A Busy Few Weeks…and it’s not over, yet!

Published by Les on

It always gets busy at this time of year and this year is no exception. You may recall from my last blog that we were busy, preparing for the Christmas rush and especially for the new window display. Well, the display has proven to be very popular and many a customer, and even a few passers-by, have popped their heads through the shop doorway to say how much they like it.

On Thursday 6th December, we had our Late Night Shopping event, or “Noson Siopa Hwyr” as we call it in Bala.

As a part of the build-up to the event, many shop windows were dressed in preparation for “Best Shop Window” competition, and in the afternoon two judges walked around the High Street and finally came to the conclusion that we were to be this year’s winners, so we were very proudly presented with a certificate. There was a cash prize as well, but as a part of the festivities, that prize is donated to a charity chosen by the shop owner, so we decided to donate our prize to the cancer charity, Tenovus.

Photo by Heledd Wyn Roberts

There was a presentation of the certificate, attended by the two judges and the Mayor of Bala, then the certificate took pride of place in our window.

Bala High Street early in the evening, before the crowds arrived!

Our local professional photographer, Heledd Roberts, is primarily a wedding photographer whose work is highly sought-after by discerning wedding planners, and we are lucky enough to have her as the chair of our Business Group in Bala, so whenever there’s something noteworthy which needs a  photo, then Heledd can be relied on to be there.

As the shop is so busy on the day, and especially the evening of Late Night Shopping, we rarely set foot outside the door, so we don’t get to see much of what goes on, although I’m heavily involved in the planning of the event. This year, as well as visits from the Fire Service and the Mountain Rescue Service, we had a children’s art and craft competition and craft stalls at three different venues. The whole of the High Street resounded with music, with Cor Tegalaw (a ladies choir), a brass band, Cor Meibion Bro Glyndwr (a male voice choir) and Billy Thompson, and improvising violinist, so there was lots to see and to do.

A big thank you to Heledd for letting me use her photos, which were taken for our local newspaper (hence the B&W images).

It’s all over again, for another year, but there’s still a full week of sales to go before we finally get to put our feet up. Nadolig Llawen – Happy Christmas to every one who reads our blog, and even to those who don’t! We thank you for your custom and for your interest and we look forward to continuing to serve and to meet you all next year.


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