|
Summer 2009
Dear Friends of Gwrych Castle,
We hope this newsletter finds you in the very best of health.
Over the months we have been eagerly watching the progress of clearance work at Gwrych Castle and we continue with the Trust whilst we await further developments and plans by Clayton Hotels. The recession has played a part in delaying rapid progression, but we remain behind the Castle to ensure that we continue to do our best for the restoration of this listed building.
In the meantime, the Trust has been active in our resolve as a 'watching brief' and we have supported a number of local events, many of which are connected to the Dundonald family. On Thursday 16th of April St. Michael's Church in Abergele held a concert celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Winifred, Countess of Dundonald (16th April 1859), featuring the organist Graham Eccles and students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama performing specially-composed pieces of music for the event. On Saturday 13th of June St. Michael’s Church also held a very successful Fete in the Gwrych Castle Grounds. The celebration commemorated the 190th anniversary of the laying of the first foundation stone of our landmark Castle.
The Dundonald Heritage Celebration of 2009, organised by Mrs. Pamela Jenkins, also marked the birth of Winifred Countess of Dundonald as the heiress to the Bamford Hesketh family who built Gwrych Castle, St. Cynbryd’s Parish Church, and who supported many other village amenities in Llanddulas. The celebration also reflected on the life and work of today’s Church and village. In recognition of this a special weekend of celebrations was planned for Friday 7th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th of August 2009 in Llanddulas. Many members attended the events which included the Llanddulas Male Voice Choir, an art and history exhibition and special Songs of Praise Service in St. Cynbryd's Church. This was a wonderful and memorable weekend for all who were involved from near and far. Please see our website for photographs from this event: www.gwrychtrust.co.uk
Once again we are nearing the time for the booking of our forthcoming Annual Christmas Dinner, which will take place on 5th December at the Llandudno Golf Club. Please find enclosed the booking form and menu choice form for return. Alongside renewal Memberships for 2010. The Annual Dinner is always a great success and we are limited to 90 with seating. Please book by return of post since it is a first come first served basis and seats are taken very quickly! We will be providing entertainment, a raffle and a full Christmas menu. We do hope to see you again this year and a warm welcome awaits all.
Please check the website for details of the 2009 AGM, which will be posted in the near future.
We look forward to hearing from you with menu return forms and membership renewals for next year, to assist our administrator, please return both a.s.a.p. Thanks.
With kindest regards and very best wishes,
Nancy Foster (Trust Treasurer)
|
