On The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s second day in Wales yesterday, the Royal couple tried their hand at both baking and bartending, as they began their day in Llanfairfechan.
Charles and Camilla toured Wern Isaf house, built in 1900 in the Arts and Crafts Style. The Grade II listed building is one of the most exceptional houses of its date and style in Wales. The Institute nearby, is a community centre, in which Brownies and other groups meet.
Next on the agenda was The Village Bakery in Wrexham, where they officially opened the new Baking Academy. Here Charles and Camilla and met staff and had a go at being bakers, donning the white coats and hats to turn Welsh-cakes, mid-bake.
The Village Bakery is a family-run firm, established in 1934, and is something of a success story, with 395 employees across three sites. The bakery uses local suppliers where possible, a practice the Prince encourages.
At The Raven Inn in Llanarmon-yn-lal, Charles and Camilla had a go at pulling their own pint in the 18th century pub.
Locals had joined together when the bar was threatened with closure, and painted and decorated The Raven inn, turning it into a not-for-profit community asset. Currently, volunteers run the inn.
Denise Dugan, who pulls pints behind the bar, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work by the community so it’s great to have this visit today, this recognition.
“It is the social centre of the village along with the chapel. It’s where most people come.”
The couple also had a quick game of darts, before heading to Llangollen.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit to The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an inspirational cultural festival. It features a unique combination of competitive song, dance, performance, and international peace and friendship, something Charles supports, including inter-faith dialogue.
The festival is a popular event, with 4,000 performers and 50,000 visitors each year. Prince Charles was roped in by some of the dancers to show off his moves, and giggled as he attempted to jig with the group.
Photo: i-Images