A Community Orchard in Rhos – on – Sea
At the end of December the local Press told us of a plan to create an orchard of 40 assorted apple and pear trees on land behind the Rhos Fynach Pub and Restaurant. This will certainly add interest to the present grassy area. One wonders, however , if the authorities are being somewhat naïve in expecting the young trees to mature without ‘interference’ from certain elements of society. The whole orchard area will have to be well monitored and protected to ensure the trees will eventually bear fruit. Perhaps it would be more able to reach maturity if flowering cherries or a selection of acers were planted instead. Whatever is planted I wish the project all Success.
Reprint of Historical Trails Booklet.
We are very grateful to the Communities First Trust Fund who have approved our request for funds to enable us to reprint our popular booklet ‘Historical Trails in Colwyn Bay ‘, It is available free to all interested parties, is full of interesting photographs and takes the reader through twelve walks in the area from Old Colwyn to Mochdre.. The original run of booklets is fast running out and thanks to the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and the Communities First Trust Fund we are now able to initiate a reprint with copies available by April 2011.
Private ‘Back Garden’ development
For a couple of years now there have been applications made to develop a property in Rhos-on-Sea by building residences on it’s back garden .To develop this particular back garden would demand the demolition of a bungalow adjoining the property and access to the new property is very restricted. We are opposed , in general, to such piecemeal developments . They totally break down the layout and the building line of the original development. In most cases demand for extra residences in the area involved is un-called for and un-warranted.. We have lodged our complaint concerning the application and hope the Planning Authorities will, accordingly, reject it.
Rhos Point Children’s Play Area and Paddling Pool.
There is concern at present over the future of this much loved and much used facility in Rhos-on-Sea – especially during the Summer months – both by locals and our visitors. The Authorities, we are told, have been considering closing the toilets on this site. They are seeking for some private enterprise to run the toilets, thus saving the council taxpayers money in these stringent times. I also believe that the new regulations state that children’s paddling pools require nearby toilet facilities. My concern is – if the toilets go, then the pool will close also – and the play area with it – what a pity that would be. We hope the authorities will, in the near future, contact us to tell us our worries and concerns over this attractive feature at Rhos Point are unfounded.
Rhos Public Toilets.
In a most prominent location, behind the Clock and Information Centre on the promenade at Rhos-on-Sea , not knowing the age of these toilets, I consider the standard has been let-slip badly. They do not fit into the standards expected at a charming and attractive seaside village in the 21st century. They would be unacceptable hidden away in some side street, but being in such a high profile position makes it even less acceptable. Rhos offers so much to it’s residents and visitors – an interesting selection of quality shops, intimate cafes and restaurants, sand, sea, bracing walks, sailing, golf, bowls, cricket – but not clean, attractive public toilets – what a let down. If ever there was a project on which to spend tax-payers’ money – this is it .
Promenade and Seafront.
In January many of us went to see six imaginative and somewhat futuristic schemes proposed for a specific part of the Colwyn Bay seafront. The area in question was that near the lower entrance to Eirias park.The six options submitted by designers and architects contained a variety of ways in which to bring people into town and add to it’s existing attractions. With new developments to Eirias Park it will soon be a bigger attraction than it already is and to link those with other attractions on the seafront would be ideal. In my opinion Option number one did just that. There was much to be said for each of the other five options but No 1 seemed to cater for all ages in the best way .It features three circular buildings, each similar to a child’s upturned bucket of sand , housing shops, changing rooms for water sports enthusiasts, restaurant and sheltered seating with viewing areas. Each building would be closely linked and could be individually open or closed according to times and season. I hope the powers that be look kindly on this option.
Five New Honorary Members.
The Civic Society is pleased to announce it has offered Honorary Life Membership to five of it’s stalwart members. This award is to recognise , with much appreciation, the many years of dedication each of those nominated has given to the Society.
John Lee – founder member of the Civic Society in the 1970’s when it was formed to discuss and monitor the creation of the A55 Expressway. John held the post of President for many years before handing over to our current President Graham Roberts in the 1990’s.
George Harrison-Bryant – held the role of Honorary Secretary for many years in the 1990’s and 2000’s His untiring work for the Society helped it to grow into the flourishing Society it is today.
Helen Finch – for well over ten years was responsible for ensuring that all the Society’s monthly mailings to our members went out correctly and on time – in many instances – in the interest of our limited funds – delivering by hand .
Brian Pringle – who as Chairman for over ten years guided the Society through many of it’s projects. He also served on many sub-committees , not least the Conservation Advisory Panel which monitored all planning proposals, especially those involving demolition.
David Kennedy – who , with quiet efficiency, was the Society’s Treasurer and Membership Secretary for well over ten years. He ensured the Executive Committee was careful with our funds and that our projects and commitments were never over-ambitious. He left us in 2010 to be close to family in Lincolnshire, with the Society having very healthy bank balances and clear and accurate accounts.
You may notice that all of the above named gave of their services willingly and with enthusiasm for well over the period of time which is supposed to be allowed – according to our Constitution. It shows that , even acknowledging our rules, the Society appreciates the benefits of holding on to a ‘ winning team’ and the abilities of those within it.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2010
The year has, I think, been another successful one for the Society Record attendances at our meetings have been recorded and many members have expressed positive opinions about the speakers , atmosphere and food.. The Executive committee have been very active throughout the year, being represented on several organisations developing plans for improvements in the town.
We have put forward suggestions and ideas to the appropriate authorities in several areas of town planning and our ideas and design suggested regarding Station Square and illustrated by John Howard last year were largely taken up by the consultants DPP SHAPE in their Town Regeneration Plans presented during this year. The continuing representation of the Society by Bob Owen on the Bay Quality Assurance Team allows the Executive to follow and influence their work.
The general principles of the town regeneration plans have been accepted by the Council and it is hoped progress will not be delayed. Work has already started on the new developments in Eirias Park. This is to develop a new grandstand, training and events sports building, VIP suite, new seating and floodlights. It will be a great addition to the town facilities.
Earlier in the year the booklet produced for the Society by Gordon Palliser – ‘Historical Trails in Colwyn Bay’ was launched at a meeting attended by representatives from many organisations and hundreds of copies of the booklet were taken to be widely distributed. There has been a great demand for them and a new issue is being ordered, financed by a grant from Community First Funding, to whom I express our thanks. Ken Clarke continues to represent us on the Bryn Euryn Protection organisation.
The Promenade and Waterfront plans are now out, final planning now being undertaken. The Executive committee have been closely following developments, attending several meetings related to many aspects of the plan. We are supporting the Theatre Colwyn modernisation programme and had the Manager to speak at one of our meetings.
Divers subjects have been presented by excellent speakers at our regular meetings – e.g. ‘The Maltese Connection’ , ‘I knew my grandfather (Lloyd George)’ , ‘Surgeons in Nelson’s Navy ‘, and ‘Colwyn Bay Regeneration Plans’. Our programme secretary Tom Wyatt should be thanked for his efforts, with help from Bob Owen.
We welcome Guy Watson to the committee as the Society’s Treasurer. Our President, Graham, has continued to produce an excellent quality Journal and worked hard for the Society , despite serious family problems. We were so sad to hear of the death of Graham’s wife Connie and Bob’s wife Meg. They will both be sorely missed. Our website is going from strength to strength with great help from Dave Smith and his son – many thanks for their efforts.
In closing I must thank all members of the Executive Committee for their excellent support given me during the year. But very special thanks must go to Jim Lowe, our Secretary, whose unstinting hard work has been chiefly responsible for our successes.