The art trail that began to be planted from this autumn and is now more-or-less complete. Expect an official launch at February school half term or in March 2014.
Scattered around town are (or will be, when complete) sundry pieces of art including 10 spy holes and 22 difficult-to-find miniature figures, often with a subtly humourous slant. So, the image above of the Bryniau Clwyd/Clwydian Hills visible from Wetherspoon's car park shows the Jubilee Tower fully restored to its condition when it was first built—complete.
There are inevitably mixed views about the pink-effect framed oak street benches and tree guards. Some view them as totally out of character with the town (and this appears to be the majority) while others feel that they are a nice modern addition. Whichever, the trees themselves are welcome (Market Street is the beneficiary and to the early 20th century trees were abundant there). My guess is that within a year we, those who live here, will barely notice the pink artwork. Visitors will know no difference and just accept them.
The art trail and in particular the trees and benches from the foot of Market Street to the Square are designed to make the walk from Tesco and the Craft Centre into town that bit more attractive. It is designed to encourage people in. It's fair to say that visitors to both Tesco and the Craft Centre tend to get no further.
Both the art trail and the pink furniture follow the (incomplete) Ruthin
Masterplan project of May 2011 and they are probably the only tangible outcomes of this otherwise laudable exercise that was headed up by the then mayor, architect and proprietor of the Manor House, Gavin Harris. Officially known as Ruthin Future, the term "Masterplan" caught on after we began using it on this Blog.
Expect the art trail to win the Ruthin & District Civic Association' 2015 Quayle awards.
At the other end of the spectrum, the old Anchor Inn is now looking very sorry for itself. Newly acquired by Ruthin School, it awaits the promised refurbishment that will see it transformed into a school dorm. It was acquired in May this year.
