Writing or politics? Oh, but the twain shall meet in Wales...

It’s good to see that Ty Newydd, the last home of David Lloyd George, former British Prime Minister, which is now a home of writing as the National Writers' Centre for Wales, since 1990, is now re-opened following development and refurbishment.

Ty Newydd, near Cricieth in north west Wales, had been closed for one year for major works, which included upgrading for disabled persons’ access as well as the addition of a conservatory.

Ty Newydd is a place of learning and development.  It runs courses for writers and attracts some big names in the world of writing, in the form of tutors who are well established published authors and writers.

I can understand why disabled access was needed.  I spent a week there in 2003 and found the house to be an intriguing amalgam of two halves that met, but not quite at the same horizontal level.  Stairs and steps were in evidence everywhere, in order to negotiate the house’s main communal rooms and accommodation. The property is Grade II listed and is thus subject to constraints on developments.  But now, it has disabled access as well as a new conservatory to the side.  I’d guess that there is also a lift, as I was told that was the intention in 2003, and a lift was so needed to ensure comprehensive use for the disabled.

Before:

After:

Not only did I enjoy my week there in 2003 - a week of instruction and direction from crime fiction authors Val McDermid and Denise Mina, with Andrew Taylor as the guest reader - but I also enjoyed the journey to get there and to return home.  Venturing to north east Wales was new territory for me.  I saw places on the landscape that I could never have imagined and I vowed to return.  And it will happen.  I am sure of that.  I saw things in the distance that I want to investigate close up. 

If you are a writer and don’t seek a week of instruction, or you don’t want to be surrounded by other writers, you can book a retreat at Ty Newydd.  They have a cottage in the grounds, “Afon Bach”.  The rates are good (last time I looked) but the availability is limited, so get in early and enjoy the terrain.

Afon Bach:

Congratulations to all involved in running Ty Newydd!  May you go from strength to strength!