Prince of Wales Visit
Monday March 2nd 2009
Froncysyllte March 2nd 2009
Fron is currently Welsh village of the year– A competition sponsored by Calor Gas and today it was rewarded with a royal visit. It has a population of about 800 and even on an overcast and cold day, nearly every resident and also many from surrounding villages turned out to greet him.
Accompanied by Julie Williams his first port of call was at Sion the only remaining chapel in the village. Here he met members of the art group and was entertained by members of Fron School and also treated to a few songs by the world famous Cor Meibion Froncysyllte.
The prince emerged from the chapel and stopped to speak to lots of the villagers who were busy snapping pictures with their mobile phones and digital cameras. Some were able to take some quite acceptable photos despite the press rushing forward with their 1000mm lenses and blocking their view.
From the chapel the prince walked down the hill and along the A5 to the villages’ only remaining pub The Aqueduct Hotel. Inside he met some of the pub’s regulars, Ted Roberts and Gron Roberts , Gron is one of the oldest villagers and Ted is one of the longest customers. He was also treated to a Braine’s Bitter by landlords Steve and Sue Roberts. He then walked out on to the balcony to take in the view of the magnificent valley and Telfords aqueduct.
From there he walked down to the canal towpath where he was greeted by the Llangollen Silver Band playing “God Bless the Prince of Wales”
He then went aboard the narrow boat “Millie” which has been specially adapted for the disabled. He then stopped to say a few words to Mrs. Winifred Evans who is one of the oldest residents. Mrs. Evans will be 100 next year.
Then there was a short walk down the towpath to the scene of a tug o’war between rival teams of villagers which Prince Charles presided over. The vicar, Rev Anthony John Rees, was also on hand to see fair play.
The Prince of Wales’s last call was at the community centre, the hub of village life where many local societies continue to meet.
Perhaps summing up how this village really is the sort of place where people know each other and get on well, is the Cakes and Company enterprise based at the community centre where volunteers run a cafe, lay craft workshops and sales of local produce.
Outside, on crutches but resplendent in his chains of office, was the mayor of the county borough of Wrexham, David Griffiths.
"I think it’s been absolutely brilliant. It’s wonderful that the Prince has found the time in what is without doubt a busy schedule to come and see the people of Froncysyllte," he said
This was a great day for the village and thanks go to Julie Williams who made it possible.
Letters from Clarence house and Calor Gas have been received in praise of the event. Clarence House Calor Gas
Slide show safe content
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Outside Sion Chapel