St. Davids. Another concert is 'Music for Easter' in St. Peter's Church in Goodwick this Saturday. If Easter egg hunts are more your sort of thing, there are plenty going on - including family Easter trails around Colby Woodland Gardens, Easter egg hunts and an Easter bonnet competition at beautiful Picton Castle and 'Hunt the Chick' around the Tudor Merchant's House in Tenby. If the weather continues to be as lovely as it is today, it's a perfect time of year to get out and explore different parts of the county - guided walks around Ramsey Island start from 9th April and boat trips over to Skomer Island are now running again. There is also a RHS springtime walk around the gardens of Picton Castle on 14th April - it's all go! And it's just as well that those ladies who accompanied me on my hen weekend have just about recovered, as it's going to be a busy few weeks!

The joys of spring!

It's a beautifully warm and sunny spring day here and we all enjoyed the lovely weekend - Gabrielle and Emma both sampled the delights of Tenby whilst Sarah T has been giving vent to her feelings on Saturday's 6 Nations rugby to anyone who will listen. I have had my first barbecue of the year (the first of many I hope!) and have been dusting off picnic hampers and Pimms jugs. I have also sworn off lamb after watching tiny newborn lambs frolicking in neighbouring fields. At least for the spring anyway.

There are a busy few weeks coming up, with Mothering Sunday approaching on 22nd March and Easter only a few weeks later. So Easter egg hunts will soon be in full swing. We're all full of ideas here so if you're in need of inspiration give us a ring. Inspiring ideas for Mothers Day and Easter that is, rather than Easter egg hunts (although we're full of ideas on those too). It's a perfect time to visit, especially if this gorgeous weather continues. Cecilia is launching a campaign to have some garden furniture installed outside our office, so we can all enjoy our lunch in the fresh air.

In other news, some of the ladies from the office are joining me on my hen weekend this weekend - watch out, there's sure to be plenty to shock and amuse on this blog next week! Inevitably from certain people who shall remain nameless (at least for now).

Spring has sprung!

Spring is in the air!

Here in the office we're all full of the joys of spring, and of course we all still have a lovely warm and satisfied glow after Wales beat England in the rugby last Saturday - let's hear it for Wales winning the grand slam! Hopes are high and i'm sure the boys won't let us down.

The frost and snow of a few weeks ago are long gone and have given way to sunshine and warm days - daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses and appearing in their hundreds (is the plural of crocus in fact croci? The question has puzzled me for some time so perhaps someone could answer it!)

Next Tuesday is of course Shrove Tuesday and we have been debating our favourite pancake fillings - Gabrielle and I are in agreement on sugar and lemon juice, whilst Sarah T is a raspberries and ice cream kind of a girl. So only six weeks until Easter, and it's not too late to book an Easter holiday with us. If the weather is as perfect as it was last year (and i'm hoping it will be) it's an ideal time to visit.

At last spring is here!