Latest news with #Penrhos
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Beauty spot overwhelmed with volunteers after fallout from holiday park firm's administration
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Local residents have offered to help with the maintenance of an Anglesey beauty spot now that its owners have entered administration. Campaigners were worried the picturesque Penrhos Coastal Park could deteriorate but volunteers have flooded in from nearby Holyhead. The overwhelming response followed the loss of a contractor that had managed the picturesque site for 25 years. Kehoe Countryside, from Talybont in Gwynedd, was told its services were no longer needed by DJC Leisure, a 79th Group subsidiary that, in January, acquired 18 parcels of Penrhos CP land from former site owner Land and Lakes. On May 2 the Southport-based company was placed in administration. In an online message to the Penrhos supporters, Kehoe Countryside claimed it was owed more than £23,000 and its Penrhos wardens hadn't been paid. Since 2011, the 200-acre coastal park has been at the centre of a bitter planning dispute after consent was awarded for almost 500 luxury lodges, bars and a 'tropical swimming pool'. DJC Leisure had announced a £250 million development starting this summer but the company's collapse into administration, allied to a police investigation, has placed the park's future in limbo. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Keen to ensure the park's bins were emptied, a plea was issued for local volunteers. 'I had private messages through the night, it was incredible,' said Penrhos stalwart Hilary Paterson-Jones. 'As well as offers to help with the bins, people said they would bring ride-on mowers to cut the grass. Others volunteered to maintain fencing on the park. They will have to do at their own risk as they won't be covered by insurance.' Since then, joint administrators for DJC Leisure have funded the re-employment of a single warden to empty bins and open the park toilets - but not to man the entrance gates, which will stay open around the clock. To support his efforts, 90 locals got together last weekend to stage a community litter pick in the park's woodland and on its beach. The news came amid delayed plans to launch a Community Interest Company (CIC). Now set to be constituted tomorrow (Thursday, May 29) with seven local directors, this will explore opportunities that may arise from the collapse of DJC Leisure. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Google) Ultimately, this could even culminate in a community bid to buy the land to ensure its original remit is not diminished. 'That is our dream,' said Hilary Paterson-Jones. 'Much depends on the outcome of criminal cases – we've been told this could take up to a year or even longer. "The CIC will enable us to start formal fundraising with the ultimate ambition of purchasing the park. Were that to happen, I honestly believe things will have turned full circle: when the park first opened, it was the local community that made it into what it is today.' As rescinding planning consent is unlikely, the new CIC will be examining other avenues to block attempts to build a holiday complex on the site. It will also explore alternative revenue opportunities amid concerns that the loss of a treasure amenity will go hand in hand with the destruction of woodland that's a refuge for red squirrels. Fundraising efforts are set for a boost when the inaugural Penrhos Fun Day is staged on Sunday, June 15, 9am-5am. Held on a field next to Penrhos Beach, bouncy castles and children's games are among a host of activities planned, along with stalls and a raffle. Entry is free. Save Penrhos campaigners have already met the joint administrators and have asked for a meeting with Anglesey Council. Its chief executive, Dylan J Williams isn't publicly commenting on the case while 'the ownership and future of the Penrhos site remain unclear'. In late February, the City of London Police announced it had launched a fraud investigation into the 79th Group, a holding company that raised cash by offering investors high returns over a fixed period. Four people connected to the company were arrested and bailed as part of 'Operation Mold '. A collective civil recovery process has since been launched on behalf of worried investors. The company has denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, former employees said they were promised wages after being being informed of redundancies in early April. However eight companies linked to the 79th Group filed for administration the day before they were due to be paid, leaving them without money owed. The joint administrators have since engaged an ERA specialist to handle employee claims. In an earlier statement to the Echo, following news of the fraud inquiry, a spokesperson for the 79th Group said: 'The Seventy Ninth Group categorically denies any wrongdoing following claims recently made public by the City of London police. 'Since the events of last week, we have been working diligently with our legal advisers to address the claims made as part of the investigation, while also providing information to business partners and other stakeholders. 'The company has also appointed independent forensic accountants to conduct a comprehensive review of the business. The Seventy Ninth Group remains committed to servicing its clients in the UK and across the globe.' Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Beauty spot overwhelmed with volunteers after fallout from holiday park firm's administration
Local residents have offered to help with the maintenance of an Anglesey beauty spot now that its owners have entered administration. Campaigners were worried the picturesque Penrhos Coastal Park could deteriorate but volunteers have flooded in from nearby Holyhead. The overwhelming response followed the loss of a contractor that had managed the picturesque site for 25 years. Kehoe Countryside, from Talybont in Gwynedd, was told its services were no longer needed by DJC Leisure, a 79th Group subsidiary that, in January, acquired 18 parcels of Penrhos CP land from former site owner Land and Lakes. On May 2 the Southport-based company was placed in administration. In an online message to the Penrhos supporters, Kehoe Countryside claimed it was owed more than £23,000 and its Penrhos wardens hadn't been paid. Since 2011, the 200-acre coastal park has been at the centre of a bitter planning dispute after consent was awarded for almost 500 luxury lodges, bars and a 'tropical swimming pool'. DJC Leisure had announced a £250 million development starting this summer but the company's collapse into administration, allied to a police investigation, has placed the park's future in limbo. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Keen to ensure the park's bins were emptied, a plea was issued for local volunteers. 'I had private messages through the night, it was incredible,' said Penrhos stalwart Hilary Paterson-Jones. 'As well as offers to help with the bins, people said they would bring ride-on mowers to cut the grass. Others volunteered to maintain fencing on the park. They will have to do at their own risk as they won't be covered by insurance.' Since then, joint administrators for DJC Leisure have funded the re-employment of a single warden to empty bins and open the park toilets - but not to man the entrance gates, which will stay open around the clock. To support his efforts, 90 locals got together last weekend to stage a community litter pick in the park's woodland and on its beach. The news came amid delayed plans to launch a Community Interest Company (CIC). Now set to be constituted tomorrow (Thursday, May 29) with seven local directors, this will explore opportunities that may arise from the collapse of DJC Leisure. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Ultimately, this could even culminate in a community bid to buy the land to ensure its original remit is not diminished. 'That is our dream,' said Hilary Paterson-Jones. 'Much depends on the outcome of criminal cases – we've been told this could take up to a year or even longer. "The CIC will enable us to start formal fundraising with the ultimate ambition of purchasing the park. Were that to happen, I honestly believe things will have turned full circle: when the park first opened, it was the local community that made it into what it is today.' As rescinding planning consent is unlikely, the new CIC will be examining other avenues to block attempts to build a holiday complex on the site. It will also explore alternative revenue opportunities amid concerns that the loss of a treasure amenity will go hand in hand with the destruction of woodland that's a refuge for red squirrels. Fundraising efforts are set for a boost when the inaugural Penrhos Fun Day is staged on Sunday, June 15, 9am-5am. Held on a field next to Penrhos Beach, bouncy castles and children's games are among a host of activities planned, along with stalls and a raffle. Entry is free. Save Penrhos campaigners have already met the joint administrators and have asked for a meeting with Anglesey Council. Its chief executive, Dylan J Williams isn't publicly commenting on the case while 'the ownership and future of the Penrhos site remain unclear'. In late February, the City of London Police announced it had launched a fraud investigation into the 79th Group, a holding company that raised cash by offering investors high returns over a fixed period. Four people connected to the company were arrested and bailed as part of 'Operation Mold '. A collective civil recovery process has since been launched on behalf of worried investors. The company has denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, former employees said they were promised wages after being being informed of redundancies in early April. However eight companies linked to the 79th Group filed for administration the day before they were due to be paid, leaving them without money owed. The joint administrators have since engaged an ERA specialist to handle employee claims. In an earlier statement to the Echo, following news of the fraud inquiry, a spokesperson for the 79th Group said: 'The Seventy Ninth Group categorically denies any wrongdoing following claims recently made public by the City of London police. 'Since the events of last week, we have been working diligently with our legal advisers to address the claims made as part of the investigation, while also providing information to business partners and other stakeholders. 'The company has also appointed independent forensic accountants to conduct a comprehensive review of the business. The Seventy Ninth Group remains committed to servicing its clients in the UK and across the globe.'
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Penrhos Farm distillery launches 'wonky' strawberry gin
AN AWARD-WINNING farm distillery near the Powys border has launched a new limited-edition gin by tackling an annual problem agriculture faces. Penrhos Farm near Kington have made a limited-edition strawberry gin made entirely from "wonky" strawberries that would otherwise go to waste. With UK farmers losing £648 million annually from rejected horticultural crops according to WRAP global environmental action group, this initiative tackles food waste while creating a premium product just in time for tennis season. New nationwide research released by Penrhos suggests almost one in five 18 to 44 year olds plan to drink cocktails when watching the tennis this summer which is more than the one in seven of the same age group who will drink traditional wine and beer at this summer's events such as Wimbledon. Each bottle saves 100g of strawberries from waste, addressing the 10,000 tonnes of UK strawberries rejected annually for cosmetic reasons. Harriet Evans, co-founder of Penrhos Gin, said: "We're proving that sustainability and sophistication aren't mutually exclusive. Our strawberry gin recipe has been perfected over the last year and the final recipe has been selected by our Penrhos gin taster panel, made up of members of the British public."
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From Viking games to cider farms, a staycation in Herefordshire is perfect for all ages
It's the last of many stories we've picked up in Herefordshire, and as we head home, we're already planning the sequel… HILL-SEEKERS From Viking games to cider farms, a staycation in Herefordshire is perfect for all ages Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M suddenly nervous. 'Is this definitely safe?' I stutter, as I grip the axe behind my head, before flinging it through the air. When it digs into the wooden target board, the fear is replaced by exhilaration, plus stomach muscles I didn't know I had. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The serene view from British Camp Hill Fort in Herefordshire 8 Victoria channels her inner Viking at axe-throwing Credit: Victoria Hrastic It's going to hurt tomorrow, but right now I'm embracing the Viking Games and Battlelands offerings. My 15-year-old daughter Freya and I spend the next hour hurling axes in the Herefordshire countryside, £20 per person, to the delight of her younger brothers who are busy totting up how many years they have to wait until they can join in. Next, owner Kevin leads us on a timber trail of Nordic games for the whole family, explaining the history, play and rules, while keeping the score and, all-importantly, the peace. It helps that we each have our own wins during the hour's session. Nine-year-old Nate's a cool aim at Finnish skittles, Freya and I nail the bullrings, my husband Marko steals the show in Viking chess game Kubb, and even Dylan, four, is beyond thrilled when he manages to hook the bolas – two balls on a string – on the top rung of the stige ladder. Nordic game sessions cost £10 per person, free for under-eights ( Don't Stop Me Now! After a 40-minute drive through lush countryside, we arrive at historic Penrhos Court, our base for the trip, close to the market town of Kington. Owner Mark is soon regaling us with its colourful history – the kids' interest is piqued by a murder in the 1500s, while we're captivated by rock 'n' roll tales of Queen rehearsing Bohemian Rhapsody in the '70s and musician Mike Oldfield playing guitar by the fireplace. 8 Cosy up in the rustic Threshing Barn Credit: The Threshing Barn 8 Make like Queen at Penrhos Court Credit: Penrhos Monty Python's Terry Jones also launched one of the first microbreweries in the old cattle byre, which is now restored into a medieval-style pub called The Python's Arms, with dried hops hanging from the ceiling, oil burners on the tables and nods to its history all around. Next door, The Cattle Shed's timber-beamed roof, flagstone flooring and inglenook fireplace makes for a romantic restaurant come evening but during the day we tuck into brioche burgers with bacon, cheese, onion rings and cornichon relish, plus real-ale-battered basa, £13.50 each, and sausage and chips for the kids, £6.50. The curse of the Herefordshire Hoard - £12m of Viking gold Just across the way, the Threshing Barn is home to seven self-catering cottages. Ours is No.7, with three en-suite bedrooms – a mix of super-king, king and two singles – as well as a large upstairs living area serving up pretty countryside vistas. The space is beautifully layered with panelling and murals, reclaimed furniture and floorboards, jute rugs, industrial bare-bulb lighting and warm, neutral tones. The high life The next day, we stop by Oakchurch Farm Shop to pick up hearty pork pies, £5.75, and giant Scotch eggs, £2.99, for our walk to Hergest Ridge ( Heading on foot along Offa's Dyke Path, the start is steep, but it soon plateaus to reveal incredible views across Wales' Black Mountains and Herefordshire's Malvern Hills. 8 Kid around at Small Breeds Farm Park Small Breeds Farm - Instagram Credit: Small Breeds Farm - Instagram 8 Tuck into a brilliant brunch at The Bookshop Credit: The Bookshop cafe - Instagram Dylan runs along a hoof trail trying to spot the wild ponies, before we reach a circular gathering of tall monkey-puzzle trees, which make for a magical picnic spot. Back down in Kington, we reward ourselves with home-made brownies and zingy lemon drizzle, £3.50 each, plus coffee at homely Border Bean (@Borderbeankington) before delving into a treasure trove of gifts at Bopsoms Emporium. Dylan didn't get to spy the wild ponies on the ridge, but stroking a miniature horse at the nearby Small Breeds Farm Park makes up for it. Here, there are rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle, as well as sheep, alpacas, micro pigs and goats with their kids in tow. Our highlight is the 33 species of owl – Nate's overjoyed to find a Hedwig lookalike and Dylan's pretty sure the tawny he's spotted is Old Mr Brown. Entry costs £13 for adults, £9 for over-twos ( Herefordshire is famous for cider, so another afternoon we join a tour through Newton Court's orchard, learning how the apples are picked, squeezed, fermented and filtered before we sample the goods, from the light, refreshing Little Owl to the amber-hued Gasping Goose. My fave is the River Cottage Elderflower Cider, a collab with celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. Cider tours cost from £25 per adult, £15 per child, including a cider or apple juice tasting and a ploughman's lunch ( Story time A half-hour drive into Hereford city centre, we visit the Cathedral's Chained Library – the largest of its kind in the world, with chains linking around 1,500 books, including 227 handwritten manuscripts. There's also the Mappa Mundi here, one of the earliest – and the biggest – complete world maps from medieval times and we marvel over the ancient illustrations. Entry is £7.50 for over-16s, £2 for over-eights ( 8 Discover ancient maps at Hereford Cathedral Hereford Cathedral Credit: Credit Visit - Herefordshire. Photographer: Ian Jebb 8 Stroll down the charming streets of Hay-on-Wye We stop at arty restaurant The Bookshop, where brunch – served until 3pm most days – is a must. I'm not usually a black-pudding fan, but delicately crumbled over hollandaise-drenched poached eggs with bubble and squeak, £11, it's a game-changer, and a breakfast martini, £9, seals the deal. Meanwhile, Marko wolfs down grass-fed rump steak, fried eggs and skin-on chips, £18.50, and the kids tuck into buttermilk pancakes with smoked bacon and maple syrup, £9.50 ( Continuing the theme, Hay-on-Wye – much-loved for its bookshops – is less than half-an-hour from Penhros. We explore all three floors of Richard Booth's Bookshop ( before stopping at The Old Electric Shop for delicious pistachio and raspberry cake, £4, locally roasted Coleman Coffee, and a rifle through its curated books, gifts and homeware ( It's the last of many stories we've picked up in Herefordshire, and as we head home, we're already planning the sequel…
The Irish Sun
17-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
From Viking games to cider farms, a staycation in Herefordshire is perfect for all ages
I'M suddenly nervous. 'Is this definitely safe?' I stutter, as I grip the axe behind my head, before flinging it through the air. When it digs into the wooden target board, the fear is replaced by exhilaration, plus stomach muscles I didn't know I had. Advertisement 8 The serene view from British Camp Hill Fort in Herefordshire 8 Victoria channels her inner Viking at axe-throwing Credit: Victoria Hrastic It's going to hurt tomorrow, but right now I'm embracing the Viking Games and Battlelands offerings. My 15-year-old daughter Freya and I spend the next hour hurling axes in the Herefordshire countryside, £20 per person, to the delight of her younger brothers who are busy totting up how many years they have to wait until they can join in. Next, owner Kevin leads us on a timber trail of Nordic games for the whole family, explaining the history, play and rules, while keeping the score and, all-importantly, the peace. It helps that we each have our own wins during the hour's session. Advertisement Read More on Travel Nine-year-old Nate's a cool aim at Finnish skittles, Freya and I nail the bullrings, my husband Marko steals the show in Viking chess game Kubb, and even Dylan, four, is beyond thrilled when he manages to hook the bolas – two balls on a string – on the top rung of the stige ladder. Nordic game sessions cost £10 per person, free for under-eights ( Don't Stop Me Now! After a 40-minute drive through lush countryside, we arrive at historic Penrhos Court, our base for the trip, close to the market town of Kington. Owner Mark is soon regaling us with its colourful history – the kids' interest is piqued by a murder in the 1500s, while we're captivated by rock 'n' roll tales of Advertisement Most read in News Travel 8 Cosy up in the rustic Threshing Barn Credit: The Threshing Barn 8 Make like Queen at Penrhos Court Credit: Penrhos Next door, The Cattle Shed's timber-beamed roof, flagstone flooring and inglenook fireplace makes for a romantic restaurant come evening but during the day we tuck into brioche burgers with bacon, cheese, onion rings and cornichon relish, plus real-ale-battered basa, £13.50 each, and sausage and chips for the kids, £6.50. Advertisement The curse of the Herefordshire Hoard - £12m of Viking gold Just across the way, the Threshing Barn is home to seven self-catering cottages. Ours is No.7, with three en-suite bedrooms – a mix of super-king, king and two singles – as well as a large upstairs living area serving up pretty countryside vistas. The space is beautifully layered with panelling and murals, reclaimed furniture and floorboards, jute rugs, industrial bare-bulb lighting and warm, neutral tones. The high life The next day, we stop by Oakchurch Farm Shop to pick up hearty pork pies, £5.75, and giant Scotch eggs, £2.99, for our walk to Hergest Ridge ( Advertisement Heading on foot along Offa's Dyke Path, the start is steep, but it soon plateaus to reveal incredible views across Wales' Black Mountains and Herefordshire's Malvern Hills. 8 Kid around at Small Breeds Farm Park Small Breeds Farm - Instagram Credit: Small Breeds Farm - Instagram 8 Tuck into a brilliant brunch at The Bookshop Credit: The Bookshop cafe - Instagram Dylan runs along a hoof trail trying to spot the wild ponies, before we reach a circular gathering of tall monkey-puzzle trees, which make for a magical picnic spot. Advertisement Back down in Kington, we reward ourselves with home-made brownies and zingy lemon drizzle, £3.50 each, plus coffee at homely Border Bean (@Borderbeankington) before delving into a treasure trove of gifts at Bopsoms Emporium. Dylan didn't get to spy the wild ponies on the ridge, but stroking a miniature horse at the nearby Small Breeds Farm Park makes up for it. Here, there are rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle, as well as sheep, alpacas, micro pigs and goats with their kids in tow. Our highlight is the 33 species of owl – Nate's overjoyed to find a Hedwig lookalike and Dylan's pretty sure the tawny he's spotted is Old Mr Brown. Entry costs £13 for adults, £9 for over-twos ( Advertisement Herefordshire is famous for cider, so another afternoon we join a tour through Newton Court's orchard, learning how the apples are picked, squeezed, fermented and filtered before we sample the goods, from the light, refreshing Little Owl to the amber-hued Gasping Goose. My fave is the River Cottage Elderflower Cider, a collab with celebrity chef Cider tours cost from £25 per adult, £15 per child, including a cider or apple juice tasting and a ploughman's lunch ( Story time A half-hour drive into Hereford city centre, we visit the Cathedral's Chained Library – the largest of its kind in the world, with chains linking around 1,500 books, including 227 handwritten manuscripts. Advertisement There's also the Mappa Mundi here, one of the earliest – and the biggest – complete world maps from medieval times and we marvel over the ancient illustrations. Entry is £7.50 for over-16s, £2 for over-eights ( 8 Discover ancient maps at Hereford Cathedral Hereford Cathedral Credit: Credit Visit - Herefordshire. Photographer: Ian Jebb 8 Stroll down the charming streets of Hay-on-Wye We stop at arty restaurant The Bookshop, where brunch – served until 3pm most days – is a must. Advertisement I'm not usually a black-pudding fan, but delicately crumbled over hollandaise-drenched poached eggs with bubble and squeak, £11, it's a game-changer, and a breakfast martini, £9, seals the deal. Meanwhile, Marko wolfs down grass-fed rump steak, fried eggs and skin-on chips, £18.50, and the kids tuck into buttermilk pancakes with smoked bacon and maple syrup, £9.50 ( Continuing the theme, Hay-on-Wye – much-loved for its bookshops – is less than half-an-hour from Penhros. We explore all three floors of Richard Booth's Bookshop ( Advertisement It's the last of many stories we've picked up in FYI Stays at No.7 Penrhos Court, sleeping six, cost from £41 per person per night ( Plan your trip at
