twin towns (part 2)

Twin Towns howies®

Summer 2010

Twin Towns

Twin Towns

Twin Towns (part 2)

This is part two of our story of the brave Welsh immigrants who settled in Patagonia in 1865. They had a dream of a life that was not only free from poverty, but where they could live in a colony that preserved and nurtured their Welsh identity. Life was tough for them, but they had a fighting spirit (that was the Welsh in them) and they managed to settle and build their community. Nearly 150 years later, Welsh is still being spoken, Welsh teas are still being served, Welsh choirs still sing of the homeland and the Eisteddfod is still going strong. Last November a small group from howies went to Patagonia to visit Cardigan’s twin town, Trevelin. They discovered that although our two towns are literally world’s apart, at the heart, they are closer than we might think. Clare Hieatt Co-founder

2 Call 01239 614 122 or visit howies.co.uk

Morgan sweat Stripey sweat based on the same classic fit as our utility sweats. Made from a lighter weight organic cotton sweat that’s perfect for summer. Cream/red stripe (above), Grey/indigo stripe (main picture) | S, M, L, XL | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £65

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Huw t-shirt A regular fit stripey t-shirt made from the softest organic cotton. Yellow stripe (above), Red stripe (main picture) | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £35

Back in West Wales we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to locations. One of our favourites is the Blue Lagoon.

It used to be a quarry back in the 1800s but was abandoned at the start of the 20th century. A short while later the sea broke through and since then it’s been the perfect rock jumping spot for locals and tourists (should they find it). The water is a deep, blueish-green colour as a result of copper in the rocks beneath.

We’d love to tell you exactly where it is, but we’ve been sworn to secrecy by the locals.

The Blue Lagoon

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For Nel, the barren land and extreme living conditions were a part of life. She quickly learned to love Patagonia, riding the planes on horseback, befriending the local tribes people, and learning how to bake delicious Welsh bread – something the natives grew to love. The tribesmen would often turn up in their droves requesting ‘poco bara’ (Spanish: a little bit; Welsh: bread) from the Welsh settlers. In return, they offered their alliance and sometimes livestock.

When her mother, Helen Davies, died in childbirth, Nel lost her innocence and freedom. She was obliged to take charge of the household and farm chores, while her father and older brothers were away on long hunting trips.

One day when Nel was alone, a Tehuelche tribe came to visit, chanting “Poco Bara”. All she had to offer them was a small dry crust. When she told them that her mother had died, the Chief dismounted his horse, took off his poncho and offered it to Nel, promising he would always be there for her whenever she needed his help – a friend for life. Normally, a chief would never dismount a horse for anybody, let alone give away his poncho.

It was a source of comfort and pride for her throughout her life.

In our last catalogue we told you about Pete’s long-lost cousin in Patagonia. Of course, Pete isn’t the only one with connections out there, and some of you wrote in to tell us your stories. Like Daf Palfrey, who told us the amazing story about his great-grandmother. Daf tells the story below.

Also, on the next spread Gruff Meredith, a Welsh artist/musician tells us about his experience of making an album with Welsh and Patagonian musicians in Chubut.

For over 100 years we have had the Patagonian poncho in the family. It is dyed navy blue with cream circles. It looks pretty unassuming.

It wasn’t until my family and I were given the opportunity to make a film about my great-grandmother did I realize its significance.

The poncho belonged to Elen (Nel) Davies (1870 – 1965). It was given to her as a gift from a Patagonian Tehuelche Chief when she was twelve years old.

She was only five when her parents uprooted the family from South Wales to the Chubut Valley. The crossing cost 13 pounds and they were awarded 100 acres of land. The deal was the same for all Welsh families.

Eventually Nel settled again in South Wales. She married, raised a family, and the poncho sat quietly in a drawer for years.

In her 80s, Marged Jones, my grandmother (my mother’s mother and Nel’s daughter-in-law), wrote the story of Nel’s life in two novels: Nel Fach y Bwcs and Ffarwel Archentina.

The novels became popular in Wales and a staple of Welsh speaking schools in Patagonia.

And in 2007, my family and I got the opportunity to make a film for S4C based on these two books. We decided to take the poncho back to where it originated, document the journey and illustrate passages of the books through reconstructed dramatic scenes.

My mother Eiry was the producer, my sister Lisa was acting the parts of Nel and her mother, my oldest sister Siani was operating the camera, and I was directing.

We saw the house where Nel grew up and showed the poncho to those who had read the books. The most memorable moment was when a female descendant of the Tehuelche tribe clutched the poncho, kissed it, held my mother and through tears declared an undying friendship between the Welsh and the native Patagonians.

Poco Bara and other stories

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One hundred and forty-two years after the first Welsh pioneers landed, the MC Mabon group arrived in Patagonia to record ‘Jonez Williamz’, the first commercial Welsh language album to be recorded there.

A great place to be and a great place to record an album. Although there are links with family and friends in Patagonia, as there are for many Welsh people, this was our first visit after years of hearing about and being inspired by the place. It was also quite a refreshing change for the first language Welsh speakers in the group that the lingua franca was either Welsh or Spanish and for probably the first time we found ourselves translating from English into Welsh so that the Welsh and Spanish/Castellano speaking Argentines would understand. It gets complicated!

We recorded as a group but worked with local musicians and instruments to bring in various sounds like Patagonian pan pipes, a guitar made out of an armadillo and whatever and whoever else happened to be around that fancied contributing. We went there with no real preconception of what music people liked or played and found that, as in most places, taste varied and ranged from metal to rap to traditional and beyond.

I asked a Patagonian friend of mine, Walter Brooks, who I had met and worked with in Wales five years earlier to do some Spanish Welsh rapping on the album because he happened to be back in Patagonia at the time. When Greg Haver (who came with us to produce the album) sat down with him in the taverna one night and asked him where he lived, expecting him to say Esquel or Puerto Madryn or Buenos Aires, he was a bit taken aback when Walter said Canton, Cardiff and found out he lived a few streets away from him in the Welsh capital. That’s the kind of modern connection that exists.

Everything isn’t perfect of course. The midday sun is hot hot hot – four-hour long siestas are necessary during the day when most shops close before midday and don’t re-open again till late afternoon – frustrating when you need batteries or milk but a fine lesson in adjusting, adapting and doing things differently. Wild dogs are another thing that takes getting used to; they run riot in towns and cities – half wild and snarling, roaming around in packs with no owners or bye-laws keeping them in check. We wrote and recorded one track on the album in tribute to them and called it ‘Perros locos’.

In Argentina and Patagonia especially the spirit of the plain still seems alive and the sense of freedom that the Welsh pioneers must have felt is still palpable. In a modern sense this means no CCTVs, no speed cameras, clean air, the open road, some of the best wines in the world (with ice), huge stunning steaks, yerba-mate and of course the traditional Welsh tea and cakes, and the welcome and hospitality both of the Argentinean Welsh themselves as well as the country in general.

The dream that the founding pioneers dreamt lives on, the cultural and economic links are as strong if not stronger than ever. The Welsh Assembly Government is now encouraging more investment and interlinks between Wales and Patagonia. In 2001 Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of Wales and the first official representative from the Welsh government to visit Patagonia, signed a joint declaration of co-operation with the Governor of Chubut giving a commitment to work together to help strengthen the revival of the Welsh language in Patagonia and to promote opportunities for collaboration between Wales and Chubut in tourism, heritage, economic development and exports.

MC Mabon (Gruff Meredith and friends) is a Welsh artist/musician who has written and recorded nine albums since 2000. He has also written, collaborated, produced and co-produced with other artists and commissioned music for television and more recently for ‘Separado’ – an internationally released independent film. He has also published a book Dyddiadur Alci Hypocondriac -Y Lolfa – a semi accurate theological diary which included a cd album.

His music can often be heard on the Welsh radio station BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Radio Wales, as well as BBC Radio One and Two and other mainstream commercial stations.

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Jonez WilliamzMC Mabon2007Made in Patagonia

33rpm stereoSide 1

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Madryn jeans Baggy fit jeans made from a lightweight organic cotton chambray. Loose and slouchy with a drawcord waistband and button fly. Two front hand pockets, coin pocket and rear patch pockets. Triple needle stitched on the inside leg. Light indigo | 30R, 32R, 34R, 36R, 38R, 30L, 32L, 34L, 36L | Baggy fit | Organic denim | Eco-ball washed for softness | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £85

Our Madryn jeans are perfect for sunny summer days, when it’s just too darn hot for normal jeans. They are made from a lightweight organic chambray fabric – a smooth cotton first used in France a few centuries ago. Chambray is cool and feels really comfy next to your skin. So combined with our baggy cut, they won’t stick to your legs like regular jeans, should the sun happen to pop out.

Ooh la la to that!

Say ‘bonjour’ to comfort

22 Call 01239 614 122 or visit howies.co.ukPion

eros

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When The Mimosa set sail for Argentina on that stormy May morning in 1865, one of the 153 passengers on board was a seventeen year-old boy from Bridgend by the name of John Murray Thomas. He soon went on to become a Welsh legend in Patagonia.

Soon after landing at Porth Madryn beach, John Murray Thomas joined eighteen other men on a gruelling journey across the pampas to find the Chubut Valley – the idyllic Garden of Eden that had been sold to them when they were back home in Wales. After a few months John travelled to Buenos Aires to train as an accountant, where he met and married the daughter of one of the city's leading businessmen.

Soon after, he bought a ship to carry goods and passengers from Buenos Aires to Patagonia so that he could rejoin the Chubut Valley Welsh settlement. Around that same period he began taking a prominent role in the first expeditions west. They searched for new land, for gold and other minerals. John Murray Thomas was also a pioneering photographer and took a large number of pictures documenting the early history of the Welsh settlements.

His photographs are amongst the few visual references of that time in existence and continue to be studied by scholars around the world.

A selection of John’s photos can be seen at the website for Welsh heritage and culture (search for John Murray Thomas).

www.gtj.org.uk

John Murray Thomas1847 - 1924

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Nedster jacket Organic cotton ripstop jacket. Fastens with an inner zip and outer buttons. Two chest pockets and two vertical hand pockets. Safari (top), Chocolate (bottom), Black (see website) | S, M, L, XL | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £100

Call 01239 614 122 or visit howies.co.uk

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Jones shorts A regular fit checked short in soft, brushed organic cotton. Button waistband and fly. On the front there are two slanted pockets and a coin pocket. On the back there is a patch pocket on the left and a welt pocket on the right. Navy check | 30, 32, 34, 36 | Regular fit | Brushed organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £70


Making molehills out of mountains

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They say that the Matterhorn’s beauty comes from its simplicity, matching our ideal image of what a mountain should be.

That if you were to give a pencil and paper to a child and told them to draw a mountain, the Matterhorn is what you would get. Noble, romantic, austere.

But ask that child, once they have turned into a teenager, their head now full of angst, dark music and hormonal funk and the mountain they would conjure up would be far different – a mountain that no one but a teenager could imagine.

Wild beyond reality, impossible in scale, beyond the reasoning of an adult’s sensibilities.

It’s only in the darkest of imaginations that you can create the wonders that are the mountains of Patagonia.

Down there at the end of the world, where legendary giants were said to have walked, stand skyscrapers of granite, a lost vertical world, faces nearly a mile high, hidden in a cloak of storm, wiped by winds that defy measurement. They call them the eaters of men, a scream of stone. They are without equal.

If Everest is for rich trophy hunters, then Patagonia is home for the stubborn and stupid.

Because everyone knows that these summits are almost impossible to reach and to climb, it is hard to believe that they even exist above that ravaged forest, beyond the glaciers, up there with the gods.

They are only ever glimpsed like a dream while the endless storm takes a breath. Yet that world is like a window. It lets in possibility.

All you need is a chance to try.

And so climbers come from places with mountains that can be climbed every day and they wait to climb those that may only ever be climbed once a year.

And they wait and wait and wait. And they wait some more, believing that it will be worth it, that they will be lucky.

Some leave, while others leave and return with more bread, more whisky and more patience.

Day after day these hard bodied athletes begin to change, becoming bent like the trees in the wind, experts not of rock and ice but baking and storytelling, of wittling and buying time as they listen – for the pause.

And then it comes, a sound that makes it all worthwhile, even if only because now they will know this is real. Rushing in like a wave leaving the beach.

Silence.

Andy Kirkpatrick is a climber who likes a challenge. Specialising in winter expeditions, he has a reputation for taking the long, cold, difficult route. His book Psycho Vertical is all about the thrill and terror of climbing.

andy-kirkpatrick.com

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Co-op in Chubut, Patagonia, 1880Chubut Mercantile Company was founded by the settlers. It was a successful venture for many years, contributing greatly to the economic development of southern Argentina.

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howies, Cardigan, West Wales, 2010The warehouse team were in at 6am, they packed and sent 932 parcels during the day (a record). Left to right: James, Adam, Tom (on ladder at the back), Robin and Nums (she’s off to Canada next week for the summer).


Madryn Baggy fit trousers made from organic cotton ripstop. Loose and slouchy with a drawcord waistband and button fly. Two front hand pockets, coin pocket and rear patch pockets. Triple needle stitched on the inside leg. Army green (below), Chocolate (right) | 30R, 32R, 34R, 36R, 38R, 30L, 32L, 34L, 36L | Baggy fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £80

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Big Ed Loose fit, flat front chino in soft organic cotton twill. Button waistband and fly. Simple styling with slanted front pockets and two rear jet pockets. Triple stitched on the inside leg. Charcoal (below), Safari (right), Breton blue (see website) | 30R, 32R, 34R, 36R, 38R, 30L, 32L, 34L, 36L | Loose fit | Organic cotton twill | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £70

Scramble Loose fit trousers with panelled knee detail, reinforced back hem, and triple needle stitched seams on the inside and outside leg. Rear pockets have button-down flaps. Safari (below), Black (right) | 30R, 32R, 34R, 36R, 38R, 30L, 32L, 34L, 36L | Loose fit | Organic cotton ripstop | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £70

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Call us pessimists, but when we design our summer clothing range we know that we have to throw in a bit of wet weather gear. From living in wet West Wales we’ve learnt that summer ain’t all blue skies, sunshine and lollipops and that it’s probably wise to be prepared for rain sometimes.

Which is why we have come up with a collection of innovative must-have items to keep you dry when the inevitable happens – jeans that’ll defy downpours, shorts that’ll stomach a storm and jackets that’ll combat a cats and dogs deluge.

So, whether you’re riding up a mountain, running on the beach or trudging around a festival, you can bet that rain won’t stop play, no matter what the British summer may throw at you.

Now you could call that ‘blue sky thinking’, but, like we said, we don’t get much of that around here.

Mighty W

oosh

Vantage Point

(see website)

Alder shorts

Epic Drover

Towpath

(see website)

Products of grey sky thinking


If you’re anything like us, you live in your jeans. You wear them everywhere for anything and everything – work, going to the pub, digging the garden, skating or riding, even stuff they weren’t really designed for, like weddings and special occasions. They become comfortable and familiar. In fact, the longer you own them the more you grow to love them.

So we thought seeing as we love them so much why not try to build some extra functionality into them, make them even more useful. We know that there are some situations where jeans just aren’t upto the job – and I’m not talking about being the bottom half of your best-man suit – I

mean rain. They are just useless in wet weather.

If you’ve ever been caught out in even the lightest of showers in them you’ll know the agony of getting soaked through to the skin, not to mention the length of time they take to dry out. They get all heavy and cold too. Yuk.

We wanted to solve that issue. So we’ve made jeans using the same clever Epic cotton fabric that we use in our rainproof Towpath trousers, but this time we’ve woven it into a traditional blue denim.

Epic cotton is truly amazing. It’s rainproof, windproof and even breathable, thanks to an

encapsulation process that treats each individual fibre.

And despite looking and feeling like regular cotton, Epic behaves just like a performance fabric, meaning it’s comfortable to wear but also functions when you need it to. It also keeps its water-resistance when put through the wash. Handy when we think how often we’ll be wearing them.

These jeans will provide rain protection in all but the most severe conditions, meaning you won’t have to put your oilskins on next time you nip to the shops.

So what we’ve done is given ourselves yet another excuse to never take them off.

Wetweatherjeans

phot

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by V

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Epic Drover Water-resistant jeans that are based on our bestselling Drover fit. Just like the regular Drover they are a classic five-pocket fit, they have a button waistband and fly and they are triple needle stitched on the inside leg. The only difference is that they are made from Epic water-resistant denim. Indigo | 30R, 32R, 34R, 36R, 38R, 30L, 32L, 34L, 36L | Regular fit | 12oz organic Epic denim | Eco-ball washed for softness | Machine wash | Made in Indonesia | Price £95


Mighty Woosh A lightweight packable jacket that keeps the wind and wet at bay. Our previous Woosh was a pretty good lightweight jacket that kept the wind out, but it had one problem, it wasn’t great in the rain. So we’ve improved it by making it in a fabric that has a denser weave, meaning you can stay dry in a shower of rain. Full zip, packs down into a pocket. Orange (main picture right), Khaki (main picture above), Navy (left) | Unisex athletic fit | XS, S, M, L, XL | 100% polyester | Machine wash | Made in the UK | Price £100

When it comes to our sports, we like fast.

We believe downhill is way more fun than uphill. The speed, the wind in your face and the bugs in your teeth and the whirr and the woosh of the world flying by. It’s what The Mighty Woosh jacket was made for.

It’s nimble. Ping!

It’s lightweight. Eeeoow!

It’s showerproof. Zooom!

It’s windproof. Kaapow!

It packs down real small. Skadoosh!

Better hurry up if you want one though, they’ll sell out. Fast.

The Mighty Woosh

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Alder bike shorts

Engineered bike shorts for active use with ergonomic cut seams packed with functional features. Stretch Epic rainproof cotton, will protect you from the elements and has stretch for comfort when active. Adjustable hook and loop waist tabs. Hand pockets with internal stash pocket. Side storage cargo pockets. Concealed zip mesh vents integrated into ergonomic front seams. Phone pocket. Elastic waist. Poppers at waistband to fit standard liners, including our Merino liners. Black | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Regular active fit | 100% Epic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £95

Quickburst jacket An athletic-fit jacket that you can transform into a gilet without having to get off your bike or stop running. It has Quickburst™ zips that come apart with one simple pull, so you can literally pull your sleeves off and pop them into the back pocket without losing your pace. A mixture of recycled polyester and regular polyester that is windproof and showerproof. Has a bonded film on the inside that wicks moisture away from your body. Black | Unisex athletic fit | XS, S, M, L, XL | Polyester and recycled polyester softshell | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £200

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Epic is water-resistant, windproof, breathable and washable but it looks and feels like cotton. That’s because the protection is inside the fabric, encapsulating the actual fibres for weatherproof performance with no laminates or coatings.


howies operate under the Zqüe accreditation scheme. Farmers commit to protecting the bio-diversity of their land, as well as guaranteeing the welfare of their animals.

At howies we use only MAPP endorsed Merino for our technical products. This is a guarantee of source, process and functionality.

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Harris short These are an update of last year’s best-selling Corporation shorts. Regular fit shorts with a button waistband and fly. On the front there are two slanted pockets plus a pocket with a concealed zip on the thigh. On the back there are two button-up pockets. Dove/indigo stripe (left & main picture) | 30, 32, 34, 36 | Regular fit | Organic cotton twill | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £70

Vail tee A Merino t-shirt based on our classic regular fit t-shirt. Merino is perfect for summer as it keeps you warm when the air is cold, but regulates your temperature and wicks away moisture when you get hot. True red (above left), Breton blue (above), Kermit green (main picture) | S, M, L, XL | Regular fit | 100% Merino wool | Machine wash | Made in Fiji | Price £50


New Bay Merino surf thermal

After many years of hearing stories about people wearing our Merino base layers under wetsuits for extra warmth when they surf in our cold waters, we have finally designed one specifically to wear for surfing. With Lycra knitted in for an extra snug fit. Flatlocked seams that don’t rub your skin. High collar to protect your neck from wetsuit rubbing. Thumb holes so it’s easier to put your arms through your wetsuit arms. Extra long body length. Black (top), howies blue (middle), True red (bottom) | S, M, L, XL | Athletic fit | 96% Merino wool, 4% Lycra | 170g | Machine wash | Made in Fiji | Price £65

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thunder & sunshine

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Patagonia spans both Argentina and Chile. Mountains plateau and plains taper down to the rocky southern tip. South across the Straits of Magellan is the island of Tierra del Fuego, and at the far tip of that island, Ushuaia, the most southern town on the planet. The names, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, had thrilled and lured me for years. As I stepped off the bus in Ushuaia, I discovered that my yearning for el fin del mundo was not particularly original. A six-foot tall fluffy penguin demanded two pesos to pose for a picture with me to celebrate my arrival among the tourists at the remote end of the world. Ushuaia is a colourful hotchpotch of pink, blue, green and orange corrugated metal buildings in the lee of dark mountains on the tranquil shore of the Beagle Channel.

Tourism flourishes in Ushuaia, but probably not for the guided city tour, highlights of which included the old house of Mr Pastoriza’s, who worked in a sardine canning company. The project failed because the sardines never appeared. Or Mr Solomon’s General Goods store which became famous for the variety of its products, and which closed in 1970. No. People went to enjoy the beautiful ruggedness of Patagonia, to look out to sea, knowing that only Antarctica lay beyond the horizon. I looked in the opposite direction. I looked north, up the road I meant to follow to its very end, in Alaska.

The morning I began riding, I found it even harder than usual to get up. How do you persuade yourself to leave a nice warm sleeping bag and begin cycling, with 17,848 kilometres between you and your destination. All the riding I had done counted for nothing now. I was back at the beginning, a brand new start at the bottom of a continental landmass,

Alastair Humphreys took four years to cycle around the world, he wanted to take things in, see everything and meet people along the way. This extract from his book Thunder and Sunshine sees him on the journey through Patagonia

whose top was one third of the circumference of the globe away.

I pedalled south out of town, and down to the seashore where the road to Alaska truly began. I looked across the slate-coloured Lapataia Bay. Patches of white snow were on the upper scree slopes of the sharp grey mountains behind me. To welcome me back onto the road, a headwind was brewing. A clean green stream wound through the boggy fields and blended into the clean, pebbly shallows of the bay. My ears were cold and a light mist pearled tiny droplets over my fleece jacket and eyelashes. I stood still and felt small in the silence, and in awe of the phenomenal distance ahead of me. Far away, a chainsaw started up and amplified how quiet the little cove was. The old self-doubt rose through me, but I was determined not to cry. This runaway expedition had dragged me along and stampeded me. I was just managing to cling on. I was going to enjoy this ride up the Americas. I was determined. Come on, Al, let’s go have some fun.

Thunder and Sunshine by Alastair Humphreys is available from www.alastairhumphreys.com

thunder &

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Arfordir araf*

Long journeys are about discovery, finding out about new places, learning about ourselves, and learning new stuff everywhere you look. There is no doubt that you miss so much flying along roads in a car. On a bike you can stop pretty much anywhere, you drift though landscapes and miss very little.

Last year I took a break from helping Aron and Pete design and rode my bike around the coast of Britain. Wales was the first part of my adventure.

I took a few wrong turns early on, for example, riding around the Gower peninsula, a mapping error took me ten miles off route. I ended up on a beautiful hilltop with views of coast to the north and south, skylarks were soaring above me. If I had gone on the right route I would have missed it all. Just shows a wrong turn can sometimes work out pretty well.

A unique aspect of travelling up the welsh coastline is the amount of time that you have mountains on one side and the ocean on the other: the Brecons in the south, Preselis in the west and Snowdonia in the north. Anglesey is a brilliant place to ride. It has hundreds of small roads running through it and you will pass many neolithic and bronze age standing stones and burial chambers.

As with all journeys in the UK, the little quiet roads are the best. And if, like Wales, you get a good proportion of off road tracks running along the coast, there is nothing better.

I would say that anyone who sees an opportunity to take on a long journey by bicycle should grab it. You don’t know if it might come around again.

Nick Hand - slowcoast.co.uk*Aron promises me that's Welsh for slowcoast


Sneaky summer gearThese polos and henleys are just the ticket for this time of year. They look just like regular polos and henleys, but their 100% Merino wool construction means that you’ll be wearing a high-performance product, without looking like a complete sports geek.

The clever Merino will wick moisture away from your body, keeping you cool and dry and regulating your temperature throughout the day. And when the sun goes down, it’ll also keep out that early evening chill.

But nobody’s going to know that you’re fully kitted out for it. So we won’t tell if you don’t.

Evan polo & Lewis henley

Regular fit polo and henley made from 100% Zqüe accredited Merino wool. Merino wicks moisture, regulates temperature, stays odour free and doesn’t itch. Perfect for wearing every day. Top to bottom: Evan polo: Grey marl, Dark lavender marl | Lewis henley: Bluewash, Grey marl | S, M, L, XL | Regular fit | 100% Merino wool | 175g | Machine wash | Made in Fiji | Price polo £75 | Price henley £65

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Davies shorts Loose fit shorts made from tough organic cotton canvas. Button waistband and fly. Two shaped front pockets, one with a concealed coin pocket. Contrast ripstop trim on back pockets. Heavy duty triple needled seams on back yoke and inside leg. Khaki (above), Sand (right) | 30, 32, 34, 36 | Loose fit | Organic cotton canvas | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £60

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Eight months ago Tom snapped his ankle down the skatepark. He had a metal plate inserted, using six pins to hold it in place. Undeterred, he’s back down the park ripping it up all over again.

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The Perito Moreno glacier flows out of the Southern Patagonian Icefield, the third largest reservoir of fresh water in the world. It is 30km long, up to 700m deep and covers 250 sq km. Where it ends, it is around 170m thick, rising 70m above the water. But the remarkable thing about the glacier is this: it isn’t retreating. It is advancing downhill at the rate of around 2m every day and when it reaches Lake Argentino it loses, on average, about 2m every day. It’s been pretty much the same length for the last 90 years. It comes almost as a surprise that it hasn’t been adopted by some oil company mouthpiece as the deep-frozen poster-child for climate-change denial. (And those guys are doing a great job. Today, only one in three Americans believe that humans are responsible for climate change. In the UK, only 31% of adults believe that global warming is “definitely” a reality, down from 44% in 12 months.) So why the all-quiet on Perito Moreno? Well, it’s the exception to the rule. It’s one of only three out of forty-eight glaciers in Patagonia that isn’t, like public opinion on climate-change, in retreat. But, like the rain that falls and freezes on the Andes and settles and compacts and pushes the glaciers ever downhill, the weight of the scientific data remains the same. Global warming is real and man-made and it’s coming our way. Yes, we’ve just had a really hard winter. But enjoy it while you can.

Is this glacier in denial?

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Women’s t-shirts Clockwise from top left: Road Race, Cockerels, Te Gales, Home Sweet Home 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Printed in West Wales | Price £20

Often we get emails from men wanting a women’s design on a men’s tee and vice versa. We want to keep everyone happy so check the website for new additions and colourways. www.howies.co.uk

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Beth t-shirt Regular fit, long length t-shirt with a gentle scoop neck. The sleeves have button tabs so that they can be rolled back and fastened. Made from lightweight organic cotton. Blue/yellow (top), Bright pink/white (bottom) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £30


71Twin TownsAlys jeans featured on next page


Alys jeans Skinny fit, four-pocket jeans. Button waistband and fly. Two side-entry welt hand pockets, two rear patch pockets. Triple needle-stitched on the inside and outside leg. We have updated and improved our skinny fit with a flattering rise that covers the bum perfectly, the hip shape and leg cut have also been tweaked to near perfection. Indigo | 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R, 34R, 26L, 28L, 30L, 32L | Skinny stretch fit | Organic stretch denim | Eco-ball washed for softness | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £75

Sara t-shirt dress

A regular fit thigh length t-shirt dress. The sleeves have button tabs so they can be rolled back and fastened. Made from a lightweight loop back organic cotton sweat fabric that makes it feel more substantial than a regular t-shirt. Bright pink/white (right), Navy/white (main picture) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton loop back | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £50

Find your fit

Loose fit

Regular fit

Bootcut fit

Skinny fit

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Enfys t-shirt A regular fit t-shirt with three quarter length sleeves. Bright rainbow stripe print across the sleeves and chest. Made from a fine lightweight organic cotton jersey. White | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £40

Land girl A slouchy loose-fitting chino that can be worn low down on the hip for a laid-back look. They are shorter in length than our usual trousers – the idea being that they are worn just over the ankle bone, or rolled over and turned up. Two slant front pockets and two welted back pockets. The perfect partner for a simple white t-shirt. Safari (left), Bluewash (above left), Herb green (above right) | 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R, 34R, 26L, 28L, 30L, 32L* | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £85 *regular length – 27” long length – 29”

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Louisa dress A loose fit jersey dress that’s great for throwing on when you’re at the beach. Mid thigh length, scoop neck, drawstring at lower waist. Made from lightweight organic cotton. Grey marl (left), Sky (right) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £40

78Call 01239 614 122 or visit howies.co.uk

Iris jeans Regular fit jeans that skim the hips for an easy relaxed fit. Made from an easy-to-wear, lightweight organic denim. Based on an old favourite style called Mary from 2005 but with new curved pockets on front and back. Drawcord waist that ties on the outside at the back. Buttons and loops on the legs for rolling up and fastening. Button fly. Perfect for wearing on the beach and rolling up for a paddle. Indigo | 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R, 34R, 26L, 28L, 30L, 32L | Regular fit | 7oz organic denim | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £75


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fearful and arrogant. They almost sneer at the crowd as they rear their heads and fight against the restraint of the reins. There have been times when the farmer looks like he has no hold over the horse and the horse veers off towards the crowd. We have seen young girls fighting to keep control over towering horses. We have witnessed stallions kicking and rearing. And last year, one stallion broke loose and was heading towards the crowd, but was stopped by a brave policeman just in the nick of time. This threat of danger just adds to the excitement. It’s not long to the next Barley Saturday and I will take my family and join the other families of Cardigan to watch our town’s quirky little parade that marks the start of our summer.

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Most towns have their odd little traditions and customs, and Cardigan is no exception. The one I love the most is Sadwrn Barlys (Barley Saturday). Barley Saturday has been taking place since 1871 and it’s kind of like Cardigan’s version of Pamplona’s running of the bulls (only a but more low key). Traditionally it was where farmers from Cardigan and the surrounding area could hire new staff and inspect prize stallions put out to stud. The stallions would be judged and then paraded through the town led by the supreme champion. On the last Saturday of April hundreds of people line the streets of Cardigan and watch as farmers run their stallions down the high street. And the stallions are everything from tiny Shetlands to great beasts of Shire horses. The best ones are the ones that look like they are wild. They have a look in their eyes that is both

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Trevelin also has its own unique little festival and it too involves horses. When the team went to visit back in November, they were lucky enough to be there when the festival took place. It starts with a re-enactment of the journey the first settlers made when they discovered ‘Cwm Hyfred’ (the beautiful valley) back in 1885. A group of ‘Rifleros’ climb from the town on horseback to the same spot where Colonel Jorge Fontana and his gang first spotted the valley. They recite some prayers of thanks, raise the Argentinean flag and sing the national anthems of Argentina and Wales. And then it’s back down to the town for celebrations and parades. The town really welcomed our little howies group into their celebrations. Lydia was asked to carry the Welsh Society flowers, which was a real honour and the team were guests of honour, at a performance by the local Welsh choir.

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Martha floral dress

A Relaxed fit dress that sits just above the knee. Button opening at front from the collar to the waist seam. Empire line waist with a self-fabric tie that fastens at the back of the dress. Crisp organic cotton with a floral print designed especially for howies by local artist Millie Marotta. Floral | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £80

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We all think that cotton is one of the most natural things around – remember your old comfort blanket when you were a kid? Yeah, like that – all cosy and safe and familiar. The truth is it simply isn’t as ‘natural’ as we’d all like to think.

Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops grown by man, with a myriad of insecticides used on it during the growing process. And you can bet the shirt on your back that those nasty insecticides stay on that cotton for the whole time you wear it too. Common sense says that can’t be doing you any good.

That’s why we only use organic cotton – cotton grown without any of the nasty stuff — so you needn’t worry about anything bad rubbing off on you.

Now that’s comforting to know.

Common sensecotton


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Catherine sweat A regular fit stripey sweat with a gentle scoop neck. Lovely diagonal loop back fabric with a plush back to keep you cosy when the sun goes down. Blue/yellow (top), Pink/cream (bottom), Navy/white (main picture) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £65

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Trevelin shorts Low-rise tennis style shorts. Two slanted front pockets, one rear welt pocket. These shorts look great worn underneath the Mary button through dress (see website). Breton blue (left), True red (main picture) | 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 | Regular fit | Organic cotton twill | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £50

Flip-flop top Reversible vest with a scooped neck and loose body. Double layer of organic cotton t-shirt that’s plain one side and stripey the other. Left to right: Navy/cream, True red/cream, Grey marl/cream | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £45


Swap around jumper

Organic cotton reversible jumper. Relaxed fit crew neck. Double layer of fine gauge knit with stripes on the inside, and plain colour on the outside. Breton blue/watermelon (right), Watermelon/bluewash (opposite page) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £70

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Fella jeans

Loose fit, five-pocket jeans with a slight bootcut. Button waistband and fly. Two front hand pockets, coin pocket and two rear jeans patch pockets. Triple needle-stitched on the inside and outside leg. We have updated the Fella fit with a flattering rise that covers the bum perfectly, the hip shape and leg cut have also been tweaked. Indigo | 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R, 34R, 26L, 28L, 30L, 32L | Loose fit | 120oz organic denim | Eco-ball washed for softness | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £75

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While on the shoot, the guys made a fire for melting marshmallows but Lydia got a bit too close. This is the moment a hot piece of wood shot up towards her. She’ll hate me for writing this but she ended up with a hole in her forehead for the rest of the shoot. Don’t worry Lydia, that’s what Photoshop’s for.



Nana Aurelia is 92. When I was small she used to live with us and I remember coming home from school and she would have made piles of freshly baked Welsh cakes and pikelets for our tea.

She had this cast iron bakestone that she cooked the Welsh cakes and pikelets on. It was a slow process, cooking them in twos or threes on top of the bakestone. Turning them once, then twice to check that they were perfectly done.

About ten years ago my mum took over the Welsh cake baking. She used the same recipe and the same bakestone. Recently they had a new kitchen fitted and got one of those fancy induction hobs. This meant the bakestone would no longer work. So it has been passed on to me.

The bakestone is over fifty years old. It was made in the colliery where my grandfather worked. It now sits on top of my cooker and it has been put to good use. The kids and I cook piles of pikelets on Sunday afternoons. We’ve got a nice little production line going where one of us ladels on the mixture, one of us turns the pikelets and one of us transfers them to a warm tea towel covered plate.

I haven’t yet made Welsh cakes. (My mum now has an electric bakestone so she is still Queen of the Welsh cake.) But what I do have is the recipe. I’m just keeping it safe until it’s my turn to wear the crown.

Nana Aurelia, Queen of the Welsh cake

Nana Aurelia’s Welsh cakes

1lb self raising flour1/2 lb soft margarine3/4 tea cup of caster sugar1 cup of currants or sultanas2 medium eggs beaten First rub the margarine into the flour as if you were making pastry. Add the sugar and fruit and then bind the mixture together with the eggs.

Roll out the mixture like pastry and cut into discs with a cookie cutter.

Cook on a bakestone (or heavy duty frying pan with no fat) until both sides are lightly browned. Put on a rack to cool and sprinkle them with caster sugar.

Perfect with a cup of tea.

Clare Hieatt, Cardigan,West Wales

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Another thing that’s still going strong in Patagonia is the love of the Welsh tea. When we arrived in Trevelin, we were whisked to Arturo’s home. We were welcomed by his family and his wonderful wife Rosa.Rosa’s cooking was one of the highlights of the trip. A perfect cake with the perfect cuppa. Thanks Rosa.

Rosa’s Patagonia Rhubarb Kwik

1lb (500 g) rhubarb (ruby red gives more colour)1/2 pint water2 oz (55 g) fine tapioca or sago3 oz (75 g) sugarSpice (either cinnamon, clove, nutmeg or vanilla) Lemon rind Wipe the rhubarb with a damp cloth and, if coarse, peel it. Cut into short lengths, and put it into a saucepan with the water, sugar and tapioca (fine sago may also be used instead of tapioca). Simmer until the rhubarb is cooked, and the tapioca is clear (this takes approximately half an hour). Add a little grated lemon rind and a bit of spice to taste. Pour the mixture into a wet mould and place in the refrigerator until cold and firm.

Lovely with whipped cream or custard.

Rosa Lowndes, Trevelin, Patagonia

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Grace shirt A light and floaty voile shirt that is open from the neck to the hem with a grandad collar and a bib shape stitched into the front with buttons and loop fastenings. Gathers into an empire seam all the way around the body for a fuller silhouette. Side splits on sides of hem. Great for layering over bikinis and shorts on the beach. Pink (left), White (main picture) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £60

Gwen shorts Regular fit, tennis style shorts. Narrow waistband with a button tab and zip fastening. Made from brightly coloured organic cotton check. Yellow check | 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £60


Maria t-shirt dress

A great little throw-on tunic dress that can be worn layered or on its own if we ever get a hot summer. Cap sleeves and cut to skim curves rather than hug. Button front and keyhole tie detail at the back of the neck. Drop-waist seam with curved pockets. White (main picture) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £50

Malarca jeans Regular bootcut fit, five-pocket jeans. Our 10oz organic cotton indigo denim has been updated with a chocolate colour overdye, which gives them the appearance of being old and battered. Button waistband and fly. Two front hand pockets, coin pocket and two rear patch pockets. Triple needle-stitched on the inside and outside leg. Over-dyed indigo | 26R, 28R, 30R, 32R, 34R | Regular bootcut fit | 10oz organic denim | Eco-ball washed for softness | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £85

Find your fit

Loose fit

Regular fit

Bootcut fit

Skinny fit

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Lydia jacket A great mid weight organic cotton jacket. Perfect for layering and keeping out the early spring chill. Chest pocket big enough for an iPod and phone and two perfectly sized hand pockets. Full zip and drawcord at hem. Breton blue (top), Otter (bottom) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton twill | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £95


Alwen cardigan A simple fine-knit organic cotton cardigan. Has a pointelle hole pattern all over the cardigan which gives it a subtle lace effect. Small gathers at top of sleeve. Low V-neck. Hip length. Small curved pockets on front. Navy (right), Grey marl (far right), Sky blue (below) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £50

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Lydia is also wearing the Mimosa leggings. See website for more info.

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Rosa tunic dress

A printed organic cotton crepon collarless shirt dress. Half button front with curved pockets at front. Perfect for wearing with a cardi and the slim Alys jeans. Butterfly and flower print designed by local illustrator Millie Marotta. White | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £80

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Eisteddfod Ei∙stedd∙fod (i’steðväd), pl. -fods or -fodau (i’steðvädī): A competitive festival of music, literature and poetry in Wales.Well, that’s what the Oxford English Dictionary says about it anyway. But, ask a true Welshman what it means and he’ll show you how it’s much, much more than that.

It’s an event steeped in history, a celebration of real Welsh life. It’s about pride in our nation’s independence, individuality, culture and traditions.

The modern day National Eisteddfod of Wales is a week-long festival held in a giant pink tent, erected on what is known as ‘The Maes’, meaning field in English. The venue changes every year, alternating between locations in north and south Wales.

Conducted entirely in the Welsh language, it is a mixture of singing, dancing, poetry, art, recitals, choirs and Druids (a Druid is a priestly-ish Celtic bard wizard-type character with a big stick). The festival brings together Welsh people from all over the world, who travel back to the land of their fathers from all continents in order to attend.

Then, following a series of X-Factor-like heats enjoyed by large audiences, prizes are awarded to the best poet, the best choir, the best dancers, etc.

Historical records state that the first ever Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, organised by Lord Rhys and held within the walls of the town’s castle.

It was a grand gathering, to which he invited poets and musicians from all over the country. It soon became an annual event, attracting dignitaries and occasionally royalty and is where many of the traditions of the modern day Eisteddfod began.

For instance, a chair at the Lord’s table was awarded to his favourite contestant, a tradition that still remains to this day. The event was resurrected in 1792 by the academic Iolo Morganwg, who founded The Gorsedd of Bards and held an Eisteddfod at The Ivy Bush Inn, not too far from here in the town of Carmarthen.

The Gorsedd still lead the event to this day, by judging, holding processions on the pavillion and bringing the week’s festivities to a close with the Chairing of the Bard – a ceremony to honour the winning bard or writer. The Head of the Gorsedd (or Arch Druid) then escorts the winner around The Maes in the final parade of the week.

These days, similar events called Eisteddfod are held by Welsh communities all over the world, including of course Patagonia (we even heard about one held annually in Alabama).

The 2010 National Eisteddfod will be held in Ebbw Vale, a small town in the valleys of Gwent in South Wales. They last hosted the Eisteddfod in 1958.

In attendance will be a group from The Patagonian Welsh Society, including Pete’s long lost second cousin Rachel and Arturo, our Patagonian guide.

Well worth a visit, even if you’re not Welsh .


Martha dress A light weave, fine and gauzy crêpe dress. It has a relaxed fit and sits just above the knee. Button opening at front from the collar to waist seam. Empire line waist with a self-fabric tie that fastens at the back of the dress. Navy/white | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £75

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Silvia t-shirt A regular fit t-shirt that sits just below the waistband of your jeans so it doesn’t expose your midriff. Skims the body perfectly for a clean silhouette. White (top), Grey (middle), Bluewash (bottom) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | 67% Tencel, 33% organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £35

Why is it that no matter how many t-shirts you have in your wardrobe, you always reach for your favourite one? You know, the one you wear day in, day out and you wish you’d bought it in every colour. What is it about that t-shirt? Is it the softness? The fit? The way it hangs on your body?

Well, we think we’ve found your new favourite t-shirt. It’s a mix of organic cotton and Tencel which is really soft, really comfortable and drapes beautifully when you wear it.

We reckon that once you’ve tried it, you’ll be back for more.

Your new favourite t-shirt

111Twin TownsLand girl shorts featured on next page


Land girl shorts

Simple styled regular fit chino shorts. Two slant front pockets and two welted back pockets. Straight leg finishing just above the knee. Bluewash (right), Herb green (far right), Safari (opposite page) | 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 | Regular fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £60

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Ellen shirt A loose fit shirt with a grandad collar and capped sleeves with turned back cuffs. Gathers into shoulder seam and back yoke seam for a loose fit. Patch pocket on chest. Bright coloured woven check that’s as bright and breezy as a summer’s day. Yellow check | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Loose fit | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £55

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Our Mel has been clocking up the miles on the hills and roads of West Wales, testing our range of women’s bike kit, designed with a typical British summer in mind.

Take the Slipstream bike top for example, like those traditional jerseys of old, it’s made from Merino wool so it will keep you cool when the temperature is hot, but insulate you when it’s cold. It’s moisture wicking, itch-free and we’ve cut it slim in the body so it won’t flap around in the wind.

Then there are the Teri bike shorts. They are made from stretch Epic cotton, a water-resistant fabric that will protect your legs from rain and your backside from puddle splashes. With breathable vents to get the air flowing and cool you down, plus a bunch of pockets for all that stuff you carry with you on your ride.

Fit for mountain, city or road, wind, rain and shine... ’cos our Mel says so.

Mel approved gear

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Slipstream bike top

Slim-fit bike top with half-zip opening. Rear back pockets. Made from 100% Merino wool. Zqüe accredited. Wicks moisture and regulates your temperature. It doesn’t itch and it feels great next to your skin. Flat locked seams for comfort. Persian red | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | 100% Merino wool | Machine wash | Made in Fiji | Price £80

Teri bike shorts

Engineered bike shorts for active use with ergonomic cut seams packed with functional features. Stretch Epic water-resistant cotton, will protect you from the elements. Adjustable hook and loop waist tabs. Hand pockets with internal stash pocket. Side storage cargo pockets. Concealed zip mesh vents integrated into ergonomic front seams. Phone pocket. Elastic waist. Poppers at waistband to fit standard liners. Black | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular active fit | 100% Epic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price £95

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Epic is water-resistant, windproof, breathable and washable but it looks and feels like cotton. That’s because the protection is inside the fabric, encapsulating the actual fibres for weatherproof performance with no laminates or coatings.

howies operate under the Zqüe accreditation scheme. Farmers commit to protecting the bio-diversity of their land, as well as guaranteeing the welfare of their animals.

At howies we use only MAPP endorsed Merino for our technical products. This is a guarantee of source, process and functionality.


New Bay Merino surf thermal

After many years of hearing stories about people wearing our Merino base layers under wetsuits for extra warmth when they surf in our cold waters, we have finally designed one specifically to wear for surfing. With Lycra knitted in for an extra-snug fit. Flatlocked seams don’t rub your skin. High collar to protect your neck from wetsuit rubbing. Thumb holes make it easier to put your arms through your wetsuit. Extra-long body length. True red (top), howies blue (bottom) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Athletic fit | 96% Merino wool, 4% Lycra | 170g | Machine wash | Made in Fiji | Price £65

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One of the reasons Michael D Jones set up a Welsh colony in Patagonia was to preserve the Welsh language and culture.

The controversial ‘Blue Books’ report of 1847 stated that the moral and material condition of the Welsh people would only improve with the introduction of the English language. This meant that Welsh speaking children were being forced to speak English in schools and, if they did lapse into their mother-tongue, they were punished.

The immigrants aboard the Mimosa believed that a new life in Patagonia would not only be a way out of a life of poverty, but also a way to preserve their identity and language.

As the Welsh population grew and prospered in Patagonia, the area attracted more immigrants from other countries and the colony’s Welsh identity began to be eroded. Many of the institutions which had been established in the early days of the colony, such as the Co-Operative Society, were split into factions by arguments. Fifty years on, the community had began to crumble.

But despite these problems the community still survives. It has recently been the subject of a coordinated attempt by the Argentine government and the National Assembly of Wales to promote and maintain its Welsh identity.

And today, wherever you are in Wales it is compulsory for children between the ages of 5–16 to learn Welsh, at least as a second language.

Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi

Ysgol Gymraeg yr Andes

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Apron skirt A wraparound skirt that sits just above the knee. Based on an old favourite, we’ve kept the front pocket but changed the fastenings at the back to buttons. It still has a self-tie to tie at front or back. Indigo denim (top), Welly green (bottom & main picture) | 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 | Organic cotton | Machine wash | Made in China | Price denim £65 | Price welly green £55


Mary Ann shirt

A regular fit shirt with a shaped waist and penny collar. Concealed buttons. Raglan sleeves for better movement in the arms. Simple one button and loop cuff fastenings. Made from crisp organic cotton gingham check. Pink (top), Sky (bottom) | 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 | Regular fit | Organic cotton poplin | Machine wash | Made in Portugal | Price £55

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Old enough to know

better, too young

to care

“Paul, be careful and try not to do anything stupid”...

These were the words that my girlfriend Millie said to me with some zest as I left the house to go sledging.

My retort was “I don’t need a bloody risk assessment every time I leave the house.”

Four hours later I’m sneaking down our back path with a well and truly knackered knee, trying to figure out how to get into the house and then back out to the hospital without Millie noticing that I couldn’t walk.

It didn’t help that Pete was with me sporting a lovely black eye from his own sledging accident. The thing is, it’s not really the first time something like this has happened, which would explain Millie’s concern.

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A few years ago some friends and myself thought we would have a bash at canoeing. So we got hold of a couple of canoes and off we went to find a river. In fact that’s all there was in most places, roads and fields had disappeared and most of the bridges were underwater due to a severe flood. To our untrained eyes it just looked like a bit of a laugh, kind of like a rollercoaster or something.

Fast forward three minutes and we’ve hit a tree and I’m now travelling downstream, underwater, collecting branches and trees, and just about drowning.

Dai, who I was in the canoe with, is standing on top of our upturned craft, white as a sheet and screaming my name (he didn’t jump in and try to save me though).

Then there was the time we decided to paddle over to Caldy Island – which is just off Tenby where I live – in a little homemade catamaran.

We got the tides a bit wrong on that one though and turned what should have been a twenty minute jaunt into a nightmare four-hour marathon. And then last year we got hold of a couple of very cheap sailing dinghies. So far we’ve sunk one, due to a big hole that none of us saw and had the lifeboat called out on us three times due to concerned well wishers thinking we were in trouble.

That’s just our style of sailing. If you take into account the times I’ve come home with lacerations and twists due to skating and surfing you can plainly see the need for concern.

The thing is, I can’t see myself or my friends changing that much.

I’ve just turned 35 years of age and I’m itching for my leg to get better so I can go and have a bit more fun.

It’s either that or betting shops and pubs, or whatever it is that grown-ups do these days.

Paul Anderson

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1.2.

3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Record shopsAdmiral sandwiches, fish fingers, cheese and tomato ketchup between two slices of white crusty breadChukkas Quality me timeMaking stuffSurfing with friends Ping Pong SleepingDancingSaving money, it’s quite addictive (I am very new to this world)

Paul1.

2.

3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Friends with great food, good wine, dancing and laughterLiving by the sea, fresh air and the sound of the wavesSunshineBeing an Auntie to Bean & BlueGood, fresh coffee with hot milkListening to music, all the timeA white tee with jeansWeekendsMiss MonroeGreat style; marching to the beat of your own drum

Lisa1.2.3.4.5.

6.

7.8.9.

10.

Good companySunshineVivid dreamsThe elementsDiscovering something or somewhere newWhen things are so funny they make you crySleep after a hard day’s workPassive exerciseLoud musicHot showers when the rest of the house is freezing

Lydia

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Heavy metalPowderMum’s lasagneAppleFeltSennheiserAl PacinoCole BarashWeird dreamsWeekends

Aron1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

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Apple juiceCaramacCrailtapPhotocopy distortionsSuper 8 filmMarmite on nice breadSan Francisco The small waterfall in my gardenChilli jam on anythingOld photos

Tidy1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

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Talking to my familyCats and dogsAll friends new and oldMieleConverseHabitatThinkingDoingSleepingWales

Emma

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Summer bike ridesMy girlfriend is pretty coolA dip in the seaAfternoon napsFriends and familyMooching aboutBe niceHealth is wealthA job well doneLive music sounds better

Pete1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

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CoffeeKarl PilkingtonNew shoesMike GiantTrojan RecordsPizza night (every Tuesday)Wednesdays with Reda The number 8Going fast (makes it easier)Those who kept me company

Tomos1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Jazz musicSingle maltsFresh airPaddlingMy catsThe seaMassagesBuffyBanoffee piePopcorn

Kim

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

The weatherTofinoTaliskerWhite van drivingSingle speedingAnalogue camerasSnowHeading northGroup B rally carsDan Parks’ kick against Ireland

Hicksey1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

MinimalismRuben

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

10.

Marriage CodeTypographyBob JacksonLeather EfficiencyOutsideThe internetKodak Ektachrome VS100Journeys

Jon

The power of ten

Ten things the howies family swear by:


FactoriesWe have decided to give information about the country of origin of our products in the catalogue so that you can make an informed decision before you buy. We have a formal assessment done on each of our factories to ensure the conditions for the people who produce our clothes are fair, safe and non-discriminatory. For further information, visit howies.co.uk/info and click on the ‘Factories’ section.

Are you on our database?We send out four of these catalogues a year. We try to make them interesting so they make you think as well as buy. If you are not on our database and would like to be, visit: howies.co.uk/catalogue.php

Are your details correct?If we’ve sent this to you and your details are wrong, send an e-mail to [email protected] You’ll need to tell us the details we’ve got wrong followed by the right ones.

Can you help us grow?We rely on good old word-of-mouth to help us grow this little company of ours. If you have some friends who might like to receive our catalogue then let us know. To do this, visit: howies.co.uk/helpusgrow

By the wayIf you ever wonder where our product names come from, well most of the ones in this catalogue are named after the lovely people and beautiful places we visited in Patagonia.

Ordering Visit www.howies.co.ukCall 01239 614 122 (Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm)

To payWe accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch, Delta and Solo. If you would prefer to pay by cheque, please call us to place your order before you send your cheque.

DeliveryUK orders over £100 are postage free,Standard delivery £4 (2–5 working days), Next day delivery £6.50 (order before 3pm), Overseas deliveries – see website for different rates.

ReturnsOn UK orders you do not have to pay to return an item (unless it is a sale item).

No quibble officer dibble guaranteeWe stand firmly by the products we make. We believe in quality and we will not be happy until you are. So, if our products have failed you in any way, please return them and we will give you your money back.

Earth TaxWe give 1% of our turnover or 10% of pre-tax profits (whichever is greater) to grass-roots, environmental and social projects.

Kids’ measurementsOur kids’ clothes are designed and made with room for growth.

How to order stuff

141Twin Towns

Women’sWomen’s trousers come in regular length (31in inseam) and long length (33in inseam). 8 10 12 14 16Bust 32in 34in 36in 38in 40in81cm 86cm 91.5cm 96.5cm 101.5cmWaist26in 28in 30in 32in 34in66cm 71cm 76cm 81cm 86cmHips34in 36 in 38in 40in 42in86cm 91.5cm 96.5cm 101.5cm 106.5cm

Men’sMen’s trousers come in regular length (32in inseam) and long length (34in inseam).

S M L XL XXLChest 34-36in 36-38in 39-41in 41-43in 43-45in86-91cm 92-97cm 99-104cm 104-109cm 109-114cm

Kids’ Age 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10Chest 22.75in 23.5in 25in 27in 57cm 60cm 64cm 69cmWaist 21in 21.5in 23in 24in 53cm 55cm 58cm 61cmHeight 38.5-41in 43.5-45.5 48-50.5in 52.75-55in 98-104cm 110-116cm 122-128cm 134-140cm

Go get the fun!

Bust

Waist

Hips

Inseam

How to measure

Chest/Bust Measure under arms at the fullest part of the chest/bust.

Waist Measure around the natural waistline.

Inseam (inside leg) Measure from the top of the inside leg to the ankle.

Chest

Waist

Inseam

ChestWaist

Height


16-19 September 2010www.thedolectures.co.uk

143Twin Towns

howies is a founding partner of the Do Lectures.

The idea is a simple one. That people who Do things, can inspire the rest of us to go and Do things too.

So each year, a bunch of people come down to West Wales and tell us what they Do.

They can be small Do’s or big Do’s or just plain amazing extraordinary Do’s. But when you listen to their stories, they just light a fire in your belly to go and Do your thing, your passion, the thing that sits in the back your head each day, just waiting and waiting for you to follow your heart.

To go find your cause to fight for, your company to go start, your invention to invent, your book to write, your mountain to climb.

The one thing the Doers of the world Do, apart from Do amazing things, is to inspire the rest

of us to go and Do amazing things.They are fire-starters.

The Do Lectures takes place in a tent in a field in West Wales. Tickets are now on sale for the Do Lectures 2010 (16-19 September).

The speakers include David Allen (author of Getting Things Done), Craig Mod (exploring the fusion of the analogue and digital worlds), Darina Allen (Ballymaloe Cookery School), Jay Rogers (founder of Local Motors), Euan Semple (understand the web) and Steve Edge (designer and brand guru).

There are only 80 spaces, but those who attend are enabling the rest of the world to see the talks for free.

thedolectures.co.uk has all the talks from The Do Lectures 08 and 09.


Chevron courier bag Reflective chevron panels on the front flap. Secure mobile phone pockets. Adjustable straps throughout. Internal padded computer pouch, a clear zipped pouch and loads of internal pockets for pens, change and stuff. Mesh water bottle holder. Black | Unisex bag | 100% nylon | Made in China | Price £65

When designing the Chevron courier bag we wanted function to be the main priority. It needed to hold all the stuff you’d normally take with you on your travels – laptop, water bottle, bike pump, loose change and so on – but as we developed it we decided we didn’t want to stop there. By placing reflective chevrons in certain places on the bag, it acts as a kind of ‘high vis’ that gets you seen when the car lights hit you. So not only can you carry all your stuff with you, you’ll be a lot safer riding when the sun goes down too.

It may be a simple idea. But it’s an idea that could save your life.

Body armour


Diolch yn fawr (that’s thanks a lot in Welsh)

Design and art direction by Nick Hand, Pete Davies and Aron Jones. Wordy help from Jon Matthews, Andy Kirkpatrick, Paul Anderson,Dafydd Palfrey, Gruff Meredith and Alastair Humphreys. Produced by Millie Marotta.

Patagonia photography by James Bowden. Wales photography by Jonathan Cherry, Paul Bliss, Nick Hand, Jon Heslop and Paul Fenrich.

Archive Patagonia pictures are courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, Bangor University. Hawlfraint Adran Archifau a Chasgliadau Arbennig, Prifysgol Bangor. Copyright Archives and Special Collections, Bangor University. Product photography and styling by Mojo Photography. Patagonia and Wales shoot styling and direction by Anna Felton.Barley Saturday pictures courtesy of Paul Williams.

Illustrations by David Sparshott (page 92) and Clare Mallison (page 13).

Thank you to all who helped on this one. To Lydia, Jack and Hellyda. And in Patagonia: Arturo Lowndes and family and all the Trevelin folk for their hospitality. In Wales: thank you to James and Sian at fforest for the kind use of their gaff and to the schools in Cardigan and Trevelin: Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi and Ysgol Gymraeg Yr Andes. Cheers also to Mr Sunshine for making a long overdue appearance.

T-shirts designed by Chris Gray (Cat Hair), Andy J Miller (Home Sweet Home and Be Cool Man), Mr Bowlegs (Skate Shoes), Millie Marotta (Grasshopper and Cockerels), Kev Grey (Trevelin), Pete Davies (Road Race, One Ride Only, Face A Book, and Te Gales), Becky Fowles (Gingham Bird).

Printed by Westdale Press, Cardiff.

The paper is Regency Kiara and Think4 (cover), both are FSC certified and supplied by Howard Smith Paper.

howies is a registered trademark. All designs are © howies 2010.All rights reserved. All wrongs reversed.

howiesBath House RoadCardigan SA43 1JYTelephone 01239 614 122

London shop42 Carnaby StreetLondon W1F 7DYTelephone 0207 287 2345

Bristol shop62 Queens RoadBristol BS8 1RETelephone 0117 929 8928

Cardigan sale shopBridge WarehouseTeifi WharfCardigan SA43 3AATelephone 01239 623 745

www.howies.co.uk

twin towns (part 2)

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