Plas Coch Holiday Homes Sponsored the course for Geo Mon

Meet a very unusual rock group with fans all over the world.

This is a “Time Team” of rock experts who are helping to put the Isle of Anglesey on the world geo map.

All these Indiana Jones style “rock groupies” love rocks including 700 million year old fossils with such as passion they have all become the first “geo-guides” of their kind.

They will show holidaymakers and visitors from as far away as Japan, the USA and Europe all that is best about Anglesey – now recognised as one of only a handful of Geo-Parks on the planet and a growing eco attraction for the 1.4 million people who visit the popular holiday island off the coast of North Wales each year.

The team including experts from all walks of life and originally from Cheshire, Merseyside, the Midlands, Lancashire and Essex will now be official geo ambassadors and guides for the island which is proving hugely popular with fossil, mineral and rock enthusiasts.

It includes Terry Beggs,a master mariner originally from Timperley Cheshire, Jonathan Walsh, Lancashire born business project manager, Paul Gasson design director and surveyor, Andy Short from Essex who heads up Outdoor Alternative and runs his own kayaking business on Anglesey, Jon Pinnington, business development manager for the Isle of Anglesey County Council economic development unit, Angela Honey from the Menai Bridge Ocean Science Unit, geologist Dr Jacqui Malpas,civil service manager Jackie Farrall, and outdoor instructor Mary Tansell.

Cheshire born geo expert Dr Margaret Wood – who has just been awarded a top honour by the British Geological Society-, brought them all together and then all the new recruits attended a special 8-week training course at Coleg Llandrillo.

Plas Coch, the luxury holiday home park destination on the Menai Strait, sponsored the unique course.

During the presentation of training awards Dr Wood said:

“I am so very proud. The Isle of Anglesey has always been of great interest to geologists and naturalists for the age and sheer variety of its rocks and for its wonderful coastal environment. Our new geo team are all looking forward to welcoming even more visitors this year and making a trip to Anglesey very special and very memorable. It is vitally important that we teach our children and our grandchildren how the earth works. Relating the story of our planet in a fun and educational way will help youngsters get a deeper understanding of today’s global events and how we can all help to shape the future.”

Chairman of Anglesey Tourism Association, Jane Blakey, said today:

“Dr Wood and her team are giving a fantastic boost to the status of Anglesey as a natural history wonderland renowned through the world for its unique rock formations and amazing geo landscapes.

“We are delighted to be recognised as a Geo Park because this is a diverse and very special place and to have such a dedicated and passionate team of geo ambassadors is just fabulous. They are bringing the story of Mon Mam Cymru- Anglesey,the Mother of Wales, to life.

“Tourism is our lifeblood and the growth of green cultural-based tourism is helping to make Anglesey a real geo paradise.”

Geo tourists come from as far away as Japan to see volcanic rock formations including ancient pillow lava so unique they only exist only on Anglesey and in Japan.

The island has over 100 different rock types, which have led to a very diverse and unique flora and fauna and Dr Wood was the first eminent geologist to find Pre-Cambrian rock fossils near Cemaes Bay dating back almost 700 million years.

Important geo sites on Anglesey include South Stack, Newborough, Cemaes, Parys Mountains and Llanddwyn Island all part of the UNESCO recognised GeoMon Anglesey Geopark.

Dr Wood and her colleagues also have plans to set up a geo attraction close to Cemaes where she first unearthed Pre-Cambrian fossils and which was once a refuge for St Patrick the patron saint of Ireland. This would give a huge worldwide boost to the tourism industry of the island, which has already created over 3000 jobs and is worth over £214 million a year to the Anglesey economy.

The new Anglesey GeoPark is backed by Anglesey County Council, the Countryside Council for Wales and Mentor Mon.

For full details see www.geomon.co.uk or www.visitanglesey.co.uk

All tours £5 per head. Please book places via our website below and get more information.

http://www.geomon.co.uk/#/guided-tours/4534215202

GeoMôn tours lead by Nationally Accredited guides from our Plas Coch Guide training course.

April 25th – Parys Mountain

The first tour will be of Parys Mountain which takes place on April 25th, meeting in the car park on Parys Mountain at 10.30am. Grid Ref: SH 437 909

A late lunch can be purchased at – The Loft Heritage Centre in Amlwch Port or packed lunches can be brought. This will be a truly memorable excursion lasting around 2 – 2 and a half hours by a professional guide.

May 16th – Newborough Forest to Llanddwyn Island

Paul Gasson will be following a geotrail from Newborough Forest to the far end of Llanddwyn Island. Meet 10.30am in the Beach car park at Newborough. Grid Ref: SH 408635
(Please note that there is a parking fee payable near the entrance to the forest). Packed lunches are advisable unless you wish to go to the cafe at Llys Llewelyn in Aberffraw after the trip. here can be seen the famous pillow lavas and the colourful melange in Pilots Cove. The island was the home to St Dwynwen Welsh patron saint of lovers and you will be able to hear about her and see the well and site of her church as
well as see the displays in the Pilot’s Cottages.

June 30th – Rhoscolyn

Andy Short will be leading an excursion over the spectacular coast with its amazing folded rocks with spectacular views from the headlands. Either bring a packed lunch or visit the
White Eagle for lunch after the trip.
Meet at Rhoscolyn Church at 10.30am. Grid Ref: SH 268757

18th July – Penmon

Angela Honey will be taking you on a two site trip that includes not only the fossiliferous Carboniferous Limestone of Penmon and the Ice Age deposits at Lleiniog but also the Norman Castle at the latter and the Priory, Dovecote and St Seiriol’s cell in Penmon.
Meet in the car park at Lleiniog at 10.30am and either bring a packed lunch or you can visit the cafe at penmon Point. Grid Ref: SH 620794

August 15th – Lligwy to Moelfre

Terry Beggs will take an excursion from Lligwy to Moelfre, walking the coastal path after Lligwy Beach, looking at the Carboniferous Limestone and explaining why the Royal Charter and Hindlea foundered on the rocks there. Terry is an expert on the wrecks of Anglesey and is a Master Mariner and an excellent raconteur. For sustenance, packed
lunches can be taken or a trip to Anne’s Pantry in Moelfre at the end of the walk is possible On previous trips, dolphins and seals have accompanied the walk from the sea alongside the walk.
Meet Lligwy South Car park at 10.30am. Grid Ref: SH 496873

September 19th – Red Wharf Bay to Benllech

Jon Pinnington will lead the walk from Red Wharf Bay to Benllech to see Carboniferous rocks, lots of coral and brachiopod fossils and the very rare strange sandstone pipes around St Davids. Red Wharf was once an important fishing village and on the route of the Bangor to Amlwch railway. Either take a packed lunch or enjoy a meal or snack in the
Ship Inn or Boathouse cafe/restaurant.
Meet Red Wharf Bay Car Park at 10.30am. Grid Ref: SH 530812

ANGLESEY CIRCUIT

Set on the west coast of Anglesey, overlooking the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia mountain range beyond, Anglesey Circuit provides visitors with a challenging and exciting circuit in a breathtaking location.

Whether you are visiting the Circuit as a competitor, spectator, for driving instruction or as part of a corporate activity day, you are assured of a day to remember visit for more information www.angleseycircuit.com

Top Anglesey tourism businesses scoop prestigious awards.
The sell-out evening event at Tre-Ysgawen Hall saw local BBC presenter Rhun AP Iorwerth announce the winning nominations across 15 categories.
Winner
Quality Regeneration Tourism Award
Plas Coch, Llanedwen, Llanfairpwll

Ex-Radio One DJ spins the discs at Plas Coch 70’s revival

David “Diddy” Hamilton ex-Radio One DJ was the guest of honour at an event celebrating the 1970’s disco era. Three decades ago Plas Coch, near Menai Bridge was the scene of hundreds of pairs of platforms, flares and big hair and also venue where DJ’s of the day from radio were to be found spinning their discs. For one night only the fun of the 70’s nights was recreated. The event was by invite only. Deputy Managing Director of The Talacre Beach Group says “Time after time local people and many people around the North West region have told us about the famous disco nights. I know that many couple met at Plas Coch and later married. It therefore seems a fitting 1970’s celebration to hold this special evening and to meet some of the couples who returned at our invitation to relive their first dance together.
A surprise guest of a past Radio One fame, David Hamilton joined the guests at 9.00 pm and took to the turntables to play some of the magical songs that sounded around the walls of Plas Coch in the 1970’s. David who last took to the turntables in May 1978 said “Plas Coch was one of the most memorable venues I did while I was working for the BBC. Going back 31yrs later was fantastic. I was delighted to see the results of the investment that has transformed Plas Coch into being the “jewel in the crown” of Talacre Beach Leisure Group.”

The longest placename in the world?

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Phew – there! we said it. Hmm, okay well not quite. But have you ever wondered how to pronounce the name of this village, just a stone’s throw from Plas Coch holiday park? Have you ever wondered what the name means? Well wonder no more, because we can explain everything you need to know!

Meaning

The name is Welsh for “St Mary’s church in the hollow of the white hazel near to the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio of the red cave”.

How to say the name

A brilliant guide to understanding and saying the name is given on what is probably also the longest website domain name in the world! Have a go at saying it yourself, you can also listen to a sound file from a native Welsh speaker for tips on how to pronounce each part of the name.

Let us know more!

What is the longest placename in the world? Come to think of it, what’s the shortest or strangest placename in the world? Please help us to find the answers!

We’ve recently added a brand new section on our website which is highly worth visiting if you’re looking for a used or second hand holiday lodge or luxury static caravan for sale.  These are all for sale privately from the present owners and there’s usually very genuine and good reasons for selling, such as work or family commitments or a change of circumstances.

This shows the used lodges for sale and also 2nd hand luxury static caravans for sale

If you don’t see anything on our current used stocklist (shown above) that’s suitable, please email enquiries@plascochholidayhomes.co.uk and let us know your requirements and we can get in touch as soon as something becomes available. Our stocklist is updated daily, so please check back for updates.

Also, don’t forget, we have five other luxury holiday parks in North Wales, with a fantastic range of used static caravans and used holiday lodges for sale. All stock advertised is live and kept right up-to-date every day…..

Photo of the Boston luxury wooden lodge for sale at our luxury holiday park in Anglesey, North Wales

Perhaps it was the amazing price, or the too-many-to-mention design features in our Boston holiday lodge range that made it one of our top sellers of 2009.

In fact, so many people came to Plas Coch and fell in love with the Boston holiday lodge, that we have completely sold out of stock for this season! But don’t worry, we’ll have more available for 2010, in the meantime, you can still reserve interest or take in the gorgeous features of this luxury holiday lodge – let us know if you’d like your name added to our reserve buyers list by emailing enquiries@plascochholidayhomes.co.uk – no obligation to buy, but we will keep you informed when The Boston Holiday Lodge is back in stock.

Earlier this summer, we filmed a new TV advert for ITV. It shows our stunning luxury spa and pool facilities, which were added to the rear of the Plas Coch mansion house in a new purpose built glass extension. You might have seen our TV advert being shown just around the time that Coronation Street is on. Let us know if you’ve spotted it please!

This blog is for readers who would like to keep up to date on news, events, offers and jobs at our luxury holiday park in Anglesey, North Wales.

2009 is an exciting year for us with the launch of our multi-million pound spa, pool and leisure complex, together with the detailed restoration work on our beautiful Georgian mansion house.

Please keep revisiting our blog, which will regularly be updated with photos, videos, park events and articles from our luxury holiday park in North Wales.

Photo of family sitting on decking of a luxury wooden holiday lodge.