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April-04-08 - Estate Diary

Angela and I have undertaken our annual property inspections of all Lord Newborough’s staff and rented houses on the Estate.  We are now starting to scratch our heads on what work we can do as the 5 year campaign of regular investment seems to be paying off and the repair list is reducing.  This will now allow us to carry out more major works such as annual re-roofing of various properties which is due to start the beginning of April.

Demand for rental cottages seems to remain high and we currently have two, three bedroomed properties available to let which we hope will be turned around quickly.

Farms 

We are very pleased to have completed negotiations on the succession tenancy at Plas Isa farm, Robert Jones and his family will carry on from his father we hope for a good many years. 

Commercial

The A5 improvement at Pont Melin Rûg are now well under way.  We have been very impressed with the approach taken by both McAlpines and the National Assembly in working with the estate with minimal levels of disruption.  The scheme is now taking shape following the placing of the bridge and beams.  This involved a huge crane being on site for over a week.  Although hampered by high winds it managed to put the beams in place.  There seems to be a new breed of traveller on the A5 namely “crane spotters” who were parking up and watching the beams being slowly swung into place.

It is suggested by The Assembly that the road is on schedule, to be completed this July in advance of the summer holiday season. 

Sporting

All of the shoots across the estate have enjoyed an outstanding season last year.  The fishing season is now underway on the estate with very average returns last year, so we hope for an improved catch through the course of the summer.       

Forestry

There is very little felling work taking place on the estate this year, however significant numbers of trees have been planted on last years clear fell sites and also lost trees have been replaced.  Next year we hope to continue felling under strong timber prices.

Outdoor Activities

Once again we will be giving access to the Beautiful Betws Horse Ride taking place on 11^th May, which will involve a number of endurance/long distance horse riders passing over the estate and in the general Betws Gwerfil Goch area raising money for the primary school.  Last year this was a great success which we hope will be repeated this year with good weather.     

Written By: Philip Hughes

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