Thoughts of Oscar

2012-02-01T18:01:00.006Z

I was told the end of last week that I was needed elsewhere for a while, as a result of this I will have to take some time off work, only days here and there and some of those will be half days, yet it follows I will have to make up the time somehow or other, for time waits for no man.With this in mind the blog will be very sporadic for the near future if at all, it will no doubt please some and not others.
I can honestly say that I have had it reconfirmed of late how little of use money can be at certain junctures in ones life, only to be left be feeling totally powerless, the only thing left to give is ones time and care with a little love thrown in.

"Oscar @Thoughtsofoscar
Been told I am going to have to take some time off work, family issues of a very important nature, it follows that the blog will suffer."

One Man's Meat Is Another's Poison.

2012-02-01T16:27:00.000Z

"There were some really pretty windmills out in the sea. I think the wind velocity was enough to generate a lot of power. And they made for pretty sight-seeing as well."

http://phototravelings.blogspot.com/2012/01/coach-trip-to-north-of-wales-llandudno.html

Barking Haworth.

2012-02-01T15:28:00.000Z

Why is Barking Bonkers Haworth not taking this up at the meeting she attends as an official of Isallt?
She is already in the tent so to speak, yet she is standing outside complaining.

Cllr Janet Howarth, who owns the nearby Abbey Lodge, said while the businesses supported the work being done at Ty Isallt and had “empathy and understanding” for the young people and the staff, they felt that their vews had been neglected by Pennaf Housing.

She said: “There is a feeling from some of the businesses that empathy is not two-way. I don’t think Pennaf and Clwyd Alun Housing Association understand the impact an incident like that could have on businesses on Abbey Road.”

“The local police have confirmed that any such instances have been minimal and they are happy with the current situation at the project.”

http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/109904/complaints-about-homeless-hostel.aspx

People Power.

2012-02-01T08:01:00.000Z

As much as many politicians hate the Daily Mail, when one sees a major multiple displaying 3 facings of the paper one can't help but think that many of those politicians ignore the Readers of the Daily Mail at their own peril.

Nostalgia

2012-01-31T09:49:00.007Z

Can some readers play along with me for a while?
When you see this photo what do you think?
I will write sometime about what I thought when I saw this scene thus prompting me to take the photograph.
Please take the time to leave a comment.

Nil Increase For Manchester.

2012-01-31T09:48:00.000Z

There will be no such luck for the good people of Conwy County will there?
I don't care that we are the lowest paying in Wales, we still have increase upon increase every year.
Those who live in Conwy Town will also have an increase in their town precept for the council have decided to buy the civic hall, what will the other toy town councils increase their precept by?
What use are Llandudno Town Council and theit tin pot councillors?
Don't answer that one!

MEN Media News Desk (@MENnewsdesk)
30/01/2012 08:43
Some good news to start the week - council tax in Manchester is to be frozen for the third year running menmedia.co.uk/manchestereven

Marianne Jackson,Title: Head of Community Development Service!

2012-01-30T17:20:00.001Z

Head of Community Development Services which according to the site includes,· Economic Development

· Libraries
· Leisure
· Tourism
If she is indeed in overall control of tourism in the County I wonder how many people have ever heard or seen of her?
For someone with such a responsibility we should have seen and hears a lot from her, or is this the reason why tourism is little heard of from the Temple of Waste, Bodlondeb?
Who is the tourism manager for Conwy County and how can we see any reports?

http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=1383

Talking Shop.

2012-01-30T17:12:00.001Z

David Williams Chair of the Llandudno Hospitality association spending time in London having a chin wag, but what ever gets done in Llandudno these days?
Not a bloody lot that's for sure.

"Mrs Gillan said: “Today has been a great opportunity to hear feedback from the ground to see how Welsh businesses are faring. Welsh businesses are operating in challenging times and in competitive global markets. As we have seen in the last week, following announcements by Peacocks and Lloyds – we need more than ever to ensure we maintain close relations with businesses on the ground in Wales."

http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/2012/01/30/welsh-secretary-hosts-david-willetts-at-5th-business-advisory-group-meeting/

2012-01-30T10:50:00.000Z

An old man sitting at the mall watched a teenager intently. The teenager had spiked hair in all different colors: green, red, orange, and blue. The old man kept staring at him.
When the teenager was tired of being stared at, he sarcastically asked, ‘What's the matter, old man? Never did anything wild in your life?’
The old man did not bat an eye when he responded, ‘Got drunk once and had sex with a peacock. I was just wondering if you were my son.’

2012-01-30T10:47:00.001Z

Guto Bebb Questions.

2012-01-30T10:42:00.000Z

Notice it says Guto Bebb, NOT Janet Finch-Saunders, so please Guto make sure it is just you and not the sidekick.

Police Cuts Bite!

2012-01-30T09:09:00.002Z

Expressions Of Self Interest.

2012-01-30T08:52:00.001Z

Conwy Council and Cllr Mike Hold and Cllr Son wish it to be known that they are inviting expressions of interest from Building Contractors who would like to be placed on their list of "approved list of suppliers".
This as the Holds know only too well can be a lifeline for many local contractors in such hard times.
The secret is of course that once on the approved list is to visit the contracts manager as often as possible and ask has there any work come in, thereby being first in the queue!

Time Please.

2012-01-27T12:19:00.003Z

"A COUNCILLOR at the centre of a bad behaviour probe will find out today if he can stand at the next election.
Former Saltney mayor Klaus Armstrong-Braun could face a 12-month suspension or five-year disqualification on serving as a councillor if a tribunal rules he breached a code of conduct for community leaders."
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/01/27/former-flintshire-mayor-to-learn-fate-after-behaviour-tribunal-55578-30208011

Angie O’Grady, 35 Hospital Road, Llandudno, LL30 1HU.
One can not help but wonder why if the allegations are true that no action has been taken against Llandudno Town Councillor Angie o'Grady?
It's not every day that a town councillor is reported for abusing her position as a councillor with regard to her behaviour at a local public house is it?
But this is what has happened to her and beside an apology nothing has been done about her behaviour.

Name From The Past!

2012-01-27T12:10:00.000Z

Here is a name from the past, a nice kindly sort of gent was he, used to have a kiosk on the pier in Llandudno etching portraits, must have done thousands in his time, William Richardson esq.
I can still sww his face as if it were yesterday.
God Bless him!

2012-01-26T20:28:00.002Z

2012-01-26T20:27:00.000Z

Ah Mr Lofthouse and David Cameron in happier times!

Thought

2012-01-25T21:20:00.001Z

Nothing ever becomes real till it is experienced - even a proverb is not a proverb till your life has illustrated it.
John Keats

Tory Conference

2012-01-25T20:25:00.000Z

The Imperial Hotel Llandudno and Mr Lofthouse have milked the cancellation of the Welsh Tory Conference for all it's worth the last week in the press and on television, giving everyone the impression that the Tories had let them down, well they have and they have not, for the Tories cancelled withing their contractual time limit, as is the prerogative of any tour or organisation booking under such conditions.
When one considers how much trade the Imperial has been given by the Conservatives over the years in preference to say the St George's Hotel well I am pretty sure that the Imperial is still ahead of the game, might be wise of Mr Lofthouse to now keep quiet and be grateful for all the trade he has had of them in the past instead of inferring that he has had a contract broken out side of the limits allowed.

2012-01-25T20:16:00.002Z

Nice To See.

2012-01-24T20:09:00.000Z

Nice to see local company Watkin Jones continuing to secure big contracts over the border, this looks like a large contract in Liverpool, building a Premier Inn, they have completed some large contracts all over the country further enhancing their good name originating in Bangor.
I remember seeing a van of theirs parked up on a contract just down the road from Harrods a couple of years ago!

Still Sane?

2012-01-24T20:00:00.000Z

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Wild World.":

"I smoke cannibals i have a £46,000 a year job i pay my taxes and ni. i have 2 children that are well behaved and have a great education i am also married and my wife has a £24,000 job and she also smokes cannabis and not in front of the children i might add.
People need to lighten up and understand that cannabis is being smoked by a vast amount of people in the UK. drink kills more people than cannabis. you don't see street fights in Amsterdam do you? "

2012-01-24T19:54:00.000Z

I wonder why Llandudno has not attracted a Nando's or Pizza Express or one of the other more well known names?

As True Today As Ever!

2012-01-24T19:50:00.002Z

I remembered this saying the other day whilst talking to a friend, is this saying not as true today as it was the day Charles Dickens wrote it?
Live within ones means and all will be well, spend more than you can afford and take the misery that goes with it.

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilkins_Micawber

2012-01-24T19:46:00.002Z

Slack Time.

2012-01-24T18:54:00.000Z

Trade must be slack, someone left a comment earlier saying they could get me and another "stabbed and shot for a couple of hundred quid".
How cheap is a life these days?
Madness!

Chester West and Cheshire Council.

2012-01-24T17:08:00.000Z

The old cinema in Chester has been acquired by the council as part of development plans, it is as has been said a million or more times a pity our council could not be more pro-active in getting a compulsory purchase order going on the Pier Pavilion site in Llandudno.
Much has been promised by councillors and politicians regarding this site, but little or nothing has been delivered.
When will anything move forward I wonder?

Thanks.

2012-01-23T14:50:00.000Z

I have hardly a week go by whereby there is not some contact from one insurance company or other claiming to be able to either beat our existing providers or offer some cash back offer as an incentive to switch over.
We have on the whole always dealt with Gott and Wynne Insurance brokers of Madoc Street and a week before Christmas we had a potentially huge problem with a claim, yet Gott and Wynne beside being as competitive as most others in the costs department handled this with the minimum of fuss resulting in the file being closed this week.
I have known many other people use Gott and Wynne and each one says the same, they offer a superb service second to none, the other company years ago who offered a similar service were Arthur G Davies who sold out some years ago.
They are a fine example of a local company and we are most grateful to them!

Weekly News Journalist Asks?

2012-01-23T12:42:00.000Z

I wonder how many local jobs there are now compared to 10 years ago on the Weekly No News?

Samantha Castle (@SamJCastle)

1/23/12 11:23 AM
@Thoughtsofoscar Tell me, once u get ur way &; rejoice at the end of the #northwalesweeklynews &; the loss of local jobs who will u bash then?
https://twitter.com/SamJCastle

Licensing.

2012-01-23T11:51:00.001Z

PC Kate Parker (@NWPKateParker)
21/01/2012 22:30
Just done some licensing checks in Abergele and speaking to licensees #nwp #safernightsout
https://twitter.com/NWPKateParker

Good to see that the police still do licensing checks, I thought that had been passed over to the local authorities and with their limited manpower checks could be a problem unless a certain area were targeted, a police person in uniform still carries no end of authority.

One aspect of licensing I think that may become problematic in the future is the abolishing of the need to apply for a special license for a special event such as a live music night, same as at present an entertainment license I think.
That can only be a recipe for trouble if a bar is able just to have a music evening on without many safeguards to the noise and the termination time of any such event.
It is often said that people should not complain if they live next to a public house, but of course years ago public houses did in the main never have loud music playing so it were never a problem.

Big Issue.

2012-01-23T10:51:00.001Z

With the news that up to a third of Big Issue sellers are Romanian and in my opinion professional sellers as opposed to the original aim of them actually being homeless I think it far better to give direct to a charity such as Shelter these days or the Salvation Army.
The 2 cheeky chappies on Mostyn Street at one stage, maybe still do, travelled from Prestatyn, if they are that mobile I wonder what the real problem is with them?
They foreign sellers are also in the main claiming benefits and are in some cases better off than many of us who are actually working by the time one tots up their benefits.
We Ladies and Gentlemen are in many cases being taken for a ride, and that ride at some stage needs to stop.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090012/One-Big-Issue-sellers-Romanian-homes-AND-claim-benefits.html

Business rates.

2012-01-18T17:26:00.000Z

I'm not so sure that Guto has got all the facts here, when he mentions the business rates and the fact that properties are only exempt for 3 months, he rallies to the defence of Mostyn Estates and their inability to let retail units in the town and in his praise of the estate he does not realise that many of the empty shops are not owned by them, they merely own the ground for which they charge a peppercorn rent to the owners of the properties, as in the bricks and mortar.

Mostyn Estates do own quite a few units but by no mean the majority of the empty ones, so they are not in the main the ones who are liable to pay the rates on empty properties, that falls to various others from the private owners to the pension funds.
Where has he got this information from I wonder?
However well Mostyn Estates run the town I feel that shedding a tear for them is somewhat unnecessary as they will be here long after we are all gone, including Guto, that can not be said of many others struggling under various pressures at present.
It is a great shame if Guto feels so much for the Constituency as he purportedly does he has never bothered moving here, he still lives some miles out of the constituency.
His words are well worth reading in full, click onto the link to do so.

"There are many good things in it, but when a landlord is willing to work extremely hard to retain the retail centre in Llandudno—Mostyn Estates works extremely hard and constructively to do that—it is of concern to read comments in the report stating that landlords with vacant spaces must be further encouraged or possibly penalised. We have an issue with empty property rates relief lasting only three months for retail premises, and I would be loth to see Mostyn Estate’s ability to support the development of retail in Llandudno damaged by a further penalty for having empty properties. They are often empty not because of any failure by Mostyn Estates to market them properly, but because of economic circumstances."

"I shall try to explain that in detail. I spoke recently to the chief executive of Mostyn Estates, and he made the important point that when a small business looks to locate in a retail centre, it will have a certain amount of money available for rent and rates. In Llandudno, the rates are so high that the rent paid to Mostyn Estates is often lower than the rates that the same businesses pay out. Time and again, Mostyn Estates has been willing to reduce its rents to keep a tenant in place even though the rates have not been reduced. I am concerned, therefore, about that proposition in the report."

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2012-01-17a.622.0&s=guto+bebb#g701.0

2012-01-18T07:14:00.003Z

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.

It's the life in your years -- Abraham Lincoln

2012-01-18T07:11:00.002Z

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. --Sir Edmund Hillary

A Cynic Writes.

2012-01-17T17:32:00.001Z

Call me cynical but!
One minute the Tories are giving no money to the police, good officers having to go against their will just because they completed 30 years service the next the Tories are making little shows such as this, no wonder the ACC of North Wales never went to Cardiff, bet they felt like telling the Welsh Office where they could stick the badges, and the sun don't shine there that's for sure!

The Welsh Secretary, Cheryl Gillan underlined her commitment to the Welsh police forces today (16 January 2012) as she met with representatives from each force at Discovery House in Cardiff.

Carmel Napier, of Gwent Police, Peter Vaughan of South Wales Police and Ian Arundale of Dyfed Powys Police took the opportunity to outline the issues currently facing them and their communities. They were joined by Gareth Pritchard, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police via video conference.

Following the meeting, the Welsh Secretary was presented with the badges of each of the forces in attendance to highlight the strong relationship that continues to be forged between them.

Mrs Gillan said: “These regular meetings with our Chief Constables are invaluable as they give me a real insight into the problems they face, as well as the successes they have had in keeping the community safe.

“Our four police forces do a fantastic job in tackling crime and disorder, and I want to ensure that we continue to work closely together so I am able to hear firsthand about the issues concerning them and what can be addressed by the government.

“The badges will be displayed on the wall in the entrance of Gwydyr House so that all visitors will see our proud connection to the Welsh police forces.”
http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/2012/01/16/welsh-police-forces-meet-with-welsh-secretary/

Knickers to the lot of them!

2012-01-17T17:23:00.002Z

Nothing To Declare.

2012-01-17T17:22:00.000Z

When Guto Bebb asked the following question in a debate, should he not have declared an interest by saying that he himself rents office space from the same person as he was referring to or does it make no difference?
Perhaps they have to do so in a seperate register.
He nevertheless makes a good point with regard to empty property relief.

"I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate.
The specific point about churn is crucial. In my constituency, there is a very successful small business park in the town of Conwy and its proprietor feels that he is being penalised, because he tried to develop an incubator unit-style approach. In effect, he is now being penalised because of the churn.
He is providing a service to the local business community and allowing people to have easy options to come in and out of the business park, which is vital for new business development, but he is actually being penalised by the system."

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2012-01-11c.101.0

2012-01-17T15:55:00.004Z

"There is a private members bill before Parliament on Metal Theft (Prevention). I understand that this would oblige scrap dealers to log proof of identity/address from those that sell to them, and outlaw cash payments. All concerned seem to think that this would be very effective in both preventing and policing metal theft, which has increased dramatically due to record global commodity prices. If you think this a good idea then you should urge your MP to support the bill."

Worthy congratulations.

2012-01-17T14:43:00.001Z

Great news for Signatures restaurant Conwy, they have won recognition from the Michelin guide!
Worthy congratulations to Jimmy, Louse and their team!

"We wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported us throughout 2011, this includes our team, the Aberconwy family and of course all our wonderful customers, thank you!
We are extremely proud to announce that Signatures Restaurant has received one of the highest honours you can get in the culinary World, a recommendation from Michelin!
You'll find us in the Michelin Guide 2012, with this comment:"

“Unusually set on an upmarket static caravan site. Smart dining room boasts flocked wallpapers and elegantly laid polished tables. All-encompassing menu offers a daily set selection and signature dishes are marked out. Well-versed team.” - Michelin Guide 2012

Hot Plaque.

2012-01-17T14:23:00.000Z

One of the most useless metal plaques I have ever seen was on the one on the cycle track, West Shore Llandudno commemorating the opening of the track by Ieuan Wyn Jones, however it is not nice to see even that has now been stolen.

As with most things of value that are stolen there usually needs to be a handler to make the theft worthwhile, most scrap metal dealers I'm sure are honest but there must also be some dodgy ones about for why else would anyone take a plaque like the one taken on the West Shore for money unless they knew that it were stolen?
Only today is there a report of someone being jailed for stealing plaques from a crematorium, when a scrap dealer was approached by the police they were able to point them in the right direction but there are a few who obviously turn a blind eye.
Thief's often need a market for their goods and it is as bad as stealing in my opinion handling stolen goods such as these plaques.
I wonder what will now happen with this unsightly rock, will the plaque be replaced?

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/crime/s/1470850_drug-addict-jailed-for-trying-to-sell-10-bronze-memorial-plaques?rss=yes&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

2012-01-16T20:28:00.006Z

"Nobody's family can hang out the sign, "Nothing's the matter here.""

--Chinese Proverb

2012-01-16T07:18:00.001Z

You know you are from Llandudno if you....continued,,,,,,,

2012-01-14T16:18:00.000Z

"I thought I'd revive the thread here, which, in my opinion, is an often humerous piece of local social history.

Anyone have any they can add?

You know you are from Llandudno if you....

1) Spent most of your summers sitting outside the goose

2) Know Traversi

3) Argue that Greasy Lil's was the best chippy

4) Think going for a drink in Conwy is a day out

5) Still shake your head at the new ASDA

6) Becky from the Station Chippy always remembered your name

7) Know who 'Georgie Goo Goo' and 'Madam Bennet' were

(8. Jumped off the pier in the summer

9) Know who Mr Jones, Mr Goody and Gaz Gandy are and where they where most nights

10) Did evacuation drills while in school just in case the gas tanks ever blew up

11) Think people from Llanwrst and Pen are really Welsh

12) Always knew who was the hardest in your year in school

13) Remember the Conference Center disco's

14) Drank on the beach before going to the Conference center disco's

15) Still miss Winters

16) Never took a coat out on a Friday and Saturday night no matter how cold it was

17) Always hoped Kim at the old hall was in a good mood

18) Always got a deal from Dez at Kit Clothing

19) Played games with the UBM on the Beach in the summer

20) Used to sit and sunbathe on the steps at the West Shore before they covered them

22) Got sponsered to walk around the orme

23) Rode a donkey at the donkey derby

24) Waited to get into Tiffs on a Friday night, and then saw half of your school downstairs

25) Dreaded turning the corner at the swimming pool as the wind was always freezing

26) Spent all summer at the fair

27) Had a family member work in Hotpoint

28) Wore fancy dress on New Years eve

29) Know where Grannies Armchair is

30) Were not afraid to drink in the Carlton

31) Know that Happy Valley is not a good place after dark

32) Know who Alex Munro was

33) Know somebody who claimed to have lost their virginity to a holidaymaker that nobody had ever seen

34) Skateboarded at the Mostyn Broadway Skatepark

35) Remember the ASDA fire

36) You always jumped the wall outside the Carlton to get to the Royal Oak

37) Neville, Cross keys, Plumes, Loaf, Carlton, Clarence, Tiffs and a taxi to get changed into trousers and then onto the Old Hall most weekends

38) Know who Hardy, Boo, Nettle, Buz, Bur, Bomber, Saucey, Tiddy and Mad Mike are.

39) Threatened to get your Brother, Dad, Uncle to beat somebody up

40) Watched the wrestling on a Sunday night in Winters and screamed at the ref.

41) Have any plates or knifes and forks from a hotel in the town that somebody worked at

42) Knew the numbers for Kingkabs, MiniCabs, Streamline and later Interlink of by heart

43) Would call A1 taxis and hope they would send the London Black Cab

44) Had a chinese from the great wall and done a runner

45) Heard they had found dead seagulls at the Bengal Dynasty

46) Have had Breakfast at Wrights Cafe

47) Spent your school dinner money in Billy Macs on Fags (but only two school kids allowed in the shop at a time)

48) Walked home from the Old Hall in the early hours of the next day

49) Been to the chippy for Batter Bits

50) Used to buy the Day old Stale cakes from the Swimming Pool Cafe

51) Have drunk Special Brew on Bog Island before heading over to Flix

52) Watched people sleep outside Arnolds and Marie et Ce for the sales

53) Danced to Orville J Heap in Winters and spent all night hiding from the resident photographer

54) Went to Sumners or the Nash for Stalies

55) Got covered in shaving foam at the late night Xmas shopping

56) Drunk underage at the Cock & Hen, Steampacket, Clarence, Speakeasy or Tiffany's

57) Have heard Charlie Burma sing

58) Know Musso, Joe 90, Porky, Gammy Hand, Titch Bitch, Elsie Twig, Gaz Grecian or Ken Plank

59) Knew somebody who went to Liverpool or Manchester shopping for the day and they came back with an accent

60) Wonder why that Windmill was on the roundabout by the Carlton

61) Remember queing at the Palladium to watch Gremlins and Ghostbusters and Queing at the Savoy to watch Rocky III

62) Queued on the stairs to get into Speakeasy’s.

63) You were at the opening night of Revivals.

64) Remember the light show in Revivals.

65) Got the bus from the Cottage Loaf to Bentleys.

66) Remember being able to buy pets, fruit and veg, meat and fish at the UDC in-door market.

67) Mick’s burger van.

68) Avoided the Victorian Extravaganza at all costs.

69) Remember Kiddies Funland.

70) Remember Wimpy’s across from Bog Island.

72) Bought Billy West a pint.

73) Remember Scotty Mac working at Fosters.

74) Had a Burtons account card

75) Played mini golf on the Orme or the course across the road from the Washington

76) Knew 'the reels' on machines in the Goose, Royal and Robins

77) Tried to catch crabs on the Jetty with Bacon rind

78) Went penny for the guy with somebody dressed as the guy to the posh houses in Llanrhos

79) Wore a black bin bag as your halloween costume

80) Raided other estates bonfires

81) Every wedding, christening, 18th or 21st party you have been to, Johnny Wilko has been the DJ

82) Got banned from the Goose by Fat Chris!

83) Saw Dexy's at the Astra 1982, and remembering some of them coming in Winters after!

84) Know what the Monday club is

85) Shopped at Chess

86) Went to 'Mr Smiths' and thought it was the best club ever

87) Hired the fitness spa at the Hydro and had a sauna and a Jacuzzi

88) Got egged and covered with flour on the last day of school

89) Visited Chester Zoo or the Pantomine in Liverpool on a Hotpoint trip

90) Know that 'waves in the big pool' meant a day at Rhyl Sun Center

91) Went to the graveyard on the Orme at Halloween

92) Tried to get into the Clarence Hotel when the Hockey Festival was on

93) Got into the Clarence Hotel when the Hockey festival was on and noticed that there were more locals in there than Hockey players

94) Remember the boat for Isle of Man, and going under the pier to get on board.

95) Have a picture of yourself and all your mates crammed into the passport photo booth outside Woolies.

96) Done all your Christmas shopping in the Bargain Centre… High Karate Aftershave set for your dad etc etc etc.

97) Have been waiting for a cab outside the Wash, and had to run across the road for a pee on the prom.

98) You’ve called someone a tosser (under your breath) because they are feeding the seagulls.

99) Know someone selling a bag of golf ball’s they have “collected”

100) Think the parking meters on the prom are a stupid idea in the winter.

101) Felt the need to chat to random strangers when walking around The Orme.

102) Wondered what is so great about The Orme.

103) Have refused point blank to go on the tram or cable cars, because you’re not a “bloody tourist”

104) Laughed at old people in October eating “Christmas dinner” in the hotels.

105) Had a telly from Radio Rentals.

106) Think that John's surname is 'The Tramp'

107) If you ever had to go to Bangor, you would always say you were going to Bangor "eye"

108) Know exactly when to kick your leg, when you are dancing in a line to "Do it to me one more time"

109) Know all the arm moves when you are sitting on the floor dancing to "oops up side your head, say oops up side your head"

110) Remember Trendy Wendy who used to walk round with her gettoblaster on her shoulder

111) Watched big Mo and Terry breakdance outside the Library on some cardboard

112) You have actually played snooker in 147

113) Been on holiday and meet someone else from Llandudno, who knows all the same people as you but you’ve never meet them before.

114) Been to your kids' schools' parents evening, and the teacher remembers you

115) Got cans of Coke and Mars Bars from 'Pete Pops' at John Bright and always promised to pay him

116) Watched Songs of Praise when they had filmed it in Llandudno to see how many people you knew on it who never normally went to church

117) Used to go and see Santa in the basement of the Co-op at Xmas time

118) Met Anneka Rice when she came to Llandudno with Treasure Hunt

119) Went to a Radio One Roadshow on the prom and then later on the West Shore

120) Have ever walked in the back door of Plumes just to use the Toilet

121) Queing outside the Youth Club at 6pm to get a half hour of snooker

122) Always complain that you are never going to Broadway again as it is crap but are still there every weekend

123) If you remember Dafydd from the Youth Club

124) Rented videos from the video man who used to come around the town in his van

125) Remember the Bank Holiday hat brigade

126) Remember the "great flood" of 1993

127) remember the "great fire" on the pier in 1994

128) Only ever seemed to go to wedding do's at The Deganwy Castle or The Imperial

129) Remember PC Amos Williams the truancy officer always catching you skiving

130) Going fishing on the pier, catching nothing edible, then buying a fish in the old indoor market and a loaf on the way home

131) Feeding the donkeys on the field opposite the swimming pool.... thats where they went in the winter

132) Scramble bikes on the fields opposite the swimming pool, £1 for 15 minutes on a Saturday morning

133) Walking single file and "keep to the left" in Little John Brights

134) Know Iris (from the library)

135) Got first 7 inch single from Telefusion on Mostyn Street

136) Remember the church car park where Marks is now.

137) Remember going to downstairs in Lyons sport shop to look at the BMX bikes

138) Remember the Pearl & Dean advert of Orme Cycle shown in the Palladium

139) Went to the deli on madoc street for a quarter of boiled ham

140) Went to Tudor Bakery for soup n a roll

141) Bought 12" singles from Kavern Records

142) Done the Bryn Lupus or Nant-y-Gamer cross country run

143) Went to the bonfire and firework show on West Shore (it was always windy and wet)

144) Remember the firework show in happy valley every week through summer

145) Jumped in the sea at pigeons cave

146) Eat Cheese & Onion crisps after "splash about "in the old Pwll Nofio on a Saturday

147) Had your feet stuck to the carpet at Broadway, the old hall or Winters. Also having a name for the black tar like substance that you would get over the bottom of your shoes and trousers at those places

148) Getting John the tramp to go the dairys shop on west shore to get your cider

149) Had a fumble under the slide in the old ASDA

150) Know where “monks walk” and “the zig zag” paths are.

151) You’ve fed a donkey.

152) You only think it’s been a windy night if ASDA has lost its roof.

153) If you have children you’ve been to a party in Bodafon Farm.

154) You’ve been to a works Christmas party in The Imperial, St George or Risboro?

155) You’ve listened to Marcher coast or Radio Wales in the hope your school is closed when it snows.

156) You know where “Rest and Be Thankful Café” is

157) You have, or you have relations who work in ADSA or Marks and Spencer’s.

158) You’ve had a conversation with someone from outside of Llandudno and they have mentioned “Marks and Spencer’s”.

159) Your first ever job was working in a hotel.

160) You’ve asked someone you know also from Llandudno who someone on this list is.

161) You’ve never know a year when the Hospital wasn’t meant to be closing.

162) Catching the coach (not the bus) from bog island to Tech coz they played Atlantic 252 full blast!

163) Remember the Knackering pole at little John Bright

164) The Kiosk on Vaughan Street next to the post office run by two old dears "a la" Rita and Mavis

165) The RAC rallies stopping in West shore carpark and all the cars reving up, Escorts and TR7's!

166) The model railway museum behind Kwik Save

167) Left Revival’s early because you knew you wouldn’t have a “last dance”

168) Fallen over drunk either on The Oval, County Path, Rugby Fields.

169) Learn't to ride a bike in Craig-y-Don park

170) Played on the “lorry” climbing frame on the West Shore.

171) Remember The Rhoslan, Ivories, Steampacket, Winters, the Old Hall

172) Been on a date to Casanova’s.

173) Wondered where Hughie West lives.

174) Been to The Killer for a steak.

175) You’ve been to the Cottage Loaf on Christmas Eve afternoon, and remembered you forgot to get something just before the shops shut.

176) Remember being in the" gaytones" morris dancing troupe with the lovely auntie fran travelling all over north wales for 50p every saturday

177) Remember Linda Green!

178) Been Climbing Through "Elephants Cave"

179) Mods Camping on the field between the Washington & Revivals (Now The Boulevard)

180) School trips to the Welsh Mountain Zoo

181) TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE being "under the counter" at North Wales Video.

182) Buying ring donughts from the shop at the begining of the pier

183) The Punch and Judy show on the prom in the summer

184) Buying a quater of cola cubes from Reds on Madoc St

185) Hearing the "cricket claps" from the oval at the weekend

186) The Milk Race (bike race) coming down Gloddaeth Avenue!

187) Remember the attempt to make Mostyn Street & Madoc Street into a one way system.

188) The little green (shack) paper shop on the corner where Finney’s is.

189) You know who Professor Codman's is.

190) You are in some way related to a Palin, Hender or Flanagan.

191) Emlyn was your driving instuctor.

192) Would never get a date on a Sunday, because every girl was recording the Top 40.

193) You’ve asked someone in your house for something that’s not on this bloody list.

194) Little John Brights before Big John Brights

195) Renting a video from Jubilee Video

196) Bought a hamster or Goldfish from the old pet shop next door to fountains

197) Have been barred from Winters by Beryl. Then being let back in the night after

198) Bought jeans in Horesh only to find the same pair in JW Discounts 5 quid cheaper

199) Always wondered why there was a till and cards on the ceiling of Flix

200) Used to learn to drive in the old ASDA car park on a Sunday afternoon

201) If you have been hit by or had a board duster thrown at you by Mr Hearne in John Bright

202) went to the Links Hotel on a Sunday for your tea in the 'New Conservatory' and had chicken in a basket, sausage in a basket or splashed out on the Carvery

203) Your Mum spending hours on Halloween digging out and bending all the spoons doing a swede for you spent the whole night smelling like burnt swede!!! The string handles broke before you left the house, and you used the ash on the swede as your face make-up

204) Ever went to the Chocolate Box on Christmas or New Years day as it was the only shop you knew would be open

205) Remember when there was a number 1 & 2 in Kings Road

206) Called Mad Rosie names to get a chase

207) Your street was closed down for a kids party to celebrate the queens silver jubilee in 1977

208) You remember the Brewery warehouse in Crag-y-don.

209) Remember there being NO roundabout at the links.

210) Santas Grotto in Westmorelands.

211) Got records from cat woman in Telefusion.

212) Tony Burton selling papers outside Burtons.

213) The Embassay restaurant in St George's Place.

214) The 2 chimneys and the gasworks

215) You were terrified of Mr Williams all through Ysgol Tudno, until you had him for a class teacher in your last year and realised he was brilliant!

216) School trips to Chester zoo, when packed lunches were devoured before you got to Colwyn Bay and the crappy souvenirs you brought home

217) Remember being beaten up by Hardy and Bernie on the way to school

218) Listened to records on the headphones in Telefusion.

219) Remember phoning the Leun Hong for a Chinese and then phoning a taxi to pick it up and bring it to your house

220) Been in a pub (any pub) when Llandudno Rugby Club are out celebratin' a win and feelin a little uneasy. Mike Hughes, Jock, Ja New, Ja Roberts, Dinky, Bobby, Choo choo, Skid, (Me), Si & Pete Beards, John and Dave Davies, JimCoy, Tommy Lyness etc etc (seems ages ago)

221) Remember when Kaz Ginge became Kaz Black

222) Knew which pubs in town would serve snakebite

223) Going to Williams Typewriters or WH Smith a few days before school and buying / stealing all your pens

224) Watching live aid in the shop window that is now TSB/Bodyshop (think it was Currys)

225) Remember going to the Dolphin bar on the pier to see the talent show, also remember the West Shore mob on stage singing

226) The Corrona Pop man, 'every bubble has passed its Physical'

227) Remember Dai Sav

228) Knew Perigreeno from the West Shore who used to wear a plastic bag on his head

229) Know that Sunday night always finished in Bartons / Annabelles

230) Heard Kev Talbot sing "the coward of the county"

231)You know someone who became a plasterer, decorator, or carpenter overnight, after the 1993 floods.

232) You got woken up at 5am by Seagulls or the Northern Dairies Milk-float.

233) You called people from Llanrwst 'Sheep-Sha**ers' then were called the same name yourself by people from Manchester & Liverpool.

234) You could 'accidently' bump into the penny-pusher machines in the Goose causing the coins to drop without setting off the alarms.

235) You banged your seat up and down when the cartoons came on during Saturday morning pictures at The Astra.

236) You wouldn't dance at Winter's unless you'd had a skinfull.

237) You tried to dance like 'Hartley' at Winter's, but couldn't as you'd had a skinfull.

238) You clapped your hands in rythym to R. Dean Taylor's "There's a Ghost in my house" at Winter's.

239) You tripped over the ladies' handbags on the dancefloor at Winter's.

240) You knew 'Savoy' wasn't Mike's real surname.

241) Your school uniform came from 'Davies the Jew'.

242) Your school shoes came from 'Clarkes' in Lloyd St and had a tiny 'C' on the side of the heel.

243) You tried to 'cop off' with Hot Zoe the Simons' fairground girl in the tight yellow cords.

244) You know that 'Squatters' isn't a place where women use the toilet.

245) You know that 'Pigeons' never has any Pigeons in sight.

246) You used to sign on the dole in Argyll Road.

247) You got treated for barnacle cuts by Frank Ash in the St John Ambulance caravan near the pier gates after jumping off the pier.

248) You remember the Dolphin Bar caberet got better as you drunk more beer.

249) You remember Linda Green going past on the Variety Club Sunshine Coach.

250) You remember 'Merfyn' out and about in his green snorkel parka.

251) You support a major Premiership team "and Wrexham".

252) You did your Christmas shopping for those insignificant family members at 'Billy Lal's'.

253) You remember kids in your class at the old Pwll Nofio getting-off swimming lessons as they "had a Ferruka" on their foot.

254) You got your ear peirced at the little shop next-door to Premier Tobacco.

256) Remember kev chin running the loaf and knowing that you would get served at the age of 15

257) Had a fag in the Boz cafe (kept out of Vecciho`s cause it wasn`t cool)

258) Know who Sonny Hale was

259) Had Kickers in different colours from Fox clothing

260) Remember running like hell if someone said the Parrotts were coming

261) Are stunned when you see the amount of people who que for food at home cooking

262) Still call the Town House by the name Plumes

263) Actually complete and participate in the 'spot the dog' in the Weekly News

264) Remember George the bloke who used to come around and get the pools and spot the ball coupons

265) Remember the old playground outside the old Asda, it was a helicopter climbing frame, log slide and the cafe.

266) Wrote your dedication of love to somebody in the Stones on the Summit

267) Remember Father Francis the Singing Monk who used to sing and Knit outside Woolies on a Saturday afternoon

267) Remember the Rowing boats with Davy Nicko & the Pleasure/Fishing boats with Johnie Rog

268) Drank in the Tiger Bar, the Harrington or the Ven

269) Spent weekends at home watching 'Tales of the Unexpected' while your Mum and Dad went to the West Shore Club to play Bingo

270) Got drunk in the Pier Head bar

271) Were able to get served in Old Hall Rock Night when you were sixteen, and then were outraged when they refused you at seventeen after the government tightened under-age drinking laws!

272) Know what "All persons wearing red arm bands,out of the water and dressed please" meant.

273) Have touched "the twin sisters" on west shore,(the rocks sticking out of the sea, just in case you were getting the wrong idea)

274) Have tried to keep the smell of Alcohol of your breath by sucking Polo mints at the YJB discos to throw the teachers' "off the scent".

275) Remember walking down steps to a lovely sandy beach on the North and West Shore

276) Remember all the heavies running up to the speakers to play their "air guitars"when Motorhead were on in YJB discos

277) Remember shouting abuse at 'Uggs' near Trinity Church just so he would shout "you're not my son"

278) Have seen 'Pikey' sing the begining of "shout" by Lulu in Wetherspoons on NYE (probably about 6 times now)

279) Always think "Superbowl" as a fun alternative night out instead of going on the lash and then going out after Superbowl anyway

280) Ordering your Broadway taxi from the garage thinking no one will be able to pinch it, then walking round the corner to find 40 other people looking shady in the garage

281) Accidentally seen someone "at it" on the prom

282) been seen "at it" on the prom

283) Lived on the Orme and waited for the council to replace some cement in the tram tracks so you could write your name in it

284) The realisation the world was going to change when the corner shop closed down on the Orme

285) Remember running down that really steep hill from the summit

286) Used a Bin lid in the tram track sledge game

287) Sledging on the Golfee on the Orme when it snows

288) Were on first name terms with Chris, Pete and Smoff of Caesear's top o' town (sorry Sian)

289) Realised that not even the locals knew when Gardners chippy would be open

290) Unwittingly know loads of obscure Pink Floyd songs thanks to Billy West

291) Remember when that cafe opposite the town hall was a newsagents

292) Remember going to TCW above North Wales Video to play on the one video game after school

293) Would imagine everyone in town at some point has made a comment about the "special" chap who's family used to run jasmine house

294) Start recognizing the 'Big Issue' sellers and feel suspicious when they're s a new one around

295) Think the worst busker in the world - the little woman with a keyboard and pug nosed dog

296) Spent 'black' 50p pieces for weeks after the 'big' Asda fire of '76

297) Were terrorised by (John) McGroity if ever you went near the oval or walked down trinity avenue

298) Remember when Jackie Parry's (welsh teacher) skirts and accompanying legs were the dreams of many adolescent boys!!!

299) Remember that the Town House was called the Tudno even before it was called Plumes, and The Harrington used to be next door to Marks and Spencer

300) Remember when the Fat Cat was games unlimited and the Lounge was the Gresham

301) Remember going to the Roller Disco in the Aberconwy Centre & enjoyed bombing round in your Freddie says RELAX t shirt.

302) Getting the tram up to the Great Orme summit and writing your name and wish with the Limestone rocks above Bishops Quarry

303) Sitting in that 1960's tacky cafe at the Summit and getting a numb arse on the hard chairs having being forced to sit there and behave as a kid!

304) Taking first lick of Mr Wippy's 99 (Ice Cream for the dirty minded lol) and having a Seagull swoop and steal it

305) Remember waiting for the two ice cream caravans on the west shore to close for the day and looking for dropped change underneath the platforms in front of the serving hatches

306) Sailing silly little wooden yaughts bought at the Wedgewood in the yachting pond and being able to tell who was better off than you because of the size of their bigger silly yaughts!!!!!!!

307) Played football on the green in front of the church on the West Shore to the annoyance of passnig motorists when the ball hit their windscreens

308) Planned to jump into the paddling pool in your school uniform on the last day - only to find there's no water in it

309) Remember Ronnie Wynne doing back drops in Winters

310) Remember Beryl from Winters shouting your barred, you are not coming in this week "cos you're under age"

311) Remember sitting with feet in the paddling pool on North Shore watching the sun come up after Broadway with a crate of Viborg from the Chocky Box

312) Went to a party at Starr's house...and trashed it

313) Remember waking up after a night at Rock/punk night in the Old Hall when you were 15, and only remember where you'd been the previous night cause you could smell the place on your clothes, then jumping in the shower to wash the smell of 'cause you knew your parents would recognise the smell from when they used to go there when they were younger.

314) Remember going round town collecting Coke rings for the 5p splash down at the Royal

315) Remember the ski lodge burning down

316) Climbing on the roofs of Ysgol Tudno.

317) Putting your finger in an old light socket in the primary school yard before they put a cork in it.

318) Jumping through the holes in the railings at full pelt at Ysgol Tudno, a space you'd be hard pushed to get a thigh through now.

319) Calling the canteen women "Auntie" for some reason.

320) Being petrified when Traversi threw a piece of rock wrapped in wallpaper with a list of threats scrawled on the back into the playground.

321) Drinking in town then getting on the bus for half-fare and going to the Old Hall.

322) Remember Lyons' toy shop acros the road from the Clarence

323) Had your bike fixed at Orme Cycle by the guy with the large dent in his head

324) You spelled your name with white rocks on the Orme by the summit, and wrecked somebody elses' name especially the Easter People Cross

325) Got a chase around the West Shore from Hitler by shouting Hitler at him

326) Sticking your head through the railings on the pier because rumour had it somebody got stuck

327) Had an ice cream from the old booth outside ASDA

328) Having to walk from Madoc street across the Boots car park,then down the alley between the library and Halfords to get onto Mostyn Street.

329) Remember Sonny riding his bike playing his harmonica

330) Wondered why that barman in the Old Hall always wore a string vest winter or summer

331) Used to lick your fingers when playing 'Track & Field' in the Goose to make you run faster, then complained when it wouldn't work 'cos the buttons were clogged up with people's phlegm

332) Used to drink in Tiffany's until you were old enough to drink elsewhere

333) Knew that Greasy Lil spat in the chip fat to see if it was hot enough and still went there for chips

334) Had a ticket to go see The Smiths in the Astra, only to be gutted that the gig was canceled on the day 'cos some sod at the gig the night before in Coventry threw a sharpened 50p at Morrissey and it got him in the head

335) Climbed half-way over the Orme to get into the Summer firework displays without paying "
http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=ai82mqa5b0tmekth7n059j36k3&topic=222.msg3699#msg3699

Picture Paints A Thousand Words.

2012-01-14T08:33:00.000Z

A total of £700m in North Wales alone being paid in benefits.

2012-01-13T19:18:00.023Z

Now here is an interesting piece, can you believe that the amount of benefits that are being paid in just Aberconwy, an average £1,036 per person, now beside the 2 free prescriptions that I had in the last year, which does not count in these figures in any case I've had sweet FA out of the system, factor in the rest of the family and close friends who have had nothing, just where is the money going?
To be honest it really really pisses me off.
Sorry for the language but it really does.
A total of £700m in North Wales alone being paid in benefits.

"Here's an interesting statistic.
£57,000,000 was spent providing benefits in the Aberconwy constituency*.
The population of Aberconwy is about 55,000**.
Benefits provided per head of population amount to £1,036.
Bear in mind that the figure does not include Pensions."
David Roberts, Three Towns Forum

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/01/13/north-wales-benefits-bill-tops-700m-55578-30113806/

http://www.assemblywales.org/10-013.pdf

Funny Old World.

2012-01-13T18:55:00.000Z

I have long thought it to be a funny old world at times, and today was no different.
I refer to the fact that earlier our esteemed ARSEmbly member Finch-Saunders was seen sitting in the front window of her office window, blinds drawn there she was with two others sitting in her publicly funded premises like a mannequin for all to see, no doubt proud as punch.
What was wrong with having a small office at a fraction of the alledged cost?
Is this good use of public money,bearing in mind how much the rent, rates, and utilities will cost for such a premises?
Is there any wonder that the majority of people these days have such little time for politics and some of the people it attracts?

I also wonder when other people in the county have been refused permission for illuminated signs above and outside their premises how the Welsh Assembly have been allowed to have such as sign above her office, for the Assembly have offices above in Madoc Street Llandudno.
They have been given permission haven't they?
If so why when so many others have been refused?

If Only!

2012-01-13T17:10:00.000Z

IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Today was an apt time to read the above poem,.
Several lines very much apply to me at present, time will be the fixer, but I have enjoyed taking the time to read the poem again, I hope some of you do to.

Any Answers Windy?

2012-01-12T19:23:00.000Z

When the man who had been a patient of Glan Clwyd committed that awful murder in the Cannery Islands, the one were he decapitated an innocent woman Windy Millar promised us some answers as to why the murderer had been released in the 1st place.
A long time later I have seen no answers, anybody else heard anything?

"When Mr Millar visits Glan Clwyd hospital with his leg he'll have the opportunity to again ask BCUHB management whether Deyan Deyanev absconded or was discharged before he went on to Tenerife to hack off that poor womans head.
He will have to take care if visiting the Ablet mental health unit as it no longer has a secure/locked ward for dangerous patients."
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health-news/2011/06/13/darren-millar-it-takes-a-tragedy-for-serious-questions-about-mental-health-to-be-raised-91466-28865634/

A Cool Million.

2012-01-12T18:08:00.000Z

"A BRAND new £1m bistro cafe, training facility and entertainment spot is to replace a derelict building on Colwyn Bay’s high street.
The Judge and Jury pub and its upper floors date back to around 1892 and will now be renovated by drug and alcohol charity Cais, following an application to Conwy’s planning department.
Cais says the new building is not a treatment facility for recovering addicts and alcoholics, but a venue to train those recovering from addiction, giving them job prospects and qualifications. The charity already operates a treatment service at the nearby Dawn Centre on Prince’s Drive.

The pub is still open for business but the building and its dilapidated upper floors are now going through the final stages of sale negotiations with the private owner.
Once complete, the Grade II listed building will feature a cafe/ takeaway, entertainment space, training kitchen, meeting rooms and offices for the Probation Service.
Clive Wolfendale is the chief executive of Cais and believes the £1m investment can only help the
town’s regeneration effort.
“We are bringing in just over £1m to Colwyn Bay,” he said. “We are excited about the project."

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2012/01/05/1m-revamp-for-derelict-building-in-colwyn-bay-55243-30060849/

A Difference of a opinion.

2012-01-12T17:56:00.000Z

Looks like the Editor of the North Wales Weekly News does not agree with a reader who wrote in to complain about the poor value for money the Weekly News is at 80 pence, the editor says that she thinks the paper is good value for money and we readers should remember that they are also a business employing local people and contributing to the local economy!
Well they may employ some local people, but no where near as many people as they did say 20 years or more ago when the paper was actually printed and published in Llandudno Junction, someone told me last week that even Judith only works a couple of days a week, that figures by the amount of real news that is published.
How many local people who live withing the county do they employ that are NOT part time ?
I doubt the number gets even to double figures.
What happened I wonder to the old saying the customer is always right?

2012-01-12T10:25:00.001Z

"Only 2 things can reveal life’s great secrets:
suffering and love "

What's up Doc?

2012-01-12T08:48:00.001Z

Word has it that things have gone wrong with the redevelopment of the railway station site in Llandudno, what exactly has gone wrong though?
Two different people, usually spot on tell me that all is not good there.

Trouble At Local Citizens Advice.

2012-01-11T19:56:00.001Z

"Gillian Brocklehurst was a volunteer at Cylch Conwy District CAB for four years until she was told her services were no longer required in July last year.

Documents on the case show that Phil Ward, the charity’s chair, told her that this was because of her "disruptive behaviour".

Brocklehurst told Third Sector she denied this and claimed she had been dismissed for expressing concerns about the way the bureau was run. She wrote to Gillian Guy, chief executive of the national body, Citizens Advice, expressing her dissatisfaction.

The national body instructed the chairs of two other Citizens Advice bureaux in Wales to investigate the matter. After completing their investigation they wrote to Brocklehurst saying "verbal evidence" supported the view that she had been disruptive. But they also said they did "not find that there was a strong reason to ask you to leave"."

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/Communications/article/1111380/former-citizens-advice-volunteer-demands-report-dismissal/

Reader Comment On Local Politics.

2012-01-11T19:21:00.003Z

"As i have said before,most councillors are on there for political gains for their parties and have NO interest in Llandudno as a holiday resort or a major shopping location they are turning up at meetings with no interest in the town whatsoever.
JFS has only one interest and that's making sure the Conservatives are the biggest group and ok she does like C-Y-Don park but as for the town ,forget it.
Plaid have only one aim and that is to get more welsh signs and usage,which is fine but not at the expense of the town.
Labour are the same as JFS only interested in politics, if only they realised that shops and tourism meant jobs they might wake up and then we have our independents,Conservatives,liberals,reds, nationalists all hiding behind the word INDEPENDANT,so until we get councillors under the party Llandudno Welfare party we have no chance"

" Wrek's take on the local councillors over on the forum Oscar"!

North Wales to lose three MPs in political boundary shake up.

2012-01-11T16:26:00.002Z

"North west Wales currently returns MPs for Aberconwy, Arfon, Clwyd West, Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Ynys Môn. But their combined electorates would only qualify for three seats under the rules."

Right here in a nut shell it means that we will have either Guto Bebb or David Jones as the Conservtive candidates at the next election, I presume that the successful candidate will be either nominated by the combined Conservative associations or will it go to an open vote like the heavily Conservative influanced open meeting that saw Janet Finch-Saunders gain the nomination?
Either way only one will fight the seat.
As the saying goes,
"All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs."

Sad end for one of them
.http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/01/11/north-wales-to-lose-three-mps-in-political-boundary-shake-up-55578-30098287/

Barking Bonkers Haworth Again.

2012-01-09T18:37:00.000Z

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Cllr Bonkers Haworth and Her Neighbours!":
http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/attendance_in_response_to_reques#incoming-234449

"I find it somewhat unbelievable and suspect that if Cllr. Howarth is truly an elected member on the Isallt Advisory Panel, then surely she should know the staffing levels and quality of staff employed there?
What does she do at these meetings?
I thought she was supporting Isallt not slating it.
Why is she on this Panel and what is her role? Furthermore, why was she seen attending the Coffee Morning if she is so against this hostel?
Incidentally, I also found her remarks about the Jewish people offensive and ignorant.
This is the 21st Century!
Is this really the kind of narrow minded Councillor we want in this area?
A very concerned neighbour. "

The above reader hits the nail on the head, If Haworth is on the board of Isallt why has she gone behind their backs to ask the police of all people what the staffing levels are at the home?
Is this the sort of person the good people of Gogarth want to represent them at county level and indeed on outside bodies?
She already has blown it on the other ward hence her jumping ship to this ward in the most devious back stabbing way one could imagine.

http://thoughtsofoscar.blogspot.com/2011/12/bonkers-haworth-and-her-neighbours.html

To Tweet Or Not To Tweet, That Is The Question?

2012-01-09T17:06:00.001Z

https://twitter.com/#!/NWPKateParker

I have received a couple of comments today that I have not published for they are of a personal nature and one of which I suspect came from a serving officer, in a nut shell but not so polite they question the Twitter activities of a police officer as I have done in the past with asking about a PCSO's use of FaceBook.
I have quite enjoyed looking at PC Kate's tweets and they are harmless and little more than a commentary of what she is doing during her working day.

The only query I may have, is this what a PC should be doing in their work time and not their personal time?
Would the manager of Asda or Nat West Bank be happy for a staff member to be tweeting in the firms time?
What about a council officer tweeting about their day having to put up with Hardwick say?
Not that long ago a new Chief executive banned council workers from reading blogs in the council time.
When the local MP was say running his office would he have been happy for a member of his staff to be using the works phone or indeed her own phone to tweet about their day and what was going on?
These are publicly funded officers and a few people have had difficulty in getting an officer to attend and incident and could these cause a few more problems than it could ever solve?

I have an idea that she is being used as a PR exercise by her superiors as a form of closing the gap between the police and the public, in which case all is well as long as she exercises caution which to date she has.
My complaints of the PCSO's and Police Officers FaceBook accounts were of a different nature, I have no complaints about this Twitter account as long as it is realised she is doing this in work time and her superiors are happy with that, which I'm sure they are.

*
Please note that comments of a personal nature will not be published.
PS,

"no probs. this is new way for #nwp to communicate & connect with people.
Hope it's a success #nopressureonpcparker!"

It would appear that this post is obsolete as Kate has stated that this is the new way for the police to communicate.

Reader Comment

2012-01-04T19:00:00.000Z

"Happy New Year Oscar! Thought you might like this photo of broken promises
and shattered dreams! A sad white rabbit standing in his prison in a
sandstorm in the midst of a sea of sand in front of the pitiful remains of
Penmorfa; the old Gogarth Abbey Hotel. In spite of all the warnings the
developers of the Penmorfa site were allowed to demolish the historical
building promising that a faithful copy would rise from the ashes. What
are we left with but the just a few undemolished remnants and sand. It’s
even become a dumping ground for their unused machinery! Our honoured
County Councillor Margaret Lyons election promise regarding removing and
stopping drifting sand is also shown up for the sham it was. Was the woman
blatantly lying about her intent or was she just stupidly thinking she
could be the King Canute of the sand dunes? Either way she now just looks
to be a liar or totally incompetent, no wonder the Conservative Party have
cast her adrift realising that she is a liability. Hopefully this years
local council elections will blast the majority of the current load of
hopeless, money grabbing, self-important, wasters back into the mediocre
obscurity they came from. We all hope the next lot will be better but
don’t hold your breath, there are just too many folk from all parties who
want a cushy life with comfortable remuneration for doing as little as
possible for as long as possible! Why do we nearly always give positions
of power to those with the biggest mouths, widest pockets and fattest
arses?"

Missive From Weekly News.

2012-01-04T09:53:00.001Z

I must be a bit thick but I am not sure what Judith's message actually means, but this arrived yesterday from Judith, what is the reason for not having up to date news and actually featuring peoples concerns such as the Christmas lights?
Can any reader please enlighten me further please?

"FYI. This will appear in Thursday's paper."

"ATTITUDES are contagious – are yours worth catching?
The media is often accused of being negative and taking the easier option of writing about people moaning and complaining, but seldom asking what can be done to improve things.
That’s not to say the media has a particular all-powerful influence over whether things improve or not, but newspapers have a part to play in shaping people’s attitudes and outlooks, either consciously or subconsciously.
So while the Weekly News will still not shy away from reporting the bad news – bad news is what makes the good news good, after all – we will in 2012 endeavour to take a more positive approach when we can to some of the stories we cover.
In no way do we want to become blind to the unhappy truths of life, and nor do we want to shield readers from what is really going on out there.
But perhaps, in these hard times in the midst of a recession that is cutting sharper and deeper than any in living memory, it is time to put on a brave face, fix that stiff upper lip we British are known for, and try and make a change simply by being more positive.
So when we run a story highlighting a failing or disappointment, we will try to consider how it might have happened, and what might be done to prevent it happening again, or getting any worse.
The Weekly News cannot pretend to solve things, but we can stand up with a positive attitude and ask what can be done to make things better. A positive attitude may not solve all our problems, but it might annoy enough people to make it worth the effort!
We hope readers will join us in this positive step forward in 2012."
--
Judith Phillips
Senior Multi Media Journalist
Trinity Mirror North Wales
01492 574348 (voicemail)

How Old Is The News?

2012-01-04T09:48:00.000Z

It turns out that the Weekly No News is now using photographs on it's front page that are 29 years old!
How bad does it have to get before the editorial team get a rocket up their arses?

"The front page NWWN photo this week of snow on the prom appears to date from the 1970s or early 80s, as the lamposts have not been painted white for many years..."

"Excellent observation skills, DaveR.
It was taken in 1982 by Gareth Pritchard.
As confirmed today in flashBACK on page 26 of the Daily Post."
http://threetownsforum.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,483.msg38637.html#msg38637

Drugs Trial Under Way.

2012-01-03T17:17:00.000Z

Seems the long awaited trial was due to begin today of some local persons.
I still can't get over how they appear to have had bail over such serious charges, never the trial is underway.

Trading Standards and .credit liability insurance, reader comment.

2012-01-03T17:12:00.002Z

The reader is referring to a consumer type web site,http://www.qype.co.uk/ukl13-llandudno?from_search=
They suggest a web site could be set up by trading standards.

Esther Ranting has left a new comment on your post "Autumn of my working life!":
"Trading standards should run such a website where the complaints would be scrutinised by trading standards to ensure they were genuine.
Dealing with businesses that are credit worthy is another problem for the consumer. Credit rating checks are available on the net but they cost and are not always up to date. A member of my family lost £6000 to a serial Ltd company swindler who walked away scott free. The customers of Farepak are set to lose 85% of their money while the administrators bill is around £8.2 million, there's no justice for the consumer.
It's about time that all LTD companies were made to have customer credit liability insurance to protect us from the serial insolvents and business incompetents. "

.Llandudno Junction Reader comment,

2012-01-03T17:08:00.004Z

"i would like to comment on the work that has taken place in llandudno junction area.
1.the new pavement and railings at jct roundabout.
2.new railings opposite station terrace.new pavement by scaffolding depot.
3.new pavement outside old bank/new flats.4.new pillars outside co-op.5.huge new bowl by traffic lights.
what a waste of money.
if it ain't broke why fix it.then along comes contractors digging up the pavements.whats happened to old flagstones and railings.have they been recycled for someone elses use?
pillars outside co-op should be railings.to prevent cars parking on double yellow lines.whats the reason for the bowl?

did a.s.k.pay for new flags outside flats.our money is being wasted again?why arnt the spending on facilities for. the youth of the junction......ps how about a better Xmas tree.in maelgwyn car park the 1 there looks pathetic "

Thank You.

2012-01-03T13:49:00.001Z

One group of council workers who are their weight in gold are the CCTV operators who work for the council.
In fairness to those people who work around the clock the area is a much safer place to be, if indeed they do not deter some of the mindless thugs and thieves they at least help apprehend those responsible for much of the thefts and anti social behaviour in the county.
Pubs and shops have a radio link direct to the CCTV control room and in seconds the cameras have the incident on camera.
I am told that if it were not for these people many would feel a lot less safe and many more offences would go undetected for there is very little police presence on the streets as most cruise around in cars being reactionary rather than preventative.
Now that Christmas and New Year is over it is likely we won't be seeing even the token Bobby about for some time on foot as they will be busy in their cars and we will be left with a couple of snap happy plastic coppers who have very little influence on crime in the town for they are far too busy befriending the bench drunks and scally's than deterring them from their habitual ways that cause the town damage in reputation.
The control room have I am told direct links to the emergency services, so whilst we go about our everyday routines it is nice and comforting to know that we are being looked after by these good people.
I would like to thank these members of council staff for keeping watch over us whilst most of us do not even realise what a fine job they do.
Not a very eloquent post as I have posted whilst I remembered to about this valuable service that goes in the main unnoticed.

Request Has Been Passed To Another Department!

2012-01-03T10:29:00.000Z

Some will remember that Windy The Shagger Millar took an assistant on this trip to South Africa, allegedly at our expense, the hanger on was his church buddy, one Conwy councillor by the name of Rowlands.

"Oscar
Could you please tell me the following
a, Darren millar's recent trip to South Africa, was he on his own
or was he accompanied?
b, If accompanied who was with him please?
c, What was the total cost involved for each person involved and
what class of ticket did they purchase?
Yours faithfully,
Oscar"

"I have not found any information that fits this description. However, I believe that the National Assembly for Wales holds information which you are seeking. You can ask them for the information at the following address. Alternatively, I can transfer your request to them. Please inform me in writing by 29 November if you would like me to transfer your request."

It appears Windy is not known at the "people, place and corporate services dept of the ARSEmbly!

To All Friends Of The Blog.

2011-12-31T20:06:00.000Z

More than anything else I wish health , peace and joy to you and your loved ones in the New Year, without those things, the bumps in the road of life are a darn sight harder to cope with.
I hope and wish that you will tell your loved ones how much you think of them whilst they are still here and well, if they're not well, still tell them how much they mean to you, it's no use when they are gone, best say your piece whilst you can, don't be shy, at worst write them a nice card when they least expect to get one and tell them how you feel.
Too many live a life of regret and self flagellation when they loose a loved, it's a pointless exercise, we all only have today, use it wisely.

Don't worry about what people think of you, just keep your side of the street clean, remember if you don't give a shit about someone in the first place, then why would you worry what they think of you?
Exactly, waste no energy on certain people, they just are not worth it.
I sincerely wish that you do not have any serious money worries next year, that sort of worry can't be good for the mind or the spirit and a relationship can suffer when things get hard and if you don't share with each other.
No material things in the world can replace the great relationship between a dear friend or loved one, yes material things can buy much, but they ain't the bee all and end all of life, it's the people who count not the "things".
I do agree that money can buy a better class of misery, but try and solve any misery rather than live with it.
I wish you all well for a safe loving New Year and for those who lost a dear one in 2011 my thoughts are with you all.
In spite of everything most of us are truly blessed and there are at the end of the day only a few things and people that truly matter, keep a perspective of life and keep grateful for the little things, for it is they that matter.
Good Night and God Bless and have a good one!

Well Deserved?

2011-12-31T13:34:00.000Z

Just what has Jonathan Jones from the ARSEmbly done for tourism in this part of Wales to deserve a CBE?
I wonder who nominated him in the first place?

"Jonathan Jones, from Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, who is director of tourism and marketing for the Welsh government, is awarded a CBE."

David Jones @DavidJonesMP 4h
"Well done Jonathan Jones, WAG's director of Tourism and Marketing, on his CBE.
A really big honour."

Tweet Tweet!

2011-12-31T13:23:00.000Z

Richie8599 @Mr5W 1h

" Just picked up at Asda!
A member of our local constabulary is parked out side in a sqaud car!
She is laden with shopping!!! Mmm tax payer!!"

Watch out there's an Oscar About!

2011-12-31T13:16:00.001Z

Nice to see that Oscar Roberts had a letter in the Daily Post as well as the Weekly No News having a moan about Christmas lights.
Lets not knock it, any publicity for the Piss Poor lights put on by the Piss Poor Llandudno Town Council is good for the cause.
The more Oscar's and anyone else who is for a better performance from the town council and it's ineffective councillors the better!

Worth A Read.

2011-12-31T09:02:00.004Z

Interesting article on the difference between the High Street and out of Town shopping centres in the paper yesterday.
I doubt the clock will ever be turned back now.

"The stark divide between the High Street and out-of-town shopping centres was highlighted yesterday as Hammerson, which runs Birmingham’s iconic Bullring and nine other UK malls, reported bumper festive trading.
The property firm said stores within its sites attracted over 2.5m shoppers in the three days after Christmas.

Brent Cross in North London had its busiest ever Boxing Day, luring 65,000 bargain-hunters to the sales – 27 per cent more than last year.
In total, more than 900,000 shoppers visited Hammerson’s sites on December 27, the chain’s busiest day in December.

A spokesman claimed there has been a seismic shift in the public’s attitude to retail parks in the past few years. He said: ‘Five years ago they would have just shopped. Now they’re shopping, having something to eat and spending an evening at the cinema.’
Explaining why shopping centres have thrived, he said several big chains have thrown their lot in with shopping centres while cutting back on their High Street branches.

Meanwhile in the wake of the collapse of D2 Jeans, founder Sir Tom Hunter laid the blame on its administration at the door of the major chain stores.
Hunter, who had sold the business some time ago, said: ‘You’ve got supermarkets and the Primarks of the world coming in. ‘It’s very cut-throat and there’s less to go around as people cut back’.
At the same time fashion chain White Stuff has warned the recent spate of High Street store closures has triggered a vicious cycle because they deter new companies from moving in.
Chief executive Sally Bailey said: ‘It’s a shame for these towns, but we can’t expose ourselves to those risks.’

Elsewhere, beleaguered mother-and-baby chain Mothercare is understood to again be in the crosshairs of private equity firm Cinven.
Previous reports suggested the retailer could be snapped up for £150m. Mothercare shares finished up 2 per cent yesterday at 166.75p on the back of renewed speculation about a possible sale. "

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/markets/article-2079996/Mall-firm-Hammerson-reports-bumper-festive-trading-shopping-centres-thrive.html

Weekly No News.

2011-12-30T17:26:00.002Z

News must have been very scarce or Judith Philips had not been fed much information from her colleagues for the front page of these weeks paper was taken up with the news of a fundraiser effort that raised the sum of £70 for the Hospice.
Now when one thinks of the efforts many other persons and groups have made to raise money for the Hospice one will realise that the Weekly News has been way over the top with putting this story on the front page.
This is the same house by the way that Cllr Janet Haworth has seen fit to put a Freedom of Information request in about the management and police resources that the home is taking up.
The Weekly News for 78pence a week has long been taking it's readers for granted but I can't help but wonder in which direction it is now going with it's lack of local news.
I've said it many times before, it saddens me to see this once good weekly paper going where its heading.

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2011/12/29/homeless-youngsters-raise-money-for-st-david-s-hospice-55243-30025104/

http://thoughtsofoscar.blogspot.com/2011/12/bonkers-haworth-and-her-neighbours.html

Hard Labour.

2011-12-30T16:41:00.001Z

If community service is such a worthwhile punishment, and in fairness it has been used to good effect with certain community projects around the county why don't the powers that be get some of these people to go and shovel the sand back onto the beach.
I remember having to do some hard physical work and used to go home and be tired out of an evening, so tired in fact that after my tea and bath the only place I wanted to go was to bed.
Perhaps this would be the case after some of these youths who seem to have a little too much energy in them, they would be too knackered to get up to too much trouble after a hard day on the shovel.
The sand is a right old mess on the West Shore at present.

Miracle in the alcohol aisle at Wal-Mart.

2011-12-30T08:33:00.002Z

No Winners, update

2011-12-30T08:13:00.001Z

When is this case up for court?

"she has been to llandudno magistrates twice and she is due in crown court middle of january, however this is just for her plea, and the case will then go to trial normally within a couple of months!!
you will find out the dates on here as they become available to the public"

By Anonymous on No Winners. on 12/27/11

I'm sure it won't be the first and it won't be the last time some fellow has been caught paying for a child that is not his, but a Conwy woman has been charged with 15 deception charges for obtaining tens of thousands of pounds off a man claiming money for a child that was not his.
Some years ago a well known local person had a similar experience in his silver wedding year I think it was, a woman told him of a girl that was his child, he demanded a DNA test and low and behold it was his child, this man who has been done was perhaps a little too trusting.
No winners here though.
Why have they kept the name of the defendant out of the papers?

2011-12-29T11:21:00.001Z

Two women friends had gone for a girls' night out. Both were very faithful and loving wives, however they had gotten overly-enthusiastic on the Bacardi Breezers.

Incredibly drunk and walking home they needed to pee, so they stopped in the cemetery.

One of them had nothing to wipe with so she thought she would take off her panties and use them.

Her friend, however, was wearing a rather expensive pair of panties and did not want to ruin them.

She was lucky enough to squat down next to a grave that had a wreath with a ribbon on it, so she proceeded to wipe with that.

After the girls did their business, they proceeded to go home.

The next day, the husband of one of the women was concerned that his normally sweet and innocent wife was still in bed hung over, so he phoned the other husband and said:
"These girl nights have got to stop! I'm starting to suspect the worst. My wife came home with no panties!"

"That's nothing," said the other husband, "Mine came back with a card stuck to her ass that said...

From all of us at the Fire Station. We'll never forget you.' "

An Irish The Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-12-29T08:26:00.000Z

Hardwick, the Roadblock.

2011-12-28T16:45:00.003Z

Interesting that the following comments have been left about Hardwick the Controller, I am told that he is still very much in the habit of overruling his staff, including the new already universally known pain in the arse the conservation officer, one Peter Jones-Hughes.
Cadw submitted a plan for a new entrance at Conwy Castle in conjunction with Jones-Hughes only for Hardwick to later veto the application, thus resulting in refusal and more delay.
So is Hardwick off when Spring comes?

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "If You Can Wait And Not Be Tired of Waiting.": "Roadblock to Conwy's success - in one word only
Hardwick "
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Advice.":

"Hardwick getting the boot next march anyway-this will just add to his woes... "

http://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/published/c00000205/m00002776/ai00032786/$38231.doc.pdf

We Remember The Promises.

2011-12-28T08:51:00.002Z

Am I Wrong?

2011-12-27T11:02:00.001Z

"It is utterly appalling that people can think the act of chasing a wild animal with hounds to the point of exhaustion and then taking pleasure in watching it being killed is acceptable.
"This cruel blood sport has thankfully been made illegal in this country and there is absolutely no desire among the general public to bring it back."

I thought that Fox hunting and similar blood "sports" had been made illegal and put to bed, but according to some news reports there are still hunts taking place and more importantly plans to attempt to repeal the hunting ban.
I reluctantly agree that the culling of various animals has to take place for one reason or another and I suppose foxes are no exception to the rule, what I find very distasteful is the thought of any animal being chased by dogs in fear of it's life only to be caught when exhausted and torn to pieces by the dogs followed by a lot of strange people on horses blowing horns.
Why in any civilised society would we want to kill a wild animal in such a way is beyond me.
When Parliament has so many other items of great importance waiting to be dealt with and at the same time Parliament has more recesses than even teachers seem to have holidays, thus resulting in a delay for many items of great importance to be debated upon, then surly the item of any vote on fox hunting should clearly be put on the back burner for items that have a more direct consequence on the rest of us rather than a few thousand country folk.

Organic Question.

2011-12-27T10:47:00.000Z

Something has been puzzling me for a while but as yet I have not really bothered reading up on.
It is with great sadness that cancer was very much a part of many peoples lives this year and a common thread seems to have been that the patients should buy organic vegetables.

One person I know is on the start of treatment path for cancer that should all thing be well see her having a huge operation at the end of the initial treatment of chemotherapy and radio therapy, during the time she is having the initial treatment she has been told to eat organic as much as possible.
If organic is so beneficial for cancer patients why on earth are well all not trying to eat as much of it as we can, I know cost is a huge issue, but generally speaking we do not read a great deal anywhere mainstream as to the benefits of an organic diet.

Whilst on the subject of cancer I am still convinced that Chernobyl has a huge part to play in the rise in cancer in North Wales, I read recently that the farming restrictions may well be relaxed after God knows how many years here in Wales.
I often wonder and often hear that if the animals have been under such restrictions for so long just what harm have us humans being living in during the same period of time?
Are us humans that biologically different from our 4 legged friends?
The trouble is I no longer trust any Government to tell us the truth and I can't help but wonder just what we have never been told about the long term effects of Chernobyl and other such nuclear incidents.

Where's Bebb?

2011-12-27T09:37:00.000Z

John tells me the following,

"had invite from Guto bebb to tory
event in January to raise money for parliamentary communications"

Has anyone else heard from Guto of late?
His press of late has been as bad as the early days of his candidature, pretty non existent.
Is he still about locally or does he spend most of his time writing questions to various ministerial departments at Westminster?

2011-12-26T19:32:00.001Z

2011-12-26T11:36:00.001Z

I will not let anyone walk through my
mind with their dirty feet. --Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)

2011-12-26T09:21:00.001Z

2011-12-26T09:18:00.001Z

Sales.

2011-12-26T09:15:00.001Z

Just had a quick look at the Mail on line and was quite saddened to see so many photos of shoppers queuing to get into the shops for the sales.
The report in the Mail goes on to say that there are a record number of shops going to be opening their doors today for the 1st time, combination of factors I suppose, but to me this is but a further erosion of family life for those who still have it.
The workers having had a difficult year will be tempted to put their names down to work and the many shoppers being unable to resist a bargain who in truth would be better off keeping their money in their pockets the way the long term economy looks.
I may well be wrong but hey that's the way I see it and our day will be with a few well chosen people.
It would be far easier to still be able to treat Christmas as a sacred 2 day break.
I know everything is back to normal in the States today, but they have more holidays were they do actually treat the day as a holiday, such as Thanksgiving .

Lush Christmas Song! Good!

2011-12-24T11:32:00.002Z

2011-12-24T11:29:00.001Z

I apologise for yet again bringing up the sad state of the so called festive lights in Llandudno again.
Last night I was parked up early evening on Mostyn Street waiting for Mrs Oscar to get some last minute things from M and S and I was watching people and the taking in the scene on Mostyn Street the night before Christmas Eve, a very special time to many and also to me, bugger the rest of the build up, but come the last day or so before Christmas and I get quite emotional remembering Christmas pasts and savouring the present.
This brings me to the abysmal effort of Llandudno council town council in not even coming close into putting any worthwhile effort into Christmas for the many residents and visit who remain loyal to the town.
Why have the lights been out for days and days between Burtons and Hoosons corner?
With the greatest of respect to Rhos on Sea and Conwy when both of those little towns come up trumps against a major town like Llandudno there is something very wrong.
Rhos on Sea lights look new, whilst not being that many of them they look beautiful and as for Conwy having the Castle can not but help but the rest of the town looks gorgeous as do most of the shops.
Llandudno council should on the whole be disbanded and the Clerk and her deputy put on some pile somewhere where they could not cause any more damage to the town.
What are these people thinking in neglecting the town to the extent they are doing?
Is it not about time some of the local people and traders organised an uprising and say loud and clear enough is enough?
There are several traders who used to be quite vocal when it came to the town, many still contact me and the blog, is it not time they came out from the shadows and stood tall and made their views known?
This town is nothing without the many traders, the town could do without the council, but the town could not do without it's people and the many traders.
I have great respect for age, on the whole we younger ones can always learn from older wiser people, but this lot on the town council who a re by and large pensioners are now an exception to the norm, they should retire with some dignity left and now leave the town hall and give the town back to it's people.
For the sake of the town they should stand down en mass next May.

Well Done!

2011-12-24T11:01:00.000Z

The photo does not do this shop window justice, yet again the Yesteryear's Toy Shop in Conwy has pulled out all the stops with their Christmas window.
They should be very proud of their efforts and their continued success is well deserved and may they have many more trading years left in Conwy.

Spare Thought.

2011-12-23T12:02:00.000Z

"Have you thought about your Christmas wish list? Does it include a safe warm bed? A home for your only companion?
A new direction in life?

Homeless charity St Mungo's provides accommodation and support to more than 1,700 men and women each night. "
http://www.mungos.org/about/values_and_objectives

2011-12-23T11:53:00.000Z

Autumn of my working life!

2011-12-23T08:50:00.000Z

As most offices are about to close until the New Year one might as well give up on much being done today, promises made, promises broken, it's all soon to be consigned to being last year's work not done until this year if you know what I mean.
Some years ago I looked at a property and had to act fast, I duly made an offer at 4:00 pm on the Tuesday I think it was and the offer was accepted verbally on the condition it would be a quick completion, I phoned the then person acting for us and was informed subject to the vendors solicitor been co-operative we would complete in 28 days.
In the year 2011 that would have sounded a fanciful claim, but all went well and we did complete in 28 days without me having to chase things up once, it was a pain free transaction from start to finish.
A similar situation had already occurred some 5 years before this.
This person has long since moved on though, more is the pity to many.
This week I moved heaven and earth to get an appointment withing a week, there were 5 people involved and mindful of the extended Christmas break about 8 phone calls, where there was a will and a fee involved I got the appointment sorted and was in, all in less than 7 days when I was initially told that it could take up to 6 weeks.
Talking to a friend who has long since left these shores for a life overseas they stated that one of the reasons they would never come back was the negative way requests were handled and the no can do attitude of this country as opposed to the can do attitude of the States.
The customer no longer on the whole feels special any more, one is made to feel a nuisance for even chasing things up that involve a tasty fee in the first place, one is almost made to feel that one is lucky to have the person dealing with you in the first place.
What options do we have though, perhaps their should be some form of Web site similar to " Trip Adviser" for local firms and companies?
Now that could be an idea!
Seriously though I have never known an age like this for feeling like one is knocking ones head into a wall to get anything done.
If it were not for a prompt system and diary God knows where we would be these days, for it's never as simple as handing a task over and knowing it will get done these days, one has to be on ones toes on a constant basis.
Thank God I am in the Autumn of my working life!
I'm very nearly done and if I wanted to am lucky enough to no longer bother, it just is not worth the hassle.

Where Did Santa Slink Off To?

2011-12-23T08:07:00.002Z

A Family Christmas Message, from " Julie From Llandudno".

2011-12-22T21:01:00.000Z

A nice family bit of early electioneering from Mrs Fallon-Smith complete with husband in police uniform!
Watch out for the county elections next May and no doubt there will be a lot more from where this came from.

2011-12-22T20:07:00.002Z

2011-12-22T20:05:00.001Z

There Is An Imposter Amongst Us!

2011-12-22T19:39:00.001Z

2011-12-22T09:58:00.001Z

Strange is our situation upon earth.
Each of us comes for a short visit,
Not knowing why, yet sometimes
Seeming to a divine purpose.

-- Albert Einstein

Serious Danger Ahead.

2011-12-21T20:20:00.001Z

Who of those of us around at the time will ever forget the devastation that the floods of 1993 brought to many businesses and people homes.
There was a time when a huge drain cleaning machine came to town at least once a year but I have not seen it now for a long time, I have not seen a council drain cleaning machine sucking up debris from the drains for a long time either.
Is there any wonder then that theses drains are blocked all around Llandudno then?
Not rocket science is it?

Lights out.

2011-12-21T20:02:00.003Z

How on earth are the 3 separate chains of Christmas lights still not working between Burtons corner and the Upper Mostyn Street Roundabout.
If this is too much for the Old town councillors to sort out, why does the highly paid Town Clerk or her Deputy not get it sorted out?
It's not that difficult surely?
I harp on that if this was a business it would be sorted within a day