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johnalexcooper · 3 months ago

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Finding the Perfect Business Meeting Venue Hire in Llandudno: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to hosting a successful business meeting, selecting the right venue is crucial. The ambience, location, facilities, and services provided by the venue can significantly impact the effectiveness and professionalism of your meeting. Llandudno, a picturesque seaside town in North Wales, offers an array of excellent options for business meeting venue hire. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect venue in Llandudno, ensuring your next business gathering is both productive and memorable.

Why Llandudno for Your Business Meeting?

Llandudno is more than just a beautiful coastal town; it’s a strategic location for business meetings. The town is easily accessible from major cities like Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester, making it a convenient spot for attendees travelling from different parts of the UK. Llandudno’s serene environment, coupled with its blend of modern and traditional charm, provides a unique backdrop for business meetings. Whether you’re planning a small team meeting or a large corporate conference, Llandudno offers a variety of venues to suit your needs.

Key Considerations for Business Meeting Venue Hire in Llandudno

Before diving into specific venues, it’s important to understand what makes a business meeting venue ideal. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a venue in Llandudno:

1. Location and Accessibility

The location of the venue is among the most important aspects to take into account. You’ll want to choose a venue that is easily accessible for all participants. Llandudno is well-connected by road and rail, making it a convenient destination for business meetings. Ensure the venue is close to public transportation and offers ample parking facilities for those driving to the event.

2. Facilities and Equipment

The success of a business meeting often depends on the facilities and equipment available at the venue. Look for venues that offer high-speed internet, audio-visual equipment, and comfortable seating arrangements. Some venues in Llandudno provide additional services such as video conferencing, which can be crucial for meetings involving remote participants.

3. Capacity and Flexibility

It’s important to choose a venue that can accommodate the number of attendees comfortably. Whether you need a small meeting room for a team of five or a large conference hall for over a hundred participants, Llandudno has venues with varying capacities. Additionally, some venues offer flexible layouts, allowing you to customize the space according to your meeting’s requirements.

4. Catering Services

Good food and beverages can significantly enhance the experience of your meeting attendees. When considering a business meeting venue hire in Llandudno, inquire about the catering options available. Many venues offer on-site catering services, with menus that can be tailored to your preferences. From coffee breaks to full-course meals, having quality catering can help keep participants energized and engaged.

5. Ambiance and Environment

The ambience of a meeting venue sets the tone for the event. Llandudno offers venues with a variety of atmospheres, from modern and sleek to traditional and cosy. Depending on the nature of your meeting, you might prefer a venue with a formal setting or one that provides a more relaxed environment. Additionally, the surrounding environment of Llandudno, with its stunning sea views and tranquil landscapes, can create an inspiring backdrop for your meeting.

6. Cost and Value

While budget is always a consideration, it’s important to think about the overall value offered by the venue. Consider what’s included in the venue hire cost and whether there are any hidden fees. Some venues in Llandudno may offer package deals that include equipment, catering, and additional services, providing better value for money.

Top Business Meeting Venues in Llandudno

Llandudno is home to a wide range of venues suitable for business meetings, from boutique hotels to dedicated conference centres. Below are several well-known alternatives to take into account.

1. Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels in Llandudno offer intimate and stylish settings for business meetings. These venues often provide personalized service and are ideal for smaller meetings or executive retreats. The hotels usually have well-equipped meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and catering services.

2. Conference Centers

For larger meetings or conferences, Llandudno has several conference centres that can accommodate a significant number of attendees. These venues are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, multiple meeting rooms, and large conference halls. The flexibility of these centres makes them suitable for a wide range of business events.

3. Historical Venues

If you’re looking for a venue with character, consider one of Llandudno’s historical venues. These locations offer a unique blend of history and modern amenities, providing a memorable setting for your business meeting. The architectural charm and distinctive atmosphere can add a special touch to your event.

4. Seaside Venues

Take advantage of Llandudno’s coastal location by choosing a seaside venue for your meeting. The calming effect of the sea can be conducive to productive discussions, and many of these venues offer breathtaking views. Seaside venues are perfect for meetings where creativity and brainstorming are key objectives.

Making the Final Decision

When it comes to choosing the right business meeting venue hire in Llandudno, it’s essential to visit potential venues in person. This allows you to assess the space, check the facilities, and meet with the venue staff to discuss your specific requirements. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, consider asking for a virtual tour or reviewing detailed photos and floor plans.

Conclusion

Llandudno offers a diverse selection of venues that cater to various business meeting needs. By considering factors such as location, facilities, ambience, and cost, you can find the perfect venue that aligns with your meeting objectives. Whether you choose a boutique hotel, a modern conference centre, or a historical venue, Llandudno’s unique charm and professional services will ensure your business meeting is a success. So, when planning your next business event, consider the wide array of options for business meeting venue hire in Llandudno – a town where business meets pleasure.

#Business Meeting Venue Hire Llandudno #Business Meeting Venues #llandudno #Meeting Venues Llandudno #venues #corporate event venues #conference venues #event venues near me #wales

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menonassociates · 9 months ago

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Chartered Accountants North Side

Chartered accountants are a highly sought after group of professionals. They work in a variety of industries and can help businesses manage their financial needs. However, there are some things that you need to know before hiring one.

Understanding the language of accounting can help you get the most out of your accountant. This can help you save money and time in the long run.

Caras & Shulman

Caras & Shulman is a team of highly experienced business chartered accountants north side and certified public accountants serving privately-owned companies and their owners with a full range of uncompromising professional consulting, accounting, and tax services. They are committed to leading rather than following and function as a natural extension of their clients’ management teams, helping them navigate through the challenges of growth, transition, and success.

The estimated average hourly salary for Caras & Shulman, Pc employees is around $41. However, individual salaries will vary based on job title, department, location, and the employee’s level of education, certifications, and skills.

Graham has provided audit, accounting, and financial advisory services since joining the firm in 2007. His focus is on providing clients with efficient quality audits, reviews, and compilations of financial statements as well as tax compliance and advisory services. He has extensive experience in a variety of industries. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and serves as treasurer for The Wright Start Memorial Fund, Inc.

Michael Durham

The firm specializes in the tax needs of individuals, small business owners, and notfor-profit organizations. Its services include tax planning and preparation, as well as audit, review, compilation, and financial statement preparation. It also offers QuickBooks training and support from a QuickBooks ProAdvisor. The firm serves clients throughout the Research Triangle area.

Michael Durham has extensive experience in the rules governing private operating foundations, supporting organizations and donor-advised funds. He has advised large charities in tax-exempt bond issues, and represented them in IRS audit, initial recognition of exempt status, and in specific ruling requests.

The city has an active music culture, including popular bands and musicians such as

Branford Marsalis, Iron & Wine, the Mountain Goats, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and Red Clay Ramblers. The city is also home to a number of renowned museums and art galleries. In addition, it maintains a network of bicycle routes and trails. The American Tobacco Trail begins in downtown and continues south through Research Triangle Park and into Wake County.

Ashings

Ashings is a two partner firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Nafisa and Cal provide a fully managed service to a broad range of Small to Medium sized Businesses and Individuals. This includes providing ad-hoc consultancy, Business

Start ups, Audit, Direct and Indirect Taxation, Management Accounting, VAT Returns, Financial Statements and Systems set up. They also specialise in R&D tax relief claims, having presided over over 500 successful claims saving clients tens of millions of pounds.

CAW Network USA

Chartered Accountants Worldwide Network USA provides support and connects over 7,000 chartered accountants chermside who live and work in North America. It aims to enhance the profile of the profession and increase its visibility in this important market. It also provides networking opportunities, access to relevant Continuing Professional Development events and a range of resources.

In a globalised world, there is greater need than ever before for talented and committed professionals. Chartered Accountants are trusted to deliver prosperity in business, communities and society. To do this, they need to have the right skills and complete integrity of perspective.

As a result, it is important to keep up with the latest technology and developments. This will help you to stand out from the competition and attract new clients. There are a number of ways to do this, such as using Google Ads, or by creating thought leadership presentations for local groups. You can also contact your local chamber of commerce for networking opportunities.

#chartered accountants north side

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accountsallsorted · 2 years ago

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Accounts All Sorted

Based in Sydney's Hills District and NSW Mid North Coast - Port Macquarie, Accounts All Sorted offers Bookkeeping Services, Payroll and Managed Payroll, Admin services, Xero Bookkeeping, Xero Training, and Business Advisory services. As a renowned small business bookkeeping and business support service, we service clients Australia wide. Our professional team of certified bookkeepers and BAS agents ensure you are compliant and up to date with your ATO deadlines and requirements.

We specialise in Xero Bookkeeping and training solutions, as well as other cloud-based accounting platforms. We support small businesses' bookkeeping services all over Australia, Sydney and New South Wales (NSW), including the suburbs of The Hills District (Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Beaumont Hills, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Hawkesbury, and Windsor), as well as Central NSW including Mudgee, Leeton and Orange, and the NSW North Coast including Newcastle, Taree, Foster, and Port Macquarie.

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scotianostra · 4 years ago

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September 14th 1402 saw the Battle of Homildon Hill.

Henry IV had been King of England since 1367. In early 1402, the King’s forces were deployed fighting a revolt in Wales. The Scots led by Robert, Duke of Albany and Archibald, Earl of Douglas decided to take the opportunity to invade the north while the English army was busy elsewhere.

Throughout the summer of 1402 the Scots made a number of raids, of which the largest took place in August. The Earl of Douglas and 10,000 men rampaged through Northumberland, as far south as Newcastle, plundering and burning villages as they went.

However, they were not to escape “scot-free”! The army was heading back to the border, via the Tweed crossing at Coldstream, but they were laden down with their spoils. To their dismay they were intercepted by the Earl of Northumberland and his infamous son Sir Henry “Hotspur” Percy, whose forces were amassed on the plain near a place called Milfield.

Upon realising they were cut off and would have to fight the English, the Scots headed for high ground, climbing the slopes of Homildon (now Humbleton) Hill. The English, seeing the Scots’ position, sent a force of archers ahead who climbed Harehope Hill, a hill neighbouring Homildon Hill with just a deep gully between.

From this position, the English – and Welsh – archers loosed a volley of arrows which rained down on the Scots forces, whose armour was no match for the arrows “which fell like a storm of rain”. Lacking the archery tradition so valued in England, the Scots’ bowmen were generally not as proficient and their bows less powerful. In a long range archery duel such as this, there was no competition.

The Scotichronicon, written in the 1440s by Walter Bower, recounted the battle from the Scottish point of view. It describes;

“The English bowmen, advancing towards the Scots, smothered them with arrows and made them bristly like a hedgehog, transfixing the hands and arms of the Scots to their own lances. By means of this very harsh rain of arrows they made some duck, they wounded others, and killed many.”

The Scots tried sending small bands of horsemen, including the Earl of Douglas, to attempt an attack on the archers from close range. This was unsuccessful – the riders were picked off by the archers just as easily and soon the Scots had to admit defeat. Routed, the battle was over in an hour. Some tried to escape and, by all accounts, a large number of men drowned while trying to flee across the river Tweed.

The battle had a significant impact on future events. Many valuable Scottish prisoners were taken by the Percys during the battle, but King Henry demanded these prisoners were handed over to him. This sowed seeds of future trouble between “Hotspur” Percy and King Henry. Indeed, the battle was immortalised in the words of William Shakespeare in Henry IV, part 1.

Here is a dear, a true industrious friend, Sir Walter Blunt, new lighted from his horse. Stain'd with the variation of each soil Betwixt that Holmedon and this seat of ours; And he hath brought us smooth and welcome news. The Earl of Douglas is discomfited: Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights, Balk'd in their own blood did Sir Walter see On Holmedon's plains. Of prisoners, Hotspur took Mordake the Earl of Fife, and eldest son To beaten Douglas; and the Earl of Athol, Of Murray, Angus, and Menteith: And is not this an honourable spoil? A gallant prize? ha, cousin, is it not? Looking through the casualties and those captured is like a who's who of Scots nobility, Sir Adam de Gordon, Scottish Captain, Sir John Swinton, 14th of that Ilk, Scottish Captain, Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie, and local to me Sir John Livingstone of Callendar were all killed, among those captured were Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, Murdoch Stewart, Earl of Fife, Thomas Dunbar, 5th Earl of Moray, George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus and Henry Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Orkney.

The stone in the pic is called The Bendor stone, named after a Hamlet in Northumberland, although the stone itself is said to be a prehistoric megalith

#Scotland #england #Battle #northumberland #History

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sciencespies · 4 years ago

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When Catherine of Aragon Led England's Armies to Victory Over Scotland

https://sciencespies.com/history/when-catherine-of-aragon-led-englands-armies-to-victory-over-scotland/

When Catherine of Aragon Led England's Armies to Victory Over Scotland

She was, in the words of historian John Edwards, Henry VIII’s “greatest queen.” But though Catherine of Aragon’s marriage to the Tudor king lasted 24 years—collectively, his five other marriages spanned just 14 years—she has long been overshadowed by her successors.

The daughter of Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catherine came to England as the bride of Henry’s older brother, Arthur, Prince of Wales. But Arthur died shortly after the pair’s wedding, leaving his 16-year-old widow in a precarious position. Though Spain and England initially sought to maintain their alliance by marrying Catherine to another member of the Tudor family (both Henry and his father, Henry VII, were suggested as potential suitors), negotiations soured as diplomatic relations shifted. Ultimately, Catherine spent seven years mired in uncertainty over her future.

The princess’ fortunes shifted when Henry VII died in 1509, leaving the throne to his sole surviving son, who promptly married his alluring young sister-in-law. The couple’s loving relationship, however, eventually deteriorated due to a lack of a male heir and the king’s infatuation with Anne Boleyn.

Catherine is often portrayed as a dowdy, overly pious, stubborn old woman who refused to yield her position for the good of the kingdom. The truth, however, is more nuanced—a fact increasingly reflected in cultural depictions of the queen, including Starz’s “The Spanish Princess” and West End hit Six: The Musical, which features a fictionalized version of Catherine chiding her husband for forgetting that “I’ve never lost control / No matter how many times I knew you lied.”

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Far from being the troublesome, unappealing wife of popular imagination, Catherine was actually a charismatic, intelligent and much-loved queen. Three years into the royal couple’s marriage, Henry was still so besotted with his consort that he invited a Spanish visitor to look at her “just to see how bella and beautiful she was.”

In 1513, the queen, then 27 years old, was entrusted with command of the kingdom while her 22-year-old husband waged war against France’s Francis I. Henry left behind a small group of advisors, but as newly discovered documents demonstrate, Catherine didn’t simply defer to these elderly men’s counsel. Instead, she assumed an active role in the governing—and protection—of England.

“When she is left as regent, she is in her element,” says Julia Fox, author of Sister Queens: The Noble, Tragic Lives of Katherine of Aragon and Juana, Queen of Castile. “… She has the power to summon troops, to appoint sheriffs, to sign warrants and to get money from the treasurer of the chamber.”

As Henry and his troops besieged the French town of Thérouanne, Catherine and her council readied for a clash closer to home. Just over a month into the queen’s regency, France’s ally, Scotland’s James IV, had declared war on England, bringing a period of peace between the neighboring nations to an end.

The fact that James was married to Henry’s older sister, Margaret, did little to dissuade either him or Catherine from entering the fray. According to 17th-century chronicler William Drummond, the pregnant Scottish queen pleaded with her husband to desist, noting that he was poised to fight “a mighty people, now turned insolent by their riches at home and power abroad.” But James, buoyed by the possibility of conquest (and of dealing a blow to his egotistical brother-in-law), refused.

Catherine, for her part, appeared to “relish the opportunity” to exercise her full authority, says Giles Tremlett, author of Catherine of Aragon: Henry’s Spanish Queen. In an August 13 letter, the queen wrote, “My heart is very good to it.” Wryly referencing women’s traditional role in warfare, the queen added, “I am horribly busy with making standards, banners and badges.”

Michael Sittow portrait of Catherine, c. 1502 (left), and portrait of Henry VIII around the time of his first wedding

(Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

Though Catherine did, in fact, order the royal wardrobe to furnish two banners bearing the arms of England and Spain, as well as “standards of the lion crowned imperial,” such tasks made up just a small portion of her preparations. Working with councilors, she mobilized forces across England, communicating with local authorities to determine how many men and horses their parishes could provide. When the mayor and sheriffs of Gloucester failed to respond in a timely fashion, she gave them a deadline of 15 days and emphasized that “writing and news from the Borders show that the King of Scots means war.”

In addition to recruiting soldiers, the queen dispatched money (£10,000, to be exact), artillery, gunners, a fleet of eight ships and supplies ranging from grain to pipes of beer and armor. She had Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey—a combat-hardened, 70-year-old veteran of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth—and his army of around 26,000 mount a first line of defense near the border with Scotland and asked Sir Thomas Lovell to lead a secondary force in England’s Midlands.

What Catherine did next was unprecedented, particularly for a kingdom where warfare was considered an exclusively male domain. As records recently found at the United Kingdom’s National Archives testify, this daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella—two famously bellicose rulers who’d spent Catherine’s childhood driving the Muslim Moors out of the Iberian Peninsula—left the safety of London and headed north toward the English-Scottish border with 1,500 sets of armor, as well as a golden “headpiece with crown” that Tremlett likens to “an armored sun hat,” in tow.

“The new details involve the queen more deeply as a director of events rather than a passive figurehead managed by those of Henry’s counselors left in England,” Sean Cunningham, the archivist who discovered the papers, told the Times’ Mark Bridges in May. “… [They] let us know that Catherine was heading for Warwick [Castle] and the Tower [of London] had pretty much been emptied of armor.”

Catherine and her troops were ready to face the Scots if James IV managed to defeat both Surrey’s and Lovell’s forces. One contemporary, Peter Martyr, reported that the queen, “in imitation of her mother Isabella,” regaled her reserve army with a speech compelling them to “defend their territory” and “remember that English courage excelled that of all other nations.”

This incident is widely referenced—including in an upcoming episode of “The Spanish Princess,” which will feature a highly exaggerated version of Catherine, clad in armor fashioned to accommodate her visible pregnancy, riding directly into battle—but many historians now consider Martyr’s account apocryphal. (Ambassadors’ correspondence indicates that the queen delivered a premature son who died shortly after birth in October 1513, but the pregnancy’s veracity remains a point of contention; in Sister Queens, Fox argues, “[I]it seems unlikely that she would have risked a much-wanted child by accompanying the army from London.”)

Tremlett deems the speech “almost certainly invented” but points out that this “doesn’t mean it [didn’t] reflect the spirit of the moment.” Fox, meanwhile, says Catherine probably made “a speech, … but whether it was quite as rousing or as wonderful, I don’t know.”

Memorial to the dead at the site of the Battle of Flodden

(The Land via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0)

As it turned out, neither Lovell nor the queen ended up seeing action. On September 9, Surrey’s troops and James’ army of more than 30,000 engaged in battle. The English wielded the bill, a simple hooked weapon derived from an agricultural tool, while the Scots opted for the longer, steel-tipped pike. An afternoon of “great slaughter, sweating and travail” ensued, and by its end, some 10,000 Scots—including 12 earls, 14 lords, an archbishop, a bishop, 2 abbots and James himself—lay dead. Comparatively, the smaller English army only lost around 1,500 men.

The Scottish king’s brutal fate was, in a way, evocative of the broader blow inflicted on his country in the wake of the defeat: As historian Leanda de Lisle explains, “James’ left hand was almost severed, his throat gashed, and an arrow was shot through his lower jaw.” (Additional ignominies, including one at Catherine’s own hand, awaited the king’s corpse.) With the Stuart monarch’s passing, his infant son, James V, became the leader of a grieving, much-reduced nation.

According to Fox, the Battle of Flodden (which draws its name from nearby Flodden Edge) left Scotland “in a powerless situation.” She adds, “Not only have you just defeated them in a spectacular way, but [the kingdom is] in disarray. Scotland is practically at [England’s] mercy.”

Prior to Cunningham’s find, historians had only known that Catherine was in Buckingham, around 60 miles north of London, when she received word of Surrey’s victory. But the new evidence suggests that the queen intended to travel further north, if not directly into battle like Joan of Arc, then at least into the vicinity of combat.

“Many a queen would have quite simply hotfooted it to the Tower of London, pulled up the drawbridge and sat there fairly safely,” says Fox. “… But she doesn’t do that. She’s no milk sop. She’s not taking refuge. She really is out on the road.”

Three days after the battle, Catherine penned a letter to her husband, who had successfully captured Thérouanne and was now besieging Tournai. She began by emphasizing Flodden’s significance, writing, “[T]o my thinking this battle hath been to your grace, and all your realm, the greatest honour that could be, and more than should you win all the crown of France.” As one might expect of such a deeply religious individual, the queen proceeded to thank God for the victory—and subtly remind Henry to do the same.

Catherine’s missive then took a rather unexpected turn. She’d sent her husband a piece of the Scottish king’s bloodied surcoat (“for your banners”) but lamented that she’d originally hoped to send a much more macabre trophy: the embalmed body of James himself. Unfortunately, the queen reported, she soon realized that “our Englishmen’s hearts would not suffer it.”

This “gleeful and somewhat bloodthirsty” sentiment may seem out of character for a woman renowned for her piety, but as Tremlett points out, “Plenty of pious people were also violent, [and] plenty of people were violently pious.” Few exemplify this seemingly contradictory mindset as well as Catherine’s own parents, who waged a relentless, violent campaign against all non-Christians in their kingdom.

Catherine and Henry later in life

(Public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

Ferdinand and Isabella’s reconquest of Spain culminated in the January 2, 1492, fall of Granada, which marked the end of 780 years of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Then an impressionable 6-year-old, Catherine witnessed the Moors’ surrender, as well as her mother’s leading role in the military crusade.

“This [stays] with her,” says Fox. “This idea of a woman involved in battles is there. And when she actually comes to the divorce question, she sees it as a battle. She sees fighting for her own marriage as just as important as fighting for the Catholic faith.”

Though Catherine was careful to praise her husband’s success in France, she and other contemporary observers knew that Henry’s triumphs paled in comparison to Flodden.

As Antonia Fraser writes in The Wives of Henry VIII, “[T]he Scottish threat was removed for a generation by the slaughter of its leaders. … Compared to this, the Battle of the Spurs won over the French, although part of an expensive campaign, was a purely temporary check, forgotten the next year when the King turned his foreign policy on its head.”

Catherine wasn’t the first English queen to assume the reins of power in the absence of a male monarch. Sixty years prior, another foreign-born princess, Margaret of Anjou, took charge of the kingdom amid the Wars of the Roses, fighting for her son’s inheritance and making major decisions on behalf of her disastrously incompetent husband, Henry VI. More recently, Henry VIII’s grandmother Margaret Beaufort—an “uncrowned queen,” in the words of historian Nicola Tallis—had acted as regent in the brief period before the young king came of age. (Years after Catherine’s death, her beloved daughter, Mary I, followed in her mother’s footsteps by rallying troops to her cause and seizing the throne from those who had sought to thwart her.)

Combined with the example set by Isabella and other relatives, says Tremlett, “Catherine had some very strong role models for women who could rule, for women who could fight.”

Whereas Margaret of Anjou’s seizure of power made her deeply unpopular, Catherine’s regency cemented her already sterling reputation. In the mid-1520s, when Henry first raised the question of divorcing his wife, he found that public opinion was firmly on the queen’s side. She viewed the survival of her marriage as inextricable from the survival of the Catholic Church, according to Fox, and refused to back down despite immense pressure.

Catherine’s legacy, adds the historian, “is that of a wronged woman … who did not accept defeat, who fought for what she believed to be right until the breath left her body.”

Henry, for his part, never forgot the tenacity his wife had demonstrated in the days leading up to Flodden. As he later reflected with no small amount of trepidation, she was perfectly capable of carrying “on a war … as fiercely as Queen Isabella, her mother, had done in Spain.

#History

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plantboipotter · 5 years ago

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Drarry Fic Recs

Heed All Warnings and tags etc. They are in place for a reason.

I’ve compiled a small master list of Drarry Fanfiction recommendations - excuse the fact that I only read like 4 authors, all their stuff is just really good and I end up falling down a rabbit hole. Irregardless, I hope you find new fics to indulge in! Every single one of these authors are brilliant and I cannot sing their praises enough.

Short - Up to 20k

Fine I'll hold my breath / til i forget it's complicated by Teatrolley

10k - E

Summary: Harry and Draco become friends with benefits, and Harry thinks it's more complicated than it actually is

Erosmancy by astolat

11k - M

Summary: Blaise was immune to whatever it was people usually felt around his mother, for which he was profoundly grateful, since no one needed an Oedipal complex on quite that spectacular a scale, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have a thorough respect for her gift.

Newts by astolat

13k - E

Summary: “I’m twenty-eight!” Harry said. “I’ve been an Auror for ten years! You want me to go back to Hogwarts now?"

Notes: Written for prompt #1 by jokerofish: Harry's about to be promoted to the Head of the Auror Department when Zacharias Smith brings up a 235 year old law that states a department head must be a Hogwarts graduate- now Harry has to go back and graduate Hogwarts - unfortunately that means convincing Professor Malfoy to give him something more than D.

Reparatio by astolat

17k - E

Summary: Draco snorted. “I’m not reduced to penury. I want something considerably beyond money, and I rather think you’re the only one can give it to me.”“You want the Invisibility Cloak,” Harry said, flatly. He’d half expected as much; it was the only thing he had that Draco could want—“Don’t be stupid, Potter,” Draco said. “I want my reputation back.”

Medium - 20k - 70k

Here Be Dragons by birdsofshore

21k - E

Summary: Harry doesn’t want to waste his time investigating illegal dragonhide trading, whether it involves a fetish club in Knockturn Alley or visiting a remote island in Wales. Why the bloody hell does Malfoy always have to be up to something?

The Rules of Matchbreaking by PalenDrome (nerdherderette)

22k - E

Summary:

For Prompt #51: When Draco gets fired, he reluctantly agrees to break up a girl’s relationship for her disapproving mother. Through word of mouth, the one-time gig turns him into a professional Matchbreaker, however he winds up falling for one of his clients and must somehow balance his secret job and love life.

[excerpt]: “So who is it? The Curse-breaker and the Veela? The head of the Department of Magical Transportation?” Draco’s eyes lit up. “The Dragon-tamer?” Now that particular Weasley could be fun.“No. It’s Harry,” Hermione said, the name exploding out of her in a rush.Draco blinked, stunned into silence.“Harry,” he said, after he recovered his faculties. “You want me to break up Harry and the Weaselette?!"

The Critiquer by dysonrules

24k - E

Summary: When Harry submits his cock photo to a renowned Cock Critiquer and gets a terrible review, he decides to take a photography class to hopefully improve his skills.

Draco's Proposal by sibamoono

23k - E

Summary: Based off the film "The Proposal" Draco Malfoy has spent years making ammends for his misdeeds as a teenager. However it seems its not enough, as it continues to hinder his career. That is, until Harry Potter pops in unexpectedly.

Wish Upon A Star (as dreamers do) by ICMezzo

27k - R (You need an ao3 account for this particular fic - but it can also be found on LiveJournal)

Summary: There’s plant magic and celestial magic and dark magic and the normal magic that allows Harry to use a spell to clean his socks when Myrtle’s taken up in his laundry room again. Then there are wishes, and dreams, and love, and those are even more magical still.

The Four Ds of Apparition (or: Destination, Determination, Deliberation, and Dicks) by eidheann and firethesound

36k - E

Summary: After transferring to the Apparition Department, Harry's life becomes one big dick joke. And all his friends are arseholes. So is Malfoy, but what else is new? AKA Harry Potter and the eighteen twenty dicks.

A Convenient Impracticality by firethesound

38k - E

Summary: Somehow Harry ends up agreeing to a fake relationship with his ex-nemesis-turned-friendly-acquaintance-with-benefits, except for some reason it involves an awful lot of actual dating and, sadly, not much sex. Confused? Harry is too, but when has anything with Draco Malfoy ever been as straightforward as it seems?

The vanishing department by dicta_contrion

37k - E

Summary: The things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, even if that involves a lot more form-filling, bickering, covert glancing, miscommunication, and flying furniture than we might expect.

The Boy Who Only Lived Twice by lettered

54k - E

Summary: Harry Potter is an Unspeakable. Draco Malfoy is the wizard who shagged him. Adventure! Intrigue! Secret identities, celebrities, spies! It's all right here, folks.

Naked by bixgirl1

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Summary: Harry and Draco are sent on an undercover assignment to catch a Dark wizard — which might not be so bad if it weren't at a Muggle nudist resort.Now Draco has to deal with a very interested Harry, temptation he's long-since learned to ignore, and threats around every corner — including the one to his heart.

A Guide to the Morphology of Magic by wendlaa

64k - E

Summary: When Draco Malfoy is hand picked to investigate a string of curses cropping up in Muggle communities in North America, the last person he wanted to be traveling with was Harry Potter. Still, duty calls, and the two set off on an adventure chasing down mysterious curses, sleeping in cramped hotel rooms, and trying to navigate their newly formed post-War selves as they make their way through small towns and long, dark stretches of highway.

You Open Always (petal by petal) by birdsofshore

65k - E

Summary: Harry’s not the kind of person who pays for sex. He really isn’t. Until he is.

Long - Over 70k

Tea and No Sympathy by Who-La-Hoop

70k - E

Summary: It's Potter's fault, of course, that Draco finds himself trapped in the same twenty-four-hour period, repeating itself over and over again. It's been nearly a year since the unpleasant business at Hogwarts, and Draco's getting on with his life quite nicely, thank you, until Harry sodding Potter steps in and ruins it all, just like always. At first, though, the time loop seems liberating. For the first time in his life, he can do anything, say anything, be anything, without consequence. But the more Draco repeats the day, the more he realises the uncomfortable truth: he's falling head over heels for the speccy git. And suddenly, the time loop feels like a trap. For how can he ever get Harry to love him back when time is, quite literally, against him?

Unhook the Stars by jad

70k - E

This is Top!Draco, so if that’s not your thing, maybe skip this one!

Summary: "Love is like a Rubix Cube: there are countless wrong twists and turns, but once you get it right, it's perfect no matter how you look at it." Seventy-thousand words of pornographic discourse between two boys-turned-men that still haven't learned how to communicate like normal people – with words. Guest appearances by Pansy Parkinson, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Blaise Zabini, Teddy Lupin, Gregory Goyle, the Weird Sisters, ex-wives, several Weasleys, a Boggart, and a Honey Badger.

Headlights In The Snow by Saras_Girl

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Summary: What’s big and purple and smells like tea? Harry is about to find out.

Reparations by Saras_Girl

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Summary: Harry is about to discover that the steepest learning curve comes after Healer training, and that second chances can be found in unexpected places.

Azoth by zeitgeistic (faire_weather)

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Summary: Now that Harry is back at Hogwarts with Hermione for eighth year, he realises that something’s missing from his life, and it either has to do with Ron, his boggart, Snape, or Malfoy. Furthermore, what, exactly, does it mean when one’s life is defined by the desire to simultaneously impress and annoy a portrait? Harry has no idea; he’s too busy trying not to be in love with Malfoy to care.

Balance, Imperfect by bixgirl1

91k - E

Summary: When Harry sustains an injury in the line of work, he no longer knows how to navigate the life he loved, and finds help and solace from the most unexpected source.

Helix by Saras_Girl

92k - E

Summary: Seven months after the end of the war, Harry is feeling lost. Fortunately, he is about to be offered an unexpected and sparkling chance to find himself again.

At Your Service by Faith Wood (faithwood)

95k - E

Summary: Hogwarts students are in danger; Harry is determined to save them all. There's only one thing he knows for certain: Draco Malfoy is somehow involved.

Bloody But Unbowed by Lomonaaeren

100k - E

Summary: Nothing in Harry’s life since the war has gone the way he expected. And now he’s the mediwizard assigned to take care of Lucius Malfoy, of all people. But he’s Harry; he grits his teeth and endures. He won’t allow even Draco Malfoy’s flirting, which he knows is just a joke, to disconcert him.

Starts With A Spin by Maxine

119k - E

Summary: It started with the spin of a bottle, and now Harry and Draco have gotten themselves so far into their own game there's almost no way out again. Except to keep playing.

Level Two: Series one by Ashii Black (ashiiblack), blamebrampton, Catsintheattic, dustmouth, epithalamium, incandescent (lmeden), JosephineStone, leveltwo, nerakrose, raitala, Romaine, Vaysh, Writcraft

113k - E

Summary: Witches and wizards are disappearing in a seemingly random fashion. Coincidence? Abductions? But no one is claiming ransom. The Aurors are not even sure the disappearances are connected, then one of the missing turns up dead. Meanwhile, Auror Harry Potter is thrown into the infamous Sirius Black Muggle murder case from 25 years ago. Given a chance to clear his godfather's name for good, Harry is not above accepting even the help of magical specialist Draco Malfoy.

Written On The Heart by Who-La-Hoop

113k - E

Summary: Harry doesn’t mind that so many Slytherins from his year have returned to finish their NEWTs, really he doesn’t. It’s just – do they have to be so friendly? He’s not prejudiced, really he’s not. It’s just – they’ve got to be up to something, right? Unnerved by the attention he’s attracting from everyone – the Slytherins are the least of it, to be fair – and struggling with a raft of changes to Hogwarts itself, Harry wishes he could be happy that one constant remains: Draco Malfoy really fucking hates him.

When he’s hit by an illegal love-spell though, Harry finds he has more to worry about than whether or not Blaise Zabini actually wants to be his friend. For if everyone affected has been blessed – or cursed, by the look on Malfoy’s face – with a magical tattoo revealing the name of their soulmate, what does it mean that Harry’s skin remains completely bare?

What We Pretend We Can't See by gyzym

131k - E

Summary: Seven years out from the war, Harry learns the hard truth of old history: it’s never quite as far behind you as you thought.

Any Instrument by dicta_contrion

131k - E

Summary: Draco Malfoy wouldn't go back to England for anything less than an exceptional case. Being asked to figure out why Harry Potter can't control his magic might be exceptional enough to qualify.

All Our Secrets Laid Bare by firethesound

149k - E

Summary: Over the six years Draco Malfoy has been an Auror, four of his partners have turned up dead. Harry Potter is assigned as his newest partner to investigate just what is going on.

Mental by sara_holmes

186k - M

Summary: Harry has had quite enough of sharing his mind with someone else, thankyouverymuch. A miscast Legilimecy spell says otherwise.

Turn by Saras_Girl

306k - E

Summary:‌ One good turn always deserves another. Apparently.

#drarry #fic recs #masterlist #slow burn #mycompliation

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blogaccounts · 2 months ago

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johnalexcooper · 4 months ago

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Unlock the Potential of Your Next Corporate Event: A Guide to Seamless Venue Hire

When planning a corporate event, the venue you choose can significantly impact the success of your gathering. Whether you're organizing a small team meeting, a large conference, or a client presentation, the right environment sets the tone, enhances productivity, and leaves a lasting impression on attendees. For businesses in and around Llandudno, finding the ideal space for Corporate Events & Meeting Room Hire is crucial. This guide will help you unlock the potential of your next event by providing insights into selecting the perfect venue.

Why Llandudno?

Llandudno, a picturesque seaside town in North Wales, offers more than just scenic beauty. It is a strategic location for corporate events due to its excellent transport links, range of accommodation options, and a variety of venues that cater to different corporate needs. Llandudno's blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it an attractive destination for businesses looking to combine work with a bit of leisure.

Understanding Your Event Needs

Before diving into venue selection, it's important to understand the specific requirements of your event. Different types of corporate events have different needs, and understanding these will guide your search for the perfect Corporate Event & Meeting Room Hire in Llandudno.

- Meeting Rooms: For smaller gatherings like board meetings, training sessions, or workshops, you'll need a space that promotes focus and collaboration. Look for rooms that offer comfortable seating, plenty of natural light, and access to necessary technology, such as projectors and video conferencing tools.

- Conferences: Larger corporate events, such as conferences or seminars, require more spacious venues with the capacity to host numerous attendees. Consider facilities that offer auditorium-style seating, breakout rooms for smaller discussions, and on-site catering to keep your guests refreshed throughout the day.

- Networking Events: If the goal of your event is to foster connections, you'll need a venue with open spaces conducive to mingling. Venues with spacious lobbies, outdoor areas, or even a bar can help create a relaxed atmosphere where attendees can network effectively.

- Product Launches: For events that showcase new products or services, you'll want a venue that can be customized to reflect your brand's identity. Look for flexible spaces that can accommodate displays, branding, and any technical requirements like lighting and sound systems.

Key Considerations for Venue Selection

Once you have a clear understanding of your event needs, the next step is to evaluate potential venues for Corporate Events & Meeting Room Hire in Llandudno. It is important to take into account the following key factors.

1. Location and Accessibility

The convenience of your venue is paramount. Ensure the venue is easily accessible for all attendees, whether they are travelling by car, public transport, or even on foot. Proximity to major roads, train stations, and airports can make a big difference, especially for out-of-town guests. Additionally, consider the availability of parking facilities.

2. Capacity and Layout

The size of the venue should match the size of your event. A space that is too large can make the event feel empty, while a space that is too small can lead to overcrowding. Ask about the different room layouts available and choose one that best suits the nature of your event. Whether you need a classroom setup, theatre-style seating, or cabaret-style tables, the flexibility of the venue's layout is a crucial factor.

3. Technology and Equipment

In today’s digital age, having access to the right technology is essential for a successful corporate event. Ensure the venue offers high-speed Wi-Fi, audio-visual equipment, and other necessary tools such as microphones, projectors, and screens. It’s also wise to check if the venue provides technical support during the event to handle any unexpected issues.

4. Catering Options

Providing food and drinks is a key component of most corporate events. Verify whether the venue provides in-house catering services or permits the use of external caterers. Whether you need simple refreshments, a buffet, or a formal sit-down meal, ensure the venue can accommodate your catering needs. Dietary restrictions and preferences should also be considered when selecting a menu.

5. Ambiance and Décor

The ambience of a venue can significantly affect the mood of your event. Look for a space that aligns with the tone and purpose of your gathering. For example, a modern, sleek design might be perfect for a tech conference, while a more traditional setting could be ideal for a formal business meeting. The ability to personalize the space with your company’s branding and decor is also a bonus.

6. Support Services

Some venues go above and beyond by offering additional services such as event planning assistance, on-site coordinators, and concierge services. These added touches can relieve much of the stress associated with event planning, allowing you to focus on the content and objectives of your event.

Why Choose Llandudno for Corporate Event & Meeting Room Hire?

Llandudno’s charm and convenience make it an ideal location for corporate events. Here’s why you should consider Corporate Event & Meeting Room Hire in Llandudno:

- Stunning Scenery: The town’s beautiful coastal setting offers a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of urban environments. Hosting your event in such a scenic location can inspire creativity and make your event more memorable.

- Versatile Venues: From modern conference centres to historic buildings with character, Llandudno boasts a variety of venues that cater to different types of corporate events. Whether you need a space for a small meeting or a large conference, you’ll find a venue that suits your needs.

- Leisure Opportunities: Llandudno’s attractions, such as the Great Orme, beaches, and Victorian pier, offer great opportunities for post-event leisure activities. Your attendees can enjoy team-building exercises, sightseeing, or simply relaxing after a day of meetings.

- Accommodation Options: The town has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, making it easy for your attendees to find a place to stay that fits their preferences and budgets.

Final Thoughts

Organizing a corporate event can be quite challenging; however, selecting the appropriate venue can significantly impact its success. Llandudno offers an excellent selection of spaces for Corporate Events & Meeting Room Hire, providing the perfect backdrop for a productive and memorable event. By considering factors such as location, capacity, technology, and ambience, you can ensure that your next corporate event is a success.

Unlock the potential of your next corporate event by carefully selecting a venue in Llandudno that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. With its stunning scenery, versatile venues, and excellent support services, Llandudno is the perfect place to host your next business gathering.

#Corporate Event & Meeting Room Hire Llandudno #Corporate Event Venues Llandudno #Meeting Room Hire Llandudno #business meeting venue hire in llandudno #Meeting Venues

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divagonzo · 6 years ago

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Beloved (Ch. 1 Bishop’s Castle)

A/N: So this story (because to do this justice needed to be longer than one chapter) was inspired by this particular post and while RL got in the way a bit and the story fought me some, Ch.1 is ready for posting.

Rated M/18/NC-17 for later chapters but also some triggering aspects starting in chapter one. Trigger warning tags will be applied at the bottom of this post.

(And I’m going to make the Tumblr version Ace safe but have its full version on Ao3.)

Tagging @remedial-potions , @weasleymama @kingronw @vivithefolle @austenpoppy @melimelrockswell1204 @ashleopardd since people asked to be tagged when this first went around. (Sorry @justsaya for the extra tag.)

Ch. 1 - Bishop’s Castle

A03 // FF.net

“Damn it Harry! why the bloody hell are we always picked for shit duty?”

Harry looked up from his stack of parchment, quirking an eye at his best mate across the desks. “What are you on about?” He returned to his own stack of parchment, scribbling away and only offering 1 ear to his best mate sitting across from him in the department.

“See this?” He held up a five-foot long piece of parchment. “That bugger Robards is sending us out tonight to corral a loose Werewolf. And I was actually hoping to get caught up on the mound of paperwork but this cropped up.”

“Werewolf?” Harry reached for the parchment and Ron reluctantly gave over. “Yeah, some poor sod in the Midlands. So I was told, the family has a safe room and everything was on the up and up and somehow the person escaped while turned and are running loose on the moors.”

Harry looked up from the parchment and gave Ron a particular look. “Trowbridge?” Harry scanned the parchment again and stopped cold. “That troll? Fuck.”

“Now you see why I’m beastly. That sod can’t do shit. He failed his apprenticeship 3 times before being told not to apply again.”

“You mean he’s the same one – “

“The same one. There’s a reason why Bailiffs rarely make Auror – because of the Trowbridge rule.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah. He’s on loan for the month since the other team is out on assignment, with no headquarters communications, wherever the fuck they are.” Ron ran his hands through his hair, leaving it looking a little like Harry’s this evening. “I don’t like this, not one bit. Why couldn’t we get someone who knows which end of the wand to use?”

“Me neither. Bugger.” Harry handed back the five feet of parchment. “I guess we’ll have to plan on this being a three-person operation since he’s incompetent.”

“Wainwright! Trowbridge! Potter! Weasley! Ten Minutes!” the guttural bark of their Senior Auror Hemera Jones erupted from the Director’s office. “Debriefing now.”

Ron and Harry both grunted before collecting their wands and cloaks for her office. As one of the Senior Aurors, she had an office, for what little she was in it. The four men crowded into the wardrobe-sized room, refusing to take a seat. Fighting over the lone seat in the small space would be pointless for how long they’d be in there. “I’ll make it brief. A werewolf is loose on the western side of the Shropshire Hills. The person in question, Maggie Grey, normally, so I’m told, is content to sleep off her debilitating condition after receiving a Wolfsbane Potion. Tonight, it didn’t work somehow and she tore through the wood door and off into the night. Our task, gentlemen, is to apprehend her safely and return her to a magically sealed cell until she recovers. She is to not be harmed, gentlemen, at all costs.”

“All costs? The hell?” Ron piped up.

“Shut your gob, Weasley. She’s a Greyback victim during the Coup. She was targeted since her husband is a Muggle and she’d spoken out against the regime. Yaxley sent Greyback to handle it and he bungled it intentionally or otherwise.” She gave all of the men a pointed look. No one would bother admitting that they were all glad that the bastard was dead, thanks to Ron and Neville.

“The Director said that her husband is a Muggle and a Muggle Healer at the local hospital. We can’t let her be hurt because it’d be a fuck ton of paperwork to do and I for one don’t want to spend a week dealing with Muggles and having their memories obliviated. Anyone here want to do that?” Four voices grunted in agreement. “Yeah, me neither so stunners only. We’re here to apprehend, not arrest. There’s a big difference, especially with the change in Ministry protocols.”

“So where are we going?”

“We’re taking a portkey to a little place called Bishop’s Castle. It’s on the edge of Wales but we’re landing about a mile northeast of there. It’s the only landing location for ten square miles. Once there, disillusion yourselves and track her down. I want this handled with as little fuss as possible. We can’t scare the Muggles or even the magical folk who live there. No one wants to know that a person with their affliction lives in their tiny hamlet.”

“And if there’s a muggle in her sights?” Harry asked. “Do we stun them both and go from there or what? What if she’s already hurt someone? What then?”

Hemera huffed. “I’d prefer the Muggle not be hurt but use your best judgment. Dismissed.”

The four men collected their overcoats and checked their limited amount of gear. One by one they left her office and made their way to the Portkey room. Director Robards, in one of his first acts as Director of the Aurors, was to designate a spare conference room into a portkey room. On the hour and half hour, arrivals would come into the department – only on Auror authority – and on the quarters, departures would happen. He mentioned in one of the first meetings that Harry sat in on that they needed somewhere secure to come and go without going through the Ministry lifts or entrances and exits. Too many nattering employees giving away Auror departures became a problem after the Purge.

“I don’t like this,” Ron muttered. “Bloody werewolf capture. And we get picked.”

“Stuff it, Ron. It’s our job. Anyone else would try to harm the poor sod. She can’t help her condition.”

“Like Remus and his furry little problem, right?”

“Something like that,” Harry whispered. “It would be nice once the better potion is approved for wider use. I hate that Remus never saw it or got to use it.”

“Yeah, me too.”

They traveled down the back way, coming to the room with a minute to spare. The others, including Auror Jones, were present and accounted for. Their portkey for this trip was a manky rucksack, with the buckles rusted and the leather fraying from the seams. Harry knew better though, that it was magically secure so it wouldn’t fall apart. He could feel the magic sending waves off. It had to be powerful for him to feel it this distinctly.

“Potter, you’re on point. Weasley, take East. Wainwright, south. Trowbridge, North. Potter will snoop around the township and I’ll apparate to the Belfry of the Church on the South side of the hamlet.”

“What do we do if we come across our target?” Trowbridge seemed a little slow on the uptake tonight. “You said stunners only but what if she turns on us? You expect us to take a bite on a full bloody moon.”

Hemera Jones pulled a face. “You git. You know plenty of second-year spells to prevent her from laying a paw on you or anyone else. Use them. Don’t hurt her unless it’s a last resort. Sorted?”

He grunted. Everyone put their hand on the rucksack as it turned blue and they departed for a small village far and away from London.

Minutes later, the five people landed softly in a field outside of the small town. Once on their feet and verifying everything arrived with each one, they disillusioned themselves to Auror Jones satisfaction. She apparated away, disappearing to the belfry of the tallest point on the town – the church on the south side. If anything went sideways they were to send up red sparks. Most of the muggles would think it was some random fireworks.

Each man took off, intending to search the town first before spreading outward. It was drawn up simply, and the most efficient, to cover the most area without disturbing the town inhabitants. Hopefully, the late hour would have most of the village residents asleep in their beds.

Ron grumbled under his breath, especially considering that he saw his breath with every exhale. Crass words stumbled out, especially considering the actual mortal peril they were in. The late night chill bit his nose and ears, leaving them as red as he would be mortified. His poor Mum would probably have a litter of kittens if she knew the circumstances. Fortunately, it was almost close to midnight and Mum wasn’t the one who stayed up late.

Ron turned a corner, past a small lot of autos, parked for the night with grotesque yellow signs showing how much they were for sale in Muggle currency. He kept walking, with a purpose but not so fast he’d miss anything out of the ordinary. Ron pulled the Deluminator from his pocket and pocketed all of the security lights on the back parking lot of whatever business he was walking around. It was a huge risk, going around looking in the dark but having the balls of light available would give him an advantage if he was caught out.

Mounds of wood were stacked meters high, even taller than himself. The rows of processed wood went on for meters upon meters, even higher than his head. “Oh this isn’t going to be good,” he thought to himself. “Bloody fuck, a werewolf and a blasted lumber yard; just what I need tonight.”

Ron kept is wand out in front of him, constantly thinking of a shield charm first if the poor bugger tried to attack him. Ron stepped gingerly between the stacks of processed wood, listening for any noise, ordinary or otherwise. He continued onward, walking up and down the rows, his wand lit to flush out any shadows that might conceal a frightened werewolf.

He stopped and listened, straining his ears. There, off on another row, he heard some wood crash to the asphalt under foo[TJW2] t, along with a high pitched whimper. Since it wasn’t Hermione and it was pushing half eleven, this was either a thief or his target.

He took off towards where he heard the crashing wood. He could have apparated but didn’t want to risk scaring the werewolf or accidentally landing on a petty thief. With steps trained in stealth, he tread softly towards where the noise was. Sure enough, a pallet of wood had fallen. Instead of lighting his wand, Ron popped the Deluminator and released the lights he nicked from around the corner. The balls of light escaped and hung in the air, lighting up the preternaturally darkened space.

He heard a whine a second before he was knocked to the ground. He lifted his head and saw the werewolf racing down the pathway towards the end of the building. The blighter looked no bigger than an over-sized bun.

“Shit,” He jumped up and took off running after the scared bugger.

She turned the corner and he tried to pour on the speed while wishing he had brought his broom to chase the quarry easier. Somehow she was leaving him in the dust and he was the fastest Auror on staff. All of those empty hours running with Harry paid off, even if he might lose sight of his intended.

Ron pulled his wand and cast red sparks up in the night sky. Within moments he heard the sounds of displaced air whooshing into his vicinity.

The balls of light followed him, casting an eerie glow in the area. The werewolf was right on the front edge of the lights, barely bathed in any illumination. He saw Wainright apparate 20m down the drive, near where he came up into the lumber yard and Harry was 50 meters up the street from his momentary position, running hard towards where he was.

Ron kept running, hoping to corner the furry Ms. Grey where he could stun her and safely transport her back to her safe confines for the night. Then again, he hoped someone else apprehended her. He didn’t fancy spending hours working on paperwork and multiple debriefings, especially if she was injured.

Ron saw movement to his right and felt magic flowing past his head.

Bright light blinded him an instant before he felt the blast.

His world blinked out.

Harry was there first. Wainright was immediately at his left shoulder.

“The fuck you playing at, Bronwyn? You hit Ron? Are you mental, a lunatic?”

Harry stared at the other member of their search party, murder in his eyes and on his mind. Vivid Green eyes were full of fury, all focused on the one who didn’t know which way to work his wand. He stared until Trowbridge blinked and he set his focus on his best mate lying in the grass at his feet. Harry yanked the ruck off of his back and reached deep, trying to find the dittany and pads. His hands grew slick trying to staunch the bleeding from his best friend’s head. The preternatural glow from the confiscated lights from the lumber yard bathed everything in an eerie blueish white hue. The dim lights next to whatever building they were lying next only added to the fact that Ron looked close to death already. Blood was seeping through Harry’s fingers, coating his boots, soaking the knees of his trousers and the ends of his jumper sleeve. He finally grasped the enormous stash of pads and shoved them onto the wound, watching the pad soak through. Merlin, not again. He’d lived through this once already. “Stay with me,” He growled before turning to Wainwright, working feverishly to protect their location from any curious eyes this late at night.

“Call Jones now,” Harry yelled at Bronwyn. He didn’t stir from watching Harry work on Ron’s injury.

“Damn it, call Jones now!” He yelled and Wainwright sent up red sparks, three sets in a row – the Auror emergency notification. In seconds she landed softly on the grass three meters away. “Report!” she barked at the three men.

Trowbridge spoke up first. Harry was too busy trying to grasp the dittany. Every time, it slipped from his fingers. “Weasley was chasing Ms. Grey. I saw him running after her. I thought – “

Wainright cut him off. “Trowbridge cast a powerful stunner and missed. He’s lucky that he didn’t take Weasley’s head off with that bit of careless magic. Instead, he hit the side of the building.” Wainwright illuminated his wand and showed an enormous chunk of masonry had been blown off of the side of the stone building. “The stone, it hit Weasley before knocking him backward like a bloody bomb blast. It’s sheer luck that he didn’t land on the stone wall and break his bloody neck.” Not two meters behind them was a one meter stone wall, topped with various river stones, mostly with rough edges.

“It was a stunner, just like Jones told us to use. He moved in front of it.”

“Yeah, and your wand movements were Bombada,” Wainwright countered.

“Damn it, I can’t get the bleeding to stop,” He complained as he threw over his shoulder the first handful of pads and thrust a second set on them. He patently ignored his sodden trousers, socks, boots, and jumper sleeves. He shifted his knees, trying to keep Ron’s head propped up just enough where he could keep the compress on his head. He didn’t dare use magic, not when he didn’t know the extent of the injuries. One bad spell to quell the bleeding could leave him in the Janus Thickey ward for the rest of his life.

Harry refused to do that to his best friend.

“I can’t get the dittany. He needs a healer now.” He felt one tear escape. “I’m not a healer. I can’t save him.” He said under his breath. “Damn it, Ron. Stay with us.”

“Potter, get him out of here.” Jones shoved something into his hands – a copy of the Auror field manual on arrest procedures. The book was already iridescent blue – a portkey for the Auror emergency landing ward at St. Mungo’s in London. Harry lifted Ron into his arms, looking like a horrific impersonation of Pieta by Michelangelo. He folded Ron’s across the book and across his body, looking so pale in the preternatural lights.

Blood dripped down from the wound onto his trousers, watching each moment seep by like cold custard. The gauze wouldn’t staunch the bleeding. They needed a healer now.

Harry fought the immediate memories of the last time he saw Ron like this, severely injured and on the edge of death. He couldn’t face that again. Instead, he looked across to the remaining Aurors present.

“When we return to London, you’re facing an Inquiry. If I have any say, you will be booted from MLS. And,” Harry saw the book glowing brighter, “if he dies, I will personally strangle you with my own two hands. The fuck – “

Harry didn’t hear the rest of the Jones’ vicious yet soft-spoken harangue. He was holding onto Ron for dear life, awaiting the landing at St. Mungo’s. He had seconds to prepare his knees for the landing. He’d need a strong pain potion after the landing.

Ron was dead weight in his arms. Frothy pink bubbles were erupting from his nose and mouth. Both sets of robes were a grotty mess. “Stay alive, please,” Harry begged to whatever deity would listen and grant his heartfelt request. “I need you.” With a crash, they landed in the secured zone for Aurors who were injured. “Emergency! Auror Down! I need a healer!” Harry yelled through the room. “Auror down!”

#Dragon's Fic #hpfic #Romione #Ron Weasley #Harry J Potter #OCs #Rated R/18/M #tw:#tw: blood #tw: injury

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mings · 6 years ago

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It’s rated as one of life’s most stressful events

Moving home. We’ve done it that many times. We have a system. We’re past masters at it. So how is it so stressful this time?

I said recently I wasn’t going to jinx it by saying too much. Truth is if I don’t let off steam I’m going to blow. Feel free to skip this if you don’t want a long read.

Twenty years ago, we relocated to Kent after leaving Scotland in pursuit of work. I didn’t know then how painful that parting would be. My father was in the Royal Navy, so we moved incessantly throughout my childhood. I thought that was what folks did and it seemed claustrophobic when we put down roots during my senior school education.

Schooling done, my wanderlust soon got the better of me. I got a job, then a motorbike and that swiftly awoke the travel bug again. I met the girl who became my wife and we bought our first home. Two years later we sold it for a huge profit and bought another. I chased work opportunities and we moved, again and again. Our kids enjoyed (endured?) the same cosmopolitan upbringing that I had.

I never understood homesickness. I simply couldn't grasp the concept of being attached to one place. I still have no easy answer to the “where are you from” question. Then we moved to Scotland.

I’m not Scottish. As far as I know, there’s no Scots blood in my family history. So why, for the first in my life, did I feel at home in Scotland? Why was moving back south so painful? Why has the ache, the emptiness and the sense of loss persisted for the past twenty years? And why, when we travelled back there recently, did I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that I was home again? I can’t explain it. Perhaps it’s spiritual.

My wife & I knew our time in Kent was done. We both knew we were unhappy here. We both knew it was time (long past due, in truth) for a new adventure. It’s what used to keep us fresh, and we both knew we were jaded. Are we too old? Hell, no.

So we put the house on the market, more or less by accident. We were outside an estate agent in the local town when I noticed they’d turned their shop window into a touchscreen. Always a mug for gadgetry I was captivated. Next thing I know, my wife’s inside and we’re talking about selling a house with a part-finished extension. We agreed on a deal; they launched the property and it sold in four days flat. The buyers were so keen that they came straight in at the asking price. Now we were in a fix. We had nowhere to go.

I’ve shared some of the road trips we undertook. The UK is only a small island, but we covered around 5,000 miles in five weeks. Intially, my wife was reluctant to consider moving back to Scotland. I get that. It’s a long way from her family on the south coast. So we looked in Wales. And the north of England. And then the Borders. And that’s when we both knew that we were home again.

Our search took us further north than we’d ever been. We ended up in Inverness. That was another quirk of fate; perhaps I’ll share that story at some point. Inverness swiftly grew on us and we found ourselves looking at many properties nearby. In all sorts of conditions, from ruinous to walk-in, we looked at them all. Some were all close to what we sought, but not quite right. And then we found it. The one we knew we wanted.

It’s a 2,500 square foot lodge sitting on 4 acres in splendid rural isolation 1,000 feet above Loch Ness just off the Great Glen Way. But (and of course there’s a but) it’s way beyond our budget. We withdrew and did some careful calculations. It made no difference; we couldn’t achieve it without finance. And who would give us a mortgage at our ages with no income?

My trouble is I tend to go all in for something if I want it badly enough. So rather than accept an arbitrary limitation, I got creative. I walked into a bank and asked for a loan. Nothing to lose, right? Incredibly, they were not only interested, they seemed positively gagging to lend us money. We plugged into a banking advisor, who guided us through the minefield of commercial loan territory. We took on an accountant who helped us with our business plan. The financial projections looked strong and sound. We instructed a solicitor and made a conditional offer. The vendor accepted our offer in principle. The lender came back looking for more equity. We revised the plan, found more capital and reran the numbers. We put in yet another submission. And finally... they said no.

My wife was devastated. It’s bad enough dealing with the highs and lows; trying to stay upbeat when a loved one is so crushed is damn near impossible. It would be so easy to say we tried, we failed, move on. I’m not like that. There’s a way. There has to be a way. So I dived back into my network. I poked under more stones. And there’s a new possibility. It’s a different approach and one that, in all probability, really is our last shot. If this doesn’t pan out, even I may have to admit defeat and go back to square one.

Still I remain optimistic. I believe in the power of positive thought. I believe if it’s our destiny, we’ll succeed against all the odds. This will be our last great adventure. I want it to work. And most of all, I want to be home at last.

#scotland #home #at last #spiritual home #highlands #long reads

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energysolutions · 2 years ago

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Why the UK has the highest household electricity prices in Europe - Wales Online

Households in the UK pay the most out of any country across Europe for their electricity, new analysis has found. The reasons for this include levies imposed by the UK Government on energy companies and the consequences of the move away from gas.

Analysis by the Financial Times shows that UK households pay more than Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Estonia, France, Greece and Hungary, at just over €0.6 per kWh. This means the prices paid in the UK are up to 30% higher than in parts of mainland Europe.

Although countries like France have placed caps on electricity prices, the UK has its own reasons for being top of the leaderboard. One of these is the levies on energy companies in the UK, including "green levies" used to fund environmental policies like renewable energy and energy efficiency.

These green levies accounted for around 7.8% of the average household direct debit energy bill as of April, according to factchecker FullFact in May. Liz Truss announced plans in Parliament today to suspend these levies.

The move away from coal in the UK is another major reason, according to the FT. The UK has shifted away from coal and towards natural gas quicker than many of its European neighbours, which leaves us more exposed to fluctuations in gas prices.

A relatively small amount of the UK's gas is imported from Russia, where prices have skyrocketed since the start of the war in Ukraine. But there are a number of factors - including storage capacity and declining North Sea gas production - that mean the UK is still reliant on Russian gas prices, although the fact that the UK has no direct pipeline to Russia helps mitigate this.

There is some direct support available for households in Wales this winter to deal with the dizzying cost of fuel. Through the Welsh Government's winter fuel scheme, around 400,000 households will receive £200 from the fund.

But the power to set the energy cap sits with Ofgem in a piece of legislation introduced to Parliament by Theresa May's government, and the area is not devolved. This means any action to cap the price of energy falls to Ms Truss and the UK Government.

In a statement to Parliament today (Thursday, August 8), the new Prime Minister announced a cap on prices for two years which she claims will save a typical household £1,000 a year. This includes a suspension of the aforementioned green levy.

She also announced support for "businesses, charities and all public sector organisations", offering an equivalent guarantee for six months, with support for vulnerable sectors including hospitality to follow.

She said: "This is the moment to be bold. We are facing a global energy crisis and there are no cost-free options. There will be a cost to this intervention.

"The way we are going to defray the cost of this intervention is first of all by ramping up supply.... we have created a new energy supply taskforce. They are already negotiating new long-term energy contracts with domestic and international gas suppliers to immediately bring down the cost of intervention."

The PM also announced other measures, including a new licensing round, to try and reduce costs. She will conduct two reviews - one into energy regulation and another into reaching net zero by 2050 in a way that is "pro-business" and "pro-growth."

This content was originally published here.

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scotianostra · 6 years ago

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September 14th 1402 saw the Battle of Homildon Hill.

Upon realising they were cut off and would have to fight the English, the Scots headed for high ground, climbing the slopes of Homildon (now Humbleton) Hill.

The English, seeing the Scots’ position, sent a force of archers ahead who climbed Harehope Hill, a hill neighbouring Homildon Hill with just a deep gully between.

The Scotichronicon, written in the 1440s by Walter Bower, recounted the battle from the Scottish point of view. It describes “The English bowmen, advancing towards the Scots, smothered them with arrows and made them bristly like a hedgehog, transfixing the hands and arms of the Scots to their own lances. By means of this very harsh rain of arrows they made some duck, they wounded others, and killed many.”

Here is a dear, a true industrious friend, Sir Walter Blunt, new lighted from his horse. Stain’d with the variation of each soil Betwixt that Holmedon and this seat of ours; And he hath brought us smooth and welcome news. The Earl of Douglas is discomfited: Ten thousand bold Scots, two and twenty knights, Balk’d in their own blood did Sir Walter see On Holmedon’s plains. Of prisoners, Hotspur took Mordake the Earl of Fife, and eldest son To beaten Douglas; and the Earl of Athol, Of Murray, Angus, and Menteith: And is not this an honourable spoil? A gallant prize? ha, cousin, is it not? – Shakespeare, Henry IV, part 1, act 1, scene 1.

Looking through the casualties and those captured is like a who's who of Scots nobility, Sir Adam de Gordon, Scottish Captain, Sir John Swinton, 14th of that Ilk, Scottish Captain, Sir Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie, and local to me Sir John Livingstone of Callendar were all killed, among those captured were Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, Murdoch Stewart, Earl of Fife, Thomas Dunbar, 5th Earl of Moray George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus and Henry Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Orkney.

#Scotland #History

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blueweave · 3 years ago

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Global Sperm Bank Market Size, Share & Growth is Projected to Reach USD 5,970.0 Million by 2027 | BlueWeave

An increasing number of infertility issues among men and women resulting from unhealthy lifestyles is driving the growth of the global sperm bank market. Furthermore, the growing awareness of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is anticipated to boost market growth.

A study recently conducted by the strategic consulting and market research firm BlueWeave Consulting revealed that global sperm bank market was worth USD 4,654.0 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 5,970.0 million by 2027 at a CAGR of 4.0% during the forecast period (2021-2027). The global sperm bank market is being driven by factors such as the rising number of miscarriages worldwide, technological advancements in sperm storage, and rising awareness of infertility issues, as well as advances in cryopreservation.

Growing fertility tourism favoring the global sperm bank market

The demand for semen analysis services has increased significantly due to the growing fertility tourism trend in countries like Spain, Denmark, Czech Republic, and India. According to the data released by the National Association for Fertility Problems, Spain accounted for more than 40% of total European fertility tourism. Spain's 307 public and private clinics performed 138,553 IVF cycles and 36,463 artificial inseminations in 2016. India is also fast emerging as one of the hottest fertility tourism spots around the world. India has 500 legal fertility clinics, of which 350 offer surrogacy services. Approximately 5% of Indian couples opt for fertility services in India, while 70% of surrogacy cases are from foreign clients and 25% are from non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin. As countries lift travel restrictions after the COVID-19, fertility tourism is expected to recover steadily and drive the growth of the global sperm bank market during the forecast period.

Increasing prevalence of miscarriages driving the growth of the global sperm bank market

Having a miscarriage is unfortunate for anyone involved, and the number of women experiencing miscarriages is high. According to Cleveland Clinic, almost 10-20% of pregnant women undergo miscarriage. Miscarriages can occur due to several reasons, such as infection, hormonal irregularities, uterine abnormalities, radiation, severe kidney issues, and thyroid disease.

Tommy's, a registered charity in England, Wales, and Scotland, reports that 1 in every four women experiences a miscarriage, and one in every hundred women experiences recurrent miscarriages (three or more in a row). Despite this, more than six in ten women who experience a recurrent miscarriage achieve a successful pregnancy. The encouraging stat shows that techniques like IVF, IUI, and others have significantly helped people conceive. As more and more people become aware of the miracles of IVF, IUI, and other similar techniques, the demand for sperm and sperm bank is likely to propel the growth of the global sperm bank market.

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High cost of the procedures Impeding the growth of the global sperm bank market

The high costs associated with procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other similar procedures are a major hindrance to the growth of the global sperm bank market. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the average cost of an IVF cycle in the US is USD 12,40. This figure varies greatly based on the patient's location, amount of medication administered, and the number of cycles performed. According to the WHO, 1 in 4 couples in developing countries has infertility issues. The high cost of these techniques and other similar techniques means that most people in developing nations cannot afford such procedures, which hinders the market’s growth.

In-Vitro Fertilization accounted for the largest share in the global sperm bank market in 2020

Global sperm bank market can be grouped into intracervical insemination, intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization, and others, based on insemination techniques. Among these segments, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) dominated the global sperm bank market with largest market share in 2020. In-Vitro fertilization is the most common procedure, with an average pregnancy success rate of 27.3% of all cycles. With the advancement of technology and techniques, success rates are increasing among all age groups. In-vitro fertilization has received a large market share in the global sperm bank market due to this factor.

Global Sperm Bank Market: Regional insights

Global sperm bank market is divided into the Asia-Pacific (APAC), North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa regions based on regions. North America dominated the global sperm bank market in 2020 and accounted for the largest market share. North America's large share of the global sperm bank market is primarily due to many people in the region suffering from fertility issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 12% of women in the US have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a child to term, and 10% of couples cannot conceive after two years of unprotected sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 6.1 million women between the age of 15-44 face difficulties getting pregnant or staying pregnant, and 36.5% of adults in the US are suffering from obesity. North America has taken a significant share of the global sperm bank market because of the large number of its people suffering from fertility issues, increasing prevalence of obesity, strong healthcare infrastructure, the presence of major market players, and high awareness of the infertility issue.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Sperm Bank Market

One of the few markets that saw increased demand during the lockdown phase was the global sperm bank market. The supply, however, was insufficient due to lockdown restrictions and disruptions in the value chain. According to The Fertility Partnership, one of the largest fertility specialists in the UK, the number of UK donors has declined by 66% since the pandemic. Since March 2020, patients waiting to get sperm donations have been unable to find donors due to a shortage of suitable donors and sperm. COVID-19 caused a significant decrease in the number of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) worldwide in 2020. UK and Sweden are on the verge of sperm shortages, and the scenario is expected to continue in 2021.

The Leading Players Operating in the Global Sperm Bank Market are California Cryobank, Cryos International, Fairfax Cryobank Inc., European Sperm Bank, Androcryos, CSG-BIO, Cryobio, NW Cryobank., Indian Spermtech, New England Cryogenic Centre, Seattle Sperm Bank, London Sperm Bank, Baby Quest Cryobank Pvt. Ltd., ReproTech Limited, Semovo, Generate Life Sciences and others. Companies operating in the global sperm bank market constantly strive to increase their market share by increasing awareness, launching new facilities, enhancing existing technologies, or launching new methods and techniques. As a result of low awareness and a small percentage of suitable individuals, Zhejiang Sperm Bank appealed to the public to donate sperm, facing a severe sperm shortage.

Don’t miss the business opportunity of the global sperm bank market. Consult our analysts to gain crucial insights and facilitate your business growth.

The in-depth analysis of the report provides information about growth potential, upcoming trends, and statistics of the global sperm bank market. It also highlights the factors driving forecasts of total market size. The report promises to provide recent technology trends, along with industry insights to help decision-makers make sound strategic decisions. Furthermore, the report also analyzes the growth drivers, challenges, and competitive dynamics of the market.

About Us

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#Sperm Bank Market #Sperm Bank Market Size #Sperm Bank Market Share #Sperm Bank Market Report #Sperm Bank Market Forecast

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eco-nnect · 4 years ago

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Sustainable Farmers and Growers series: eco-nnect in conversation with Xanthe Gladstone

Eco-nnect presents the impressive and inspiring Xanthe Gladstone, in the first of our sustainable farmers and growers series. Xanthe made the move from London to North Wales to pursue a path of sustainable growing and cooking and has since nurtured a blossoming life of delicious seasonal recipes, mushroom foraging, chicken mothering, seed planting, veggie patch tending and so much more. We caught up with Xanthe to hear a little more about her exciting journey, day-to-day life and insights into an enriching quest for sustainability.

Hi Xanthe, so lovely to be chatting with you. Could you tell us a little about your move out of London to life as a chef and grower in North Wales and Head of Food and Sustainability at Glen Dye Cabins?

‘After university I moved to London to work in food and drinks marketing. I spent a year and a half there but I didn’t really suit London life, I wanted to get my hands stuck in more literally to food and cooking, and wanted to learn more about growing food and that connection. I now live in North Wales where I primarily work on growing projects but I also oversee menu development and food sourcing in our farm shop and pub. I have designed the vegetable garden at Glen Dye and continue to oversee the growing projects there too, although mainly from afar. I am also working on a few personal projects and still only at the beginning of my education into food sustainability, growing, and foraging.’

How has this past year of lockdown been for you?

‘Of course it’s had its challenges, but I have enjoyed many aspects too. Lockdown has given me the chance to focus on developing my skills further and I’ve spent lots of time working on recipes, growing, and learning about foraging. I’ve done a few online courses such as a pastry one and a bread one, and I am just trying to make the most of the down time before things get crazy again!’

Do you work with a team or mainly on your own?

‘Some and some. I have a great time who I work with while I’m working on my family projects, but I work alone a lot too in the garden and when I’m in the kitchen.’

How do you balance managing all the different aspects of your working life?

‘I find it tricky! I’ve got lots of different things going on but I love it all so I think it’s just about managing my time properly. The best thing I’ve done recently is dedicate different days of the week to different tasks and projects which makes it much easier to actually get things ticked off.’

What obstacles have you come up against in your quest for sustainability?

‘Food waste is always a big obstacle when it comes to being fully sustainable. It’s super important to try not to waste food as it accounts for 1/3 global greenhouse emissions and there is so much we can do with the food that we initially thought might need to be wasted. There’s always a solution to food waste, however, in busy lives sometimes we forget about something in the fridge or leave bread until it’s too stale to use, so that’s definitely an obstacle to overcome.’

What are your favourite aspects of your work at the moment?

‘We are fast approaching spring and that’s definitely the best time of year to be a grower. So I am loving finally spending some time outside and getting some seeds planted. I learn more and more each year that I grow vegetables so I’m really excited to take the lessons that I learnt last year into this year and do better. I am also really enjoying recipe development as there’s so much exciting produce to work with at the moment.’

What advice would you give to aspiring sustainable farmers and growers?

‘I would say get out there and get as much experience as you can. Especially in the busy summer months, growers and farmers will always be grateful for an extra helping hand and getting your hands into the soil is really the best way to learn.’

Given your knowledge and experience, how do you envisage a new farming framework to ensure the guarantee of good quality food and protection of our biodiversity and ecosystems?

‘The best possible outcome for our food system over the next few years is that we as consumers become more connected with the source of our food. This means shopping directly from farmers or from small independent shops who champion these farmers and growers. Our food system is incredibly global and we have a systematic way of accessing food. It is centralised through supermarkets like it never was before whereas what we really need to do is go back to the days of farmers markets where they weren’t something glamorous to go to for a fun day out but just where we would’ve gone to do our weekly shops.’

What can we as consumers do to help growers such as yourself?

‘Either try to connect directly with growers — Instagram is a wonderful platform to do this on — or attend a farmers market or buy products online. I think less to do with growers and more to do with the general food system, something that we can all do is pay more attention to where our food comes from. All supermarkets have to, by law, indicate where their fresh produce comes from, so when buying, try to focus on produce from Europe, maybe even just the UK, rather than further afield. This helps to reduce air miles needed for food and also is more nutritious for us to eat vegetables that are in season locally to us.’

Where do you see yourself in 10 and 30 years?

‘Hopefully running a working farm with the space to host and teach others.’

Latest book/podcast/film/music you've loved or been inspired by?

‘Film: Honeyland, a documentary that is truly beautiful and inspiring about a female wild bee keeper.

Book: Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake’

What question would you really like to be asked?

‘We’ve covered it all. ;)’

It was such a pleasure to hear about Xanthe’s experiences and passions in sustainable growing and cooking. Follow Xanthe on Instagram @xanthegladstone for lots of beautiful pictures, recipes and uplifting posts :)

#2021Q2 #regenerative farming

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