A hugely productive couple of weeks has been had by yours truly. Lots done, lots in the pipeline, and if I’m honest, tis nice to have a reasonable chat with mum over the phone, in the early part of the evening, and have a positive cheerful chat. The dementia side of the battle isn’t quite winning just yet. I spark the interest with days gone by. Fun days, summer at Tenby, lazy days in Amroth. My military passout parade, Sophie’s graduation at Exeter University, remembering colleagues at Bellan House School, homework, school holidays, fun parties we used to have at Bramble Lodge. Good old times, not gone, but merely the knack of opening up the “ file “………. And hey presto, it’s all there. And, pleasingly mum remembers most of it. But, sadly, remembering what she had for breakfast isn’t relayed so swiftly and confidently…….But, we mooch on, learning and grappling with the difficult days, and glowing during the better days ….. Life has its winding road hey !!!
Mid Wales Rifle Club has really been my focus the last two weeks, along with some river maintenance on private beats. I’m starting on the wild streams with the WYE AND USK FOUNDATION, early in the new year. A lot of these wild streams need some serious t.l.c. Others just require a few hours wading upstream, just thinning out overhanging boughs and awkward tree growth. Good pruning and just sawing back here and there can make a huge difference to a healthy stream. And, all of a sudden that tantalisingly trouty pool is opened up, and with the new season, a delicate dry fly can be presented on it !!!! Just what we all like to see……….
As I mentioned, it’s been a blast getting a lot of my air rifle collection out on the 27 yard range up at Mid Wales Rifle Club. They have superb facilities here, from precision target work to plinking half inch spinners which is highly addictive. Mike and Shirley are just so friendly, and nothing is ever too much trouble. Their knowledge is vast too, with both of them hugely qualified, with various courses also under their belt….. The club is N.R.A. accredited and complies with all land range regulations. Pneumatic rifle refills can get done here through there various adaptors, and a big 12 litre air bottle is conveniently on hand to fill up your rifles reservoir, should you need more air whilst you’re there. There are pellets, tools, oils etc etc all to make your range day all the more pleasant ….. And, in the undercover firing points, there are tea and coffee making facilities, and various rests and bean bags for your precious rifles, while you change targets, or get another brew on the go !!!!! Targets, spotting scopes and a big selection of pellets, in both .177 and .22 are also at hand for shooters. To put it mildly, there is everything you’ll need here for a couple of hours fun, and more !!!!!
So, in between shooting, I’ve been preparing kit and equipment for next years guided days. Rods and reels checked and also my euro nymphing tackle….. Wow, we’ve had superb weather for the rivers, haven’t we ???? I think this time last year the River Wye was up and looking like the Zambezi flowing through Rhayader. I’ll take a mooch out of town and chase the ladies next week. Also I’ll give the Ithon and Irfon a bash. I have a couple of private stretches on both, so they’ll be worth tight lining in an afternoon sortie. It isn’t my absolute favourite technique, but, it’s still good fun getting on the river. A buddy of mine has had some cracking afternoons trotting for the grayling…… Bags of thirty or forty to the net…. A Very successful a technique too. You can cover a huge amount of water, searching for them. Almost seems too effective sometimes !!!! Anyway, whilst I’m preparing next seasons gear, and paperwork etc etc, it’s worth noting for prospective clients that the bustling Market town of Rhayader has a huge amount to offer. So, if your in two minds as to wether your wife, girlfriend, or husband would be bored whilst you’re angling, please read on…. You just may be pleasantly surprised !!!! We are proud of our shops, hotels, Self catering apartments, and pubs and eateries. On top of that we have bespoke art galleries, home interiors, Antique shops, a superb butchers, and the usual array of supermarkets, including a CO OP and a SPAR. For the height of luxury, Narrative Coffee offers the most delicious coffee and milkshakes ever !!!! Don’t by pass this shop. There is a well stocked ROWLANDS PHARMACY, and if you do fish on till late, TURKISH DELIGHT OR EVANS PLAICE ( the chippy ) offer lovely take away food, that’ll satisfy the hungriest of appetites !!!!!
ohhhhhhh, I forgot to mention Hafod Hardware and the Freedom LEISURE CENTRE, should you bring the kids along for a short break too. The swimming pool is great, the leisure centre staff are so friendly, and being in the Lakeland of Wales, swimming is regarded as not only a confidence booster for a children’s growing up, but also a hugely important safety issue, being so close to the fast flowing River Wye, and with the huge wild reservoirs just a stones throw up the valley. The hardware store literally sells everything but the kitchen sink !!!! Tom and Pauline are the experts and owners here….. Nothing is too much trouble, whether your watch strap is broken, you need a specific paint or stain, a fishing permit for the day, or you quickly need another key cut, these fabulous people will make sure you’re catered for. It’s legendary, and I almost feel like I have to whisper when I enter the premises, it has an air of grandeur about it. Beautifully kept, with original features, it’s a proper shop. I love it……. Long may it continue !!!!!
Basically if I’m honest there is something for everyone here, and, even if you are stumped, there is Gigrin Farm, the red kite feeding centre and also plenty of mounting biking and hiking around the Elan Valley. If you need any bits for your bike or your hike, then Hills outdoor wear Ltd. or Neil’s Wheels will make sure you are well and truly looked after…… So your feet or wheels will get you safely to where you want to be !!!!! ……………………
Hills walking is an absolute cave of delights if I’m honest. Cracking equipment from Keela, Trespass, HITEC and Game wear will keep you dry and cosy in the bleakest of mid Wales’s weather ….. They’ve got everything covered, quite literally, including easy quick wear jackets or ponchos for campers that have forgotten there’s ……… Or, a pair of gloves to keep bitingly cold hands just a bit warmer ….. There’s always something you’ll forget when you’re caravaning / camping , and it’s nice to know that at least your expedition won’t get ruined and you can buy the bits n bobs you need from here ……. Then enjoy your days in the Elenydd !!!!
Well, that’s just a taster really of what’s on offer in our fantastic little town. Everything is here, even some superb garages, should your vehicle play up, we have experts who’ll get your trustee motor hopefully back on the road again !!!! So, with warm cosy country pubs , like The Triangle, The Crown, The Eagles and The Castle, all do lovely tasty food. Choices choices hey…. Tis a bit like the fishing venues locally, so many to choose from !!!!!! We are blessed. I hope it’s given clients and holiday makers just a brief look at what we are all about …….. it’s a jewel here, and we love it !!!! And you know what, I’m sure you will too !!!! So, if you want an angling break, a guided day with myself, or a combined few days, maybe hiking or biking, consider Rhaeadr Gwy, you won’t be disappointed trust me ………….. 😉😉😉🎣🎣🐟🐟🐟🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴
Ohhhhhhhh, how could I not put in some of the other photos of the beautiful shops that adorn the vibrant town of Rhayader…. So, here you go, just a few more…… Have an excellent weekend folks, and, if your on one of the local rivers, enjoy them while they are at a pleasant height !!!! When the depths of winter set in it may well be a different story ….. Cheers for now lovely people …. Ohhhh and the tightest of lines if you’re dancing with the ladies !!!!!!! lol 😝……….
