Lottery awards £94,886 to breathe new life into St Collen's Church

 

* The present interior of St Collen's Church.

* An artist's impression of the new stage 

in front of the altar area. 

Llangollen’s parish church of St Collen’s has been awarded almost £95,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to kick-start an ambitious scheme to  adapt the historic place of worship to meet the needs of the 21^st century.

The Genesis Project aims to make a number of alterations to the fabric of the building, which dates back to the seventh century, including taking away pews to make a space for a stage platform which will enable the church to host more plays, concerts and school nativities.

There is also a desperate need for toilet facilities and better heating and lighting to generally allow the building to have more flexibility and inclusivity, creating a community hub which can be enjoyed by a variety of local organisations and also making it more accessible to the many visitors it attracts. 

The scale of the project means that the group leading it has sought grant assistance from a number of sources but mainly the National Lottery Heritage Fund which has just agreed to make available £94,886 for the first phase of the work to be carried out over the next 12 months.

Priest-in-charge of St Collen’s Father Lee Taylor said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the Heritage Fund has made this substantial grant available to us.

“It will enable us to at last start work on our long-standing vision to re-order the church in a way that will enable it to better meet the needs of the current century.

“We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the transformation is carried out in a way which is entirely respectful of the many historic assets of the building and which will allow parishioners and visitors to more easily access and admire them.

“That includes the glorious medieval hammerbeam ceiling and its priceless carvings and the legendary Ladies of Llangollen’s tomb in the churchyard.”

Father Lee has in the past warned that unless it adapts to meet modern requirements St Collen’s – from which the town of Llangollen takes its name - could share the same fate as places of worship across Britain which have been forced to close unless it makes a number of changes to create a more “flexible and inclusive” building for the community.

He said: “We have to move forward in order to meet the social and spiritual needs of the 21^st century and to do that we need to make these changes.

“Over the decades the Church generally has seen a downward trajectory in attendances and this has meant that a number of churches in Wales and in England have had to close. We don’t want that to happen here at St Collen’s.

“The church has always been the focal point of the community and is always here to serve the needs of the community.

“In wide consultations on the Genesis Project which the team has carried out over the past few years there was widespread approval and support for what we aiming to achieve with our re-ordering.”

* Anyone wanting to find out more about the project or to become involved with it is asked to email the project team at: genesisteam1300@gmail.com

Libraries to stock new Memory Boxes to help dementia sufferers

* Top picture: a 1950s themed cinema Memory Box. Below: other types of the boxes.

Denbighshire Library users can now take a step back in time, thanks to five new Memory Boxes, all set in the 1950s, which are available to borrow. 

Created by Making Sense CIO, and funded by Dementia Aware Denbighshire, these boxes contain carefully chosen items from the 1950’s. 

Each box includes items that are designed to spark conversations and rekindle memories. 

These scheme was launched at a coffee morning in Rhyl Library where attendees were invited to drop in and take a trip down memory lane. 

The five different box themes include: 

1. 1950’s Cinema.
2. School Days.
3. Seaside Holiday.
4. Shed Contents.
5. Work Place. 

These boxes can be requested and delivered to a local library for collection, and be borrowed on a library card, just like a book. 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “It is great that these memory boxes are now available for our library users to borrow. 

"They are a unique look into how life was lived more than 70 years ago and these boxes will give both young and old the chance to see items from this era.” 

* For more information, visit or contact your local Denbighshire Library.

Health centre Friends help park runners keep up pace

 

* Friends chair John Palmer makes sure the refreshments table is ready for the runners.

Llangollen's Old Railway Trail parkrun has proved to be very popular.  

The first one was in June and since then the Friends of Llangollen Health Centre have been providing coffee, tea, soft drinks, biscuits and flapjacks for those taking part. 

The charity’s constitution was adopted in 2015 with the object of relieving sickness and preserving good health amongst permanent or temporary residents in the catchment area of the health centre GP practice by providing facilities, support services and equipment.

Since 2015 the Friends have purchased additional equipment for the practice, contributed to the cost of a number of defibrillators in Llangollen and Pentredwr, paid for training the volunteers at the Food Share and the cost of a venue for armchair exercises.  

Prior to Covid the Friends also ran a café in the waiting room of the health centre, which was very popular, and do their best to keep the garden tidy.

* If you have a project that you think they could help to fund, contact the chair at friendsofllanhc11@gmail.com or ring 07515051696.

Mike Edwards, joint event director of the parkrun, said: "It actually started on June 17 when we had 249 participants with many parkrun tourists from across the UK who came to the inaugural event. 

"Last Saturday, September 23, was the 15th event and each week about 18 people give up their time to volunteer so that the event can be put on safely. Numbers of participants have settled down to just under 100 per event, mainly locals but we are still attracting visitors to the Dee Valley.

"We are greatly appreciative of the facilities being provided each week by John and his team from the Friends of the Health Centre as those taking part are always ready for a drink post event. Many also go on to visit the cafes in town for a coffee and substantial full Welsh breakfast.

"Michael Clarke, a former GP at the Health Centre, and myself are joint event directors supported by an enthusiastic group of volunteers who give up their time each week to be run directors, timekeepers, marshals etc. The set-up starts before 8am so that the course is all marked out for the event to start at 9am.

"We have had tremendous support from landowners, David Shiel and Ros Stockdale at the AoNB Partnership, Steven Johnson, owner of the Llandyn Caravan Park, and the guys from The Bearded Men’s Outdoor Pursuits, the doctors' partnership at the Health Centre, especially Janet Knight who is a regular volunteer and run director. 

"The Health Centre is also a Parkrun Practice and encourages patients to join the parkrun community to volunteer, walk, jog or run to enhance their health and wellbeing."

* Park runners tuck into the refreshments.

County issues yellow weather warning for wind

Denbighshire County Council (DCC) has issued a Yellow Weather warning for wind between 12.00 Wednesday 27^th September to 07.00 Thursday 28^th September.

It says: "Strong winds associated with Storm Agnes are expected to move northeast Wednesday, with the chance they could be significantly disruptive.

"What to expect:

1. There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
2. There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
3. There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
4. Longer journey times are likely, or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected. Some roads and bridges are likely to close.
5. There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties; with a chance of some minor flooding of coastal roads. 

"DCC has resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise. 

"Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

"Please report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, by:

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website:

www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/online-forms/online-forms.aspx

"In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068."

County council sends out rogue trader warning

Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team are warning residents about rogue traders and doorstep crime and advising people on what to do if they suspect that they have been approached by a rogue trader.

Rogue traders can affect anyone, but often elderly and vulnerable people are targeted by offering home improvement services.

Callers may offer services such as window/gutter cleaning, path and driveway repairs, roofing or building work, gardening and tree maintenance or roof moss removal and can come across as being likeable pleasant individuals but can quickly become forceful and very persuasive once they start their sales pitch. Scare tactics about leaking gutters causing damp and roots of trees damaging foundations are often used and it can be very easy to be taken in by these individuals.

The Council is urging Denbighshire residents to make themselves aware of legitimate trading practices when buying goods and services in their own homes and promoting the simple message of “If in doubt, keep them out” when considering whether to allow a trader into their home or to start any work.

They are also advising that if you suspect that you have been approached by a rogue trader to report them by calling the police on 101, or if a rogue trader has taken money from you, is in your home or still in the local area, to call 999.

Cllr Win Mullen-Jones, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Rogue traders and doorstep crime pose a risk, particularly to elderly and vulnerable residents in Denbighshire and so it’s important that people know what to do if they suspect that a trader who has visited their home is trading improperly. If you are approached by a trader at home that you suspect may be rogue, do not allow them access to your property, always remember ‘If in doubt, keep them out’.

“If a trader calls and states they have seen issues or faults to your home, seek the opinion of another trader first. Don’t fall for the scare tactics, pressure sales or price reductions, remember that genuine callers will not mind waiting or returning after you have had time to check their information.

“We strongly encourage residents to familiarise themselves with the Council’s guidance on rogue traders and doorstep crime by visiting our designated webpage.”

* Further information and advice about rogue traders and doorstep crime, as well as information about legitimate doorstep trading practices can be found on the Denbighshire County Council website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/licences-permits-and-trading-standards/trading-standards/doorstep-and-workplace-sales.aspx

MS reveals fears over 20mph limit as sign on A539 painted over

* The new 20mph road sign on the A539 approach to Llangollen has been daubed with black paint.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says he is worried about a further crackdown on speed limits in Wales. 

Mr Rowlands, a harsh critic of the new default 20mph speed limit, which was rolled out on September 17, is urging people to keep signing a petition against the "disastrous" law.

He said: “The petition against this ridiculous policy is heading towards 400,000 signatures and continuing to grow but still Welsh Government will not listen. However, I do feel we must continue the battle. 

“I remain extremely concerned about the whole business and feel so sorry for drivers who are suffering because of this legislation. 

“My inbox is overflowing with angry and frustrated people complaining about the new speed limit and how it is like driving in a funeral procession on our streets. 

“I even spoke to one woman who said one of her pleasures was to go for a drive and that has now been taken away from her because of confusing road signs, constant changing of gears and braking because of cars going so slowly through our towns. 

“I will be supporting a vote of no confidence in Mark Drakeford’s Transport Minister, Lee Waters.  The disregard the Labour Party have shown for the genuine concern and frustration of people across Wales is staggering. 

“The Labour Party have even admitted to more 20mph speed changes over the coming months and I fear this is just the tip of the iceberg and he has further speed limit changes on the horizon, with 40mph, 50mph and national speed limits being reviewed. 

“All of which is bad news for motorists and will certainly not encourage people to come to Wales.”

In the Senedd this Wednesday (27/09/23), the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a vote of no confidence in the Deputy Minister for Climate Change given the record-breaking number of signatories to the petition.

The motion which will be debated on Wednesday reads: 

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Has no confidence in the Deputy Minister for Climate Change given the record-breaking number of signatories to the petition: 'We want the Welsh Government to rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law'.

 

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

Queen Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: PARKING VAN TO UNDERTAKE MANHOLE SURVEY OFF HIGHWAY   Works location: OPP 5 QUEEN STREET, LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PE24870952354       Queen Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: PARKING VAN TO UNDERTAKE MANHOLE SURVEY OFF HIGHWAY   Works location: STAR INN, QUEEN STREET. LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PE24870952359       Bridge Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: PARKING VAN TO UNDERTAKE MANHOLE SURVEY OFF HIGHWAY   Works location: NEAR 25 BRIDGE STREET, LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PE24870952355       Butlers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: MANHOLE SURVEY   Works location: NEAR MIN NANT, BUTLERS HILL, LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PE24870952353       Church Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: PARKING VAN TO UNDERTAKE MANHOLE SURVEY OFF HIGHWAY   Works location: BETWEEN 7 AND 11, CHURCH STREET, LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PE24870952357       Church Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 September - 29 September   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: PARKING VAN TO UNDERTAKE MANHOLE SURVEY OFF HIGHWAY   Works location: OPPOSITE HAND HOTEL, CHURCH STREET, LLANGOLLEN   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Water.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Water   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PE24870952356