your comments
Geraint Jones, Corwen
My name is Geraint Jones. I have lived in Corwen all my life as have my father, Glyn Jones, and grandperents before me. My mother Mary came from Gwyddelwern. Now I'm retired from the post office, as a hobby I am making a pictorial history of good old Corwen for future generations. Therefore I would be grateful if anyone could send copies of any old photos of places, people in Corwen with names, dates if possible via this website the finished work will be given eventually to the library at the One Stop Shop, the Square, Corwen, diolch yn fawr.
Tue Mar 10 15:00:31 2009
Win J from Wrexham
Ally, Corwen. Regardless of how ridiculous you find Chris Martin's comments, the fact remains that Corwen has lost two repeat visitors because of the inadequacies of its facilities. Chris' opinion is as valid as anyone else's and it would be in Corwen's best interests to remember that for every one person who takes the trouble to voice their feelings there are many more who do not, and who simply no longer stop-off on their way through your town. Your exhortation for people to support local shops is both admirable and laudable. However, wouldn't you agree that it would make sense for you and the other residents of Corwen to lobby your local council to build some 'proper' toilets for residents and passing travellers to use? That way the shops will recover their passing trade and the community will gain much needed public conveniences. You complain that "It is very rare for the council to listen to the people of Corwen". Do you not vote for local councillors? Are they not answerable to the electorate? Don't complain about Chris Martin's opinion, rather seize the initiative and campaign to get Corwen's public toilet problem corrected.
Wed Mar 4 09:35:14 2009
Ally, Corwen
In response to Chris Martin, I think your comments are rather ridiculous and to blame the people of Corwen for actions taken by the council is wrong. You should be showing your support for a struggling rural community. For such a small place Corwen has much to offer, a chemist, 2 butchers, gift shops, a bakery, clothes shops, a shoe shop, a petrol station, 2 hairdressers, hardware shops, pubs, 2 cafes, a chippy and a library. It is very rare for the council to listen to the people of Corwen, with negative attitudes such as yours it's no wonder that small businesses will be the first to go, and in Corwen that could spell disaster - support your local shops!
Wed Feb 25 08:08:11 2009
Chris Martin from West Midlands
For many years we have visited Corwen and its shops on the way to north Wales BUT NO LONGER. It was always a convenient stop to use the toilets and wonder around the shops and get dinner from the chip shop. We visited for the first time in ages last week 15th Feb 2009 and were horrified to find they have altered the toilets to something from the orbitting space station. How can my pensioner mother now cope with this? There was one of the indestructible, super efficient, automatic cubicles out of action. On a dull drizzly February day we had to queue for the one remaining cubicle - RIDICULOUS - we will not be stopping in Corwen ever again and giving the locals our custom, we will make the early stop for the toilets. Shame on you COrwen people for letting this happen.
Fri Feb 20 09:43:36 2009
Darren Gallagher, Birmingham
Looking forward to a pint in Corwen soon!
Mon Oct 27 09:03:15 2008
Simon Gerrard, Ruthin
I recovered, as a boy in the 1970s, a piece of perspex canopy and .303 ammunition from the remains of an RAF Spitfire tragically lost (crashing just 50 feet below a final moorland peak) near Bryn Eglwys village, Corwen, whilst on a training exercise in WW2. Anyone know any more details of the deceased pilot and aircraft? I'd like to donate my few remains to an appropriate aviation museum in remembrance of this pilot. Diolch / thank you.
Mon Sep 8 09:28:09 2008
John Bass
I said I wouldn't come back to Corwen, but I'm drawn to it as I was brought up there once a Corwenite always a Corwenite. What a great job they have done to the car park! Ideal for shoppers and visitors, but what about the loos? Again, people lining up to use them, all two of them! Someone do something before the train arrives. Visit Carrog station to see what happens there when the train comes in!
Mon Sep 8 09:19:16 2008
John Colomendy, Corwen
Before I start, I apologise for the length of this missive:-So many negative views of Corwen I have read in this blog. A theme appears to run through them. Am I wrong? Repeatedly, contributors, both current and past residents mention leadership, or lack of it. Leadership is an honour and an obligation. Having been asked to serve a number of times in different groups, I have found that there is one fundamental problem with getting things done in Corwen and it is not a negative view of "new" residents or any Nationalist bigotry. It is the politics of small-minded groups who do not want others to "interfere" with "their" groups so-called responsibilities. Generally, this has resulted in the past with in-fighting and one group disagreeing with another group's ideas or schemes whilst European funding has just run through their hands to nothing. In the Dee Valley Initiatives, it would be telling to establish how much European funding went to neighbouring towns and how much, proportionately, went to Corwen, who needed it so much. The difference and shortfall, I would suggest is the direct result of this continuous bickering and petty arguing over minor detail and "position". The town, surely, has the prime right here but that appears to have foundered a long time ago. Shame! I took the easy way out and resigned all my interests and, let me be plain-speaking, they were my interests and I hope I added something to the town but I also have a number of businesses to run and my character could not accept the delays, continuously negative comments and intra group arguments that went on. I was not strong enough for it and I should have been. All Corwen needs is a true leader who will pull all the positive sides together but, when good people offer their help, the best thing Corwen people can do is to listen, help, advise and all work together to generate the positive views and actions that most people wish for. In the past, Corwen's future and funding has been decided by people with "outside" influences and Corwen has been used to generate funding to other areas. Come on Corwen, you have so much going for you. However, you cannot have my services, I just don't have the time and character to carry-on. I have one job to finish in the town and then I cannot help any more. All you need is to pick some councillors who will look outside the narrow-minded views of the past and pull together all the positive people and disparate groups to make the whole town stronger and, by default, more successful. We all have a vote, let us all use it. Could we please have some people come forward to serve? This is the first step and, if I may be so bold, can someone please bring-on a good youth member? Their plight is truly one of such proportions that I would feel utter disgrace by letting them down if I was in a position of power to help them and I did not do so. If the young of today are our golden future, Corwen had better do something sooner rather than later or suffer the consequences of this sad shortcoming in the future. We have good sports facilities, good team spirits and good people, it cannot be impossible to draw on this pool and for someone to get something done for the youngsters. Apologies for the length and I am more than willing to enter a debate with anyone. However, I am not a shrinking violet and anyone who wants to debate with me must accept that I have my views also and will be vociferous in reply. Please, please give me your thoughts, if you have any. Let's make it structural and positive and not place it in the past but the future.
Mon Jun 9 07:57:29 2008
Rita Munton (Hughes), Manchester
Corwen's problems are no different now to those in the '60s when I was a teenager - there was nothing much to do. The same can also be said for the suburb of Manchester in which I live now, so your problems are not unique. It is still a very beautiful part of Wales but suffers from being at the end of whichever council/county it is run by - little or no money spent on it. If you love the place fight for it!
Thu May 29 08:40:07 2008
Anon from Corwen
I've lived in Corwen for more than a decade and think Corwen is a great place to live. The new Owain Glyndwr statue is a work of art, far better than the last one. However, in my humble opinion the people of Corwen get a raw deal when it comes to the provision of vital services. Take the Ambulance service for example. First responders are useful and well meaning people, but they are very, very limited in what treatment they can provide and they should not be used instead of paramedics. Also, bear in the mind the long journey time to the nearest hopsital from Corwen, and the out of hours GP service is based near Rhyl.
Mon May 19 08:44:02 2008
Ian Hughes, Denmark
Born in Corwen, moved in '78 from Uwch y Dre. Remember nearly all of the details of the town in my 7yrs there. Family still in the area and about to take my two small sons on a trip up Pen-y-Pigin (I see the trees have gone!).How times have changed...had a job helping to deliver milk when I was 6!
Fri May 9 08:57:33 2008
Amy, Rhostyllen
Corwen hasn't changed with the times. After we moved I just wanted to come home but as I got older and wiser I hate coming back. Nothing changes apart from all the Polish. The kids are just as bored now as what we were back then and it's sad.
Thu Apr 10 08:18:01 2008
Ash, Corwen.
I can't believe all the negativity I have read about Corwen. I have lived and worked here for 23 years and have brought my children up here. Corwen people are warm and caring, so come on Pete and the likes get some commmmmmunity spirit!
Thu Mar 6 08:12:17 2008
Hedley from New Zealand
I find it unbelievable there is so much negativity coming from Corwen. You all obviously care about the place. Do something! I'm not sure how your local politics work over there, but I'm sure the local council could do with some fresh blood, get someone to nominate you if you care to put the time and effort into changing things and run for local council. You'll get more done that way than moaning about things on the internet. And yes, I probably would run for council myself if I still lived in Corwen, because I do care about the town that took care of me for four years.
Wed Mar 5 10:44:49 2008
Graham Green, Brittany France
Hello Corwen, I still miss you all. Nice here but French is hard to learn. Moving back to Kent for a short while but returning here in the spring. I hope to meet old friends in the summer. Bonjour mes amis.
Mon Feb 18 10:50:02 2008
Anonymous
What has happened to Corwen? Went shopping there today, have never seen the place so quiet. Nobody to be seen on the square etc. Has the closure of the car park really had this much effect? I feel so sorry for the local shopkeepers. What are other people's views?
Mon Feb 18 10:47:13 2008
Peter Floyd, Pensby, Wirral
Spent the war years in Corwen as an evacuee and I have great memories of the town. Seven of us and my mother stayed on Hill Street and attended the school at the top of the hill. The cattle market and the old cinema kept us entertained and the police were kept busy looking for evacuees who tried to get back to Liverpool. To us young kids Corwen was paradise, the best years of my life.
Mon Feb 18 10:20:10 2008
Anonymous 2
I have lived in Corwen all my live and it just seems to be getting worse. The bus shelters have graffiti all over them, even the new ones. Maybe if the kids had something to do they would not do it. We were supposed to be getting a skate park so that they had something to do but it never happened. Now they all hang out in the bus shelters or in the little kids park and that will put some people off taking their child to the park because of the gangs. They could have a motorbike track somewhere instead of them ruining countryside because that's what they're doing speeding around on their bikes in the mountains. One day they will hurt someone because they're forever on the public footpath and kids play there or people like to take their dogs for a walk but the bikes ruin it for everyone.
Thu Jan 31 15:37:02 2008
Susan from Corwen
To Nadine, Amy, Jody, Charlotte - I am imagining that you are under 20? What would you like to see happening in Corwen to make it less boring, have you got any ideas of events/groups/things you would like to see and would actually take part in? Would you be interested in representing young people in Corwen by being on one of the local community groups and putting your ideas across and giving the 'youth view' and perhaps get things changed and make it less boring? (even if it means putting on more buses so you can all go out in Wrecsam more often!)
Mon Jan 28 08:56:11 2008
Pete, Ruthin
Pete from Corwen, I've seen the changes in Ruthin since Tesco came there and Somerfield closing down. Tesco are not that cheap, their prices keep going up. All local businesses and smaller supermarkets will all close then Tesco put their prices up even more. People need to wake up.
Tue Jan 22 09:07:00 2008
Nadine, Amy, Jody, Charlotte, Corwen & Plas Madoc!
Corwen is soooo boring! Nothing at all to do here! People are nice though, all our friends are here!
Fri Jan 11 10:06:45 2008
Ray Evans, Gwyddelwern
I am the team manager for Corwen First Responders. I would like to invite anybody who thinks First Responders are just clock stoppers to join us at any time, I am proud to be team manager to this dedicated team. Can I take this opportunity to thank everybody who had their car washed at our car wash fund raising see our web site: www.corwenfirstresponders.com
Fri Jan 11 09:50:22 2008
J. Lewis, rhwng Rhuthin a Wrecsam
Dw i'n mynd i'r byw yn Gorwen efo fy teulu mis ma. Dw i'n dysgu gymraeg a fy blant hefyd.
Moving from a place that 'did change' and as a result lost its Welsh language, identity and community, I find what some people claim to be Corwen's shortfalls, in fact to be its attraction. Corwen still retains so much, in my opinion, and has so much to offer. I am very much looking forward to living in Corwen, supporting its local business as much as possible and raising my two Welsh children in a 'cymuned'.
Mon Dec 3 11:23:49 2007
Corwen resident
Corwen fireworks? Fantastic! Great fun for all ages, well worth the money and a good turnout. Well done to those who put on the show and its good to hear all profits are ploughed back into a bigger event the following year. Nice to see kids of all ages from babies to teenagers being entertained for a quid each, bargain! Look forward to next year. Thanks!
Mon Nov 26 08:33:39 2007
Pete from Corwen
Concerned resident of Corwen; There has always been problem with ambulance, fire and the police in Corwen. They all do good job but they all have to cover vast areas now which is a complete joke.
Susan Jones, Corwen; I been involved in schemes for bowling alley, cinema, youth club, skatepark - none of this has happened. They're even thinking of closing youth club down. I even went to meeting about train station in early 90s. I been to loads of things - nothing changed, it ended up nowhere. Seen the statue - it's great but the first statue was a disgrace and a waste of money and look how long it takes to get anything right in Corwen.
Anon nr Corwen, 30yr old female; look at the town - half of it for sale, people go elsewhere now. It's not half the town it was 10 years ago - and it will never be good again - it's stuck in time warp.
S.B., Cynwyd; the fireworks display was good in Corwen and about time we had one as well, shame about no big fire though and fair rides would have been good too but none. Me and the girl friend and few others were going to go but it worked out £5 each - it was expensive so we watched it from mountains then went did something else with the money. A lot people did the same as can't all afford it sometimes.
Mon Nov 12 14:48:48 2007
Susan Jones, Corwen
Pete, you have a lot to say about what is right and wrong about Corwen. Corwen needs local people with views about how their community should be and what they want from it. Do you belong to any local groups, the business group, the local partnership, the community council? Don't just limit yourself to airing your views on the internet, get out there and make a real difference. Corwen needs more young people to get involved with what is going on and make it a living and vibrant place otherwise it is just going to be run by middle aged men on committees and we will only have ourselves to blame for not getting off our backsides and doing anything about it. See you on Friday for the grand Owain Glyndwr lighting of the statue.
Thu Nov 8 08:40:29 2007
S.B., Cynwyd
What a fantastic fire work display in Corwen on Monday night, well worth the £5 entrance fee. Well done to all in charge and keep up the good work.
Wed Nov 7 08:22:37 2007
Concerned resident of Corwen
Corwen public, if you see an ambulance around Corwen ask them where they are being sent to - it will be Ruthin, Denbigh or even Rhyl, then ask which ambulance is looking after Corwen - you will be shocked with the lack of ambulance cover in our town. Let's ask for proper ambulance cover and stop our crews covering other towns so they can hit the government targets. Respect to the first responders but they are clock stoppers so ambulances can be taken out of rural areas and used in bigger towns to hit the 8 minutes target. Come on, let's fight for what this lovely town needs - 24hr ambulance cover. PS. to the ambulance crews, thanks for your help - keep up the good work.
Mon Nov 5 08:51:52 2007
Anon nr Corwen, 30yr old female
I've lived near Corwen for nearly 4 years, I don't speak Welsh and I love it. I've never felt so safe or been made to feel so welcome. It's a fantasic place, everyone is willing to help, we don't lock our doors in our row and there are numerous activities to get involved with. The swimming pool in Corwen is so much nicer, hotter and cleaner than one in a health club in Chester I used to pay a small fortune to be able to pop to! You can get seen by a doctor straight away, you can even call them out, this isn't the case in many places any more. In some places you may need to wait 3 weeks to see your doctor. The only problem I see is the distance you have to travel to work as there aren't many jobs around. But property is cheaper here so you can afford the petrol! I love the people of Corwen and the place. The culture is very caring and sharing, I've never had anything vandalised or stolen. I've even lost my purse on the main street and had it returned in tact with £40 in it! Plus, whenever I've been to a pub and not known anyone, I've found people have been most friendly and chatty, now you don't get that everywhere! I'm surprise to read the comments on this page! The negative comments make me think it doesn't sound like the Corwen I know and love!
Mon Oct 29 08:24:36 2007
Pete from Corwen
Just found out today the Corwen healthy living centre due to close end of 2007. Well, that's disgusting meaning the youth club & all the other things that are in there - courses by Yale College - will be gone. The kids will have nothing to do. They all get bored & you have crime in the town also a lot of trouble & problems. Five of us signed the book in Corwen today in the doctor's surgery. The town has got enough problems & this, well, it just shows how bad things are getting in Corwen. Just gets worse in one big time warp.
Thu Oct 18 14:33:41 2007
Pete from Corwen
Joe Public of Corwen! I agree with what you're saying but I was 14 or 15 when they said they were thinking of having the skate park. I'm now 26 & concrete on the floor that's it nearly 2008. It's all too slow in Corwen. There are no decent taxi services in Corwen during day times due to contract work which they make more money then than during the week which I don't blame them. The weekends evening times it just gets worse so no locals can get out & about to pubs or anything which is very poor, it doesn't help the town very much with locals who can't get a lift home. Once again stuck in a time warp. A. Non, London, I agree with what you're saying, they don't accept outside people very well in Corwen. I see this over the years with family & friends in the town & around it, people can be very funny in Corwen & it scares a lot of new people away, also gives a bad atmosphere & feeling in town. The place is very selfish now & this reflects what people are really like & it doesn't have a welcome feeling or friendly way any more sadly.
Tue Oct 9 11:37:27 2007
Pete from Corwen
Johny over the years people in the town have been selfish thinking of themselves & this is why nothing good happens in Corwen with the wrong people running the town, it's a well known fact in the area. There are a few good shops in Corwen which is good to see at long last which they always be around. But then you've got some others there & it doesn't do anything for the town at all too out of date, too expensive & behind the times. People think the train & statue are going to save Corwen well the fact is it's far from it, tourists are seasonal on the train that's it when they come to the town you can see on comments on here already with others it's not going to be a good thing at all if local people or people who lived here or used to have views of Corwen. Concerned, London, the toilets are in a state & in this way it says what Corwen is really like even with new ones built - stuck in a time warp.
Thu Oct 4 16:07:52 2007
Pete from Corwen
Dennis, I know loads of people all over Corwen, they've got no faith or time to waste on the place any more. They all tried, been there all their lives & got nowhere, being in meetings & talking about everything nothing changes there. Point meaning I'm not wasting my time on a town that doesn't move forward. The place is stuck in a time warp, it's depressing & it's on a big downer which everybody knows & can see clearly. I bring loads of mates & family here, they laugh at the town, they say the place hasn't changed & they won't come back again which they won't & never do. I know people here aged 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s, they've seen the changes over the years & agree with everything I said. Don't waste your potential or your life in Corwen you can do far better elsewhere which is true & everything I said all true 100% not one bit of a lie, I had my time in Corwen I'm not about to waste the rest of my life somewhere that's stuck in a time warp.
Thu Oct 4 10:49:01 2007
Pete from Corwen
Glyn Green I talk to you online, Graham Green I know Glyn & Kevin your family, Amy Pinnington I used to live near you & hang around with you as well. Anyway Corwen had skate park idea when I was like 14 or 15 - I'm now 26 - in all that time lump concrete on floor that's it; bonfire nights we don't have them any more it's gone that bad. Carnivals in Corwen gone as well it's bad when you see all this happening. The pubs in Corwen have no entertainment even on weekends; all young ones go elsewhere no effort been made in pubs at all - very poor; paying to park in Corwen will make town even worse, the toilets you have to pay which is complete joke as well, spoiling the town more. The new statue of Owain Glyndwr looks fantastic but wasted too much money on old statue & took too long to put new one here. Everything in Corwen too slow & by time it gets done it doesn't make hardly any difference in the end.
Mon Oct 1 10:24:47 2007
Kate Roscoe, Pontblyddyn
On the subject of toilets - the whole of N Wales, and probably the whole country for that matter, really needs a good shake up in this regard. We recently visited NE America - out of season - and even in the most remote areas the public toilets were well stocked with soap, toilet paper etc, clean, smelled fresh and - most importantly - open. In this area they are frequently locked, or if you are lucky to find one open then they are so disgusting that it is preferable to use the nearest bush. Goodness knows what tourists must think but as people who love to travel around N Wales we find this is frequently a matter that needs urgent attention by the relevant authorities.
Mon Oct 1 09:22:24 2007
Dennis from Corwen
Why have your say and hide under the cloak of anonymity? You are as entitled as anyone to your view but sometimes it helps to know the full facts. You say it is ridiculous to spend so much money on another statue of Owain Glyndwr. The money was funded from various sources which if Corwen had not taken the initiative and used in this way would have gone elsewhere. Have your say by all means like I am now but do the honourable thing and put your name to what you say. Like a lot of people in Corwen who say a lot, do nothing and hide from the public when they've had their say.I may not agree with many of his points but at least Peter does give his name. I am much older than you Peter and well remember people from the International Eisteddfod coming to Corwen in the 1950s well before Romano arrived here. I agree Romano was a good man and did a lot for Corwen. You ask "why 10 years after Romano the rest of town hasn't moved on -- it's stuck & its going down. There is very little hope!" . You are 26 years of age. When I was your age I was secretary of numerous organisations and involved with many others. Don't just sit there and give your views condemning the current state of the town - get out and do something to push Corwen back up. Then come back on this site and tell us with pride what you are doing for Corwen.
Mon Oct 1 09:09:32 2007
Johny
Corwen is a great little town it's such a shame that there are a handful of people who oppose everything that goes on in the town. So come on Corwen people lets all pull together and bring Corwen back to its former glory.
Mon Oct 1 08:33:30 2007
Mr Owain, Glyndwr
Wow, what a fantastic statue of me in Corwen (in my younger days of course!). I'm over the moon about it, rather expensive - but I'm worth it, rather the money be spent in Corwen than else were, like Rhyl for example.
Thu Sep 27 09:08:54 2007
Concerned, London
Just visited Corwen again to see the new statue of Owain Glyndwr. Beautiful, majestic! That's so much better than the old one. But what on earth have they done to the loos?! TWO toilets only. I went to use the loos, it cost me 60p in one that refused to open so I used the disabled toilet. What a mess, no paper, no soap. A queue had formed outside the other trying to open it. It's not the cost but only TWO! I won't stop in Corwen again, and what's going to happen when the railway returns with a train load of people? The mind boggles! Come on SOMEONE - think ahead.
Tue Sep 25 08:35:32 2007
Pete from Corwen
I'm from Corwen & still live here. Been here all my life - 26 years. There lovely views & walks in the area. There was one person who made all the difference in Corwen - a man called Romano. He was from Italy. He owned Central Hotel Corwen, before that he owned loads places in Corwen. He put Corwen on map attracting international eisteddfod people to stay in Corwen & famous stars. He helped church out & helped people start businesses up.
Corwen has had all its chances to have rock climbing, mountain bike rides, cable cart going up to Pen y Pigyn, cinema went on trial - sold out 4 times - then didn't have it after, bowling - had book full of signatures when I was kid - never got done. Then was the supermarket, canoe centre by the river. They all said no to the whole lot & people in town have been so selfish - all their own way. Half the town now for sale it's gone bad & now it shows! Why 10 years after Romano the rest of town hasn't moved on -- it's stuck & its going down. There is very little hope!
Mon Sep 24 10:22:50 2007
Joe Bloggs from Flint!
I was thinking to visit Corwen, but the comments on this page about unruly kids, vandalism, 'moaning mentality', unfriendly locals - really put me off!
When I visited the webpage, I thought 'Wow! - That is a fantastic statue! I would like to see that! This place must be special.' Then I read comments from locals slagging it off. Yes, the base should have been cut from local stone - I agree, but what an artist! The figure exudes vitality, energy, action, determination ... In fact, just what Corwen needs!
Norman, Port Talbot (Kids - please don't wreck my car's wing mirrors if I do stop by. Thanks!)
Mon Sep 17 09:22:55 2007
Anonymous from Corwen
How ridiculous that so much money is spent on yet another Owain Glyndwr statue. I know the last was a bit short but he cost enough and who knows how short or tall Owain Glyndwr really was? In my experience short people are generally more fierce. It's great to see all the shop fronts painted and any improvements in our community but the new Owain Glyndwr is quite simply a huge waste of money that could have been better spent on anything else, especially the youth of Corwen who will no doubt vandalise him shortly for want of inspiration and anything better to occupy themselves!
Fri Sep 14 08:39:29 2007
Cymru Mum from Corwen
Gareth, what a shame you had such a disappointing night in Corwen. I moved to the area about three years ago and I absolutely love it. Corwen is a real hidden gem in the Dee Valley, places like Ruthin & Llangollen get lots of publicity but Corwen quietly goes about its business being a local community. It has the history, Caer Drewyn, Pen y Pigyn, the workhouse, the church. The natural beauty – have you ever been to the top of Pen y Pigyn and looked up three valleys at once? There are not many small towns that can boast a butcher, a baker and a candlestick maker! Not to mention a greengrocers, chemist, two banks, lots of pubs and one of the best cafes you'll ever find - Cafe Trederwen, great for Welsh learners as they are very nice if you have a go at Dysgu Cymraeg, and so cheap - 55p for a mug of tea! If you want to 'Stay a While' in Corwen, I think the secret is to make an effort to get involved. Join local groups and societies, become part of the community. Then YOU can change the things you don't like. It's not just for the high and mighty to make the changes, lets do it ourselves. Get involved; join the WI, toddler groups, Ysgol Feithrin, Community Council, the fireworks committee, the list is endless. I hope Gareth you give us another chance as Corwen people really are great and there are not many places left in the UK where there is still such a real feeling of community left. From a Corwen fan living there.
Thu Sep 13 08:55:23 2007
Gareth from Bridgend
I have a fantastic job that I get to meet wonderful people and places throughout Wales. On my trips up North I like to stay in a new place each time I visit. I recently stayed in Corwen. A beautiful, historic town with so much potential. The new signs say "Stay a While" to which the obvious answer is why? The hotels were run down and quite unfriendly. I asked a few people where would be good to eat and was told "Better off out of this area" or "best place is the kebab shop". I spoke with various people and there seemed a general apathy towards progress and a moaning culture eg we are too close to Llan/Bala etc. I agree with one of the posters on this site that calls for leadership with a vision to turn the place around. Where are the Tourist Board/WAG/local AMs etc etc because when they are selling Wales as a vibrant place to spend time or invest, I really hope that they do not spend the night I spent in Corwen. It is a real shame because other towns and villages are starting to flourish without half the history/architecture and culture that Corwen most definitely has.
Fri Aug 17 09:31:30 2007
Corwen Anonymous
What do the people of Corwen think of the day nursery closing? I would like to hear your views.
Fri Aug 17 09:26:11 2007
Ex-Corwenite
How sad! I grew up in Corwen and loved it. As I got older I realised how narrow minded some people were, unaccepting of outsiders (my family were not Corwen originals!). How many times I was told to go back to where I belonged. How? I'm a Corwen gal through and through! When I was growing up in Corwen, there was plenty of community spirit! The likes of Peggy Brooks who did a lot for the Carnival and many other locals who did loads, parents were willing to give time to provide for the children. Now there doesn't seem to be anyone willing to contribute to keeping the community spirit! The kids are bored and only keeping up appearances. Why be any different when they seem to get tarred with the same brush! Give them a break. All Corwen needs is to get its community back and everyone get together and continue with all the lost traditions of what Corwen was when we were growing up! Corwen is lost, not dead! You will find a lot of outsiders more than willing to help restart the community spirit. It's just the few narrow minded locals that spoil it all! Long live Corwen!
Thu Jul 5 07:37:14 2007
Pauline Moore from Cheshire
I agree that the money should be spent on sorting the problem out at the Owain Glyndwr Hotel and not on a statue.
Mon Jul 2 08:17:09 2007
Graham Green, Canterbury, Kent
I was interested in all of the replies to this article especially the one submitted by my dear cousin Glyn in Hackney whose opinion I totally concur with. I am fortunate to be living in a beautiful part of the country here in Kent but at the end of the day I am a Corwen boy. Corwen has so much going for it and all that is needed for the place to "take off" is someone with a little vision and backers who are bold enough to take a few risks. Well done Corwen I miss you.
Fri Jun 29 08:41:02 2007
Tommy (Tank), Chirk
Don't worry John Bass, Corwen will have its Chinese granite base and Snowdon will get Portuguese marble for the new cafe!
Fri Jun 29 08:40:28 2007
Joe Public of Corwen!
Does anyone know the real story behind the graig, behind Corwen vans, old Crossville depot, how was it decided that it was perilously unstable? And how much money has been spent on it? It seems to be taking forever to complete!
Wed Jun 27 11:09:45 2007
A. Non, London
I used to live in Corwen, in fact it's where I grew up. As a child who moved into the area I feel its location is perfect for kids. There was always loads to do in the rivers, mountains, fields, park and shops. The unfortunate thing about the area is the people! My family and I weren't accepted for a very long time. With a dying community the local people need to be more accepting of new arrivals and appreciate the experience of other communities that they bring with them.
Wed Jun 27 10:48:40 2007
Anonymous-Cynwyd
Well the Owain Glyndwr hotel has been flooded again. Wouldn't the money being spent on the statue be better off been spent on trying to sort out the flooding problem? Does anyone else agree with me?
Wed Jun 27 10:24:18 2007
John Bass, London
I can't believe what I've just heard. Owain Glyndwr's NEW statue can't be erected because the base has been lost - down a ravine in CHINA! Who allowed the base to be made in China? What's wrong with WELSH stone? WELSH slate or a granite base would have seemed correct in this case, surely? Can someone own up to this gaff? I dare you!
Mon Jun 18 07:58:41 2007
Jean from Gwyddelwern
I have lived in Gwyddelwern nr Corwen for nearly 4 years and I like Corwen but prefer to live in Gwyddelwern. There does need to be some regeneration and investment in Corwen by local goverment. I would love to see the railway back, more shops, etc. The people are salt of the earth folk. Maybe they're putting in the superloos as an excuse to charge people for the parking? I am sure there could be more done to promote this part of the world as it is lovely. There is the gym and the local park. Plenty of walking around the area. Corwen just needs a boost that's all. The best thing though are the Corwen people. Sorry if you could not get a job here I am not local and I got a job here - the place where great Polish people get welcomed into jobs so maybe there has been a shift. A railway link would be a good idea I think.
Mon Apr 30 08:46:42 2007
Mr G Williams
I've just heard that Corwen is to have new 'super loos'. Why? The persent ones are perfectly fine. The state of the car park certinally is not - full of pot holes, nice to to see my £1,313 a year council tax is being well spent! One pink bin bag a week is all I get too! I really think local authorities need to be fully looked in to! There's been job cuts in central government, but why hasn't local councils been looked in to? All these people sitting in the council offices making all these descions with our money getting paid £50k + year. I must say this recent news about the 'super loos' really takes the biscuit! I'm sure there's more important things to spend our hard earned cash on. We seem to be getting less and less services from the council but paying more council tax. I wonder how long it will be before we see rubbish collection fortnightly.
Fri Apr 20 07:28:21 2007
Joe Public of Corwen!
Skatepark Committee? What hapened to the committee who initiated the project in the first place? It's a disgrace, 3 years on and its still just a concrete slab eyesore! Some of those kids who could have enjoyed it are almost adults now !
Fri Mar 30 08:15:23 2007
Amy Pinnington former resident of Corwen
Corwen is a small town and every1 there needs to get a life. There is light beyond the hills and for your sake and your kids' sake move out of that small minded town.
Thu Mar 15 14:43:39 2007
