Can you help find portrait missing for a century?

* Can a portrait from Llangollen's distant past at last be found?

Llangollen Museum's Peter Jones has been asked to help trace a missing portrait, possibly lost for up to a century. Here, he describes details of his fascinating quest to "find the lady"

"I have been asked by a descendant to find a portrait of his ancestor- ALABAINA WOOD. She was a member of the Welsh Gypsies.

She is described as a tiny personage, with the beautifully chiselled features, small mouth Grecian nose, coal black hair, and a very tawny skin. 

She married William Jones, popularly known as Wil y Cŵn, in 1823, thereby becoming Alabaina Jones. She died in 1848. There was said to be a painting of her in a doctor’s house near Llangollen Bridge, wearing a red cloak down to her feet, and sitting on a bench with a basket, pipe and begging sheet telling fortunes by the cards – which according to Siani Wood she never did. 

Nor did she trust to the hand reading, saying, “Thy fortune is not to be read in thy hand, but in thy face.” 

The unearthly quality of her voice struck terror as well as derision into the gentile mind, and a Welsh Englyn descriptive of these hollow tones “the mouth that begs for bread, the noise of a cold the whole summer long, are in the head of Alabaina”

We are therefore looking for doctors who lived in the vicinity of Llangollen Bridge in the late 19th or early 20th Century.

There are several contenders.

Dr John Robertson

A brother of Henry Robertson, who lived at Siamber Wen from 1870 to 1883. He had been a surgeon in the 1st Anglo-Afghan war of 1839 to 1842, and was the superintendent of a sanitorium in Dublin during the potato famine. When he retired, he moved to Siamber Wen with his mother and three sisters. 

His eldest sister, Christina, was an accomplished artist, who painted this picture of Siamber Wen. John was a director of Llangollen Railway. He died here in 1883, and his last sibling in 1897. The contents of the house were auctioned off and the property re-let.

Dr David Hughes

There had been a doctor at Minnfordd since at least 1788. From 1861 until his death in 1895 it was Dr David Hughes. In 1898 the property was sold.

Drs James Pratchett Drinkwater, and Richard Drinkwater.

In September 1897 the property was bought by Dr James Pratchett Drinkwater. Dr Drinkwater was surgeon and general practitioner, who been in Llangollen since the 1860s. He lived in Geufron, but he bought the property for his son Richard. Dr J P Pritchard died June 1906, and his son Richard retired in the early 1930’s when he moved to Plas Tegid on Abbey Road. He was succeeded by Dr Gwilym Francis Benjamin. Gwilym died here in 1983, and his wife Glenys in 1995."

* Has any heard of this picture, or can they suggest any other potential doctors? Any information which could help to trace this picture would be welcome. Please contact Peter Jones at Llangollen Museum.

Royal Marines Band to play at Pavilion next May

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth is to play a concert at Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday May 29 next year, starting at 7.30pm.

The band is based at HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy’s Initial Training Establishment and this enables the it to fully support Royal Naval training, providing music for the weekly passing out parade alongside an array of other functions. 

The band also regularly supports events at the home of Royal Navy Officer Training, Britannia Royal Navy College and at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, for ship commissioning and home comings.

Previously called the Flag Officer Plymouth Band, it used to fall under the command of the Commander in Chief, Devonport, who was the head of the Naval Units within the area. This control began in 1969, with Admiralty House as headquarters, and ended in 1996.

Support for Royal Marines Units is provided in both a musical and military role. Plymouth Band are trained in Chemical Decontamination and held at high readiness to deploy alongside RM units should the need arise.

Versatility is key to all RM bands, with the ability to perform as a concert band, big band, function band, orchestra and numerous smaller ensembles grouping to support the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and wider defence. 

The concert band performs varied programmes across the country raising money for charities and supporting service personnel as well as providing soft power at events overseas. As part of this, the Plymouth Band hold a termly concert series in the Roebuck theatre on HMS Raleigh, which attracts a diverse and staunchly loyal sell out audience.

Over the previous few years, the band has been fortunate enough to perform around the world Including trips to New Zealand, Trinidad, Tobago, America, Switzerland, Egypt, Cyprus and Japan. Closer to home, the band regularly appears alongside the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines at national events, including Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Mountbatten Festival of Music.

* If you are interested in a career in the Royal Marines Band Service, please email the RMBS recruitment team at careers@royalmarinesbands.co.uk for more information.

MP meets and supports Llangollen prostate cancer group

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins recently met members of Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group to hear about their experiences and discuss the importance of early diagnosis, prostate cancer awareness and the support available to men and their families following a diagnosis.

The MP says the meeting gave her the opportunity to hear directly from local people affected by prostate cancer and learn more about the group's work supporting members across North Wales.

Members spoke about the significant difference peer support can make, providing practical advice, friendship and reassurance at what can often be an incredibly difficult time.

A key issue raised during the discussion was awareness of PSA testing and the role it can play in identifying prostate cancer at an early stage. 

Group Chair Stuart Davies shared his own experience, explaining that his cancer was detected after he requested a PSA test from his GP, something he believes ultimately saved his life.

The group also discussed healthcare provision in North Wales, including diagnostic pathways and support for improved access to specialist equipment such as the multi-parametric MRI (MPMRI) scanner at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

Members encouraged Ms Gittins to support ongoing national efforts to improve awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis. 

Following the meeting, she has asked to join the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Prostate Cancer to help ensure the experiences of patients and support groups in North Wales are represented in parliamentary discussions.

The MP said: "It was a real pleasure to meet Stuart and the members of the Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group and hear their experiences first hand."

"What stood out to me was not only the importance of early diagnosis, but the incredible support this group provides to men and their families. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, and groups like this offer understanding, friendship and practical support from people who have been through it themselves.

"Stuart's story is a powerful reminder of how important awareness is. We also had a constructive discussion about local diagnostic services and how we can continue improving outcomes for patients across North Wales. I'm grateful to the group for taking the time to meet with me and I look forward to supporting their work both locally and in Parliament."

Stuart Davies said: "We were delighted to welcome Becky and discuss the issues that matter most to men affected by prostate cancer.

"Early diagnosis is incredibly important to us as a group. In my own case, a PSA test requested through my GP led to my cancer being identified and treated, and there are other men in our group who have similar stories.

"Just as important is the support available after diagnosis. Our group provides a safe space where men can talk openly, share experiences and support one another through treatment and recovery. We're pleased Becky has taken the time to listen and we look forward to working with her to raise awareness and improve outcomes for men and their families."

Free play session for children at Pengwern Park next Monday

 

Specially for half term, Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service is hosting a free Let’s Play Out session for youngsters at Pengwern Park, Llangollen next Monday, October 26, from 10.30am until noon. 

Similar sessions sessions are being held at 18 locations across Denbighshire throughout next week.

Parents or guardians of children aged six and above will need to register their child for the Play Ranger service before being able to attend the sessions. There is no need to register for children under the age of six.

The sessions are designed so that children choose what they want to do, or what equipment they use. All sessions are fully inclusive, and any needs can be relayed when registering child for the Play Ranger service.

Let’s Play Out sessions offer child-led, open-access community play where children can have fun, make friends and choose their own activities or equipment. These sessions have an open access policy which means that young people will be free to leave the session at any point.

Dawn Anderson, Denbighshire Childcare and Play Development Manager said: “We are excited to release our schedule for the ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions over the October half term."

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Families, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “The ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions allow families from all around Denbighshire to enjoy free play sessions throughout the October half term.

"All sessions are fully inclusive and are child-led, meaning children can decide how they want to play and what equipment they use.

"All sessions are free to attend, and families can register online beforehand or just turn up and register on arrival.”

* For more information, go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/play-ranger-service/lets-play-out-school-term.aspx

Honda Jazz e:HEV has plenty of plus-points ... apart from price

Honda Jazz e:HEV drive by Steve Rogers

Big on economy, big on space, so why isn’t the Jazz lauded as the best supermini money can buy?

As a small car nothing can touch its practicality, like the brilliant flip up back seats, wide opening for the huge boot with its flat loading area, and it is well built with quality fittings. Yet it has never managed the following of the much lamented Ford Fiesta, or a Vauxhall Corsa or VW Polo. When I recommended Jazz to a young first time buyer he replied, ‘don’t want one, it’s an old man’s car’. He bought a Seat Ibiza.

Maybe that is part of the problem, Jazz just isn’t a ‘cool' car. Then there is the price. Is 30 grand too salty for a small family car?

Let’s see if we can make a case for Jazz. Some of what you are paying for is the hybrid technology which is way ahead of much of the opposition. Its big rival and equally advanced Toyota Yaris hybrid is expensive as well.

In the latest upgrade the traction motor’s power has been increased to 90kW so team that up with the 1.5 litre engine and there is 120bhp and 253Nm of torque. A clever CVT gearbox picks the right gear depending on how hard you push the accelerator so if you want a quick burst of speed you get it. Be prepared though for an ear bashing from the engine as the revs rise.

As Jazz is a full on hybrid you get regenerative braking to recharge the battery by flicking the gear lever or graduated using steering wheel paddles. The upshot is the car often drives on electricity in urban conditions and seamlessly switches to engine power as and when. The payback is supa-dupa economy so expect mid-sixties cruising. My week was mainly short hops but I still managed 59.8mpg which in a small way contributes to the cost of the car.

While hybrid plays a big part in the car’s appeal the space should mark it out as an exceptional small family car. It is a touch wider than the average supermini providing enough shoulder room to make this a genuine five seater. Front and rear legroom is also better than it should be for a car this size.

A few rivals can match the boot space of a Jazz but it is the layout that makes it stand out. The hatchback aperture is really wide, there is no boot lip and the seats fold as flat as a bed so there is a lot of room to play with if needed. The front seats fold flat as well and then you have the flip up back seat cushions leaving space for a child’s bike or a couple of tall plants. Jazz has been very carefully thought out.

Equipment levels are high across the three model range and there are three engine modes - normal, eco and sport. Not sure it is needed other than to entice a younger driver may be. It sharpens throttle response and holds the revs so you suffer the engine noise for longer!

What’s it like on the move? I would not class it as a great drive, sort of average sums it up, although it did not do a bad job of cushioning speed humps. If I wanted hot hatch thrills I would be heading for Seat Ibiza but that is not what Jazz is all about.

My own car is the new Citroen C3 mild hybrid, heaps cheaper, but I can’t get close to the Honda's economy. The Honda’s build quality and interior fittings are a better standard and Jazz has more safety aids like blind spot alert and adaptive cruise control.

Surprisingly my wife prefers our car because the driving position is higher and she didn’t like the engine din from the Jazz. I preferred Jazz. So why didn’t I buy one? Well, it was too much to spend on a small car and I am satisfied with second best.

Fast facts

Jazz Advance Sport

£31,670 (starts £28,475)

1.5 petrol + two electric motors, 120bhp

0-62mph 9.6secs; 109mph

61.4mpg combined

105g/km. 1st VED £405

Insurance group 22

Boot: 304-1205 litres

£10m revamp of site shared by two school takes step forward

* Ysgol Bryn Collen shares a site with Ysgol Y Gwernant.

Plans to overhaul the shared site of two Llangollen primary schools have taken a step forward after Denbighshire County Council’s cabinet agreed to approve match funding and submit a business case.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, go to: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/26659722.llangollen-schools-revamp-advances-10-9m-plan/

* Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards commented: “I welcome Cabinet’s unanimous approval to progress the funding proposals for Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Gwernant. This is an important step forward for both schools and for the future of education in Llangollen.

“Our children and school communities deserve facilities that are fit for purpose, support learning and provide the right environment for pupils and staff. The need for investment has been recognised for far too long, and it is essential that we now move forward.

“I was clear at Cabinet that support in principle must be backed by a firm financial commitment from the Council. I therefore welcome the decision to commit the proposed match funding and submit the business case to Welsh Government for consideration.

“While this is not the final approval for the project to proceed, it takes us a significant step closer to securing the investment needed. I will continue to press for progress and ensure that the needs of both schools remain a priority.

“Llangollen’s children, parents, and staff need more than promises. They need to see this project delivered, and that must remain the shared objective.”

It's all aboard for love at the railway

* Mel and Gary celebrated their marriage at Llangollen & Corwen Railway.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting couples to say “I do” somewhere truly extraordinary with the launch of a new range of wedding packages combining steam trains, heritage stations and the spectacular scenery of the Dee Valley.

The heritage railway has unveiled three new packages designed to offer couples everything from a memorable railway experience as part of their celebrations to a complete wedding day centred around the Railway.

With historic stations, traditional steam trains and some of the most beautiful scenery in North Wales, Llangollen Railway can offer couples and their guests a wedding experience unlike almost anywhere else.

Wedding packages are available from £3,995, with options for celebrations of different sizes and plenty of opportunities for couples to personalise their day.

The Railway Celebration combines a journey aboard one of the Railway’s scheduled services with reserved space, a welcome drink and traditional afternoon tea.

The Dee Valley Wedding includes a marriage ceremony at Llangollen Railway, a private steam train charter, reception, afternoon tea and an evening celebration complete with food and a DJ.

The ultimate package, Llangollen Exclusive, includes exclusive use of a steam train and selected station areas, premium food and drink, enhanced styling, entertainment options and support from a dedicated event team.

Jordan Edge, Catering Manager at Llangollen and Corwen Railway. said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch our new wedding packages and give couples the opportunity to celebrate one of the biggest days of their lives in such a special setting.

“There is something wonderfully romantic about a heritage railway. From arriving at one of our historic stations to travelling through the beautiful Dee Valley aboard a steam train, there are so many opportunities to create memories and photographs that will last a lifetime.

“We also know that every couple has their own ideas about what makes the perfect wedding. These packages give people a clear starting point, but they aren't intended to restrict anyone’s imagination. Our team will work with each couple to personalise their day and create something that really feels like their own.

“Whether the Railway is one memorable part of the celebrations or couples want to make it the centrepiece of their entire wedding day, we want to help them create something extraordinary.”

The Railway offers a variety of locations for wedding photography, including its heritage stations, alongside historic locomotives and carriages, and against the spectacular landscape of the Dee Valley.

A dedicated wedding team will work with couples from their initial enquiry through to the big day, helping them select their package and explore additional options to personalise their celebration.

* Couples interested in finding out more or beginning to plan their wedding at Llangollen Railway can contact the wedding team on 01978 860 979 or email weddings@llangollen-railway.co.uk.