THE Chimney stack at the old Anglesey Aluminium site has now been demolished.
The huge landmark, which had stood in place for more than 50 years, was reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds on Wednesday, March 20.
Geraint Williams, the winner of a prize draw, which raised more than £10,000 for the RNLI, pressed the button to bring down the chimney.
Geraint, of Anglesey and now living in St Asaph, enjoyed the once-in-lifetime opportunity to join the team at Stena Line; the old Anglesey Aluminium site is now owned by Stena, one of the largest ferry operators, and has been remained Prosperity Parc.
The area has been designated as one of the specific customs and tax sites within the new Anglesey Freeport and represents a "prime opportunity" for new businesses looking to invest in the island.
Geraint, a former North Sea commercial diver born in Aberffraw, had wife Lyn by his side as he pressed the button.
"I rarely win anything but when I saw the opportunity to be part of something so significant and support the RNLI, I had to enter," he said.
"I knew so many people who work on the site especially during the boom days, it’s an iconic structure and helping to bring it down really has been something special.
"My work in marine and diving services means that I regularly come into contact with the RNLI and can’t think of a better charity to benefit from the prize draw.
"I’m thrilled the draw raised so much money for charity and really am overwhelmed to have been given this privilege."
More than 900 people entered the prize draw and the Crowdfunder surpassed its target of £10,000 in just seven days.
Money was raised for the charity in memory of a much loved and highly respected member of Holyhead RNLI crew, Iwan Williams – who died last year.
Tony Price and RNLI volunteer Steph Price were present for the demolition.
Tony said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have raised over £10,000 in this most unique way and are incredibly grateful to Stena for offering us this opportunity. Every penny will go towards ensuring our volunteer crew at Holyhead can continue saving lives at sea. The fact we’ve raised the money in Iwan’s memory is even more special and a fantastic legacy to a man who gave so much to our station.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Holyhead community for getting behind this fundraiser, we’re grateful to every single person who bought a ticket to win this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"A huge well done for Geraint for being chosen as the winner. It was a real pleasure to stand at his side to watch him push a button which will change the Holyhead landscape forever.
"It is a moment I don’t think we’ll ever forget."
Prosperity Parc which will act as a "hotbed of innovation". The chimney stacks reflects a key milestone in this next chapter of Prosperity Parc, clearing the site for works to commence.
Chris Willz, of Chris Willz Photography and Film, shared these incredible photos of the chimney stack coming down. He also shared a video.
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities for Stena Line said: “We would like to express our huge congratulations to the winner of the prize draw. We have been humbled by the response from the local community. Raising the target amount in just seven days is a great testament to Iwan’s legacy and will provide critical support to the important work the RNLI does.
"Wednesday was a landmark day for the future of Prosperity Parc and we are excited to continue to engage with the community as we bring forward this much needed investment.”
Anglesey Council Chief Executive, Dylan J Williams, said: “This is a positive milestone as both the County Council and Stena Line work in partnership to deliver the Anglesey Freeport project. It is good to see commitments turning into action and we look forward to seeing a planning application submitted for site redevelopment.
“Whilst this is a new chapter, we should not forget that sad day in 2009 when the old Anglesey Aluminium works closed, and employees discarded their hard hats as they left. We are now, thankfully, on the cusp of new investment and employment on this important and historic site.
“Together, Anglesey Council and Stena Line will work to ensure that Prosperity Parc now creates its own positive economic and social legacy. We hope to see it become an integral part of our Island’s regeneration and economic future, providing much needed local jobs for local people.”
Dylan J Williams added: "The demolition of the old chimney was a real spectacle.
"I'm grateful to Stena Line and everyone who contributed to making the event safe, successful and such a great fundraiser for the RNLI."
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