Its that Time of Year again!

I was woken a little abruptly at the crack of dawn this morning when I heard this irritating and constant clucking coming from outside my bedroom windowsill. You can't turn your head for they're at it everywhere lately. I couldn't help but laugh the other evening whilst walking along the prom, a mother in her 80's cries out in disgust 'goodness gracious' to her daughter next to her pointing at the mating pair on top of a car outside the Hydro. It won't be long before the little sprogs start appearing on rooftops across the town posing a danger to innocent passers by, whatever happened to controlled culling.

Frontpage Photography

I had a bit of a shock when I saw the front page of the Pioneer this evening, they'd made good use of a photograph of mine for the front page partially cropping it, perhaps hoping I wouldn't notice. No permissions asked, no acknowledgement either. I do hope they'll be giving the Llandudno Local a nice writeup in next weeks edition.

Photo by Craig Ollerton (C) www.flickr.com/llandudnoenthusiasts

Llandudno on eBay

If theres one site worth a visit from time to time, then it has to be eBay. Day in day out, 365 days a year, people from all across the globe list items of interest, one market which is doing very well these days is the collectables market. If you type in Llandudno, you can find anything from postcards, to photographs, to larger items like this Ginger Beer bottle for example. Items can sell typically from anything between a couple of pence, to a couple of hundred pound, depending on the interest as there are some real enthusiastic collectors out there. During my height of my collecting, I found some real gems on there, from glass slide/negatives pre 1900, antique dishes showing images of the resort, holiday brochures and much more and now have quite a comprehensive collection. Ebay can become quite addictive and expensive, so budget wisely and be specific in your area of interest. Even if you don't buy, it's great to just have a look!

Llandudno and Art

One of my purchases...

Since I was a child, I was asked 'what do you want to be when you grow up', it was either an artist or a train driver, I used to think I was great slapping the paint on an A board when I was in class, and the teacher pushed me on confidently nodding her head. Funny though how things turn out, I never made myself as a train driver, the novelty worn off after i'd had the Hornby train set one Christmas, and in highschool, I just couldn't seem to make the standard, I struggled to master the fluid movement of a brush, either that or I was impatient. I eventually dropped Art and chose Graphic Design instead, and even still I ended up with an E grade which I partly blame the teacher never being there, to top that I later found I was partially colour blind. Against the odds, I somehow ended up several years later as a graphic designer, and I realised I am an artist afterall, of the digital kind.

Art is an amazing thing, it's a gift you either have it or you don't, though I have no interest in general art, I love seeing the town portrayed in different ways, and art is one of those mediums, as would be say photography. About a year ago now, I discovered the Tudno Lodge Gallery on Church Walks run by couple Jim and Joan Roach, they house on their walls a spectacular collage of art, and have a excellent selection of local photography by local artists. I have become a fan of a particular artist which they host, and have since made 3 purchases varying from between £120-£240.00 which I feel is quite affordable.

Even if you don't buy, they do a nice cuppa and a teacake, and have a tranquil balcony setting if you want to sit out in the sun.

I hear the newly opened Tabernacle Old Bank Gallery are now doing art lessons, maybe I should give things one last try?

Oscar's Den

Had to laugh when a reader sent this photograph in, he/she claims "this is where Oscars been hiding all this time, a notorious epicentre for local gossip and banter, no place other than the Oscar's Head", somewhere in Llandudno so i'm told.

Another Day, Another Ticket

The early bird catches its worm...

Parking has certainly been an issue of controversy lately, reported in the local press, various blogs and forums in the area. There is a terrible feeling in town that local residents, businesses and even tourists have had enough and there are calls for revisions in the enforcement laws and additional parking. Isn't it about time local councillors stand up and say something, i'm sure this will be a key issue with our newly formed Access Focus Group (Business Forum) so it is important businesses in town collaborate if we're to see anything done at all.

In the past 2 months, me and my partner have received two £30 fines for overstaying a few minutes on our 90 minute restriction whilst stopping for some lunch in Upper Mostyn Street, and an expensive lunch it was, having set us back almost £50 a time in total including the meals, it's a good job we had 2-courses and not 3! Sadly I can see where the business community is coming from, that's less money we'll have to spend on shopping or entertainments in town. Last year I was fined for parking my motorcycle within a similar parking restricted area, what amazes me is you can fit at least 5 or six motorbikes within the space of a car, if I'd of parked it on the pavement i'd of been exempt.

A few parking tips, if you are fined and you plan to stay longer, DON'T move your car, at least get your monies worth. If you need to stop briefly where there is a shortage of parking i.e. dropping off/picking up, double-park being sure not to cause an obstruction and there is plenty of room for vehicles to maneuver around you, traffic wardens cannot issue you with a ticket, only the police can move you on. If a warden is in the process of issuing you a ticket whilst you arrive at your car, quickly jump in and move on, the ticket is not valid unless affixed to your vehicle, so don't stand around talking.

For the good of the Town

A couple of years ago I had the misfortune of leaving Llandudno for personal reasons, though if it was for not me having left, then maybe the Llandudno Local which I run, nor this blog for that matter would even exist today. Back in 2004/05 I setup a simple website called Old Llandudno Enthusiasts or Llandudno Enthusiasts for short (www.olle.co.uk). On there you would have found an emerging collection of postcards which I collected at the time, my good friend Judith Philips rang me from the North Wales Weekly News and asked if i'd like to have a page to promote it. I kindly accepted, and from there it proved a success, the hits demonstrated there was interest and I took things one step further. I setup a community forum where people could reminisce in the nostalgia, which is why the present forum has a division 'The Local' & 'The Enthusiast'. The early 'Times Past' section proved a huge success and things excelled quite rapidly. It was initially funded by myself and member contributions, but later I turned this hobby into something more sustainable, it is now my pride and joy, my loaf of bread, and things are carried out more professional these days, but the essence of the site remains the same. I provide the town with a free to use online community service and my new magazine a platform, a voice for local people and charitable groups/societies which there is no charge, in return revenue generated through advertising provides me with an amicable wage. What doesn't help is individuals who choose to slate and slander me, for I have done nothing wrong, all I ever wanted to do, was do something good for the town. If there's one thing I could kindly ask the anonymous commentators on other local blogs and forums out there if you have any morals left, it would be to please stop the malicious rumours and nonsense before it begins to damage and threaten my livelihood for I depend this.

Eating out in Llandudno

I've made a real conscious effort this year to try and sample food from as many different cafe's, pubs & restaurants in Llandudno. My findings are as follows...

Editors Personal Review RATINGS 1-10

BEIJING CHINESE (Gloddaeth Street)

Service 9*/Atmosphere 6*/Food 7*/VFM 8*

Comment: Fast efficient service, can be busy and noisy depending on time, good food, good value.

CAFE KAVA (Mostyn Street)

Service 8*/Atmosphere 9*/Food 7*/VFM 7*

Comment: Superb welcome and duo friendly service from Ken and Monica, classy atmosphere, great choice.

COONEY'S CAFE BAR (Mostyn Street)

Service 8*/Atmosphere 7*/Food 8*/VFM 7* EDITOR'S PICK - BEST STEAK IN TOWN

Comment: Classy modern atmosphere, fast service, good traditional food, and good value. A good all-rounder!

KINGS HEAD (Old Road) 

Service 4*/Atmosphere 8*/Food 7*/VFM 5*

Comment: Very warm/cosy inside, lovely ambience/atmosphere.

No. 1 BISTRO (Old Road)

Service 8*/Atmosphere 6*/Food 9*/VFM 8*

Comment: Warm cosy inside, though some hard seating, friendly service and excellent food. Early Bird menu VFM.

PULP KITCHEN (Church Walks)

Service 8*/Atmosphere 7*/Food 10*/VFM 9* - EDITOR'S PICK - FOOD 10*

Comment: Friendly duo service with Ben & Bo Thai, top notch thai food guaranteed everytime. VFM!

SARAH J's (MOLLY'S) (Augusta St)

Service 5*/Atmosphere 5*/Food 9*/VFM 9*

Comment: The best known cafe in town, probably the best bacon buttie in town too!

THE ALBERT (Madoc Street)

Service 7*/Atmosphere 8*/Food 8*/VFM 6*

Comment: Gastro-style pub, modern cosy atmosphere, good service, good food.

THE LONDON (Mostyn Street)

Service 6*/Atmosphere 7*/Food 7*/VFM 7*

Comment: Gastro-style pub, good food and good value, sadly food service closes early.

THE MEDITERRANEAN (Mostyn St)

Service 8*/Atmosphere 9*/Food 9*/VFM 7*

Comment: Mediterranean ambience and service, excellent food.

THE TOWNHOUSE (Mostyn Street)

Service 6*/Atmosphere 4*/Food 6*/VFM 9* - EDITOR'S PICK - VFM 9*

Comment: Well located in central town, excellent value for money if you're on a budget.

Tell us about your food experiences...

Doorstep Edibles in Llandudno

Wild Fennel found in sandy silty soil

Ever since I watched Channel 4's series of River Cottage hosted by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall i've constantly been on the lookout for natural ingredients in the surrounding area. I've purchased several gardening books which have aided my studies and was pleasantly surprised as to how much there actually is on our doorstep. Whilst foraging local woodland i've come across Wild Garlic which is much milder than our supermarket cousin but has a fantastic taste, more recently whilst on one of our beaches I came across some Wild Fennel, distinct for it's aniseed like aroma and taste. It would be easy for me to tell you where to locate my finds, but the enjoyment is in finding it yourself, and exploring the wonderful surrounds of our town. 

Wild Garlic found in Local Woodland

When picking, pick in moderation, and research your find well before consuming, always follow rules to make sure the any fauna isn't protected or find out permissions with the landowner first. Besides herbs there are many other things to find such as fruit and some vegetables. Let us know if you find anything exciting.