Who needs Christmas cards....

At the Royal Oak, we make the decision some time ago that although everyone likes to receive a Christmas Cards, corporate cards were merely a process. Accordingly, we decided to re-allocate this budget and sponsor a number of children from around the world via the charity, Plan UK. It is amazing to think of the material difference this approach has made to these children for the sake of a glossy card, envelope and marketing database.

One of our "children" is pictured below and some up to date information. Perhaps by sharing our rewarding experience with you may encourage others to follow suit.

Prem Ratan lives with his brother and family in India and now attends secondary school. A fact sheet of life in his area is also set out for your interest.

Help the Snowdonia Society

Please see this message below from Sarah Metcalf

As many of you know, the Snowdonia Society has applied for vital funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association to support our conservation volunteering work in 2011/12.

The results of our funding bid will be decided on by YOU!!

We are one of four projects that can be voted for by the public online - the only project in Wales and the only project with a wider scope than just footpath maintenance.

PLEASE VOTE NOW using this link http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/News-Landing/Search-Results/Outdoor-headlines/Vote-now-for-a-great-cause/

If we are successful, the money will contribute to important work clearing invasive species in Snowdonia and thus preserving our landscape and biodiversity and footpath maintenance on some of the most popular paths in the National Park, including the Miners Track and Pyg path on Snowdon. Pass this email on to friends and contacts and if you're on Facebook or Twitter please encourage your friends and followers to add their vote!

This is a unique and important opportunity to ensure that our fantastic achievements in getting both residents and visitors, young and old, involved in protecting and enhancing the natural heritage of Snowdonia can continue into the future.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Update on voting from Wednesday 16th March:

Here is an update on the voting figures for our EOCA funding bid as they stand this morning with Trail Magazine

Snowdonia Footpath Repair - 6% - this is us :>(((

Lake District Footpath Repair -28%

ReWilding Ennerdale - 11%

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Repair - 56%

In total, they have had 3372 votes, so we have had just 202 votes! - Please send this on to as may of your contacts, family and friends as possible, and let's make a difference over the next few days

--

Sarah Medcalf

Cyfarwyddwr Cynorthwyol - Assistant Director

sarah@snowdonia-society.org.uk

Cymdeithas Eryri - Snowdonia Society

Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR

Ffôn - Tel: 01286 685 498 / 07545026156

www.cymdeithas-eryri.org.uk - www.snowdonia-society.org.uk

Mae Cymdeithas Eryri yn Elusen Gofrestredig rhif 253231

The Snowdonia Society is a Registered Charity number 253231

Follow us on www.twitter.com/Snowdonia_soc

Car park can't park

Its not everyday you see something like this; thankfully no one was hurt and everything should be repairable despite the destruction of the original victorian railings.

Nearly there

End of week three and the dining room is nearly finished - the track and spot lights have over run but there is sufficient light for the present needs being a day conference and Sunday lunch. The place has really come together with the arrival of the furniture and LED halo effect lighting which changes colour to suit your needs. Shelly Hocknell's original oil takes pride of place for the time being or to when our mantle mirror is repaired after its falling out with me - at least 70 years bad luck for me judging by the amount and thickness of glass! The chandeliers have really shown - we just now need to resolve what's happening to the one originally supplied being a 2 way mirror effect but as a result, they were simply oversized and intrusive. Next week see the David Cox suite floor sanded, sealed and polished - really looking forward to the rich grain coming out!

Week 2 update

Week 2 has brought some solutions and some issues - we still await the some of the main light fittings but are confident these will soon arrive; we also need to repair some of the small dining room floor before it is plyed ready for the new oak floor. Having meet with floor contractor last Friday, they appear very confident of the finished product and how it should look. The furniture is progressing as expected and will, barring any weather disasters, be with us on schedule.

So, although we are very much upside down, all elements seem to be coming together....so far

Day 3

As you can see, Day 3 of the refurbishment has brought some progress and the plastering is well on track to be completed at the of the week. Decorators should be on site from tomorrow starting in the small Dining Room and so soon they will all be tripping over each other. Awaiting the lighting delivery tomorrow.........

Restaurant Refit

Today with a vengeance, the builders started on the refit of the main restaurant. They soon make a mess but hopefully things will start to come back together next week. It is a big step for us as you always wonder just how it will finish up and whether it will be well received. Also, given the proximity to christmas, you wonder if the fixture and fittings will all turn up in time after the holidays - fingers crossed!