For as long as I can remember I have walked the paths around Gwrych, at any time of the day or night, the paths were available to all. I have fond memory’s as a child, spending many days in the Gwrych woods with my friends. Even when the buildings were in such a state of disrepair the setting as a whole remained magical. The magic evolved when the Gwrych Trust began to undertake the restoration of the buildings. It’s reassuring to know that the trust has secured the site for future generations to enjoy, this may not have been the case. I would say that Gwrych Castle is in good hands. I recall hearing about a Mark when I was younger and hearing his cause, I admired his passion I knew then I could never be that person, to take responsibility to restore and protect this special place. The trust has achieved so much in such a short space of time, and I understand their desire to protect the work they have done. I remember reading an article in the paper titled ‘ I’m the king of the castle’ it was an exciting time for the town. Gwrych Trust had bought the Castle on behalf of the nation.
2020 Do we need a king for our castle? I think not, we require a custodian. I appreciate that at times it’s not always possible to respond to queries immediately or anticipate the needs of the community. I’m not saying that the trust should consult with the public on every issue but I think they should have consulted with the public before closing the access to the vast woodlands from Abergele, I know they could have been more transparent.
I completely agree with you on this Mike,as do the many people who have spent years walking and cycling the paths around the castle.
These paths need to remain open and hope there is action we can take to ensure this is the case.