tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40267029487225423592024-03-13T10:53:27.809+00:00The Three Towns BlogRandom thoughts, news, historical articles, musings and photographs from the beautiful Llandudno, Conwy & Colwyn Bay area of North Wales.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-925837954182578322012-05-17T19:07:00.000+01:002012-05-17T19:07:07.249+01:00Time for a new Blog...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All good things come to an end and so it is for the Three Towns Blog. However, all is not lost, I am simply moving over to a new Blog with a simpler design, where the emphasis will be more on Photography. It's already up and running, feel free to come over and say hello:</div>
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<a href="http://www.david-roberts-photography-blog.co.uk/"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>www.david-roberts-photography-blog.co.uk/</b></span></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-68254491108481283382012-05-14T17:49:00.001+01:002012-05-14T17:49:54.578+01:00Deganwy Castle Hotel<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7197113680/" title="Deganwy Castle Hotel"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7197113680_50fddce60f.jpg" alt="Deganwy Castle Hotel by [davidrobertsphotography]" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7197113680/">Deganwy Castle Hotel</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The tired looking Deganwy Castle Hotel awaits the start of renovation work to convert it into a Boutique Hotel and Luxury Apartments after closing a year or two back.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-76530461852052293972012-05-14T08:06:00.001+01:002012-05-14T08:06:29.470+01:00Just a reminder...<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7188698912/" title="Llandudno Bay from Happy Valley"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7188698912_d9d4820b49.jpg" alt="Llandudno Bay from Happy Valley by [davidrobertsphotography]" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7188698912/">Llandudno Bay from Happy Valley</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Just a reminder of what a great part of the world we live in.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-91333753000190668692012-05-07T21:49:00.001+01:002012-05-07T21:49:45.832+01:00Team Extreme at Prom Day!!<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7153036045/" title="Team Extreme!!"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/7153036045_31c0202993.jpg" alt="Team Extreme!! by [davidrobertsphotography]" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7153036045/">Team Extreme!!</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>In spite of the weather, Prom Day at Colwyn Bay seemed to pull in the crowds after a slow start.<br /><br />I especially enjoyed the 'Team Extreme' show, where a group of professional bmx riders, skaters and skateboarders performed stunts. Here's just one shot showing a BMX rider in mid air as he performs a stunt.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-22142286815142016332012-05-05T21:42:00.001+01:002012-05-05T21:43:54.668+01:00Time once again...<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7145549983/" title="Mr. Alexander!"><img alt="Mr. Alexander! by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/7145549983_e2a2de858a.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7145549983/">Mr. Alexander!</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Time once again for the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza. In spite of everything, the sun shone brightly in the end and the crowds turned up in their many thousands. Good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6999592270/" title="It's all going on.... by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/6999592270_75ca37f183.jpg" width="500" height="355" alt="It's all going on...."></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-68285891441775446382012-04-30T11:28:00.001+01:002012-05-01T13:23:55.926+01:00Glyn Rhonwy RAF Bomb Store<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125116983/" title="Glyn Rhonwy"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7125116983_5c2e566a5a.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125116983/">Glyn Rhonwy</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
A visit today (in appalling weather) to the former RAF Bomb Store in Llanberis.<br /><br />In 1939, The Air Ministry took over the former Slate Quarry at Glyn Rhonwy for use as an Ammunition Store. They built a two storey concrete building within the former quarry and piled 40 feet of slate waste on top to disguise it. Unfortunately, a poor design meant that a large section of the building collapsed, burying thousands of tonnes of ammunition and an entire train. As 20% of the entire RAF ammunition supply was stored here, this was a major calamity. The collapsed section was cleared but not rebuilt. The site continued in use until the 1950s. Then it was discovered that hundreds of tonnes of faulty explosives etc had been simply dumped in the lakes by the sides of the quarry. This resulted in a major clean up operation which lasted until 1976. The site is now awaiting development.<br /><br />Full information about this site can be found here:<br /><a href="http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/l/llanberis/index.shtml">www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/sites/l/llanberis/index.shtml</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125112467/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="314" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7125112467_2d979baf75.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125113695/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7125113695_e4e1e24e9c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7125113899/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7125113899_7a042cb7e8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979030196/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="306" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/6979030196_27f46d3bf8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979028620/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6979028620_a767753ab1.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979028176/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="321" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/6979028176_873d223185.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6979024732/" title="Glyn Rhonwy by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img alt="Glyn Rhonwy" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/6979024732_8d5f3a73e2.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-14481266058831509132012-04-24T09:01:00.001+01:002012-04-24T09:10:22.907+01:00Maenofferen Slate Quarry<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7106429483/" title="Maenofferen"><img alt="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7106429483_4e72e2b5fd.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7106429483/">Maenofferen</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
An exploration this weekend of the vast abandoned Maenofferen Slate Quarry at Blaenua Ffestiniog. Once one of the largest slate quarries in the area, it eventually closed in 1998.<br />
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The large complex of buildings where the slate was cut and dressed remains intact, even down to narrow gauage railway engines and wagons standing as they were left on the final day. Time, theft and vandalism have taken their toll but much still remains and the quarry is an important relic of the industry that once employed thousands of local men.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6960358736/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/6960358736_2072482d8c.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7106432465/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7106432465_a2e676788f.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7106421797/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/7106421797_fc3a8e429b.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7106415071/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7106415071_8d8e859676.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957016492/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6957016492_f985a96105.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7107198077/" title="Maenofferen by [davidrobertsphotography], on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7107198077_45bd985ed9.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="Maenofferen"></a>
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A full photo tour of Maenofferen can be found on my Flickr website at:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157629875750261/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/sets/72157629875750261/</a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-80081420711232859712012-04-03T09:40:00.001+01:002012-04-03T09:40:15.225+01:00Bad Day for Piers..<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5582072745/" title="Blue Skies"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5136/5582072745_615f691fbe.jpg" alt="Blue Skies by [davidrobertsphotography]" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5582072745/">Blue Skies</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The news that the Heritage Lottery Fund have declined to contribute £4.9m towards the restoration of Colwyn Bay Pier is certainly a setback to community group Shore Thing's plans, but not a fatal one.<br /><br />Personally, I think Shore Thing would be better served just harnessing the goodwill within the community and get stuck in to tidying the pier up and getting the shoreward end building reopened - it's tatty, certainly, but perfectly usable with a few repairs. Get the cafe going again (maybe in the old bar area to take advantage of the panoramic views), get the tackle shop reopened to bring in some rent, have a display of plans/ideas for the pier, an art gallery etc etc. All this could be done for a few thousand pounds and some volunteer labour. <br /><br />Surely a display of effort and enthusiasm from the local community would make organisations such as the HLF far more likely to contribute in future?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-77060881671650049032012-03-28T10:59:00.001+01:002012-03-28T10:59:26.049+01:00Colwyn Bay Pier Deadlock is broken<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6178003263/" title="Dangerous Structure"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6161/6178003263_1911119253.jpg" alt="Dangerous Structure by [davidrobertsphotography]" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6178003263/">Dangerous Structure</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>After several years, the deadlock over Colwyn Bay Pier's ownership has finally been broken, with Conwy County Borough Council announcing today that it has purchased the structure. A decision is still awaited regarding a Heritage Lottery Fund to kick off the renovation work. At long last, we can look forward to some positive movement for this key element of Colwyn Bay's Promenade.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-49874805015465416282012-03-27T08:26:00.001+01:002012-03-27T08:32:42.936+01:00Extravaganza time is coming!<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5691658376/" title="Llandudno Extravaganza 2011"><img alt="Llandudno Extravaganza 2011 by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5149/5691658376_06101e644f.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/5691658376/">Llandudno Extravaganza 2011</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza will be taking over the streets of Llandudno on May 5th, 6th and 7th May 2012.<br /><br />Visit the Extravaganza Facebook Page for all the latest information:<br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/victorian.extravaganza">http://www.facebook.com/victorian.extravaganza</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-9881236966395526422012-03-25T20:09:00.001+01:002012-03-27T08:33:16.432+01:00Looking across at Conwy Castle<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7014901099/" title="Looking across at Conwy Castle"><img alt="Looking across at Conwy Castle by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6222/7014901099_b020c00cc6.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/7014901099/">Looking across at Conwy Castle</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
I took advantage of the wonderful weather today to have a wander around Conwy. Climbed up the hill to capture this image of the Castle.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-81155861945071147332012-03-21T21:09:00.001+00:002012-03-27T08:33:29.928+01:00Sainsburys arrives...<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6857421742/" title="Sainsburys"><img alt="Sainsburys by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/6857421742_5711eababa.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6857421742/">Sainsburys</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
The new Sainsburys Local store opened in Llandudno today, at the site of the former Woolworths/Alworths in Mostyn Street. Another vote of confidence in the town from a major business. The new Trespass and Cotton Trader stores are also nearing completion.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-12282998125773126852012-03-19T22:41:00.001+00:002012-03-27T08:33:47.629+01:00From Clarence Hotel to Travelodge<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6852023476/" title="Clarence Hotel"><img alt="Clarence Hotel by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/6852023476_f81a2801b2.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6852023476/">Clarence Hotel</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Work has just begun on a £3m project to convert the semi-derelict Clarence Hotel in Llandudno into an 83 bedroom Travelodge. The Clarence Hotel closed several years ago, and its condition has deteriorated considerably since.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-79837496310001497132012-03-18T18:17:00.001+00:002012-03-27T08:34:12.722+01:00Caffe Nero<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6993375113/" title="Caffe Nero"><img alt="Caffe Nero by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6993375113_9aa6958e25.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6993375113/">Caffe Nero</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
The newly opened branch of Caffe Nero in Llandudno is proving to be quite the success. It feels a little bit small inside (although seating is spread across two floors) but the staff are friendly and the coffee/snacks are certainly good. Worth a visit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-63295449007505728062012-03-06T22:08:00.001+00:002012-03-27T08:34:29.398+01:00Top of the Pass<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6960014025/" title="Top of the Pass"><img alt="Top of the Pass by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6960014025_fae0c37a49.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6960014025/">Top of the Pass</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
The Nant Francon is a steep sided glacial gorge dropping to Bethesda between the Glyderau and the Carneddau. The right hand side carries the busy A5 road, whilst the left carries a quiet lane from which this photo was taken.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-29775573060123609852012-03-05T21:53:00.001+00:002012-03-27T08:34:42.241+01:00Looking back at the Lleyn<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957039611/" title="Looking Back..."><img alt="Looking Back... by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6957039611_c2ebe0c1e9.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6957039611/">Looking Back...</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
I went down to Trefor on the Lleyn Peninsula on Sunday in order to take a photographic look around the massive old granite quarry that is there. Whilst climbing up the former Incline to reach the Quarry, I turned around and took this shot of the beautiful coastline down there, with the snow capped mountains of Snowdonia in the distance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-91167824072574844342012-02-19T21:27:00.001+00:002012-02-19T21:30:59.607+00:00Older than we thought...<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4526608954/" title="The Black Lion"><img alt="The Black Lion by [davidrobertsphotography]" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4047/4526608954_17769fb65b.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4526608954/">The Black Lion</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">[davidrobertsphotography]</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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Some interesting news has emerged with regard to one of Conwy's oldest buildings, the <b>Black Lion</b> in Castle Street.<br />
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It now seems that it is far older than previously thought and is now regarded as the 2nd oldest medieval building in Conwy town (Aberconwy House being the first). It has been the subject of a Dendro-Chronology (counting tree rings) lab test and its timbers have been dated as felled in 1441/2 when it was an urban 2 bay open hall house with jointed crucks. The conversion into a stone walled hearth-passage vicarage by Vicar John Brickdall was dated 1589. It therefore has national importance.<br />
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Given this news, isn't it about time that CCBC took a far firmer line with the Owner that has left it to languish in a state of near dereliction? The same owner that wanted to install three en-suite bathrooms and demolish part of the building to build a car port, if my memory serves me correctly! I think its Listing should also be upped to Grade I and it was given a more sympathetic owner willing to treat it with the care its age demands..<br />
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The original article about the history of the Black Lion can be viewed <a href="http://llandudnoandcolwynbay.blogspot.com/2010/04/black-lion-conwy.html">here</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-30063648632439923952012-02-12T15:52:00.001+00:002012-02-12T15:52:35.044+00:00Only Here For The Beer...<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6862155253/" title="Only Here For The Beer..."><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6862155253_89a30a3709.jpg" alt="Only Here For The Beer... by davidrobertsphotography" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6862155253/">Only Here For The Beer...</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Start of the Annual 10Km Nick Beer Road Race on Llandudno Promenade this morning. Over 800 runners took part in the run right around the Orme and back to Venue Cymru. The winner usually completes in around 30 minutes, which is pretty impressive!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-1728283890124047792012-01-16T17:07:00.001+00:002012-01-16T17:07:17.800+00:00Llandudno Pier<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6620307681/" title="Llandudno Pier"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6620307681_2906f2f802.jpg" alt="Llandudno Pier by davidrobertsphotography" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6620307681/">Llandudno Pier</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>As you know, you can never have too many photos of Llandudno Pier on this Blog. I'm quite pleased with this photo, like the angle and lighting.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-64823742311874458892012-01-02T14:40:00.001+00:002012-01-02T14:40:34.104+00:00New Year's Eve Pier<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6619208379/" title="Llandudno Pier"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6619208379_8a451d9476.jpg" alt="Llandudno Pier by davidrobertsphotography" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6619208379/">Llandudno Pier</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Looking up Llandudno Pier at about 5pm on New Years Eve.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-20054928126269973812011-11-11T09:16:00.001+00:002011-11-11T09:18:16.776+00:00Torchlight Parade in Conwy<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6333306898/" title="Torchlight"><img alt="Torchlight by davidrobertsphotography" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6333306898_0a344bcac6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6333306898/">Torchlight</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</i></span></div>
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As part of the official Opening Ceremony for the Wales Rally GB on Conwy Quay, the town was full of entertainers dressed in medieval costumes. With the High Street being closed to traffic in the evening, the opportunity was taken to hold a Torchlight Parade. It weas very atmospheric and a great success, once again, well done to everyone involved.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-18008361841872211252011-11-11T08:16:00.001+00:002011-11-11T10:25:26.262+00:00Wales Rally GB in Llandudno<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6333218574/" title="Rally"><img alt="Rally by davidrobertsphotography" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6333218574_9bac775ddf.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6333218574/">Rally</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</i></span></div>
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It was great to see Llandudno and Conwy both so busy for the Rally yesterday. We seem to be getting more prestigious events like this coming to the area lately and the Rally has provided a real boost to the towns in what is usually a very quiet time of year. Judging by the array of foreign accents heard, it must have brought a fair bit of money into the area. Well done to everyone involved in organising this event - it was well planned and meant a minimum of disruption to local people.</div>
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<i>Pictured is Ken Block's Ford Fiesta RS approaching the start of the Great Orme stage of the Wales Rally GB, which is the final round of the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship..</i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-42667692685490439972011-10-16T20:38:00.001+01:002011-10-16T20:41:10.625+01:00Gone For A Burton<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6250595097/" title="Gone For A Burton"><img alt="Gone For A Burton by davidrobertsphotography" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6250595097_ed93e91d92.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6250595097/">Gone For A Burton</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></i></div>
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Burton's Llandudno store enters its final few days before closure. There has been a Burtons on the site since 1935. The unit has been purchased by leading coffee shop chain Caffe Nero. No doubt other coffee shops in the area are very nervous of this new arrival.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Llandudno, Conwy, UK53.326544 -3.83445953.2886095 -3.913423 53.3644785 -3.755495tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-25373687321045137162011-09-25T07:50:00.001+01:002011-09-25T07:52:43.040+01:00Recommended in Rhyl<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6178670205/" title="Amber Coffee House"><img alt="Amber Coffee House by davidrobertsphotography" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6178670205_b8396cd273.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="margin: 0pt;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/6178670205/">Amber Coffee House</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/">davidrobertsphotography</a> on Flickr.</span></i></div>
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Whenever I've been in Rhyl lately, I make a point of popping in to the Amber Coffee House at 85 High Street. In the past, it's been difficult to find somewhere pleasant to enjoy a good coffee & snack but this busy little cafe (that only seems to have popped up in the last few months) delivers on all counts.<br />
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The food selection consists mainly of snacks, with nothing more substantial than an eclectic range of sandwiches and Paninis. However, for a lunchtime snack, it's more than enough and the food is always of great quality. Next time you're in Rhyl, do give it a try.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4026702948722542359.post-70632107197302959932011-09-14T13:36:00.001+01:002011-09-16T21:27:25.337+01:00Travelodge Is Coming....<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4131744096/" title="Clarence Hotel by davidrobertsphotography, on Flickr"><img alt="Clarence Hotel" height="291" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4131744096_5727257b20.jpg" width="500" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Clarence
Hotel, Llandudno, in 2008 (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davellandudno/4131744096/">Photo Credit</a>)</i></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>This is an updated version of a piece that appeared on the Blog in 2010. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The saga of the once proud Clarence Hotel has rumbled on in Llandudno for the last couple of years. It forms a substantial Victorian building, which contains 51 bedrooms and has five and a half storeys, including a basement. The building occupies the whole of Gloddaeth Street’s frontage, between Bodhyfryd Road and Arvon Avenue. The site is within the Llandudno Conservation Area and forms part of an almost continuous frontage of listed buildings along both sides of Gloddaeth Avenue, from Seilo Chapel to Mostyn Street. However, the Hotel itself is not listed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For many years a successful hotel, it formed part of a hotel chain until 2001. The building was then sold to a Mr. Ragheb, but did not operate as a hotel to any significant extent and ceased operation entirely in about 2007. Its usage since then has attracted a great deal of both controversy and criticism in Llandudno. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2005, the owner applied to convert the Hotel into 19 apartments, with an arcade of 3 shops on the Ground Floor. It was at this time that the Owner claimed that the hotel had been operating at a Loss since 2002. This application was refused, as Conwy Council wished it to remain a hotel - it stands within the 'Primary Holiday Accommodation Zone' in Llandudno, which has a presumption against any hotel being granted permission for conversion for another use. </span></span></span></div>
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The ground floor (formerly the Hotel's Reception/Public areas) was converted into three separate businesses - the Sakura Japanese restaurant (notorious for the raid by the UK Borders Agency which saw them find an illegal immigrant chef living in a chest freezer in the basement!), a bar/cafe called Rumourz (which allegedly operated without Planning Permission) and the Beijing Chinese Restaurant (which also allegedly had an illegal immigrant workforce). In 2009, all three businesses closed due to various problems and the entire building stood empty. The upper floors of the building cannot be used as the Fire Service has issued a Prohibition order.</div>
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Vandalism and theft of pipes etc became an increasing problem in 2010, as attempts to secure the large building were not particularly successful. A fire was started by intruders on the 25th February in a first floor bedroom but was fortunately spotted and dealt with by the Fire Service quickly. Ownership by then had passed to Receivers following the bankruptcy of the owner, who put the Hotel up for sale with a guide price of £1,000,000. </div>
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Rumours of a a sale began circulating in mid 2011, with mention being made of Premier Travel Inn, Travelodge, J D Wetherspoon and Yates and being potential buyers. By this time, the building was in a very poor state both internally and externally. Metal sheeting was applied to the ground floor windows and doors to prevent further damage occurring. On August 4th, a friend spotted that workmen were busy emptying the hotel of anything combustible, so we asked one of them if we could take a look inside. To our surprise, he agreed! </div>
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We went in though the side door and straight into the old Beijing Chinese Restaurant (originally the Royal Oak Bar). No furniture remained, but the old range in the kitchen was intact and still smelt of Chinese food! We then walked through into what had latterly been the Rumourz bar before closure. There were pools of water on the floor here and you could see where a large section of ceiling had collapsed over the bar. There was also an old Punchball coin-operated machine, that had been destroyed by vandals. The smell of damp was very strong. On the ceiling here was a massive plasterwork rose, must have been 10 foot across, still in good condition. There was a very nice tiled floor in this area, must have been original, very intricate design. </div>
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Next up was the old main staircase area - another massive plasterwork ceiling rose and an ancient lift (the sort where you had to slide the metal folding door across) was slotted into the middle of the staircase. A quick peep through into the old Sakura Restaurant (still furnished), and we headed up the once very grand staircase to the First Floor. It was sad to see that some of the carved wooden tops of the staircase bannister had been smashed by vandals but the good news was that there were lovely stained glass windows on the staircase that were completely intact.</div>
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On the First Floor, we had a quick look in the Bedrooms, still furnished in some cases with wardrobes etc but everything combustible is currently being removed from the building. There were small items of debris strewn around the entire building and I noticed the electric sockets and switches had been ripped out by thieves. Up again to the second floor, lots more bedrooms with odd pieces of furniture in them and even the odd picture hanging on the wall. Floor was a bit ropey in places, perhaps as a result of thieves pinching copper pipes. Up once more to the top floor, lots of attic rooms that must once have accommodated the staff. Not tiny rooms but not much fun for a tall guy like myself, as headroom was very limited in the corners. The roof was leaking in quite a few places and the plaster had fallen away. A quick look into the room that held the winding gear for the Lift (all original) and we headed back down. </div>
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Clearance work on the hotel continued for a few more days, along with asbestos removal. It certainly seemed clear that the building had been sold but to who? </div>
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News eventually broke in September that the hotel had been sold to the Northold Group of Manchester, who planned to renovate the building and lease the upper floors to Travelodge, whilst intending to let the ground floor separately as two units, a bar and restaurant. </div>
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This is probably the best outcome for a building which, without major investment, would have just continued its gentle decline into dereliction. The new development will being 60 jobs to Llandudno.</div>
</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com016 Gloddaeth St, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2, UK53.325183022268945 -3.833284378051757853.320441022268945 -3.8431548780517577 53.329925022268945 -3.8234138780517579