Suddenly, Montecito has closed. "Closing Down" notices appeared for a week prior to the last day on Saturday June 27th, 2015, after which the store was emptied out. Montecito was one of only two surviving long-established boutiques in Rhuthun/Ruthin that date back over 30 years. It passed to the wife of former MP Gareth Thomas as an ongoing concern.
The days when Rhuthun was something of an exclusive haven that offered considerable fashion choice for the well-heeled female patron are fast slipping away. Recent incomer Choo Choo continues to fly the flag, as does what post-Montecito is the only established women's clothier, Gayla House. If Gayla survives to 2017, it will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Gayla House is run by the wife of former councillor Elwyn Edwards and the staff within continue with the years of tradition of looking down their noses at anyone other than the most discerning lady. If you need to ask the price then you should perhaps try The Children's Society or Sue Ryder charity shops.
Moss Piglet is similarly vanishing with minimal notice.
It's only been established months as an art gallery come boutique-ish. In fact, it was sometimes difficult to figure out exactly what it was. The proprietrix is moving to Birmingham no less. Odd move, perhaps, but then again Moss Piglet was something of an eccentric place to start with.
The wall along the entrance to Scola Ruthinensis is complete. It tidies up the driveway. Constructed by former teacher Michael Hewer, after whom the Hewer sports centre is named, it has also been filled with first rubble then soil to offer an area for planting.
Talking of walls, the restored walling at the entrance to Rhuthun's premier housing estate at Parc Brynhyfryd has been vandalised not once but twice, in the same spot. Shame on those who've damaged the work in clearing up
one of Rhuthun’s eyesores.
Seven Oaks now has a café.
The council has found a sponsor for the third roundabout associated with the Northern Link Road. The Old Station Road roundabout is sponsored by Lock Stock and that at the mart end by rival self-storage4u. Now, the middle roundabout at the entrance to Glasdir has its sponsoring by G Parry builders.
The recently introduced Co-op delivery service has a hire van in place, while its 10-year-old regular has been pensioned off, in for repair or service.
Nature’s Treasure shop has a new facia. Gone is the doubled up Nature’s Treasure/Number 32. Number 32 was, after all, somewhat confusing, given that it referred to the shop’s previous site on Well Street. The new facia announces that Nature’s Treasure is a country store selling, erm, helium balloons. In truth, the mix therein is so eclectic it's very difficult to point to its raison d'être or main offer.
A new information panel has appeared in Castle Mews telling the story of the building before it became the headquarters of the Ruthin Rural District Council.
What happened to the flower beds on the Old Station Yard roundabout? They look tidy but they don't look colourful. The direct reason for this no doubt is Austerity. But, if Denbighshire is unable to fill the beds, cannot the town council step in?
