Starstruck by Wales’ heritage

Russell Grant forecasts a bright future ahead for Wales’s heritage as he launches the new Cadw 2009 calendar. Cadw, the Welsh Assembly’s historic environment service, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009 and the cover star chosen to mark the occasion is Criccieth Castle, a stone’s throw from Russell’s own north Wales home.

Featuring some of the best-known historic sites in Wales, the calendar, priced at £9.95 and available to buy from most Cadw sites and ASDA supermarkets, includes Castell Coch, Cardiff; Wales’ largest castle, Caerphilly Castle, World Heritage site Blaenavon Ironworks, Gwydir Uchaf Chapel and Dolwyddelan Castle, Snowdonia; Conwy Castle; Flint Castle, Flintshire, Dyfi Furnace near Machynlleth, Harlech Castle overlooking Cardigan Bay, Lamphey Bishop’s Palace, Pembrokeshire, Llanthony Priory, near Hay on Wye and Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber in Anglesey.

Russell Grant, who lives close to Criccieth, said

‘I have worked with Cadw whilst making my award-winning television series Russell Grant's Postcards of Britain. As an historian and astrologer I get the best of both worlds, the past and future. And this calendar, which showcases the wonderful diverse heritage of Wales, will help me plan ahead in 2009. It’s such a privilege to live in a country where the heritage is beyond compare and unique Criccieth Castle is, in my eyes, one of the most striking and significant historic sites in Wales and the British Isles’

Diane Williams, Cadw’s publications manager, said

‘We are delighted with the calendar this year which features some stunning new photography. The cover image of Criccieth Castle, which is located in such a magnificent setting perched on a rocky hilltop overlooking Tremadog Bay is breathtaking. Having this view on a kitchen or office wall is certain to brighten up anybody’s day.’

To order the calendar direct from Cadw, please contact the sales department on 01443 336092 from 10am-3pm or e-mail cadw.sales@wales.gsi.gov.uk.