As long as the people who organise the Open Doors heritage weekends can keep pulling rabbits out of hats the event is safe. Last year's was Nantclwyd Hall.
This year was the hardest if all to organise. Unlike last, there was no funding and little moral support from Denbighshire county council. It already relies heavily on a small band of the enthused led by town councillor Heather Williams. Its budget, almost entirely thanks to the town council, was even less than last year, at £2,000. It's incredible what you can do with such a small amount of funding.
So, what was the weekend like and was it a success? That depends. New venues or tours did well.
This year was the hardest if all to organise. Unlike last, there was no funding and little moral support from Denbighshire county council. It already relies heavily on a small band of the enthused led by town councillor Heather Williams. Its budget, almost entirely thanks to the town council, was even less than last year, at £2,000. It's incredible what you can do with such a small amount of funding.
So, what was the weekend like and was it a success? That depends. New venues or tours did well.
- So, the one tour of Efenechtyd carried over 40 participants. If anything, the tour was that bit too long.
- Porth y Dŵr, open on the "taster" weekend beforehand, was also well received and its owners were delighted. This isn't so much a new venue but it is almost complete and people hadn't seen it in its almost-finished condition.
- It was several years since Eifion opened Rose Cottage which must be the jewel in his property portfolio. Unsurprisingly, it attracted a considerable interest.
- The new activities at the Crfat Centre were considered a success and were busy.
- Tŷ Bruth near Pwllglas was excellent. It's owners had undertaken research on the house and were able to deliver their information well.
- There was little interest in Hengoed. It's been around for a number of years and is slightly off centre. Is it time to rest this one?
- Bookings at the Wynnstay were low. Last year, it was popular but that was its first time. In truth, the owners had little to tell or show, other than promote their B&B.
- The Gaol was something of a cock-up. Cadwyn had published that it was free. It was not and this left staff in something of an invidious position.
- Siop Nain has a lot to offer the heritage goer but its owners are not the most enthused and they didn't bother opening yesterday. Is it time to dump them?
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History