4th October 2004
Cwlwm, a successful wedding business, founded by six local women, and run from a restored water mill in the village of Ysbyty Ifan in Conwy, is the latest recipient of the prestigious Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) Rural Wales Award. The annual Award, presented by the CPRW Conwy Branch, has been given in recognition of the contribution to the local rural economy through the enterprising ladies’ successful and innovative ‘one-stop’ wedding business.
The six ladies: Eirian Evans, Ela Jones, Eleri Roberts, Elin Davies, Amanda Ellis and Hafwen Thomas offer a fully personalised wedding service which includes the design and supply of invitations, flower arrangements, wedding dresses, samplers, harp playing and wedding cakes.
The business operates from the renovated mill building in the centre of Ysbyty Ifan. Built around 1870 and originally used as a flourmill, the building became redundant as farming systems changed and sheep farming took hold in the uplands surrounding the village.
However, the mill found a new use, as a producer of electricity for the village, until the arrival of the mains electricity supply, when once again the building fell into disrepair. But thanks to a substantial renovation project carried out recently by the National Trust, the mill has once again re-invented itself and frequently resounds to the sound of harp playing and to the smell of freshly baked cakes!
Mr John Howard, Chairman of the CPRW Conwy Branch welcomed everyone to the Mill and introduced the members of Cwlwm. Guests included members of the Conwy Branch of CPRW, CPRW National Chairman-Mr Morlais Owens and Pauline James, Rural Transfer Advisor with the Post Office (the award sponsors). Following the presentation of the certificates and slate plaque, the group enjoyed a delicious Welsh tea in the adjoining Popty Pen Uchaf Tea Rooms. The tea rooms have recently opened and are run by Eleri, the venture is a further expansion of the Cwlwm empire !
Further information on the services offered can be seen at www.cwlwm.co.uk
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) is a charity which aims to secure the protection and improvement of the rural landscape, environment and the amenities of towns and villages in Wales, whilst recognising the importance of its indigenous cultures. Since its formation in 1928 it has developed into an important voice, both at national and local level Ymgyrch Diogelu Cymru Wledig Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales Llywydd / President: E Michael Griffith CBE DL Cadeirydd / Chairman: Morlais Owens Trysorydd / Treasurer: John Townsend QPM Cyfarwyddwr / Director: Peter Ogden
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