Ellesmere Christmas by John Penney

Like this a lot, John. Haven't been to Ellesmere for years! Used to visit the Mere quite often. Have the Canada Geese arrived yet, I wonder? I think we might all be in for some snow in the area this year...I live in the Ceiriog valley, up from Chirk, and we had snow on the Berwyns this morning.

No Canada Geese yet - or Goosanders - just hordes of Coots ! Our Mere and surroundings has just had a £2.5m facelift though - Well worth a visit - we now boast the best new public toilets in Britain (well, maybe) in our (expensively) revamped new visitor centre and restaurant by the Mere - and FREE mereside parking , so a visit to "The Shropshire Lakelands" is now overdue . OK, OK, I've done my bit for the town's tourism.

Lovely paintings. Do you live in Ellesmere? I live in Shrewsbury - not a million miles away from you. I like the slightly stylised way you have depicted this scene - would make a great Christmas card - you sell load in Ellesmere and the surrounds I bet!

This is gorgeous work. A beautiful scene and your own inimitable style. Great.