From storm chaos to the man who risked it all

It has been another year of huge change across North Wales and beyond. With 2024 now drawing to a close, we have decided to take a look at some of the major news stories reported by North Wales Live this year. From devastating storms to struggling local businesses, many people have experienced tough times over the past 12 months.

But there have also been moments of joy and positivity, with a spectacular renovation project and music legend who loves Eryri among the highlights. So while you polish off those last mince pies or Christmas[1] cakes, and prepare to welcome in the new year, take a look at some of the stories that grabbed the headlines this year. We hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and are looking forward to a happy 2025.

Holyhead Port shut after Storm Darragh struck

In December Holyhead Port sustained serious damage as North Wales was battered by Storm Darragh - the latest this year to cause severe disruption.

There were fears Holyhead port could be closed until at least March given the scale of damage to facilities, but it now appears on track to open midway through January.[2][3][4][5] All sailings had been cancelled until January 15 as it stood earlier this month. The closure has caused huge disruption on both sides of the Irish Sea - impacting the transport of goods, post and people.

The Terminal 3 berth at the port - used by Irish Ferries - was damaged in the storm earlier this month.[6] Drone videos and images have shown the scale of the damage[7] with a 'dolphin' platform falling into the sea during the Storm Darragh weekend[8]. This also had a knock-on impact on the adjourning terminal used by Stena Line.

Beaumaris crash tragedy that shocked a community

Beaumaris and beyond was left in shock when three people died in a collision back in August. The Reverend Stephen and Katherine Burch, who were both 65-years-old and lived in Alcester, Warwickshire, died after they were struck by an Audi A8 on Alma Street[9].

The driver of the Audi A8, Humphrey Pickering, from the Colwyn Bay[10] area, a retired librarian, also died in the collision. At the opening of an inquest into the tragedy, North West Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson at Caernarfon[11] said: "I take this opportunity to pass my most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have died and acknowledge the significant efforts made by members of the public and emergency services at the scene at the time."

The North Wales 'ghost town' with once bustling streets

In July North Wales Live reported on the ailing fortunes of Rhyl,[12] as local businesses told how the seaside town was struggling. It could be a story told about many North Wales towns amid the current economic climate.

But Rhyl has had particular woes this year, with the Sun Centre long gone, the storm-damaged SC2 water park closed and the cancellation of the 2024 Rhyl Air Show[13]. As one local business person said at the time: "It's quiet everywhere. "There's no reason to come to Rhyl[14].

Last Saturday there was no one in the shop, which is unheard of, and it's dead again today. It's awful, absolutely terrible."

Woman and accomplice murdered Colwyn Bay grandad she called her 'sugar daddy'

A chilling video captured two killers moments after they had murdered[15] a Colwyn Bay[16] man. David Mark Wilcox was brutally stabbed by Lauren Harris before her "willing accomplice" David Webster smashed him on the head with a vodka bottle, in a shocking case heard in August this year.

They were jailed at Mold[17] Crown Court for life, with minimum terms of 25 and 23 years behind bars respectively, for their heinous crime at the 65-year-old's flat in Bay View Road, Colwyn Bay last November. Following the trial North Wales Police[18] issued a statement praising Mr Wilcox's family's "immense courage and dignity". Senior Investigating Officer, Superintendent Sarah-Jayne Williams said: "This was a violent and senseless murder of a much-loved father, husband, son, brother and grandfather, whose life was taken from him in such unnecessary circumstances."

Urban explorer fell for Eryri infinity pool 'bait' but says that it 'backfired'

An urban explorer came to Eryri to track down the (not so) 'secret' infinity pool - and had some advice for others thinking of coming[19].

It was constructed in 2016 by farmer Wyn Mostyn Jones as a green energy project with an electricity generating weir. It has been dubbed an infinity pool because its positioning gives the impression that it merges into the surrounding landscape. The small pool above Llanberis Pass was once the area's best kept secret but that all changed when it showcased on social media and then various media outlets (including us!).

Urban explorer Chris Schurke said he "totally fell for that 'secret' chunk of verbal fishing bait" but he added: "Do as I say, not as I do. This place is very tranquil, and it offers a phenomenal view, but if this is someone's drinking water then I think it's best if people stay out of it."

Holidaymaker's Range Rover 'written off' after he used meet and greet at Manchester Airport

Back in September North Wales Live reported how holidaymaker Ioan Williams from North Wales had his car "written off" after it was left in the hands of the Meet and Greet service at Manchester Airport.[20] Ioan had jetted off from the airport on August 9 for a trip to Alicante with his kids Ela and Sion. He left his white Range Rover with the airport's Meet and Greet service.

Ioan said it "didn't have a scratch on it". However when they arrived back a week later he was told there had been an incident. He expected to find some minor issue but instead found the driver's side wheel at an abnormal angle.

Ioan said: "The cost of the repair came up to GBP15,800 to fix, making the car a write off. I loved that car, I bought it for myself for my 40th. Although I've been paid out for the car it's not the point I didn't want to get rid of it."

A 90s music legend who prefers deserted Eryri beach to the Maldives

It was only a short clip on Facebook[21], but 90s music legend, Jay Kay, of English funk and acid jazz band Jamiroquai, told how he preferred North Wales to the Maldives[22].

In the social media post he had high praise for Eryri as he rode a bike on a "very lovely, lonely, long beach". Jay Kay told how he was enjoying the beautiful solitude, before getting back in the studio again. The video post title said "Keeping it real in Snowdonia[23]".

While filming himself, he said: "Good morning everybody. How you all doing? "That's right it's not a car, it's a bicycle and I'm doing one of my favourite things which is just getting away from it all, getting away from everybody and everything, for a little bit - clear the mind."

Jay Kay's post was warmly welcomed by people glad to hear his thoughts on North Wales and that he was getting back in the studio, with one saying: "Looks super serene! Great way to clear the mind indeed. Awesome to hear you'll be back to studio!"

Astonishment at what 'muppets' wear when flocking to Yr Wyddfa

It's not exclusive to 2024, but over the years, people have been spotted climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in all sorts of unsuitable attire.[24] Eyebrows have again been raised at walkers in flip-flops and trainers, while one man in shorts trumped the lot when crossing Crib Coch[25] wearing sandals and clutching a plastic shopping bag.

In winter, when Wales' tallest mountain is covered in snow and often mired in fog, the stakes are higher still. Already this year, climbers have reported huge queues at the summit, noting that quite a few people were wearing trainers. It comes as mountain rescue teams reporting a record breaking year for call-outs[26], placing a massive strain on resources.

In reality, most had sensible footwear. A few, mindful of the conditions, were prepared to turn around before reaching the summit. But the climbing community has been left aghast at the minority who are not only risking their own lives but who are also adding to the strain on over-stretched mountain rescue service.

Family of four 'pay GBP265 for breakfast' at A55 restaurant

OK Diner at Northop.

Picture taken prior to the restrictions being introduced. (Image: Google)

Car parking rows are always in the news. And a restaurant on a gateway services stop on the A55[27], made the headlines earlier this year. Dozens of irate customers vented their anger online after receiving parking fines at OK Diner,[28] a US-style eaterie at the westbound Northop Hall services, Flintshire[29]. At the time, some vowed to contest their fines in court, most said they would not be returning, with one family making their annual trip to Llandudno[30] complained: "Breakfast for 4 people including a person in a wheelchair....

GBP265." OK Diner said they had to take action due to people parking there and not using the restaurant and that signage was up in the car park to notify people of the restrictions. They added the family who paid GBP265 have since had their penalty notices rescinded.

Man gambled everything on ruined Eryri cowshed

The shed was close to falling down when Simon bought it (Image: Simon Baker)

Looking back Simon Baker accepted that perhaps he should never have done it[31].

Selling a one-bedroom flat in London to restore a tumbledown Eryri cow shed was a huge financial gamble that could have cost him everything. But he persevered, living rough in his battered Ford estate while the 250-year-old stone building was slowly rescued from ruin. After punching 22,000 holes into Welsh slate tiles, Simon finally had a roof and was on the way to finishing a spectacular renovation.

And his determination paid off in spectacular style, when his forever home, Beudu Dyfnant Cowshed, found itself in the running for the BBC Wales[32] Home of The Year (HOTY) title.

Tragedy as body found in search for dog walker

Tributes were paid to Brian Perry

North Wales was rocked by another storm, named Bert, in November, which caused havoc amid gale force winds and heavy rain, sparking flooding and disruption, with 10 people - including five children - having to be rescued from a house[33] in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, near Llangollen[34]. During the storm, a major search was also launched to locate 75-year-old Brian Perry, who went missing with his dog near Trefriw, as flood waters rose. Tragically his body was later located in the area of Gower Road, Trefriw.[35]

In a heartfelt tribute to Mr Perry, his devastated family said: "We would like to thank North Wales Police[36] and the Rescue Services for all their efforts, in extremely challenging conditions, to find our much loved husband, father, brother and grandfather, Brian, who was also held in great affection by his extended family and many friends. There are no words to describe our feeling of loss but he will be truly loved every day."

Headteacher Neil Foden jailed for child sexual abuse

Former headteacher Neil Foden (Image: PA)

It was a shocking case. Former headteacher Neil Foden was jailed for 17 years for sex offences against four children.

The 66-year-old, who was headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor and was strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle secondary school in Penygroes, was convicted of 19 offences against four girls, in May.[37][38] Sentencing him[39] at Mold[40] Crown Court, Judge Rhys Rowlands said: "Your behaviour was borne out of your arrogant sense of your self-worth, such that you believed no-one would stand up to you." He said Foden had been "determined" to satisfy his "perverted desires". He described Foden as a "domineering" and "bombastic" character who was looked up to by many, but was a "man who managed to hide a dreadful secret, an appalling flaw in your character, that being your sexual obsession with young teenage girls".

The judge said: "It is clear that you have no remorse."

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References

1. ^ Christmas (www.dailypost.co.uk)
2. ^ Holyhead (www.dailypost.co.uk)
3. ^ North Wales was battered by Storm Darragh (www.dailypost.co.uk)
4. ^ could be closed until at least March given the scale of damage to facilities (www.dailypost.co.uk)
5. ^ on track to open midway through January. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
6. ^ storm earlier this month. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
7. ^ images have shown the scale of the damage (www.dailypost.co.uk)
8. ^ falling into the sea during the Storm Darragh weekend (www.dailypost.co.uk)
9. ^ died after they were struck by an Audi A8 on Alma Street (www.dailypost.co.uk)
10. ^ Colwyn Bay (www.dailypost.co.uk)
11. ^ Caernarfon (www.dailypost.co.uk)
12. ^ reported on the ailing fortunes of Rhyl, (www.dailypost.co.uk)
13. ^ the 2024 Rhyl Air Show (www.dailypost.co.uk)
14. ^ Rhyl (www.dailypost.co.uk)
15. ^ chilling video captured two killers moments after they had murdered (www.dailypost.co.uk)
16. ^ Colwyn Bay (www.dailypost.co.uk)
17. ^ Mold (www.dailypost.co.uk)
18. ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)
19. ^ and had some advice for others thinking of coming (www.dailypost.co.uk)
20. ^ "written off" after it was left in the hands of the Meet and Greet service at Manchester Airport. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
21. ^ Facebook (www.dailypost.co.uk)
22. ^ how he preferred North Wales to the Maldives (www.dailypost.co.uk)
23. ^ Snowdonia (www.dailypost.co.uk)
24. ^ in all sorts of unsuitable attire. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
25. ^ Crib Coch (www.dailypost.co.uk)
26. ^ reporting a record breaking year for call-outs (www.dailypost.co.uk)
27. ^ A55 (www.dailypost.co.uk)
28. ^ Dozens of irate customers vented their anger online after receiving parking fines at OK Diner, (www.dailypost.co.uk)
29. ^ Flintshire (www.dailypost.co.uk)
30. ^ Llandudno (www.dailypost.co.uk)
31. ^ accepted that perhaps he should never have done it (www.dailypost.co.uk)
32. ^ BBC Wales (www.dailypost.co.uk)
33. ^ with 10 people - including five children - having to be rescued from a house (www.dailypost.co.uk)
34. ^ Llangollen (www.dailypost.co.uk)
35. ^ his body was later located in the area of Gower Road, Trefriw. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
36. ^ North Wales Police (www.dailypost.co.uk)
37. ^ Bangor (www.dailypost.co.uk)
38. ^ offences against four girls, in May. (www.dailypost.co.uk)
39. ^ Sentencing him (www.dailypost.co.uk)
40. ^ Mold (www.dailypost.co.uk)
41. ^ Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter (www.dailypost.co.uk)