There’s a massive sports festival for young people being hosted at Deeside College today and among the line-up are dance group, Flava. The college is covering the event via twitter.

See the rest here:
Flintshire Festival of Youth Sport

2009-04-30 12:59:18

Given the choice would you flatten Hightown flats or refurbish the 70s building?

A meeting’s being held today to consider the building’s future because officials reckon £17m is needed to bring them up to scratch.

There’s a similar issue going on in Flint regarding the maisonettes which we’ve blogged about previously under the headline, love and loathing for home.

There’s certainly love for Hightown’s flats – and that’s backed up by the people interviewed in tonight’s Evening Leader.

Go here to see the original:
Flatten the flats?

2009-04-30 12:17:53

I’ve been doing some good old fashioned research of late by visiting local libraries and archives to find information about drovers and their routes in NE Wales. It has made a change to use something other than a computer, typing in a search term in Google and clicking ‘go’.

I did the obvious trawl of trusted websites like Genuki to get up and running. I then tried some web searches of catalogues and indexes held in local libraries and archives to find reading material like this info for Denbighshire and available in the archives offices at Ruthin Gaol [an atmospheric location in which to work].

It was all so easy. I was reading a book first published in the 1940s called ‘Wales and the Drovers’ by P G Hughes while sitting in Wrexham Library. It made reference to an article published in 1945 which was worthy of note and, faster than you could type the search term ‘Caernarvonshire History Society Journal’, all it took was a short walk across the first floor of Wrexham Reference Library to find the journal and the article therein, A Drover’s Account Book.

The Archives Network Wales is another way to find out what’s held in local libraries and archives and also proved useful.

My thanks also go to people like John Turner who has taken it upon himself to photograph drovers’ roads.

And David Rowe from Mold Civic Society is forever a source of useful information. His suggested reading material was:

- Roads & Trackways of Wales by Richard Moore-Colyer (Lanmark Press 2001)
- Hidden Highways of North Wales by R.J.A Dutton (Gordon Emery 1997), includes local the packhorse trail starting in Caergwrle
- The History of Halkyn Mountain by Bryn Ellis, p209 details the Turnpike Trusts and charges

My article is a way into the subject of droving and will be added to when time permits. It tries to pinpoint some drovers’ routes as we look on BBC Local at ways of providing info about things to do and places to to visit as well as local history.

Originally posted here:
Drovers’ roads and digging up the past the old fashioned way

2009-04-29 10:33:06

— We highlight stories for your interest via our shared reader [what's this?] or which you can follow via http://twitter.com/bbcwrexham —

Chief didn’t get the job | CayCompass.com
Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable David Baines pipped our very own Chief Constable to the £120,000-a-year job as the Cayman Islands’ new Commissioner of Police.
Tag: chief

49 jobs could go at Wrexham’s Yale College | Evening Leader
Yale College officials say that as part of their financial consolidation plan, they will be consulting with its staff and unions about ways of tackling a funding shortfall which has arisen as a result of next year’s “challenging” settlement from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Boil your water – warning | BBC News | Local
Thousands of customers in Denbighshire and Flintshire are advised to boil their water after bacteria was found in supplies during routine tests.

See the original post:
Chief didn’t get Cayman Islands job and other links [29-04-09]

2009-04-29 09:50:55

Pontfadog County Primary School, Ceiriog Valley, is fighting closure – with old socks! The stunt is based around their campaign, Save Our Community School, aka SOCS, to drum up support for their cause.

Wrexham Council is holding a public meeting to discuss the plans for closure on Wednesday 6 May at the school. Campaigners are urging the community to turn up to show their support for the school.

View post:
School uses old socks to fight closure!

2009-04-28 09:19:15

Snowmobiling Fun

For all the people that have grown up living in cold, snowy climates have all probably gone snowmobiling.  There is no better feeling then being able to get out in the fresh powdery snow, spinning in circles on open fields, or hitting a snowdrift which sends you up in the air.

Snowmobiling is a very popular hobby among the old and young alike.  There are many different models of snowmobiles available with many different luxuries including hand warmers, heated seats, helmets with heated visors that help with visibility.

Snowmobiling, what a great winter hobby, but with dangers as well.  A beginning snowmobiler needs to have a more experienced snowmobiler teach some tip to remember.  At some point they will come in handy.

Always make sure your snowmobile is in good mechanical condition before you leave.  Carry a small toolkit including basic wrenches, spark plugs, and a flashlight. If you are planning on traveling alone, have somebody know the route you are taking and the approximate time you will arrive at you destination. For safety reasons you should travel in groups, in the case of a breakdown. It is a good ides to carry waterproof matched just in case you need to build a fire, and carry some food, chocolate, mixed nuts, dried fruit.  Nice to have in case you have a long walk ahead.

Always wear the right clothing for the weather.  A hat that covers your entire head, mittens, warm boots are all essential for cold weather survival.  Never snowmobile on ice without first knowing the thickness.  Too many snowmobilers have made this mistake and paid the ultimate price.  Snowmobiling is an awesome sport but keep in mind the dangers and be sure to respect the other riders on the trails.

hope you enjoy this article.

Hebrew Articles

www.holland-american-cruise-line.com

Each time I write about Tuscany Italy, my heart and my full body essentially experiences an intense feeling of quietness. I know precisely this feeling comes from the relaxed atmosphere that this part of Italy near Florence gives off. I have found a perfect balance of enjoying the fascinating city of Florence and its cultural activities at the same time I refurbish energy by either doing a farm vacation or staying in a luxurious villa in the countryside of Tuscany.

Wallow in luxuriousness in Tuscany Italy

The words ‘luxury’ and ‘farm’ might scare you away, firstly because everyone associates luxury with expensive and farm with small comfort. Let me tell you of some wonderful places where I have been and you’ll see how this is much more enjoyable than staying at a hotel in the town centre.

The Fattoria il Lago cottage is found about forty kilometres north-east of Florence, just outside the little city of Dicomano, hidden away in the olive tree covered Tuscan hillsides. The extensive property homes three areas which are referred to as towns, each having loft accommodations and an entirely different landscape to like. The main lodging building is known as La Villa and has a pleasurable view of the Dicomano Valley. Just a short walk away you find Lago town with its corresponding pool accompanied by a pretty garden. The third area is the most old fashioned sleeping quarters called Macerato, embedded among all the hues of green possible. This sort of vacation rental is as cosy and reposeful as the posh villas, only that you are sharing a common ground with other visitors. When you get your Tuscany car rental, you should ask for a good map and perhaps even ask them if they can give more explicit directions towards Dicomano being as the farmhouse is located off other country roads. Usually any vacation home in Tuscany offers the option of giving full directions when booking and also being picked up at nearby train or bus stations. You simply have to make sure they knows beforehand.

The 11th c. medieval monastery of San Lorenzo a Linari in Sovicille, south of Siena is an example of those vacation rental places in Tuscany where you may have it all and still have your own breathing room, having your freedom from stress. This magnificent lodging is individual studios captivating you with Tuscany tours like viewing the hillside and mountains seated in a four-wheel drive car, horse-back riding or an aerial view from a hot-air balloon. And if you don’t wish to miss out on the lovely beaches, there are excursions to the Mediterranean shore, too.

Staying in Tuscany in the Chiantii area in the luxurious villa estate called Villa de Dievole close to the old town of Vagliali. As all villas used to belong to the Italian noble class, the exclusiveness and privacy is exquisite. The decoration in many has been respected in the restoration process, therefore you are living among many centuries of history. This 16th century villa has rooms and suites with a private guesthouse, too.

Without overtaxing one’s strength, your Tuscany Italy holiday tours can be choked full of emotions and peacefulness.

For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out Venice Grand Canal.

Florence Italy accommodation as far as hotel and cottage are concerned, let your imagination go from richly furnished 5 star hostels either in the center of the town or smaller city accommodations, hidden away in the green hued country. From palaces to castles exquisitely decorated and annuities or guesthouses owned by friendly local people. These all year round lodgings have a wide price range but you can assured that good bargains are to be found in the quiet season. Florence welcomes everyone to be cosy and caters to everyone’s budget.

Wealth and Comfort in Florence Italy

The Savoy Hotel is a fave for those wanting to fulfil a wish for luxury sleeping, not forgetting the shopping studio and wonderful cuisine at the restaurant. The Hotel II Guelfo Bianco on the Via Cavour right close to the San Marco Square has antique art treasures and original paintings and glorious commodities. Or maybe a stay at the Grand Hotel Baglioni with its sweeping grey stone stairway so characteristic of many Florentine monuments and wooden beams decorating the ceiling all which give you that special feeling of peace and relax.

Florence town should be visited in a long-lasting period and if this isn’t possible, then short visits are ideal to take in all the museums. And for me, one of the finest strategies to try this is by staying in a small town farmhouse near Florence and with your Florence auto rental, enjoy tiny joints into the town. One of the cutest medieval towns nearby is San Gimignano, situated in the triangle of Siena, Florence and Volterra. San Gimignano is undoubtedly known for its thirteen remaining towers of the first seventy-two which once existed. Here, you can have sweet dreams sleeping in a mansion from the 14th century and have breakfast in a valuable terrace. Or in a rural house with high ceilings and worked iron beds.

Praise Good Italian Cooking

At some of these farmhouses there are cookery classes and it’s here where I learned to cook Stracotto or ‘Pot Roast’. This a very popular weekend Sunday meal in Italy as well as in Great Britain and North America. The Italians serve it over a tasty noodles bed of pasta enriched with the Chianti wine sauce where the others serve it with potatoes. Here goes……

Stracotto (serves 4-6 people ) 

- three to 4 lbs. top round beef 

- four thinly sliced garlic cloves 

- three medium thinly cut carrots 

- 3 medium diced onions 

- rosemary leaves 

- 2 cut up celery stalks 

- 2 cups water 

- 1 lb. ripe tomatoes ( peel, seed and cut them ) 

- 1 fourth cup olive oil 

- 1 and a half cup Chianti or dry red wine 

- one tbsp. Liquified butter 

- one tbsp. flour 

- salt as you like 

- one lb. pasta of your choice

Roll and tie up meat and then make small holes to put the garlic into.

In a pan, warm the oil and slowly cook the carrots, onions and celery until soft and add in the rosemary. Push these vegetables to one side and put the meat roll in the middle and brown on all sides at the same time as you are sauting the veggies. Add in the tomatoes and when they are getting soft, add the wine. Boil until the wine liquid has been consumed to about one half cup and add one and a half cup of water and let broil for almost one hour more. Separate the meat and vegetables from the broth and let the beef cool. With remaining half cup of water mix the flour and the softened butter in with the broth and cook, continually stirring it for three mins. Cut beef and put the pasta and the sauce in the middle of the plate and 2 or three beef slices to one side and crown with some more sauce if required. Bon appetite!

This is just one of the Florence Italy recipes that I learned. Stay tuned for more!.

Do you enjoy reading this? If yes, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit in the world and have a look at Uffizi Gallery.

If you’re looking for a different kind and exciting vacation spot, then Lanzarote is the perfect place for you. Located in the easternmost part of the Canary Island, this Spanish Island is of volcanic origin . So if you want your family and friends to have an “out of the usual” inexpensive holiday trip, visit Lanzarote.

As a home of urban hotels and resorts, this tourist destination is certainly the best for people who enjoys travelling during winter or summer. Its perfect weather, beaches and volcanoes makes this place a one of a kind holiday spot. Temperatures during winter are 8 degrees cooler than in summer.

Holidays in Lanzarote

The great volcanic landscape and views of this island attracts many tourists of all ages. These volcanoes erupted as early as the 19^th century that caused the mountainous and lunar like appearance in some areas of Lanzarote.

Aside from that, water sports adventures such as windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving are also offered in different resorts and beaches. This island is perfect for discovering the underwater marine life. You can also play golf in some resorts.

How about the accomodation?

Villas Lanzarote

If you’re traveling with your family or friends, it’s much better to rent villas which are available in resorts here in Lanzarote. A large number of people can be accomodated in the island’s many villas. It’s also more spacious with pools and garden inside that can make your stay more comfortable and relaxing.

Lanzarote Apartments

Apartments are also available to those who are in a tight budget. Rates are affordable and these apartments has many amenities that you and your family can enjoy. You can also have privacy in this spot.

Lanzarote Hotels

If you want to stay in a 5 star hotel, Lanzorote has a lot to offer. You can choose from a variety of luxury hotels in the island. You can make reservation in one of these hotels if you want to spend a more comfortable and relaxing vacation. If you’re more on saving, then you can probably find cheap hotels as well.

Getting Around – Car Hire in Lanzarote

If you want to discover the island on your own you can rent a car while touring around Lanzarote.  Local and international car companies offer affordable car rentals. This can also add excitement to your vacation trip.

Here are the things that you should bear in mind when renting a car:

 1. The driver’s seat can be found on the right hand side in this island.

 2. Petrol Stations in the island offer manned services, so it’s better to let them check your tank first before driving.

3. For tourists driving around the island, you should bring your passports, driver’s license and always wear seatbelts when touring around, because the police are strict in their traffic rules. Over speeding is not allowed.

More exciting and fun awaits as you go on with your trip in Lanzarote. The islands’ weather condition, pristine beaches and resorts can make you relax and unwind. Resorts and hotels are also affordable and comfortable. So the next time you think of spending your vacation, make Lanzarote as the first holiday destination on your list.

Choosing the right hotel room is not an easy task; in fact many consider this the most difficult task to do while sorting out a holiday. Choose hotels for holidays based on the amount you can spend for it, the amenities of the hotel itself and how far it is from the major attractions of the city or location. These tips will help you find the right hotel.

1) Hotels that are located near to attractions of the country or city generally cost more than other hotels. Staying in an out of town hotel can save you lots of money.

2) There is a drawback here though, as you have to spend much more time and money travelling to your destinations, so you could spend more money on petrol or fares.It is up to you to decide if it is better spending more on petrol or fares, or on escalated hotel rates!

3) Members of the military, senior citizens and members of auto clubs like the AA offer discounts in their affiliated hotels and motels.Make use of these discounts when on a holiday, as these lodging places will in no way make any differences in their services and amenities because of the discounts you are offered.

4) The best way to save money on your hotel bills would be to book your hotel rooms well in advance.There are many hotels that offer cheaply priced rooms on a first come, first served basis. You will be charged lower rates when you book your hotel room well in advance as hotel rates tend to increase during the holiday season.

If you want to save money during your next holiday, you have to choose your hotel and hotel rooms keeping all these points in mind. You can get even better rates by comparing rates of different hotels using these above mentioned points and of course, choose the hotel offering the lowest rates.

For great accommodation in Chicago, studio hotels in Edgewater & suites in Chicago