MERLIN STATUE TAKES CENTRE STAGE

PR Plus Media pulled out all the stops to help make the re-branding of a Wales shopping centre such a tremendous success.

Commissioned to help with publicity and marketing the re-branding of Greyfrairs shopping centre to Merlin’s Walk, Carmarthen has seen intense pressure and hard work over many months, culminating in the official re-launch ceremony and a day of activites.

A chorus of “There’s only one Simon Hedger” echoed around the crowded shopping centre as a giant wood sculpture of Merlin the Wizard was unveiled.

The 11ft Merlin statue, carved by local wood carver Simon, is the centrepiece of the mall which now has impressive name sign archways in Welsh and English.

Simon and members of his family were among the guests and a large crowd of shoppers who had gathered to watch the oak statue unveiled in the mall by the Mayor, Councillor Ken Lloyd.

Glorious sunshine attracted large numbers throughout the day and the unveiling ceremony was the finale to a day of entertainment for adults as well as children.

Another crowd-puller was the Grab-a-Grand competition in which adults tried to collect as much money as possible in a cash-cube with the top 15 going head-to-head in the afternoon’s final.

Eventual winner was holiday-maker Salah Hussain, 45, from Croydon, Surrey who was in Carmarthen visiting relatives with his wife Susan and children, Saman, six and Darren, three.

He won £1,000 of shopping vouchers to spend in Merlin’s Walk

Shopping entre manager John Nash said the whole day was a tremendous success and he thanked everyone who helped make the day so entertaining, especially shoppers who really got into the spirit of the occasion.