Category: News

Members and partners visited the gallery and gardens in Caerwys – an interesting visit to a local initiative followed by a pleasant end to the the evening at the Indian Lounge, Nannerch.

From the website:

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery is owned by Dave and Lise Roberts. Dave is a professional landscape artist and together it was their life-long dream to run a gallery that showcases the best contemporary artists and makers from across Wales. So, in 2019 they bought Glasfryn Hall, a fine country house that they are now lucky enough to call home, and they started to turn their dream into reality.

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery opened at Easter 2022 and is the only independent art gallery in North East Wales.

We present the finest original Welsh art and craft from a variety of mediums including painting, jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, glass, textiles, wood and metalwork. We take pride in the fact that all of our artists are from Wales

After a most successful year as President of The Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell, local Chartered Accountant Malcolm Mellor handed over the Chain of Office to the Club’s new President, Andrew Orhan. Andy is a local Flintshire lad having been born in Carmel. He is married to Lisa and they have three children. After living in Bagillt for the first 5 years of their married life, Andy and Lisa moved to Lixwm some nineteen years ago and both play an important part in local village life, including taking a prominent role in the Village Institute and the organisation of the annual Caerwys Show.

Andrew was apprenticed to an electrical engineer immediately after leaving school, and nineteen years ago he set up Orhan Electrical Limited, which has evolved into one of the county’s leading firm of Electical Contractors. He joined the local Rotary Club thirteen years ago and has held many appointments within the Club, before taking on the role of President. Also elected as The Rotary Club’s Vice President was local undertaker and farmer, Edward Davies, who also lives in Lixwm.

For second year since the end of pandemic restrictions a tremendous effort by members of CAS – an incredible show due in the main to good planning and support of upstairs in providing the weather – they turned up in their thousands so something must be right – maybe it was due the the ambience provided by Rotary members in the two bar areas!!!!

Over 2000 pints served – profits shared equally between Rotary Charities and Caerwys Agricultural Show.

Members were, once again, more than happy to assist in marshalling the annual Clwyd Vintage and Classic Tractor Society’s get together – 50+  tractors both small and large winding their way through rural north Flintshire from Llanerch ymor. Whitford, Holywell Town, Pentre Halkyn, Caerwys for a break returning to Mostyn via Rhewl.

Always a delight to see the members enjoying their hobby and for some their vocation.

Quote from organiser Steve – “Today’s Tractor Road Run was a huge success again earlier today and I want to thank you all for your help, support and work on the run to ensure it was safe and very successful. Weather wise was excellent so a perfect day was had by all.

Once again, many many thanks and I will see you all soon, cheers, regards Steve”  our pleasure and thanks

Rotarians Andy and Dave need all the help they can get!!

THE  Boss man – Steve Watts

THese things do Happen !!

Honorary Rotarian Edwin enjoying his day out

Lunch break in the sun – Caerwys

A memorable tour of Mostyn Hall – not any tour guide – oh no – the honourable Lord Greg Mostyn opened his house to us and guided us through some of the history of the family and the Mostyn estate.

Our sincere thanks to Greg for inviting us to the house and giving of his personal time with such warmth and knowledge.

Yes – that is himself in the middle in the orangery top!!!

The pandemic has changed the way we celebrate our ‘birthday’ and it would appear that the old style charter nights are a thing of the past.rated

Members, partners. past members and friends celebrated this 66th anniversary at the Springfield Hotel

Guest speaker was Gareth Owen, amongst other strings to his his bow, an ex manager of Rhyl Pavilion – regaled us with amusing anecdotes and stories of stars that he had met over his many years in the industry our thanks to Gareth for a brilliant hour of recounting times past’

President Malcolm Mellor and Gareth Owen

President Malcolm and guest thespian Ian Turner

Ian and Gareth reminicing

Flint and Holywell Rotary Club donate Christmas float money to Turkey

10th February 2023

from an article in Leader Live;

A FLINTSHIRE rotary club has stepped up to the plate to donate to the  earthquake appeal in Turkey thanks to money raised from their annual Christmas float.  (Image: Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell)

A FLINTSHIRE rotary club has stepped up to the plate to donate to the earthquake appeal in Turkey thanks to money raised from their annual Christmas float.

Members of the Flint and Holywell Rotary Club were informed of the financical results of their recent Christmas Float last Monday evening, in which club president, Malcolm Mellor confirmed the club was able to immediately donate £1,100 to help those people in Turkey who have been devastated by the recent earthquake.

Malcolm informed members that the money would be sufficient to provide two shelter boxes which as the name implies, provides temporary shelter and basic facilities for those affected by disasters such as an earthquake.

Overall, the success of the float saw £4,000 received, with after deducting costs, left over £2,000 available for worthy causes.

Club treasurer, Gordon Cook said: “The Christmas Float has been for many, one of the most looked forward to events of the year in our area.

“Many local residents, who are now grandparents recall fondly their own memories when they were children, of seeing a brightly lit Rotary sleigh being pulled by four reindeer with Santa waving to the children to the accompanying sound of Christmas carols.

“Unfortunately, collections from the public have been falling in recent times to the point that these are failing to match the ever increasing costs of funding this operation, and in fact this year, for the first time, the public collections failed to cover these costs.

“However the club has been fortunate indeed to have the continuing support of many local businesses who, despite the many post pandemic financial problems, dug deep into their pockets this year, donating over £2,000 to ensure that there was a significant surplus of money available for the club to support so many worthy causes.”

In addition to the vital aid provided to help the earthquake appeal, the club has also made donations of £1,000 to St Kentigern’s Hospice, £500 to The Air Ambulance and £250 to The National Military Dog’s Memorial, currently being built in Holywell.

Rotary Club Out in Force for Marie Curie Nurses

Rotarians Martin Barker, Mike Holt, Steve Blakesley and David Pearse

Taking a break from helping Father Christmas tour the villages of Flintshire, at this time of year, members of the Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell Rotary Club were out in force at Broughton Shopping Centre, collecting money for The Marie Curie Nurses.
Teams of four Rotarians took turns throughout the day as they have done for many years now, and as ever, the good folk of Flintshire did not disappoint with their generosity.

Gordon Cook, the Rotary Club’s Treasurer and organiser of the collection commented that the treatment and comfort these specialist nurses provide to “end of life” patients is incalculable, and this is recognised by the generous donations people give. ‘Indeed” commented Gordon, “ Even in these difficult times, we had little difficulty filling the collection boxes and the sight of the Marie Curie “Yellow Daffodil” logo immediately attracts many to open their purses and wallets to support these wonderful people.

The Rotary Club of Flint and Holywell were very pleased to take Santa down to the Christmas Fair at Ysgol Maes y Felin on Friday last.

Apparently, Santa’s usual sleigh could not be used on the school playground, so what better way for Santa to arrive on the Rotary float.

Santa was warmly greeted by all the school children, waving and cheering, and with all the teachers as well enjoying the fun