Latest news with #MattSprake
Leader Live
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wrestling and axe-throwing at Holywell's Party in the Park
Party in the Park took place yesterday (Saturday, July 26) between 11am and 4pm at both Fron Park and the adjacent Holywell Leisure Centre. The event drew huge crowds despite the drizzly weather at times, and was once again organised by Holywell Town Council, following the success of its debut event 12 months ago. Among those in attendance were the mayor and mayoress of Holywell, Matt Sprake and Fi Vaughan respectively. Mayor and mayoress of Holywell, Matt Sprake and Fi Vaughan, at Party in the Park (Image: Newsquest) At Holywell Leisure Centre, the activities on offer included free gym access, a bouncy castle, squash, badminton, five-a-side football, free hot dogs from Rosie'z Café, soft play, and a free junior swim session. Meanwhile, outside, there were three wrestling shows (with meet and greets) from Basix Pro Wrestling for people to enjoy, as well as BMX bike and skateboarding coaching, and archery and axe-throwing sessions. People could also try their hand at a climbing wall and karaoke, while there was also an inflatable assault course and basketball, bushcraft, crown green bowling, community stalls, face painting, and glitter tattoos. Children were entitled to free lunch packs, while there were also ice cream, burger and coffee vans. North Wales Police were in attendance, with youngsters able to try on officers' uniform and sit inside a police car. Stalls were set up by the likes of St John Ambulance, Holywell-based Bethel Baptist Chapel, and Red Dragon Ventures, who gave people the chance to practise cardiopulmonary resuscitation training with a dummy, create nature-based artwork, build teddy dens, and toast marshmallows. Read more Holywell-based D&A Family Butchers provided the event with its freshly made baps, while CoffeeCwtch served refreshments from its mobile coffee and snack van, and authentic Pakistani food could be sampled courtesy of Aisha Kitchen's stall. Holywell mayor, Cllr Matt Sprake, tries his hand at axe-throwing at Party in the Park (Image: Submitted) Cllr Sprake said: "It was fantastic to see the community out in force for this weekend's Party in the Park, and a huge thanks goes to all the support staff, volunteers, fellow councillors, and the various vendors, from the food stalls to BMX bikers, from the climbing wall to those teaching bushcraft skills who helped make it such a brilliant day out for all ages. "It was certainly a change of pace from wielding the metaphorical axe in council meetings to having a go at actual axe throwing — though I'm not sure the mayor's consort was entirely convinced everyone was safe within range! "However it was the wrestlers who body-slammed their way to centre stage and stole the show, and a special thank you goes to Basix Wrestling for putting on an unforgettable performance for the children."
Leader Live
08-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Holywell's new Mayor on his plans to support the community
Cllr Matt Sprake was just recently elected Mayor of Holywell. He grew up in Bagillt and attended Holywell High School, before studying at Loughborough University. After living and working in London for ten years, he returned home and settled in Greenfield. Now, he is aiming to make the most of his role as Mayor, helping 'strengthen partnership working across the community' and take on challenges of his own for the benefit of the community too. Cllr Sprake said: "Greenfield is home, and I love living here. We're lucky to have some incredible local assets with huge potential. There's little better after a long day than walking my dog through Greenfield Valley or along the coastal path. Like any resident, I want the best for our community. "It's a real honour to be elected by my fellow councillors. Their trust is humbling, and it's a responsibility I take seriously. But ultimately, the role isn't about me — it's about the office, what it represents, and fundamentally our town. "I know the role of Mayor is largely civic and ceremonial, but a simple aim of any leadership role should be to build on the past, and leave things in a better place than where they found them. I pay tribute to my predecessor, Cllr Linda Corbett, who certainly achieved that, and I hope to do the same. "One of my priorities is to promote and grow our local events. I'd encourage everyone to save the dates, come along, and see what our town has to offer. "I also want to strengthen partnership working across the community. There's a real sense that Holywell and Greenfield are on the brink of something special." He added: "Greenfield Valley has a bold ten-year vision with concept designs now published. The Holywell Placemaking Plan lays out a framework for revitalising our town. "The campaign for a Greenfield Railway Station, which I've worked on for several years and helped to progress, has recently gained fresh support from the Welsh Transport Minister, and the Town Council has also received its Destination Management and Marketing Plan which we can now start to enact. "If we can bring these strands together into a joined-up strategy, we could create real momentum for growth, aspiration, and opportunity. It won't happen overnight, but I hope we can look back and say we helped spark that change." In recent times, anti-social behaviour has been a concern for the residents of Holywell. Persistent issues have been raised via social media, as well aswith the council and North Wales Police. Asked about how he plans to hep tackle this type of crime, the Mayor said: "I met with our local police recently, and at the moment, there are no significant ongoing problems, but things can change quickly as such issues are cyclical. READ MORE He added: "I'm reassured our local police are well placed to respond and de-escalate when necessary. I would encourage residents to report any antisocial behaviour via 101 or the online portal. Of course, in any emergency, always call 999. "I know people sometimes feel that reporting doesn't lead to action. But reports help police build a picture of what's happening. The more intelligence they receive, the better their ability to act effectively. "Recently, we saw a spike in burglaries in Greenfield. In response, I proposed the council support a SmartWater initiative. SmartWater is a forensic liquid that marks valuables and helps police identify stolen items — it carries a 100% conviction rate in contested cases where it's used and therefore a significant deterrent to criminals. "Normally retailing at £60, we're offering kits to Holywell and Greenfield residents for just £10. To apply, contact the Town Clerk at: As well as tackling crime, Cllr Sprake will also be tackling 10K races to help raise money for three local causes via his fundraiser which can be donated to here. Kim Inspire, Age & Dementia Friendly Holywell and Holywell and Greenfield Churches will all benefit from his running. He said: "Every pound raised will go directly to these charities, split equally at the end of my term." Among the big events coming up in Holywell, being promoted by the Mayor, are; Food and Drink Festival (June 21), Party in the Park (July 26) and Pirate Festival (August 16). Follow the Holywell Town Council Facebook page for all the latest updates.
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Holywell Museum team secure National Lottery Funding
Holywell Area Community Museum offers a number of groups to its community. That includes mindful morning sessions (craft, knit and natter and jigsaws), bingo events and a writing course where guests can write their own story for loved ones with a trained tutor. They also host quiz nights and historic walks through the town. Now their work is set to continue after volunteers managed to secure £19,956 of National Lottery Funding for the 'Your Place' project at the museum. This will focus on providing guests with a safe space to spend time, meet friends old and new, get support and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. TOP STORIES TODAY The project has grown out of The Museum Community Café which is manned by volunteers. Based entirely on ongoing community feedback, the Lottery funding is in place for two years and will ensure that The Museum can secure and build on its support work, developing and expanding its range of activities for the benefit of the community. Cllr Matt Sprake, who was just recently elected Mayor of Holywell, hailed the museum as a 'vital hub' for Holywell, Greenfield and the surrounding communities. Speaking as he handed over the cheque, he said: "This Museum is a place that not only tells the story of our past, but now continues to shape our future. Today, we celebrate a real win for our community. It's not everyday you get to say you've won the lottery! "Museums like this one preserve the past, but places like this will continue to do their bit for the present. We couldn't be prouder of the volunteers and everyone who made this happen." Holywell Town Council added: "Thank you to everyone who has helped on the journey, past, present and future. Special thanks to Mayor Matt Sprake for presenting the cheque, Holywell town councillors, Wales and West Housing Association and Flintshire Local Voluntary Council for all their support and to the museum volunteers without whose help nothing would be accomplished."
