New Welsh Shop For Saith Seren

Wrexham’s Welsh Centre Saith Seren is expanding its services with a new shop selling cards, crafts, books, CDs and other Welsh gifts.

The move, in conjunction with Siop Cwlwm, which sells Welsh goods in Oswestry market, comes in the light of the decision by Siop y Siswrn to permanently close its branch in the People’s Market.

Saith Seren is a community-run cooperative that re-opened the former Seven Stars as a Welsh centre and bar.

The cooperative’s chair Marc Jones said: “As soon as we heard that Siop y Siswrn was closing in Wrexham we approached the owner Selwyn Evans to see if there was a chance to continue selling some goods in the town centre. Siop y Siswrn has been a valuable asset to the town since it opened in the market more than 20 years ago.

“Selwyn was keen for us to try to make a go of it but wanted to concentrate on his Mold shop so we’ve teamed up with Siop Cwlwm, which already operates in Oswestry market, to offer a range of services for people in Wrexham.”

Initially Siop Cwlwm will provide a monthly shop at Saith Seren starting on Friday January 13 and then on February 17 and March 17 – where there will be a stall selling a variety of goods, including greeting cards, books and gifts.

There will also be a catalogue service for people to order in the bar and collect gifts a couple of days later.

Marc continued: “Siop Cwlwm also have a very good online service (www.siopcwlwm.co.uk) and we’ll be able to offer a ‘click-and-collect’ service in Saith Seren for anyone wanting to pick up goods they’ve ordered online.

“In time, as we see what sort of response we have, we aim to expand the service but we hope this will mean that Saith Seren can offer a wider range of services for Welsh speakers, Welsh learners and anyone who’s looking for a unique gift from Wales.

“We expect the first shopping day will be busy in the run-up to Santes Dwynwen day, the Welsh Valentine, that’s celebrated on January 25 each year.”

Lowri Roberts, joint owner of Siop Cwlwm added: “We’re very excited about this opportunity to work in partnership with Saith Seren to further support the local Welsh community in the Wrexham area, by providing our range of books, CDs, cards and gifts that we source to suit all ages and occasions.”