N E W S L E T T E R Cymdeithas Ddinesig Bro Porthaethwy

Menai Bridge and District Civic Society

C Y L C H L Y T H Y R

Summer/Haf 2015 Page/Tudalen 1

“THE INSTITUTE”

Dates for your diary: More details on

page 3. Lectures start at 7.30pm

(unless otherwise stated) and are

held in the Community Cen-

tre, Water Street, Menai Bridge. April 18th Anglesey Conserva-

tion Forum - a joint meeting with

CPRW Anglesey

April 24th AGM Following the

business of the meeting Benja-

min Lee from

the Chocolatier, Menai Bridge

will tell us about his experiences

with chocolate.

June 23rd Tues. 9.15am All

day coach visit to Bodelwyddan

Castle (private tour including the

National Portrait Gallery summer

exhibition). And more!

July 3rd Friday 10.30am Visit

'Our Lady Star of the Sea &

St. Winefride' RC church

Amlwch. Grade II* Listed and

described as 'one of Britain's most

avant-garde churches. then

guided tour 2pm of Amlwch

Industrial heritage museum site.

July 23rd. Thurs. 5.30pm

Visit New York Cottages, Pen-

maenmawr museum, followed by

bus trip and conducted tour of

the Quarry.

Sept. 19th Saturday. 2.00 -

5.00p.m. Private garden party

at Plas Cadnant in aid of Civic

Soc. funds. (not part of season

ticket scheme).

Inside this

Issue

Memories 1

Civic Trust 2

Recent Programme

notes

2

Future Events 3

Planning Local

News

4

Contacts 4

The Institute, or to give it its full title now , the

Menai Bridge War Memorial Community Centre,

is one of those places in the town that we proba-

bly take for granted. It’s been there for ages; we

play whist there , our grannies played whist there!

Coffee mornings thrive there . It was a home to

the Snooker Club for many years and now it

resounds to the sound of the U3A dance group,

Yoga and martial arts. Modest charges and a warm

welcome from the caretaker are what keeps it

busy. It provides a much-loved and unique social

venue and is very much part of the fabric of our

town. The outside has recently been painted, part

of the ongoing maintenance and improvement

programme overseen by a small but dedicated

group of volunteers. Jane, Selwyn, Sandy, Mike and

Vera would probably be embarrassed if we made a

fuss of their contribution to town life, but a thank

you for all they do is really in order— so thank

you! They are part of the ongoing support for the Cen-

tre which over

the years has

been central to

town life. The

Institute, or

something similar

was started prior

to 1905 by the

Davies Sisters

and through

various evolu-

tions the present

premises opened

officially in 1927.

Further details

are given aside

and in

‘Memories’ (Welsh version to follow). Does anyone

have photos of the Opening Ceremony? If so

please forward to Jane Cherrett. who can also

give an update on room availability. The remod-

elled bay win-

dows on the

first floor show

the shape of the

original building ,

Iorwerth House,

which at one

time was

Pringle’s confec-

tionery shop.

“MEMORIAL CLUB.”

Unveiling and Opening Ceremony. The following is an extract from the North Wales

Chronicle dated 16th January, 1927:-

The Menai Bridge War Memorial Club was declared

open on Saturday, 8th January, 1927, by Mr H. R.

Davies, who has been Chairman of the Committee

since memorial scheme was commenced early in

1919. A large number of people were present in

front of the new club premises in Water Street,

when Capt. R. R. Davies, of Bodlondeb, unveiled the

bronze plate, on which, within a laurel wreath, is

inscribed “War Memorial Institute, 1914 -1918”.

Mr.H. Senogles sounded “The Last Post” and

“Reveille”, and then Mr. H. R. Davies opened the

doors. Within the club an impressive service was

conducted by the Rev. H. Evans and Rev. G. Thomas,

the hymns being accompanied by the local orchestra,

conducted by Mr. G. W. Senogles. Mr H.R. Davies gave a brief summary of the work of

the committee, and in declaring the club open hoped

that the young men would make full use of it and

strive to make it a success, socially and financially. The Treasurer, Mr. J. Jones, J.P., in his financial

statement, showed that it is hoped to have a substan-

tial balance in hand, which is needed to further equip

the club premises. Votes of thanks to Mr. H.R. Davies and Capt. R. R.

Davies were moved by Messrs. T. O Jones and D. H.

Pritchard, and supported by the secretary, Mr. R. D.

Parry, Council School. The contractor was Mr. Griffith Roberts, Glanydon,

and the architects, Messrs. Joe. Owen & Sons and E.

Lloyd Owen.

T. O. Jones Sept. 1962” (Thanks to the Centre Management Committee for

allowing us to print these details and those in the

Memories Section.)

CIVIC TRUST and NATIONAL NEWS

Page/Tudalen 2

RECENT PROGRAMME NOTES

Jan. 23rd Tim Goodwin - A snapshot of the last 40yrs of

the property market in Anglesey. Fascinating information

of property sales including the 1921 auction of Baron Hill

Estate (which then included Friars, Nant and Cichle) Plas

Rhianfa, and In 1919 Trefanal , Llandegfan, “on the banks

of the Menai Straits” was sold. Has its name been changed

or does anyone know anything about it? Tim would be

glad to know. Feb. 27th An excellent ANNUAL DINNER at the Vic-

toria Hotel, Menai Bridge was preceded by an interesting

trio of talents who blended to provide a thought provok-

ing, entertaining mixture of poetry and music. Watch out

for Richard Douglas Pennant, Stuart Silver and Huw War-

ren, you’ll hear more of them, they are special. March 27th Bob Morris - Gerald of Wales and his

journey of 1188. What a joy to hear an expert bring his-

tory to life. Raised in Manorbier, a war zone, Gerald was a

gossip, a political/religious/ fixer par excellence, self con-

gratulatory and most of all ambitious. More please!

Makes our present day politicians look quite ordinary! Bob’s own books about Gerald make interesting very

‘accessible’ reading.

For lighter reading try Ellis Peters’, ‘Summer of the Danes’;

a Cadfael story set in 1144 at Abermenai dealing with

Owain Gwynedd’s conflict with his brother Cadwaladr. Continuing the medieval theme Anthony Carr’s,

‘Medieval Anglesey’ published by the Anglesey Antiquarian

Society, looks at, amongst other matters, the effect of the

conquest of Gwynedd in 1282, the Black Death, the effect

of the revolt of Owain Glyndwr on Anglesey; some amaz-

ing details

Bob Morris and Anthony Tavernor , at the 27th March

talk.

Having just celebrated 50

years of the Civic Trust for

Wales it’s time to move on,

change and meet the de-

mands of new regulations

for societies and charities.

So it’s farewell to The Civic Trust for Wales and

hello Civic Trust Cymru. On April 1st 2015, Civic Trust Cymru was

launched. Its aims and objectives, which are set

out in its founding document, continue the ethos

and work of The Civic Trust for Wales. The spe-

cific objectives are : (1) To promote high standards of planning and

architecture in or affecting the area of benefit. (2) To educate the public in the geography, history, natural

history and architecture of the area of benefit. (3) To secure the preservation protection development and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the

area of benefit. The Civic Trust for Wales will continue to exist as a charity

for around a year to ensure all aspects of The Civic Trust

for Wales are transferred over to Civic Trust Cymru.

The next issue (in May) will be published by Civic Trust

Cymru. This is available to members by visiting their web-

site and will be sent to members we have e-mail addresses

for, Sorry we can’t provide printed copies but it runs to

17 pages. We will place a copy in the Library in Menai

Bridge and have it available at meetings. (also see page 4)

Members of most of the Civic Societies got together at

the Guildhall in Conwy on 28th January 2015 to swop

ideas and learn more about the (then) proposed

changes.

The Guildhall, Rose Hill Street, Conwy

This civic building occupies a prominent spot in Conwy,

facing traffic as it arrives in the town from the Cob. It

was built in 1863. Enlargement in 1925 created the pre-

sent-day entrance, with its elaborate stone carving. The

widespread use of sandstone is a notable characteristic

of the architecture. Pevsner’s Guide to the Buildings of

Wales: Gwynedd describes the style of the original parts

as ‘hard Gothic’, and that of the 1925 enlargement as a ‘softer Gothic’.

Today the Guildhall is home to Conwy Town Council and

is a popular venue for wedding ceremonies. Well worth a

visit - contact the Town Council for visiting times.

Members of the Civic Societies joined with the Conwy

Town Civic Society at its re-launch on 27th March. and

we wish then all the best for the future. We look forward

to some joint meetings with them.

Summer/Haf 2015 Page/Tudalen 3

Bodelwyddan (continued) on to Plas Teg, a Jacobean Mansion near Mold. An elegant

eccentricity built in 1610 for Sir John Trevor. The staircase is believed to have timbers from a ship of the Spanish Ar-

mada. The present owner Cornelia Bayley will lead a

guided tour of the house. Cost £27/person includes coach

fare, entry fees & guided tours. Coach leaves park & ride

car park near Britannia Bridge at 9.15am July 3rd Friday 10.30am Visit 'Our Lady Star of the

Sea & St. Winefride' RC church Amlwch. Grade II*

Listed and described as 'one of Britain's most avant-garde

churches. The building was closed in early 2000 due to

concrete deterioration. Demolition might have followed

but a successful bid to HLF funding made renovation possi-

ble and the church re-opened again in 2011. Onto the Sail

Loft restaurant for lunch (not included in cost) then guided

tour 2pm of Amlwch Industrial heritage museum site. Own

transport required, cost £6/person

July 23rd. Thurs. 5.30pm Visit New York Cottages,

Penmaenmawr Museum, followed by bus trip and con-

ducted tour of the Quarry. Joint visit with the Telford

Centre. 10 places for Civic Soc. Park at the Museum,

Leader Dennis Roberts. light buffet on return from the

quarry. Cost £15/person

August 22nd Sea Food Festival from 10.00 a.m. We will be having a stand at the Festival and if you could

spare an hour or so to help out sometime during the day it

would be much appreciated.

Sept. 19th Saturday. 2.00 - 5.00p.m. Private gar-

den party at Plas Cadnant in aid of Civic Soc. funds.

(not part of season ticket scheme). Music from Menai

Bridge Band Quintet, light refreshments and sensory

delights to please everyone during a tour of the garden. All

by kind permission of our President, Anthony Tavernor.

Cost £8/person.

If any member would like help with transport to get to meetings please let Jane know . We will try and put you in touch with someone who can give you a lift. See booking

form enclosed.

FUTURE EVENTS Lectures held monthly at 7.30pm in the lounge of the

War Memorial Community Centre, Water Street on Fri-

day evenings, apart from our Annual Dinner and the

Conservation Forum.

April 18th Anglesey Conservation Forum We are delighted to join with CPRW Anglesey to organise

a Half Day Forum : Conserving Anglesey's Environ-

ment - Progress or Decline? to mark the Welsh Gov-

ernment’s publication, "Review of Designated Landscapes

in Wales”. Venue: Talwrn Village Hall, Grid ref. SH 491 772.

To find the venue: Take B5109 Pentraeth to Llangefni. At Talwrn

take road to Ceint, go past row of Council houses on left all set

back from the road, & then take immediate turn left onto un-

named road. Talwrn Village Hall and shop signposted 10m on left.

Ample Parking. A chance to hear about and discuss some of the major issues af-

fecting conservation on Anglesey - Anglesey's Areas of Out-

standing Natural Beauty, The Marine Environment, Farming and

the Environment - with a panel of local experts.

There will be a charge of £5 for the Forum (to cover costs) and

pre-booking is recommended—it’s cheaper! Cost on the day is

£7.

TO BOOK send a cheque made payable to CPRW Anglesey

Branch. Cost £5 per person, £7 on the day.

Together with your name, address, telephone number and Email. To Dr. M. McGrath, 25, Cae Cnyciog, Llanfairpwll., LL61

5JS Tel. 01248 717776 by 11th April

April 24th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

Please see Minutes and papers enclosed.

Following the business of the meeting Benjamin Lee

from the Chocolatier and Patissier, Menai Bridge will

tell us about his experiences with chocolate.

June 23rd Tues. 9.15am All day coach visit to

Bodelwyddan Castle (private tour including the Na-

tional Portrait Gallery summer exhibition). Onto

Faenol Fawr (former Tudor mansion) now a country house

hotel for bar lunch (not included in cost) before going

Tai Lewis Rogers—Penmynydd Almshouses

If you drive to Llangefni along the back road, in the middle of Penmynydd,

you’ll see the Almshouses on your left , at right angles to the road. These

Grade II * listed buildings - listed because they are “an exceptionally well

preserved and well detailed range of early C17 almshouses. A coher-

ently planned range which retains much of its original vernacular char-

acter and many original features including windows, doorways and

datestone”. Perhaps I should say were, exceptionally well preserved;

since they were last occupied in about 2011 they

have deteriorated. The Anglesey Antiquarians vis-

ited them in 2013 and “were saddened to learn

there were no plans for future restoration”. Why I

wonder? Although the grounds are overgrown the

fabric of the buildings appears sound and they were

re-roofed as recently as the 1960s. Melin Llynnon,

also Grade II* listed, is the only working windmill left

in Anglesey; a survey in the 1920s listed 29. Melin

Llynnon was only rescued when it came perilously

close to collapse.

Tai Lewis

Rogers pictured

in

February 2015.

Liz Moyle

Anthony Tavernor Esq.

Llywydd/ President

Liz Moyle

Cadeirydd/Chair

Maureen Parry-Williams

Ysgrifennydd/Secretary

Jane Cherrett

Ysgrifennydd

Cymdeithasol/

Social Secretary

Renata Hufton

Trysorydd/Treasurer

Iola Prytherch

Trysorydd Cynorthwyol/

Deputy Treasurer

Liz Moyle

Golygydd Cylchlythyr/

Newsletter Editor

Norman Kneale

CONTACT LIST

Newsletter contributions -

Maureen Parry Williams

Tel. 01248 440668

Booking activities for

events and outings -

Jane Cherrett

Tel 01248 713440

County Councillors :

Alun Mummery, Meirion

Jones and Jim Evans

Town Council :

Canolfan Tysilio, Menai

Bridge

For all correspondence

please contact the

Secretary,

Mrs Maureen Parry-

Williams,

Tyn y Coed, Newborough,

LL61 6PY

Mynedfa Ynys Mon - Gateway to Anglesey

See our Website at

www.menaibridge

civicsociety.org.uk

Page/Tudalen 4

PLANNING CHANGES

Continuing our look at ‘Planning’, You may find

it interesting to view the new Deposit Plan for

Gwynedd and Anglesey. See Anglesey County

Council’s website at :

http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/planning-and-

waste/planning-policy/joint-local-

development-plan-anglesey-and-gwynedd/

for the full version. ‘Deposit Plan’ in that it has

been deposited with the Welsh Government for

examination by an independent Planning Inspec-

tor who’s role is to determine if the Plan is

‘sound’. If the Inspector recommends, following

the Public Enquiry, that changes are needed then

it is compulsory for the Council to accept these

changes. Once adopted the Plan must be re-

viewed every 4 years but also an ‘Annual Moni-

toring Report’ completed. The Plan covers all

aspects of development up until 2026. The Sum-

mary, as you would expect, is more accessible

than the 200 plus page main document.

Plans for housing development in Menai Bridge

are modest with 25 units ‘needed’ in addition

to the ‘existing landbank ‘ of 69, compared

with Holyhead (366), Llangefni (568), Amlwch

(484). Having said that the existing plans for a

3 storey and 2 storey blocks of flats in the

Min y Mor site on Beach Road can only exac-

erbate congestion and what happened to the

idea of updating our infrastructure? i.e. The

drains are too small!

It would be interesting to see how the De-

posit Plan will resolve the problem of sites

being underdeveloped. or neglected. The con-

tinued semi-derelict sites in the middle of

Menai Bridge, centred close to one of our

car parks, the Library, Town Council Offices

and main bus stops present a dreadful image.

We should be ashamed. Perhaps we’ve grown

so accustomed to it we don’t notice it any

more? Visitors do though!

Civic Trust Cymru

(continued from page2)

“As detailed on the front page of this edi-

tion of the Bulletin, The Civic Trust for

Wales will become Civic Trust Cymru on

April 1st 2015. The Civic Trust for Wales

will continue to exist as a charity for

around a year to ensure all aspects of The

Civic Trust for Wales are transferred over

to Civic Trust Cymru. This means that

there will be a new Board of Trustees for

Civic Trust Cymru. The members of the

Board of Civic Trust Cymru will on April

1st be:

Lyn Owen (Chair)

Peter Cope

Siarlys Evans

Edward Jenkins

At the first Board Meeting three other

Board Members will be co-opted onto the

Board. These will be:

The Director of the Royal Society of Ar-

chitects in Wales, Mary Wrenn Sian Cook, an experienced Development

Director Trefor Thorpe, a retired conservation

architect and currently President of the

Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

As explained in the last Bulletin, Civic Trust

Cymru will have two supporting advisory

groups (for legal reasons, we may not call

them ‘committees’). These are the Policy

Group and the Civic Societies Group; the

Chairs of each will also sit on the Civic

Trust Cymru Board.

The Civic Society Group will focus

on issues of relevance to societies, and

provide an opportunity to share experi-

ences between societies as well as the

Trust and its Board.

It is intended that societies will be repre-

sented by one or two people from each

of the Welsh regions. The regions follow

the regional set up of the Welsh Assem-

bly, with the exception that Mid and

West Wales will be split as this area has

a considerable number of societies. The

regions therefore are:

South Wales Central Civic Society

South East Wales Civic Societies

South West Wales Civic Societies

Mid Wales Civic Societies

North Wales Civic Societies

West Wales Civic Societies

Nick Roe of Wrexham Area Civic Soci-

ety will represent North Wales Civic

Societies. If any society member wishes

to represent their region please get in

touch.

The Civic Society Group will be dis-

cussed at regional civic society meetings

being organised by The Trust.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Have you paid your subscrip-

tion for this year? Complet-

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value for us and doesn’t cost

you anything.