Something you hear regularly this year is that people wish for a more simplistic Christmas and one that is in support of local shopkeepers. The sceptic in me feels that, when it comes to it, internet shopping will continue to reign supreme, to prevail. The argument will go that you cannot find everything in Rhuthun/Ruthin.
And then along came yesterday's busy town and maybe, just maybe, we are going to see a shopping renaissance. Car parks were full and quite early, too. People were milling around (even though this could be problematic).
The busy-ness was no doubt a result of the second Christmas market, again held in the Old Gaol. Numbers there were very encouraging and there was a real buzz about the place. Although well marshalled at entrance and exit plus a one-way system, it took only an hour after opening for it to become a little uncomfortable, distance-wise.
Importantly, people poured out of the market up and down Clwyd Street and on to the Square. Way back when, the criticism of Christmas markets was always the small benefit they would bring the town. This time, though, there were plenty spilling over the streets. It reminded me of the halcyon Christmas Eves as late as the 1990s when the town had a similarly purposeful feel. If only we would support Rhuthun/Ruthin like this all year round.
The real test as to whether locals continue hereabouts their Christmas shopping hereabout will be next weekend. Collectively, will we have forsaken Rhuthun for Chester or Wrexham or Broughton?
I'll tell you one thing: I, for one, shan't be going anywhere near towns, cities or retail parks this Christmas.
It was a little ironic that the Margie's Home vegan food was parked next door to the processor mainly majoring on meat, Patchwood Paté
Car parks were full but in contrast this bus was not