I am a massive fan of Jo Malone and have ‘followed’ her since she started her first company – Jo Malone. Of course I continued following her when she then began Jo Loves and was awarded her CBE, but of the many fragrances of hers I have tried, Pomelo is my favourite by a mile. […]
Golden Gardenia Golden Gardenia is all about discovering your best self and delighting in that moment. Surrounded by the strength of others, you have the confidence to be true to who you are. This fabulous fragrance celebrates the many facets of what makes us as people so unique. It is the confidence we exude from […]
Two new products have been added to the super Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar fragrance line. This is a fragrance I already have and love, so of course I was delighted to hear this news. Jo Malone CBE had cleverly created yet another show stopping scent with Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar Lime and now has produced […]
Red Truffle 21 from Jo Loves Relaunching 1st July This gorgeous fragrance is back by popular demand to re-join the Jo Loves Fragrance Collection for this summer. Jo Malone has created a unique blend which unveils the most beautiful truffle note surrounded by fresh green fig, bitter citrus along with cool, crisp pine to create […]
If you are not lucky enough to get a summer holiday you can still grab the scent of summer with this gorgeous diffuser. If you have not tried a diffuser before they are the simplest way to fragrance your home, whatever the season – although this is certainly summer time! Fig Trees offers a true […]
Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar Fragrance This is the latest fragrance that has been created by the Queen of Fragrance Jo Malone CBE and it is amazing. Her inspiration comes from blue sky thinking and the notion that there are limitless opportunities to celebrate with enthusiasm and for enjoying a new-found intensity life. Her new scent […]
I have been a huge fan of Jo Malone fragrances for many, many years, in my book, with her own signature style, I believe she is the Queen of Fragrance. Her latest fragrance, Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar is certainly no exception as this is a fresh, truly uplifting cologne scent giving you the feeling of […]
This has to be the ‘pearfect’ – excuse the pun – Mother’s Day pick from Jo Malone London. I am a massive fan of Jo Malone London, the brand is a huge favourite of mine and the selection of fragrances and the range they have created is rather mind-blowing, plus their packaging is totally beautiful […]
Calon Lan – Johns’ Boys Johns’ Boys Male Chorus from Wrexham, North Wales is one of the most decorated British male choirs in history. The choir have won numerous choral competitions and in 2019 became the first British Male Voice Choir to win the prestigious Pavarotti ‘Choir of the World’ prize. The choir have gathered millions […]
We’re looking for volunteers to help us plant large trees in two areas of Wrexham in March. Planting days will take place on greenspace at St. Giles Crescent in Caia Park on Sunday March 3 between 10-4pm and at Pendine Way in Gwersyllt on Sunday March 10 between 10-4pm. We’ll be planting 11 trees at […]
Allow me to introduce you to Amber, Lime & Bergamot, the newest creation by the Scent Maverick, Jo Malone CBE. This fragrance takes you on a luxurious journey to discover the spectacular and elegant fragrance which was inspired by the prestigious Concours d’Elegance event. Try to picture the 1920’s glamour, vintage cars, champagne and picnics […]
Passionate About Seafood
The sky’s the limit for Joe who has converted his passion for sustainable seafood into an apprenticeship with The Menai Seafood Company.
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Eco Sponge Cloths I am trying hard to live a greener life but quite often struggle because I find the ‘greener’ products I buy are not always effective. So I am pleased to have been able to try products from the Seep range and using them they have made it clear to me that I […]
Little Beast Organic Smelly Dog Shampoo Bar This is a new company to me but rather exciting as I am a huge fan of organic soaps and delighted to learn that the Little Soap Company have now decided that humans shouldn’t have all the fun, so they’ve have created a wonderful natural pet shampoo for […]
I am a huge fan of Kuhn Rikon as they are such a clever company making products for the kitchen, including cookware, pans, knives, tools & gadgets. All the range has been well thought through to make our life easier and that is something we all need. This Ratchet Grinder, or mill, has a high […]
One member of staff at Ashmole & Co has become ‘hooked’ on crocheting teddies to help raise funds for the accountancy firm’s charity of the year – Cardiac Risk in the Young [CRY]. Debbie Blanchard, an Accounts Clerk in Ashmole & Co’s Carmarthen office has spent many hours crocheting 12 teddy bears so they can […]
As the summer heats up, Keep Wales Tidy is urging everyone across people across Mid Wales to make the most of the season, but without leaving litter behind. The initiative urges everyone in Mid Wales – residents and visitors alike – to take responsibility for their litter, especially when bins are full or unavailable. The […]
The Modern Homemaker Beauty Storage Wash Bag Elevate your travel beauty storage with this useful and beautiful, honeysuckle print wash bag with zip. It has been designed to open flat which makes it so easy to find what you have been searching for but without having to empty the whole of your wash bag, I […]
Welsh Country loves to celebrate businesses within Wales that provide products and services that are the best that can be. Laura Tenison, founder and owner of Wonderful Escapes at Wern y Cwm Farm told us… STOP PRESS: We are the Best Self Catering in the whole country! “Yippee we only WON!!! “Yup, we just won […]
WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre partners with Aardman to launch Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt This April WWT Llanelli is partnering with British animation studio, Aardman, and the Royal Entomological Society, to bring families an epic minibeast wetlands adventure unlike any they’ve seen before. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt (5 April […]
Finding interesting ways to spend time together as a couple can be tricky – and with Dwirnod Santes Dwynwen’s and Valentine’s Day both approaching fast, In the Welsh Wind Distillery have the perfect answer: come Gin Tasting together – and receive a pair of engraved tasting glasses to celebrate with at home! Any time spent […]
Must Be Mani Magic Manicure Set This is the most perfect kit to ensure your nails and hands are always looking their best. It’s also a great present for younger family members who are starting to get into caring for their hands and nails. The first step is to use the Cosy Hands Sheet Masks […]
To celebrate his 30th anniversary of working for Ashmole & Co, Jim Cornock a Partner with the accountancy firm, will be taking on Marathon Eryri later this month to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care. Marathon Eryri is a demanding and spectacular event which encircles Yr Wyddfa. Jim is not a newcomer to running […]
Recent convert to running, Molly Williams, an Accounts Assistant with Ashmole & Co, will be taking on Cardiff Half Marathon next month to help raise funds for the south Wales accountancy firm’s charity of the year – Tenovus Cancer Care. Molly is fairly new to running but has started to enjoy pounding the pavements, early […]
Stephen talks about his trip to Bala and the history of the popular tourist town. My wife and I, heading from Dorset to north Wales for a week, needed somewhere to stop over on a Friday evening. I chose Bala (Y Bala) in Snowdonia National Park. The White Lion Royal Hotel, occupying a prominent position […]
The average lawn, left alone one hundred years, could become a hardwood forest. An admirable project. Still I carry on, following week on week the same mowing pattern, cutting edges, almost sprinting the last narrow swaths. Robert Wrigley (b.1951) At long last the weather seems to be becoming drier and hopefully this will continue. This […]
Karen Foy climbs high above the town of Llandudno in search of a property with an intriguing history. Researching the history of a property can be a fascinating task. Over the years the building structure can change considerably as alterations are made; its purpose and uses may alter from decade to decade and often, a […]
1. Romantic Rose Lipstick This company is new to me but I must say I’m so cross I hadn’t found them before because I love my lip balms and lipsticks and this super company have so many to choose from that there are shades for everyone, you literally will be spoilt for choice. Chelsea designer […]
“Remember this day as a milestone, but not the destination,” more than 70 Welsh apprentices were told at their apprenticeship graduation ceremony in Mid Wales. That was the message from Faith O’Brien, managing director of Cambrian Training Company which, with its sub-contractors, celebrated the achievements of their apprentices at the bi-annual ceremony held at the […]
Kale 3D Cleanser This is an amazing product as it is a ground-breaking colour-changing kale cleanser that will most certainly revolutionise your skincare routine. I am not at all surprised that this cleanser has won prestigious awards because it is a seriously innovative product. It clevery cleanses deeply and refreshes your skin whilst it also […]
Superclean Fragrance-Free I loved hearing from a reader telling me about Dew, which was a new company to me, but what is even better is that I’ve been able to try & test 2 of their products and loved them. The first was Superclean which is an all-purpose cleaner that removes grease, oil, stains and […]
Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum I love being introduced to a new company I know little about, but even more so when I can try some of their products and they quickly become favourites! I’d love you to discover this brand too, so let me introduce you to some of their range. Firstly this is their […]
Newcomer to running, Molly Williams, from Ashmole & Co’s Abergavenny office, will be taking on Bath Half Marathon next month to help raise funds for the accountancy firm’s charity of the year, the DPJ Foundation. Molly Williams is fairly new to running but has started to enjoy exploring the streets and lanes of Abergavenny early […]
Two Welsh railways are collaborating on a special hire agreement for the 1864-built steam locomotive ‘Palmerston’. The Vale of Rheidol Railway (VoR) at Aberystwyth has agreed to display and then overhaul ‘Palmerston’ for the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (Ff&WHR), based at Porthmadog. Both railways are members of the ‘Great Little Trains of Wales’ consortium. […]
Recipe Ingredients 8 lasagne sheets 150g Dragon Welsh mature Cheddar For the vegetables: 3 bell peppers, diced 1 large courgette, diced 3 large tomatoes, diced 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1tsp smoked paprika 1tsp salt 2tbsp olive oil For the marinara sauce: 2tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed […]
Zoe Bakes based in Brecon is the home of delicious sweet home baked cakes and treats and she started her business almost by accident in 2020 commenting: “I started during lockdown and I baked to pass some time and I fell in love with it.” “It was Marc Anthony that said, ‘If you do what […]
For me it is a massive, but rare treat to be able to get a professional pedicure, so this fabulous 7 piece, Perfect Home Pedicure Set offers everything you need to be able to perform a professional pedicure in your own home. You will be able to give your feet treatment results which will be […]
Welcome to Wales. Land of myth, legend, and folklore. A land that has been inspiring artists, writers and poets for generations, and I’m one of the latest in a long line of messengers waxing lyrical about its’ natural beauty. Having explored this enchanted land for years now, it is easy to see why so many […]
Ashmole & Co receptionist falls in love with accountancy and so starts as a Trainee Accountant Ashmole & Co’s latest Trainee Accountant joined the accountancy firm’s Swansea office last year as the Receptionist! Naomi Boyes had no intention of becoming an Accountant when she started but soon fell in love with the work and has […]
INTRODUCTION We’ve all been there. Back home after a long and exhausting day of landscape photography out in the field. We throw our bags on the floor and kick our mud-covered hiking boots off in the doorway. The dog is super excited to see us for the first time in 12 hours, she’s starving and […]
Rubbing my itchy stinging eyes, I struggled to shut the carriage window. Familiar specks of smudgy soot settled on my new coat. The chugging locomotive belching out filthy black steam and the acrid yellow smog from the steel works combined to veil the landscape. One day, I thought, this valley will spring green again, will […]
Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the appointment of Eirian Evans as the Human Resources Manager for the expanding accountancy firm. Eirian, who lives in Hermon, Cynwyl Elfed, joined Ashmole & Co in 2018 as the Payroll Manager and is based in the Carmarthen office. She has qualifications in Accounting, Payroll Administration, Payroll Management, […]
This is the waterless pet shampoo and it really does clean your pet effectively without water! Yes without water. What a bonus this is when I have a lassie collie dog to keep clean. This is a revolution in pet hygiene and I love it. This amazing shampoo was rather like having a magic potion […]
Boasting famous benefactors, iconic landmarks and ground breaking industry, Wrexham really does have a rich and vibrant heritage, Karen Foy finds out more. Wrexham – the principle town in the county borough of the same name, commands a privileged spot in the borderlands of north Wales. From here you can easily travel deep into the […]
Danish Bakery’s Success
Former photographer Betina Skovbro is enjoying the sweet taste of success following her decision to focus on a successful baking career.
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Tesco Launch Eccentric Spirit Co
Welsh-inspired spirits brand Eccentric Spirit Co, produced by Cardigan-based In the Welsh Wind has secured a listing with Tesco across Wales.
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December 2018, and it’s the end of my marriage. Scooping up the children and a geriatric terrier, we shuttled down the M4 corridor to begin our new chapter in West Wales. Riding the maelstrom of feelings that every separation brings, there was a feverish energy to me, sprouting of grey hairs and impulsive actions that […]
Bilingual Apprenticeships Helping Duo
Bilingual apprenticeships are helping two men to develop promising careers at a leading North Wales social enterprise.
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My mobile phone, entirely of its own volition, seems to have formed the habit of taking me back into the past. I’m not entirely sure as to why it’s started doing this, but it seems apt seeing as we’re here at the start of autumn, as the present blurs with the past and summer slides […]
30 Years Work Anniversary
Sharon George, one of Ashmole & Co’s Partners in Carmarthen, is celebrating this month having been employed by the firm for 30 years.
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Equine Health Scheme
A new Welsh horse health scheme aimed at reducing the need for antibiotics has held its 100th clinic – just five months after its launch.
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1. Clarifying Do-Over Peel This is a really easy to use 1-step, leave-on peel that gives your skin potent exfoliation to retexturise and reveal a smoother, more radiant skin. Some peels are way too harsh and for me do more damage than good, but this one is gentle enough to leave on your skin. It […]
Simon Smith lives in Port Talbot, on the south Wales coast, with his wife Rachel, daughter Elle and two crazy cats, Prinny and Winny. By trade, he is an English teacher and Head of Year in a local comprehensive school, but when time allows he also writes extensively, his writing spanning a number of genres […]
Pleser is a family run Bridal House providing dresses for all of the ladies in the bridal party, offering a unique shopping experience located in the village of Pontardulais, 20 minutes from Swansea. Pleser has been a must visit destination for over 34 years for stylish, fashion conscious brides. Pleser offers a wide selection of […]
Happy Chinese New Year!
Never one to miss out on a party, join us in celebrating the Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year in style with this ‘fakeaway’.
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The cold earth slept below; Above the cold sky shone; And all around, With a chilling sound, From caves of ice and fields of snow The breath of night like death did flow Beneath the sinking moon. Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) At the time of writing, we have just experienced the second named storm in […]
Joe Hope…Ecologist
Joe Hope, ecologist turned farmer highlights industries crucial role in sustainable food production and habitat conservation.
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Pete Wicks Back-To-Nature
The Only Way is Essex star and RSPCA Ambassador Pete Wicks loves animals so much – he went on holiday with alpacas in Wales.
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Front Parlour to Office
Before Ashmole & Co moved to an office in Newcastle Emlyn, meetings were held in the front parlour of a house, on mart day, once a week!
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I arrived in Tywyn by bus. Lloyds Bus Route #30 from Dolgellau on the A473. I had newly acquired friends to visit and I was being drawn by The Talyllyn Railway – Rheilffordd Talyllyn. From Tywyn came the inspiration of the famous Skarloey Railway Series. Very fond memories rolled through my mind of collecting engines, […]
Serves: 4 You’ll need: 2 tsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 300g cooked turkey breasts, chopped into bite sized pieces 2 banana shallots, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 200g orzo 100ml chicken stock 1 bunch asparagus, washed and trimmed and cut into pieces Zest and juice of a lemon 115g bag baby […]
James Martin 5 Piece Knife Block from Stellar This superb knife block has been exclusively designed by chef James Martin. It has been crafted to maximise your performance in the kitchen and suitable for those with smaller hands. Set includes: 3.5″ Paring Knife, 5″ Utility Knife, 8″ Carving Knife, 8″ Bread Knife and an 8″ […]
Alba Knitted Cardigan with Belt from Joules On cold winter nights there is nothing better than getting yourself comfy and cosy in your pyjamas and slippers, with this beautiful ribbed knitted cardigan wrapped around you. It has two handy patch pockets, turn back cuffs and a detachable belt. But although this Alba cardigan was designed […]
Many retailers selling food have kept open during the Covid pandemic but that does not mean that it has been plain sailing. Five retailers from across Wales with very different business models tell Welsh Country of their experience. Starting in north Wales in the lovely town of Colwyn Bay. Cheryl Parry said when the local […]
Miranda Hart joins tributes to National Garden Scheme virtual visits campaign. As our gardens begin to reopen new Virtual Garden Visits will continue until June 25th. Gardens and comedy don’t always go hand-in-hand, but in the Hart/Hart-Dyke family they certainly do. Miranda Hart is one of the country’s best-loved comedians and actors. Her mother, Diana, […]
Chef lecturer Mark Robertson has proudly stepped up from the Senior Culinary Team Wales squad to the front line team at the IKA Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart next week. Mark, 44, who works for Coleg Cambria and lives near Mold, is one of the six chefs who will be competing in the Restaurant of Nations, […]
Cooking for celebrities including Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola and players is all in a day’s work for Welsh Senior Culinary Team chef Dylan Wyn Owens. Originally from Porthmadog, Dylan, 31, is head chef of hospitality at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium where he leads a team of 130 chefs on match days. He and his […]
Its fun, it’s friendly and it’s filled with fabulous fibre – Wonderwool Wales is back at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells on April 27 and 28, with knitting, crochet and crafting workshops, demonstrations of spinning, weaving and felting and stalls brimming with temptation. The go-to diary date for fibre fans, knitters, crochet enthusiasts and […]
Welsh Halen Môn Salt and Welsh Dragon cheese launch first sea salt cheese as part of new handcrafted range. The first cheese made with Welsh sea salt has been launched in a unique partnership between iconic Anglesey brand Halen Môn and Wales’s oldest dairy co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries. The new Sea Salt Cheddar made with […]
Schoolgirl Efa Roberts is the face of inspirational campaign celebrating pride in Wales A schoolgirl from Gwynedd is the face of an inspirational TV and social media campaign celebrating pride in Wales which started in the run-up to St David’s Day. Aspiring actress Efa Roberts, 12, a pupil at Ysgol Tryfan in Bangor, plays the […]
Wonderwool Wales vast textile stage was the venue for a wall-to-wall Curtain of Poppies, featuring 79,300 knitted, crochet and felt poppies, drawing comments of “breath-taking”; “amazing”; “inspirational”; “a marvellous tribute.” The curtain brought together contributions from knitters and fibre fans from all over the UK and abroad. It formed a colourful highlight of the showcase […]
Welsh Country is the pan Wales magazine that is essential reading for those that are passionate about the countryside of Wales, Welsh Food, Arts in Wales, Welsh Property, the history of Wales and its people, lifestyle, gardening and much more…
