Cymdeithas Treftadaeth Dyffryn Conwy
Conwy Valley Civic Society
Past award winners
2017
Our Awards Ceremony was held on 1st June at The Princes Arms, Trefriw. Our Guest of Honour, Mr. Nicholas Colwyn Foulkes BSc B Arch RIBA FRSA, presented the awards to our five very worthy winners, who were (in no particular order):-
Bodnant Estate, Tal y Cafn
Complete restoration of dilapidated buildings into business studios for small businesses to set up in a rural setting.
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Tree Tops, Rowen
A contemporary double extension to an existing (1950's) property (which had been further developed in the 1970's). The new extension harmonising the dwelling within its overall setting
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St Benedict’s Church, Gyffin
Stone walling - Clearing invasive vegetation to expose dilapidated section of churchyard wall. Dismantling and rebuilding sections to harmonise with the existing featuresand surroundings.
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Cefn Cae, Rowen
Conversion of stone outbuildings to holiday lets, in the centre of the village, in keeping with the main house and surrounding walls.
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Parc Dafydd, Dolgarrog
A children's playground, locally funded, in a safer, more secure, location. Equipped to a high standard.
(Named in recognition of Mr. Dafydd Williams' unstinting dedication and hard work for the community over 40 years)
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Congratulations to all the winners, and many thanks to our three professional - and independent - assessors for all their thorough and painstaking work.
Our thanks to the proprietors and team of the Princes Arms for all their help and co-operation in the preparation which made for such an enjoyable event.
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2015
BODNANT WELSH FOOD CENTRE
NOMINATED BY: KATHERINE HIMSWORTH
OWNER: MICHAEL McLAREN, QC
Sympathetic restoration of farm buildings, dating back to C18 in a fine estuary setting. Quality and attention to detail,also extensive wildflower planting.
End use - providing a boost to the rural economy, promoting locally produced meat, dairy, and vegetable products; together with educational and residential courses, and The National Bee Centre.
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DOLGARROG WAR MEMORIAL AND GARDEN REGENERATION
NOMINATED BY: RITA JONES
OWNER / PROJECT MANAGER: WAR MEMORIAL
COMMITTEE ... PER. DAVID WILLIAMS (CHAIRMAN); RITA JONES.
A real community initiative, involving virtually all businesses and individuals in the village, together with CVSC, Conwy Council and RWE NPower Community Fund.
Phase 1 involved the restoration of The Cenotaph and of the names of the fallen, and complete regeneration of the Memorial Gardens, re-laying with bricks, new plants and over-sized steel poppies (and daffodils added in March).
Access has also been improved, bringing people off the road and into the garden for the Rememberance Day service.
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HENDRE HOUSE
NOMINATED BY: JAMES AND ISOLINE GREENHALGH
OWNER: MICHAEL TREE CONTRACTOR:ALAN WILLIAMS
Rescue of a small country estate, following 70 years of abandonment with little maintenance and extensive vandalism.
Work has included full conservation of the house; rebuilding all drystone walls in the garden; installation of a wood-fired heating system; appropriate period fittings and contents - and starting a collection of Welsh portraits.
Dedicated and informed hard work by the owner has led to the transformation of the property.
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PLAS TIRION AND THE NATURAL BUILDING CENTRE
NOMINATED BY: DAVID WYNNE FINCH
OWNER: FOELAS ESTATE LESSEES: NED AND SOPHIE SCHARER
CONTRACTOR: SCHARER CONSERVATION
Repair and restoration of historically important and semi-derelict C17 house, using traditional materials and local craftsmen - some trained on-site.
Part of a larger project to turn Plas Tirion into a training centre for traditional and sustainable building.
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THE VINERY, BENARTH
NOMINATED BY: DILYS GLYNNE
OWNERS: MEL AND LIZ HERMAN
Restoration, conversion and extension of C19 vinery to dwelling and ongoing restoration of old walled garden.
An innovative and eco-friendly conversion of very high standard.
Both Cadw and CCBC planners asked for a modern building.... They've got it!
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