Llanasa Life Issue 4 — Autumn 2025: Community Updates, Local Developments, and Opportunities to Engage

Overview of Autumn News and New Virtual Community Hub

The autumn edition opens with a warm update on recent changes within the Llanasa Conservation Society and the wider local scene. A key development is the introduction of a dedicated Llanasa Life Facebook group, designed to complement the existing page by offering an interactive space for residents to share news, ask questions, post photographs, and discuss matters of local interest. The group is envisioned as a welcoming online forum where villagers can connect, stay informed about upcoming events in the Village Hall, find trusted local tradespeople, and exchange news and announcements in a convenient, easily accessible format. The aim is to foster greater connectivity in village life and to provide a rapid channel for timely information and conversations that reflect the community’s character and daily rhythms. Members are encouraged to participate actively so the page can evolve into a vibrant hub that mirrors Llanasa’s heart and spirit.

Engagement and Information Flow: How the Group Serves the Community

Another central message is that the Facebook community page should act as a quick conduit for staying up to date and sharing positive stories that celebrate local life. The coordinators hope residents will use the space to ask questions, offer recommendations, and respond to one another in much the same way neighbors chat across a garden fence or in informal social settings. For those who are not on Facebook, the newsletter promises to incorporate relevant information from the online discussions into Llanasa Life, ensuring inclusivity and broad access to community news. The overarching goal is to strengthen social ties while maintaining a broad and welcoming flow of information for everyone who calls Llanasa home.

Autumn Welcome, Contact Details, and the White Lion Connection

The issue extends a seasonal welcome to readers and provides practical means to connect with the Conservation Society. It includes an invitation to reach out via the Society’s contact channels and points readers toward a link with a local landmark—the White Lion—via a QR code, offering a direct route for those curious about village venues and local history. This section underlines the newsletter’s role as a hub that bridges residents with places of social and cultural significance within the Llanasa community, reinforcing the idea that autumn is a time for engagement, discussion, and shared experiences.

The White Lion: Renovation, Transition, and the Road Ahead

News from the White Lion outlines a period of change as the establishment closes its doors on a late-summer weekend and enters a phase of sale. The owners acknowledge the effort invested in restoring the building into a warm, welcoming space and express gratitude to staff and supporters. While the closure is bittersweet, the message remains hopeful: the historic venue may find new stewardship that can continue to offer holiday lets and a refreshed sense of hospitality. The owners’ reflections emphasize a commitment to seeing the project through to a positive next chapter, with the understanding that the building’s future will ideally align with the village’s needs and aspirations, while allowing the community to follow its progress with optimism.

New Neighbours in Llanasa: The Hollands from New Mills

The village has welcomed Steve and Emma Holland and their children Ebony and Logan, along with Duke the dog, who have relocated from New Mills near Derbyshire. The family shares initial experiences of adapting to Llanasa, with Ebony starting at Ysgol Clawdd Offa and showing enthusiasm for football, friendships, and local activities, including a growing interest in nature and wildlife. Logan has a particular affinity for animals and birds, already noticing species around the village pond and home garden. The Hollands describe the move as a deliberate choice for a quieter, more connected lifestyle, emphasizing opportunities to explore outdoor pursuits such as climbing, hiking, and cycling in North and Mid Wales. Their arrival signals a broader sense of growing community diversity and a willingness to engage with local life and activities from the outset.

Autumn Village Tidy-Up: A Call for Volunteers

Preparations for the Autumn Village Tidy-Up are highlighted, with a scheduled event on Saturday 4 October from 10am to 1pm. The call invites villagers to contribute in any capacity, from half-hour contributions to full participation, noting that every pair of hands helps maintain the village’s appearance and vibrancy. Work involves light weeding, trimming, verge tidying, and general sprucing around key areas. No specialized skills are required beyond a readiness to pitch in. A mid-morning treat of bacon and sausage baps is offered as thanks to volunteers, with a vegetarian option available on request. Volunteers will gather in the village car park at 10am to receive tools and gloves, and the group is equipped with gear thanks to a Gwynt-Y-Mor grant, ensuring participants can focus on the tasks at hand. This event is presented as both productive and a social opportunity to connect with neighbors.

Llanasa Car Boot Sales 2025: A Community Success and Shared Benefits

The season’s car boot sales are celebrated as a notable success, with two events in May and a final session in August contributing to a total of £4,590 raised for community use. The events benefited from extensive planning and volunteer involvement, including traffic management, on-site café operations, and a steady stream of refreshments, cakes, and snacks that drew many visitors. The collaborative effort of volunteers, bakers, servers, and donors is recognized, with special thanks extended to Williams Estates for sponsoring cups and to the Gyrn Estate for providing field access. The funds raised are distributed equally among Llanasa Church, the Village Hall, and the Llanasa Conservation Society, supporting maintenance, events, projects, and future improvements that sustain village life and its facilities. The recap foregrounds the essential idea that collective effort translates into tangible improvements for the whole community.

Red Lion: Planning Progress, Partnerships, and a Vision for Reopening

In a detailed update from Pub Landlord Jimmy Platt, the effort to restore and reopen the Red Lion has moved forward through formal planning channels. A planning and listed-building consent application submitted to Flintshire Planning Authority has progressed, and the team awaits the authority’s decision to define the scope of work and initiate the restoration phase. The project emphasizes collaboration with experienced local professionals and tradespeople who can contribute once approvals are in place. The update conveys a clear sense of momentum and preparation, with licensing arrangements in place and ongoing discussions with regional breweries and local suppliers to support a community-focused reopening. The aim is to open in the second quarter of 2026, with further updates to follow as consent and project scope are confirmed.

Behind the Scenes: Planning Feedback, Accessibility Upgrades, and Future Steps

The Red Lion project also recaps the consultation process associated with the planning response, noting roughly two dozen points, observations, and recommendations raised by the planning authority. Proposed improvements include improved accessibility in restaurant facilities, enhanced access to the rear courtyard, a comprehensive deep clean, and several cosmetic updates intended to elevate the premises to modern standards while respecting its heritage. The team emphasizes a collaborative approach, working with specialists and heritage consultants who have prior experience with the site, to address the feedback and resubmit a refined application. In the meantime, licensing, partnerships with suppliers, and a strategic marketing plan are all advancing to ensure a strong launch and ongoing engagement with the community once approvals are secured.

Looking Ahead: A Hard-Hat Tour and Community Involvement

As planning progresses, there is expressed interest in offering a “hard-hat” tour of the Red Lion to residents, providing an opportunity to view the space firsthand, pose questions, and gather constructive feedback before work commences. This concept reinforces the view that the building is an integral part of Llanasa’s story and warrants careful, responsive restoration that respects local character. The organizers reiterate their commitment to restoring the venue thoughtfully while preparing it for a welcoming new era that serves both locals and visitors. Regular updates will be shared as soon as consent is granted and the renovation scope is finalized, ensuring the community remains informed and involved in shaping the venue’s future.

Cadw Open Doors 2025: Free Access to Wales’s Heritage

The bulletin outlines Cadw Open Doors for September 2025, a nationwide opportunity to explore historic sites across Wales without charge. The event invites history enthusiasts and curious visitors to engage with castles, gardens, museums, and other otherwise hard-to-reach places. The programme includes guided tours, talks, family activities, and living history experiences, offering a chance to connect with stories, architecture, and cultural treasures that define the region. The guidance suggests planning ahead, noting that most Cadw sites do not require bookings, though some locations may operate with limited capacity or timed entry. The full list of participating sites will be available on Cadw’s site as the month approaches.

Bodnant Garden: A Highlight of the 2025 Cadw Programme

A standout feature of the Open Doors programme is Bodnant Garden, reachable with a short drive from Llanasa. On the weekend of 13–14 September, Cadw visitors will receive free entry to the gardens, an estate celebrated for its historic significance, scenic landscapes, and botanical collections. The garden’s history is layered—from Victorian terraces to ancient trees and notable features such as the Pin Mill. Special curator-led walks will explore the site’s heritage, alongside pop-up exhibitions that spotlight Bodnant’s architectural elements and its role in conservation. Families are welcomed with nature trails and crafts inspired by the garden, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages as part of a broader heritage celebration.

Discover Big Pool Wood: A Local Nature Reserve at Llanasa’s Doorstep

Big Pool Wood, located just outside Gronant and managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust, is highlighted as a local treasure offering a diverse range of habitats, including woodland and wetland areas. The reserve features a central pool, reeds, and willows, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation throughout the year. Recent improvements include more than 400 metres of new boardwalks and accessible pathways, making it easier for wheelchairs and families with strollers to explore. The site hosts three bird hides equipped with binoculars for close-up views of the resident and visiting species, from kingfishers to sandpipers. Seasonal wildlife activities, such as pond-dipping and guided nature walks, are part of the trust’s programming, inviting families and adults to learn about local ecosystems while enjoying the outdoors. Entry is free, and dogs on leads are welcome, making it an ideal family excursion near Llanasa.

Upcoming Big Pool Wood Event and How to Learn More

For those who want structured plans, the North Wales Wildlife Trust provides a forthcoming Discover Nature event at Big Pool Wood, with details available on their website. The invitation encourages readers to take advantage of easy access to a wildlife-rich environment and to participate in planned activities that foster environmental awareness and appreciation. The overarching message is to embrace the outdoors, observe birds and other wildlife, and enjoy a restorative experience in a local natural setting that is readily reachable from Llanasa. The piece positions Big Pool Wood as a welcoming destination for families, casual walkers, and anyone seeking a tranquil nature escape close to home.

Llanasa Conservation Society AGM Summary 2024/25: Finances, Leadership, and the Path Forward

The Llanasa Conservation Society’s AGM for 2024/25 reflects on a positive fiscal year driven by car boot sale income and a significant grant from the Gwynt Y Môr Community Fund of £4,000. The grant supported the purchase of new tools, equipment, and a dedicated storage shed to facilitate ongoing village maintenance work. Excluding the grant, revenue exceeded the previous year by a comfortable margin, while expenditures were lower due to fewer large-scale events. The balance sheet closed with a modest surplus, signaling a stable financial position that supports ongoing community activities. The report underscores the importance of prudent budgeting and the role of volunteer-led initiatives in sustaining village life, with funds earmarked for future maintenance and community projects.

Leadership Changes and Strategic Adaptation: Steering the Society Forward

The AGM also addressed notable changes within the Society’s leadership, with the Chair and Treasurer stepping down and the Secretary post remaining vacant. Despite expressions of gratitude for past contributions, there were no volunteers stepping forward to fill the executive roles immediately. This prompted a broader discussion about the Society’s long-term viability and the potential risk of dissolution if leadership could not be sustained. In response, a flexible constitutional revision was proposed to allow the Society to be managed by one or more individuals rather than a full executive committee. This approach was well received, reflecting a pragmatic solution to maintain essential activities—tidy-up days, car boot events, and ongoing maintenance—even in the absence of a traditional leadership structure. The appointment of Sam Gardner as acting Chair signaled a commitment to continuity and a willingness to experiment with governance to preserve community services.

Looking Ahead: Community Involvement and the Importance of Continuity

With broad community support and a more adaptable organizational model, the Llanasa Conservation Society plans to continue its work while actively seeking volunteers and ideas for future projects. The aim is to maintain momentum in preserving the village’s character and vitality, even as leadership arrangements evolve. The AGM notes emphasize that broader participation is crucial to sustaining the society’s mission, and it invites residents to contribute in whatever capacity they can—whether through practical tasks, planning, fundraising, or simply offering input for future activities. The sense conveyed is one of resilience and a shared responsibility to keep Llanasa’s community spirit alive and thriving through collaborative effort and welcoming engagement.

Open Discussion: Community Matters, Newsletters, and the Value of Local Archives

In the ensuing discussion, attendees touched on the future of Llanasa Life as a publication, with assurances that the newsletter would continue for the foreseeable future and that editorial participation from villagers would be encouraged. There was also advocacy for maintaining the llanasa.wales website as a valuable historical archive, with a wish to expand its contents and accessibility. The group emphasized the importance of regular, inclusive meetings to foster social connections, and several participants proposed increasing the frequency of tidy-up events to broaden participation. Overall, the dialogue reflected a strong appetite for greater communal involvement and more opportunities for spontaneous, uplifting community engagement that reinforces Llanasa’s social fabric.

Closing Reflections: The Newsletter as an Inclusive Voice for Llanasa

The final notes reiterate the role of Llanasa Life as an accessible, inclusive communications tool designed to connect villagers who may not attend formal meetings. The message emphasizes that the newsletter remains a vital channel for sharing information, celebrating achievements, and coordinating local initiatives. Readers are encouraged to stay informed, participate where possible, and contribute ideas that help sustain the village’s social life and environmental stewardship. The closing sentiment underscores appreciation for the ongoing support of residents and volunteers and invites everyone in Llanasa to continue shaping a welcoming, resilient community through collaboration and shared purpose.

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Llanasa Life Issue 4 - Flipbook by Fleepit