The Quarry Shop and Cafe in Machynlleth have closed, apparently due to financial difficulties. I find this really upsetting, having spent many an hour in there over the years.
It always seemed really busy and used a lot by the locals as well as visitors. I'm guessing one of the big chains has moved into the area but having not been down to Mach in a while I don't know.
It's rather thrown my theory (for that read hope!) that we're entering the age of the small and local, rather than multi-nationals.
Maggie
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Jeez,I cruised through there last summer(often go to Borth) and it was open then.havent been to NCAT for a couple of years,first went with my DAD cica '74!! Last time we went,it was getting a tad corporate (not as bad as Ryton though),it's a shame,bloody good caf.....
Another friend, who lives down that way, said exactly the same thing Susie. Her feelings were that since they'd gone down the academia route they were "chasing the money" and the family education/fun bit had gone to pot. She says she won't be going there again either.
I'm so glad I haven't been down to see it.
Maggie
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
Absolutely agree with all that.
Confessed to once being a teacher recently,well I took a party of inner city 15 yr olds there once,and without exception,they thought it was great,and it pissed down all day.
What hope seems to has anything outside the mainstream got of surviving in the present day? Grant funding for anything seems to be a thing of the past,Charities are run as serious businesses (checkout the average salary of their CEOs) and if you aren't a 'brand' you're stuffed.
When I went to CAT a few years back I did think some of the displays were a bit dated and in need of attention. However, overall I did enjoy my visit and the restaurant on site was excellent. The problem being is the technology on display is no longer alternative!! We seem to have wind turbines and solar panels everywhere these days. The new alternative technology being in new electronic control gizmo's and alternative building methods and materials. Some of which are on display but don't necessarily have a huge wow factor.Then the question has to be asked, 'How can CAT be most effective as a charity?' Focusing on its visitor's centre or educating people to go out into society and implement change. As a supporter of CAT, I think they have grown up from the original 'Crazy Idealist's' self sufficient community into being a much respected educational and advisory resource.
Last edited by baldybloke on Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Has anyone seen the plot, I seem to have lost mine?
Sounds like they're trying to keep the revenue from both sides but put all their efforts into only one. Still a shame about the Quarry shop though - I'm stunned it wasn't self-supporting.
Maggie
Never doubt that you can change history. You already have. Marge Piercy
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. Anais Nin
