Mystery woman's daily ritual on North Wales beaches leaves onlookers astonished

Wales Online

2 days ago

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Beachgoers on west Anglesey were left uplifted and profoundly moved when a mystery woman strode up to the water's edge. As the sun sunk towards the horizon, she began singing a hauntingly beautiful song as if serenading the sea itself.
Those looking on settled down on the sand at Traeth Porthdafarch beach to watch the performance, wondering who the woman was and why she was doing it. It soon emerged she often sang at other beaches on the island, enchanting those lucky enough to witness her.
Filming a clip of the shoreline song was Abigail Druce, who said it was a 'lovely moment'. She added: 'Everyone just stood still and watched her, definitely not something you see often. Just wow!'
Another onlooker added: 'Absolutely beautiful voice, just her the sound of the waves and the sun setting. What a talent and a lovely surprise while we were sat with our beach fire and tea.'
When the video was shared online, the woman's identity was revealed as Karen Jones, a former gemnologist and diamond grader from Waunfawr, Gwynedd.
The 64-year-old artist sings at sunset most days as a lament to her elderly mother as she battles severe illness. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up
Sometimes she performs to campervanners on the hills above her home in Waunfawr. From there, she can gaze out across to Anglesey where she dreams of moving to permanently.
(Image: Karen Jones)
Adding extra pathos to her singing was the death this week of Deiniolen's Annette Bryn Parri. Appointed musical director of the newly formed North Wales Police Choir last year, the distinguished pianist took time out to help Karen compose four songs for Spotify.
Usually when she's singing al fresco, Karen performs Welsh folk song Cilfan y Coed (Shade in the Trees). 'It's about sanctuary – somewhere you can go to forget all your troubles,' she said.
'For me, singing these lovely songs is a matter of self-expression. I forget the hurt as I sing.
'I had singing lessons with my dear friend Annette. The day after she died I sung it in her memory at sunset with a big view of the Menai Straight behind me.'
(Image: Karen Jones)
On Anglesey, Karen performs on the beaches at Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch and Holyhead. She always sings at sunset. 'I go out every single evening,' she said. 'It's my way of saying thank you for the day. Otherwise the days pass so quickly: I want to make the most of them.
'When I go up on the hills, I always asked the campers if it's OK to sing. They're fine about it and afterward they're always very generous in their comments, just as people are on the beach when I sing.'
For 18 years, Karen and her mother Esme Dyson ran Jones & Dyson Jewellers in Bangor and Caernarfon. When their prime stock was stolen at an exhibition in London, the business folded but the mother-and-daughter bond remained as strong as ever.
Now that Esme is seriously ill, Karen's sunset singing has added poignancy – it's the one time she can set aside her worries. It's also meant a planned move to Anglesey has been put on hold.
(Image: Karen Jones)
In Waunfawr, Karen runs a 12-acre smallholding by herself while operating an Airbnb. With the Welsh Government's 182-day letting rule causing extra work and price-cutting, she's had enough.
Last month the property went on the market, only to be withdrawn as her mother's health declined. But Karen still has her heart set on a move to west Anglesey and its glorious sunsets.
'It's such a deeply magical and spiritual place,' she said. 'From the hills behind me I can see the sun setting behind Holyhead Mountain and half of Anglesey. One day I will move there.'
One beachgoer who heard her sing said Karen's 'eerily beautiful haunting voice' was reminiscent of the sirens of the sea. Explaining her connection to the coast, Karen cited Fibonacci's mathematical formula, a sequence of numbers that has been used to describe the logarithmic spirals of seashells.
'I love the island's beaches but it's deeper than that,' she said. 'I receive a spiritual connection via Fibonacci's eternal formula from the shells and from the waves. Beaches and the movement of the sea bring me confirmation of the eternal nature of consciousness.
"Through song it enables me to express my heartfelt loss as I see people decline and die.' Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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