Never the Twain

Was it Mark Twain who said, “reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”?

A neighbour showed me this rather nice “obituary” recently written by respected writer and Rhuthun resident Hefina Clwyd Coppack. It appeared in the April 2009 edition of the Ruthin & District Civic Society’s ‘Ruthin Town & Around’ newsletter. I thought it was rather endearing and I reproduce it in full below. Not too sure, though, about being labelled “cantankerous”!

Non Liquet died suddenly at the age of five on 10th February this year. He is sadly missed. He had led an active and provocative life—often cantankerous but always lively. For those who are still puzzled I am talking about the Ruthin Blogger which appeared almost every day for five years. His reports on the goings on, the misdemeanours and quiddities of Ruthin were always a good read whether you agreed with them or not. He had his finger on the pulse, no doubt about that.

I do not know who he was. He was a Welsh speaker that was obvious. He was also very observant, and a classicist. Why else would he have chosen Non Liquet as his non de plume—two Latin words which mean “it is not clear”. In other words the jury is out.

Tesco, the Craft Centre, shops, the weather, the price of petrol, parking and Glasdir—and much more—all the things which worry the townspeople were discussed by Non Liquet. He/she is deeply mourned.

Celebration & Reflection

Annwyl gyfeillion

Today, it just happens to be four years since the date of the first post on this blog. And, with a bit of clever forethought, it also happens to be this blog’s 500th post (I’ve deleted the individual Christmas quiz questions because otherwise the total would be inflated by 47).

A double celebration—and a time to reflect.

The BBC’s North East Wales blogmaster posted a comment here as long ago as 29 February 2008 wondering whether new technology and sites like the Rhuthun/Ruthin blog successfully encouraged more people in making a stand or in raising local issues of concern.

We’re sorry we overlooked his comment. It’s an interesting question and I wish I knew the answer though perhaps one person completing the recent Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog survey may. “I know that some councillors read the blog, and it may influence their views on matters.” Judging by other comments received during our recent survey, readers seem content that this blog makes a contribution to Rhuthun life.

There’s evidence that people who matter read this Blog. Though I can’t say for certain who actually *does* read Rhuthun / Ruthin, I do know from the survey, comments left and impressions made on the stats counter that they *regularly* include some of the following:

The BBC (from various locations)  North Wales Newspapers (publishers of the Free Press) Trinity Mirror Newspapers (publishers of the Denbighshire Visitor & Daily Post)  Heddlu Gogledd Cymru/North Wales Police  Cyngor Sir Ddinbych / Denighshire County Council  Coleg Llandrillo  Coleg Iâl/Yale College  Cyngor Sir y Fflint/Flintshire County Council  National Health Service  ITV  The Co-op  Gareth Thomas, our former MP  Sundry councillors  A number who own or run businesses

Many other impressions sadly give no indication as to the visitor. Most remain hidden behind an indecipherable string of numbers that is their anonymous & often dynamic (i.e. changing) IP address and even then, the stats counter hides the last digits.

At the least, this site has a modest impact. We know, for example, we’ve been instrumental in launching a couple of stories in the local press but we never think that’s our role. We’ve even been dubbed as a ‘citizen journalist’ by someone in the local media.

The debate about whether the town should be called Rhuthun or Ruthin once spread from here to Wikipedia, quoting this site (till someone butchered it out), and very soon after, spread to the letters page of the Free Press.

We also feel that we have been instrumental in changing the name of the housing development north of Rhuthun from the ill-conceived Rhuthun Parc to our suggestion of Glasdir. We know Bryant Homes/George Wimpey staff visit this blog from time to time. Even here, we’ve simply only reflected what locals in Rhuthun are saying.

The local newspapers that monitor the Blog will no doubt have found commenters’ views on how the media present news both interesting and perhaps a little disturbing.

Beyond that, I can’t easily answer the BBC’s question. Things might be different had this site been specifically designed to agitate a response to particular issues. The Blog started simply as a means of monitoring the extent to which Tesco would change (and subsequently has changed) the town. As such, the Blog isn’t specifically anti-Tesco, or anti-anything for that matter.

Instead, it’s staunchly pro-Rhuthun.

It reports and comments on issues rather than deliberately campaigning on them. The Blog has developed beyond Tesco to consider anything that impacts on Rhuthun—from petrol prices to the Glasdir housing development to wind farms. It always *tries* to be positive. There are times when, believe me, the Blog owner wishes to scream and rant about a particular inequity but tries instead to keep matters impartial. That readers agree the site *is* impartial is of considerable note.

I think, therefore, that the Blog would have a greater impact had it adopted a truly campaigning stance. But in doing so, we feel we’d be the poorer for it—and probably shed rather than grow readership. Better to point to both sides of an argument. Yet, we ourselves feel we have also been in trouble in the local press for allegedly running Rhuthun down, something of course we wholeheartedly refute.

There are few local blogs with which to compare but try the stance taken by Conwy’s Thought’s (sic) of Oscar. We would not, for example, wish to emulate Oscar’s populis’t style as he picks off and snipes at public figure’s in Conwy county and elsewhere which, some might conclude, are wholly ill tempered, ill judged, unclear—and rather grammatically challenged to boot. His approach is Oscar’s choice, of course, but we feel it does him no favours. To think Oscar once linked here (shudder), with the epithet “Rhuthun/Ruthin—lover of small shops?”.

Small shops. That and good service are the essence of Rhuthun—and its unique selling points. This is how Rhuthun will survive, through local distinctiveness, a niche market and a strong sense of pride and place. If, of course, it can withstand Tesco.

This site started as a way of measuring whether Tesco was going to have an affect on Rhuthun. It’s interesting at this point to reflect on the answer to the recent survey question here, “Is Tesco in Rhuthun a good thing?“ Almost exactly two thirds of respondents felt Tesco was having a positive impact on Rhuthun.

May we be permitted to express an opinion at this point? Respondents’ views seem to run contrary to the evidence quite literally on the street: fewer people in and shop closures around the town centre, plus a marked reduction in convenience shopping outlets. While we have pointed this evidence out, what matters I guess is public perception. More than that, of those who identified themselves as running businesses, two thirds also felt that Tesco in Rhuthun was a good thing (though this will depend upon what you sell).

If respondents are a scientific sample of Rhuthun, this blog has now done its job and, judging by the original task it set itself, has probably run its course.

So, to part answer the BBC, I suppose we can at least say we’ve been successful at what we wished to achieve. 2½ years after Tesco, it’s not the result we expected. And we do feel it runs counter to the data—but it would appear that the arrival of Tesco is accepted.

And so it is time form us to take a break.

Yr eiddoch yn gywir

Non Liquet

Those Four Questions

Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog survey participants will recall we asked four general questions on Rhuthun. Here are the results.

We asked, Is it Rhuthun or Ruthin?

Nearly 40 per cent of you replied ‘Rhuthun’, 37 per cent ‘Ruthin’ and 15 per cent were undecided. Interestingly, fewer than 10 per cent felt either was appropriate, depending upon the linguistic context. One retired person added the comment that as a Welsh speaker they’d used ‘Ruthin’ all their lives and felt it acceptable. Conclusion: as many people feel comfortable with ‘Ruthin’ as they do ‘Rhuthun’. Why, then, do we see so little for ‘Rhuthun’?

We asked, What are your views on Canolfan Grefft Rhuthun Craft Centre?

Roundly a third of respondents each felt it was good for Rhuthun; a waste of space & money; or were undecided. Conclusion: no conclusion.

We asked, Would you buy a house at Glasdir?

17 per cent were undecided. Fewer than two per cent of respondents said they would consider one. Just over 80 per cent felt they would not, ever. Conclusion: those who do buy at Glasdir are likely to be incomers, not locals.

We asked, How do you view the Denbighshire Free Press?

About a fifth stated they didn’t read it. 10 per cent were undecided. A further fifth of respondents felt it was a good read, reflecting life in Rhuthun. Nearly half felt it was a tired, boring, predictable rag. Conclusion: why are sales relatively buoyant?

We also asked a fifth question, Is Tesco in Rhuthun a good thing?

As the answer strikes at the whole raison d’être of this Blog, we’ll tackle it tomorrow.

The Weather

No one can have missed that we’ve had seasonal weather pretty much since the beginning of December. As a result, the road salt’s reported to be running low (and not just in Sir Ddinbych). Quoting Saturday’s Daily Post, “Denbighshire council said it was experiencing low salt stocks but was expecting a new batch of grit to come in.”

If you haven’t discovered the Rhuthun Weather website, now’s certainly the time to do so. The forecast is by far the most detailed available on the web. And there are many statistical features if you feel inclined to check past local trends.

Rather like the Rhuthun/Ruthin blog, Rhuthun Weather appears something of a labour of love.

The local amateur forecaster uses WXSIM simulator software described as an “interactive local atmospheric model”. It collects local data with an option to use the forecaster’s own skill & judgement and then updates itself automatically on line. So far, it’s accuracy has been pretty high.

That it models the weather constantly shows itself in the predictions for snow accumulation on Monday night (variously from up to 2½ to 8 inches, but static at present at 4 inches). No other forecaster can be so precise about the local weather—or stick their necks out. Worth a visit and worthy of your support—check out the five day forecast.

Inspection

Here’s some statistics you’re probably unaware of regarding Ysgol Brynhyfryd and how they may relate to the wider area.

 5.7 per cent of its 1224 pupils have free school meals. The UK average is 14 per cent. This implies Rhuthun is wealthier than the UK norm.

 25 per cent of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes and 33 per cent of the school speaks Welsh as a first language or to an equivalent standard. According to the 2001 census, the percentage of all people in Rhuthun over three who can speak, read or write Welsh is, however, 45 per cent.

The figures are just some from the November 2008 school inspection, details of which were made public this academic term.

The report on behalf of Estyn ranks Ysgol Brynhyfryd as grade 2, “a good school with several strong features”. The options range from grade 1 “good with outstanding features” to grade 5 “many important shortcomings”.

Ysgol Brynhyfryd was therefore on a par with its neighbours at Ysgol Maes Garmon (Yr Wyddgrug/Mold), Ysgol Dinas Brân (Llangollen) and Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd (Llanelwy/St Asaph). Brynhyfryd was one grade higher than Denbigh High School, though Denbigh’s inspection was some time ago at the transition from one to the current head, and Ysgol y Berwyn (Y Bala). Brynhyfryd was one place lower than Mold Alun.

By comparison, both Rhyl secondaries currently enjoying so-called ‘special measures’ were at grade 4.

The inspectors felt that pupil behaviour was exemplary and their attitudes positive. (There was, once, a school litter problem). Pupils were proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

Results at key stages three (11 to 14 year olds) & four (15 and 16 year olds) were good and continued to improve. Skills within ICT were now outstanding, whereas a previous inspection identified shortcomings.

Parents of the 203 pupils who attend the sixth form will be more than happy that Estyn states A level and Welsh baccalaureate results are “outstanding”. Is this because the school has a tight sixth form admissions policy? In spite of the impressive sixth form record, the school is unfairly criticised for a lack of vocational courses. There are alternatives available at local technical colleges (Colegau Iâl/Yale, Llysfasi a Llandrillo) where the range of non-academic subjects are able to reach specialised proportions.

The school doesn’t comply with the requirement for collective acts of worship. It’s been criticised for having insufficient members of staff to enable courses to progress through key stages through the medium of Welsh. While the accommodation is good overall, the trendily named learning resources centre (library to you and me?) is inadequate (though we understand this is part of a forward programme).

The school uses resources well. Unlike urban areas (for example, Wrexham), parents in Rhuthun realistically have no choice over which school to send their children. It’s as well, then, that the inspection threw up no surprises. Like their children, parents can be proud of Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

Survey Results

We expected far fewer responses during our survey earlier in the week (live for 84 hours). In fact, we expected less than half those who had a go. Amazing, so thank you. As this is *your* survey every bit as much as it is mine, here are the results (with more to follow).

Demography

Three-quarters of respondents lived in or around Rhuthun, with 10 per cent saying they were ex-pats, living away, one of whom was a regular reader in Australia. Bar one, the remainder all came from north east Wales. There are slightly fewer women reading than men. The range of respondents’ ages showed a bias towards middle age and older, with just two under 25.

80 per cent of respondents said they were “just” ordinary subjects (sic). Just under 20 per cent felt they were community activists in some way, including about five per cent of whom stated they were councillors. It was interesting that nearly a third declared that they owned or ran a business in Rhuthun.

Quality of the Blog

Turning to the Blog itself, nearly 90 per cent of respondents felt that the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog was either Excellent or Very Good. Two thirds of readers came to read at least three or four times a week. It’s difficult to capture the weekly or occasional readership in a survey that lasted for such a short period. 40 per cent of respondents had been viewing the Blog for about two years, 30 per cent for about a year, 20 per cent for less than a year and 10 per cent for between three and four years.

Fewer than 10 per cent of those responding felt the Blog was biased. Fewer still felt that it should be more strident & less impartial.

You’ll have to come back on Monday to see what respondents felt about the Free Press, the Craft Centre and spelling of the town’s name.

Written Comments

We were please to receive some rather nice and often glowing written comments. Here are some of them:

“I think it's a remarkably temperate commentary upon things, given how easy it is to be intemperate; and I also like the way in which it reflects Ruthin as a sort of microcosm of Wales as a whole.”

“It's a good read and well observed. I really look forward to reading it daily… although I sometimes disagree with the comments in the Blog I defend the rights of the Blogger to have an opinion.”

“I find it entertaining and useful. I often find out about things that have happened or are about to happen in town. I enjoy the "debates" and I really enjoyed the two Christmas quizzes.”

“I think you have got it about right and the ability to add comments really gets the debate going on occasions!”

“Wish Mold had a similar Blog as good as this”.

“Ruthin deserves this affectionate commentary.”

“I think it makes a valuable contribution to community debate and raises issues and opens eyes to things that affect the town.”

“Excellent and valuable blogsite Non. Well done.”

“It is very informative and thought provoking. It gives the opportunity to vent your views on topics which you may not get otherwise.”

“I really enjoy reading the Blog; as someone who is gradually getting to know the Ruthin community it is a great source of information. Please keep up the good work and if time permits, please expand!”

“You have a huge silent audience that enjoys watching every day. It is my favourite web site.”

“I can't think of anything really that I would change!”

“What you… produce is avidly read and much appreciated. Thank you.”

Issues

But, not everything was rosy. A couple of people complained about what one called “ignorant whingers” or people who respond rudely, are “just mean” and uncaring of people’s feelings and who snipe at those unable to answer back. In defensive of these people, I suppose deleting their contributions would smack of censorship (and therefore bias). Two people wondered whether everyone commenting might have some sort of pseudonym, to prevent too many confusing ‘Anonymouses’.

A few commenters felt there tended to be a focus on Tesco and retail and that the Blog was “overly concerned with shops” (that was the reason for the genesis of the Blog, folks). What about Lôn Parcwr and community news, they asked, with one being quite specific in seeking information on societies, green issues, culture and more.

One detailed respondent felt that this Blog should be controversial.

There were some good ideas on how to make aesthetic and navigational improvement and on how readers might proffer suggestions.

Negative Comments

And there were some negative comments, too, though not many:

“Most posts are negative”, said one. Said another, “I don’t like the facts about fuel prices and other random stuff, I find them boring, and people I have spoken to also say this!” (Pity really, as I quite like ’em! Ah well).

And about the author...

Finally, a couple of people commented on the author. “There are many theories as to who he/she is!” (yup, I know).

My favourite quote of all was, “It's wonderfully cryptically anonymous: I don't see how the author can really be (by implication) mildly put out not to be invited to a private view at the Craft Centre when he has covered his tracks so well. I am, of course, assuming that the author is male…” A special thanks to whomsoever placed this comment online. You obviously share my sense of humour.

To be continued...

The Price of Parking

The move will no doubt see its detractors. Mention parking charges and many throw their hands up in horror. They always have done and probably always will. No one likes paying parking charges, so let’s hope people in Rhuthun see the forthcoming short stay reduction as positive.

Presumably, it starts in April. From then, car parking in Rhuthun will reduce to 10p for the first half-hour. Currently, it’s 20p for an hour. The further presumption is that other parking costs will increase. But remember, before an April *2007* halving, it cost 40p to park for an hour, the minimum payment required.

It’s an obviously difficult equation to balance. Reduce parking charges and something else has to increase—the council tax. And it’s slightly odd that motorists should be able to park without contributing *something* for the space they fill.

At the halving to 20p back in April 2007 we asked, “can anyone complain?” Of course, some did, particularly when Tesco offers parking for free. But those who wish to pop into town for a few items certainly can’t complain now, and the reduction is aimed at giving the town centre a fillip. So, bravo to that.

And there’s more good news. On five days, Rhuthun will apparently be able to waive its parking charges altogether. This might coincide, for example, with Christmas marketing, Gŵyl Rhuthun Festival, selected produce markets, and so on. The decision on the actual days falls to the town council.

It’s less good news for those people wishing to purchase a season ticket, harmonised to increase from £63 to £100. But, assuming you use a car park for work on 233 days (five days a week less bank holidays and your annual holidays), this works out at 43p per day, less if you park six days a week.

Was it just me or did anyone else notice that during the free parking day on the Saturday before Christmas that about a third to a half of drivers still paid their parking fee. Can we therefore conclude that people actually feel the car park charges are currently reasonable and that they don’t deter serious shoppers.

Please Note

An interesting notice has appeared in the window of the Wynnstay Arms, assuring patrons that the establishment’s not about to close. There can be only one reason why the management put up the poster: to allay fears. It will be reassuring for those who enjoy two course lunches for £8.50 or the Fusions evening menu. If it closed, it would see the end of a tavern said to date from 1549, as the Cross Foxes.

Whether you feel the Wynnstay is up there with the likes of the Picture House is a matter of personal choice. For my part, I was more than content the last time I dined in the evening at the Wynnstay, with the unusually shaped crockery, though perhaps I’m an easily pleased customer no matter where I eat.

Few Rhuthun restaurants seem particularly crowded these days. While this often guarantees a table at short notice, it indicates that supply and demand may be out of kilter. It’s the same, worse probably, for cafés, as we’ve remarked before. We would like to think, hope even, that the Wynnstay and all its peers can hold their own in the face of pressure from both ends of the market—the Picture Houses of this world and what now appears to cater for an entirely different market, at the Steak House and Malt House. During these recessionary times, the pressure’s really on. May be we should go out and support them all.

This week’s weather is likely to be testing. Keep up to date with Rhuthun Weather.

Pay Up

Clydfan is the name of the house at one corner of Market Street and Mount Street. It serves us as our only dental practice. Clydfan is perhaps an unusual name for a dental surgery. People probably wouldn’t ordinarily associate the building they would least like to enter with what the name on the front stands for.

The number of people now behind Clydfan's front desk is a testament to how big this business has become. And now, that business is asking for payment up-front. If, after a check up, the surgeon feels you need treatment, you need to pay as you book.

This seems odd and counter to our expectations. You wouldn’t pay at the time you book your car in for a service. You tend not to have to pay at the time of booking a restaurant table. Agree a date when the builders can come around and you may have staged payments but always in arrears. Make an appointment to see another professional such as a solicitor or accountant and you’ll receive your bill afterwards. Even when ordering goods from a shop, it’s often customary to pay a small deposit, but not the full whack.

You could argue that a solicitor or builder can’t determine the length of time or the amount of materials required till after the job’s completed; or how much wine or how many deserts you’ll order at a restaurant. On the other hand, the dentist may have a pretty good idea of the sort of work required and the time it will take. But that assumes nothing goes wrong.

Should they charge up front? Particularly when there’s inevitably quite a wait for an appointment? In the end, we have no choice in this matter.

Most if not all in Rhuthun pass through Clydfan’s doors at some time or another, probably about every six months. So, most people will notice how fast the building’s fabric is deteriorating. In the 17 or so years since it’s become a dental practice (it was part home to Plas Meddyg's doctors till 1992), it’s got to the point where a lick of paint will no longer do it. The wood’s kinda rotting (or rotten). As a business, it’s probably second only to the Castle Hotel in terms of a decaying façade. Perhaps the interest garnered on prepayments is designed to help pay for uPVC replacement windows and doors...

Changing Nature of Sundays

Yesterday, it was 2½ years since Tesco’s been with us. Yes, that long. Today’s Sunday and whether we like it or not Tesco’s taken the day over by storm. At 1.00 this afternoon, the Tesco car park was ¾ full whereas the Co-op’s smaller one was ¾ empty. Inside Co-op there were eight shoppers (there were nearly three times as many cars as patrons). Inside Tesco, 117, with cars and people coming or going all the time. Pre-Tesco, there was never *anything* like 117 between the Co-op and the old KwikSave/Somerfield. You might have seen 20-30 at its peak. Before that, the old town centre Co-op was never open on s Sunday. Tesco’s been a revolution. And something of a revelation: at 1.00 this afternoon, there was a Co-op employee pushing a trolley round.

Carbon Compounds

In another twist in the tale of the now former Organics Store, a sign has at last appeared this week informing everyone that the shop, though closed, is able to deliver organics (from its Sealand Road HQ). While this is probably the next best thing to having a shop, it has its weaknesses, especially that it's difficult to grow a business when it's so invisible.

The sign appeared almost a month after the shop shut and even then you have to look closely to see it. A case of too little, too late?

The Organic Stores was almost taken over by a factional co-operative but this failed at the eleventh hour. It's reported in parallel that a private buyer became interested and that the shop would re-open after Christmas but this, too, floundered.

Launch Night

This evening’s launch of Age of Experience, in which the work of 15 senior craftspeople occupy all three Canolfan Grefft/Craft Centre galleries, will no doubt be its usual high society affair. I say “no doubt” because I’ve not been invited to the wine and nibbles do to find out.

The exhibits are from a generation that is said to have established the highly regarded British craft movement. Expectations are high. As with many exhibitions, it won’t appeal to all tastes and some items will appear a little surprising at first but none the worse for that—such as plastic toy soldiers stuck in broom heads.

All in all, it’s a very rounded presentation, from the threaded ‘curtain’ along the long windowed wall to the curiously compelling 3D stereoscopic images.

As you walk around the galleries, you just wonder how long the centre can keep this sort of thing up, in the recessionary times in which we find ourselves. It would be a tragedy for Rhuthun if funding became a problem. Public money will no doubt soon be in short supply. The arts (applied or otherwise) always has to fight its corner, even in the good times. And, which quoted company can afford to throw away thousands on arts, these days?

New Year's Eve

Now we’ve all sobered up after the festivities and received are credit card bills, what’s happened to Rhuthun on New Year’s Eve? Once dubbed one of the liveliest places to be in Britain, this year’s affair was much, much quieter. Still enough people straying across the road in front of cars, in the run up to midnight, but not as lively as it used to be. Perhaps the Depression has something to do with it.