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Sunday, March 31, 2024

PTAs to stage school uniform swap and share event

The town's two primary schools are joining forces to stage a second-hand uniform pop-up event.

The aim of the initiative next month is to keep clothes from landfill and help save families a few pounds. 

On Friday April 12 Ysgol Y Gwernant PTFA and Ysgol Bryn Collen PTA are teaming up with Hwb Cymunedol Pengwern to hold the after-school uniform swap outside the school gates from 2.45 - 3.45pm. 

Organisers say families are invited to bring any unwanted school uniform in good condition, and/or take any items that they can use. Items can be taken without bringing anything. 

Cash donations will be welcomed to help support the good work of both Llangollen primary schools. 

Donations of girls and boys school uniform, including school shoes and PE kit, will also be gratefully accepted by both schools in the week prior to the event, or dropped off with Jen at Hwb Pengwern LL20 8BB (phone 01490 266004 for Hwb opening times).

 

llanblogger says Happy Easter

 


Saturday, March 30, 2024

North Wales Tourism chief 'feels pain' over public toilets threat


* Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism.

The region’s tourism boss says he can “feel the pain” of Llangollen’s residents and businesses at the prospect of losing the town's public toilets.

Denbighshire County Council is proposing to rid itself of most of the county’s 20 public conveniences in a bid to ease its under-pressure budget to the tune of around £200,000 a year.

Pointing out that it doesn’t have a legal duty to provide toilets, it has suggested that they could be taken over by town and community councils. It is also aiming to promote a scheme under which businesses are paid a small sum each year to allow the public to use their toilets.

The proposal’s affect on the public loos in Market Street has sparked a barrage of angry criticism on social media and campaigns to protect them.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has already expressed his support for saving the toilets by writing to council chief executive Graham Boase to request the authority takes another look at the proposal.

One of the campaign groups fighting the move is a group of concerned residents including Phil Robinson, editor of llanblogger.

On Thursday they were in touch with Jim Jones, CEO of influential industry champion North Wales Tourism, who expressed his concern over the proposal and immediately contacted county chief executive Graham Boase to seek a meeting to discuss the impact it would have on areas of the county heavily dependent on tourism such as Llangollen and the coastal resorts.

Mr Jones told llanblogger: “I can feel your pain. Public toilets have been an issue across the whole of north Wales for some time.

“We’ve made massive efforts to have more investment put into our toilets but with this proposal the council have got their priorities wrong as they are needed by tourists and tourism is the biggest contributor to the economy in areas like Llangollen.

“Every local authority in north Wales gets an Enhanced Population Grant which means that the more visitors they get, the more money they receive. They are supposed to put that money into their infrastructure which would help encourage tourism, such as signage, tourist information centres and toilets, but they don’t. If it was used in this way they wouldn’t be considering closing public toilets.

“The question is, with its many thousands of visitors each year, what does Denbighshire do with the money it gets from the Enhanced Population Grant?”

Mr Jones added: “I have written to Graham Boase, CEO of Denbighshire County Council requesting a meeting with him at which I will stress the importance of public toilets to places like Llangollen.”

Mr Jones has promised to keep llanblogger posted on the outcome of that meeting. 

Friday, March 29, 2024

Churches Together mark Good Friday in town square

Cytun - Churches Together in Llangollen - gathered in Centenary Square at lunchtime today for prayers and hymns marking Good Friday. 

Rotary to host Easter event at Town Hall tomorrow

Vale of Llangollen Rotary are holding an Easter Table Top Sale and Climate Change Consultation tomorrow  (Saturday) at the Town Hall from 10am-4pm.

A Rotary spokesperson said: "Grab yourself a bargain along with homemade cakes and bakes. 

"We are raising money for our local charities and good causes. If you have any items to donate please message our Facebook page. 

"We are looking for ornaments, CDs, clothing, books, household items, decorative items and much more.

"You will also be able to discuss your thoughts on climate change."

The event will also feature a raffle, with prizes including Harry Wilson-signed football boots, two-course meal for two at the Corn Mill, and a large Lindt Easter egg. plus an Easter tombola and a competition to guess the number of mini eggs in a jar.

"Why not join us and help us raise money for Llangollen Food Share, Welsh Air Ambulance and Shelter Box."

Wardens explain the need for parking charges at Wenffrwd


* Walking through the popular Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB wardens have sent a message to the public about new parking charges at a popular beauty spot.

They say: "We are delighted that Wenffrwd Nature Reserve continues to develop, both as a special place for wildlife and also as a popular site to welcome so many visitors.

"Managing Wenffrwd comes at a cost, which is a challenge. To maintain the operating costs and to enhance opportunities for wildlife to flourish here, we have had to introduce car parking charges.

"These charges will be structured to support short-term usage, such as for dog walkers.

"Tariffs will be set at £1.00 for up to 2 hours and £4.00 for all day parking and will come into effect from 1st May 2024.

"In addition, annual parking permits, valid for both Wenffrwd Nature Reserve and Llantysilio Green will be available from the Tea Rooms, Plas Newydd. This will be priced at £30.00 making it cost effective for our regular visitors.

"We hope visitors will continue to enjoy this fantastic site and use it to access the World Heritage Site and wider landscape." 

Roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO S/O NO.1 OAK STREET 29/04/2024 14/05/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE GER Y NANT HALL STREET 08/04/2024 10/04/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DANIEL) LLANGOLLEN

JUNC BACHE MILL ROAD - JUNC REGENT STREET BUTLERS HILL 25/03/2024 12/04/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES (A LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

 JUNC BACHE MILL ROAD - O/S GRANGE LODGE GRANGE ROAD 15/04/2024 07/05/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF HILL STREET VICARAGE ROAD 06/05/2024 08/05/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES

AT JUNCTION WITH BERWYN STREET MARKET STREET 08/04/2024 10/04/2024 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY

Thursday, March 28, 2024

World's best young singers line up for top Eisteddfod prize

* Tenor Zihua Zhang, from China, winner of the 2023 Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at Llangollen Eisteddfod. Picture by Rick Matthews

Twenty-eight of the world’s best young singers are vying for a prestigious international prize at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Competitors from as far afield as Australia, India, China, Singapore and the USA are aiming to win the  Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the festival.

Organisers say they’re delighted by the exceptional standard of entries in the Pendine competition, sponsored by the Pendine Park care group via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports arts and community activities.

The final will take place on Saturday, July 6,  and the winner will be presented with the Pendine Trophy, a solid silver salver, and a cheque for £3,000 as well as having the opportunity to perform in concerts at the Eisteddfod and other venues. Meanwhile, the runner up will receive £1,500.

Since it started in 2013, the contest has become one of the Eisteddfod's major highlights and Dave Danford, the festival's recently appointed Artistic Director, said the aim was to advance the careers of the world's most gifted young singers.

He said: "We have received 28 entries from all over the world. We've got people from Australia, India, China, the USA, Singapore, Germany as well as entrants from Wales, England and Ireland. It looks like a really good field.

"The competition provides an excellent stepping stone to a professional career for young singers.”

Last year's winner was tenor Zihua Zhang from China, who surprisingly only took up singing in his late teens, having started his music career playing clarinet.

After winning the prize, he said: "The Pendine International Voice of the Future prize will be a big help in furthering my musical ambitions.

“It means I won’t have to survive on meal deals anymore! But seriously, it is so good to have that extra financial boost behind me.

“It’s certainly been an honour and a fantastic experience to compete in Wales at Llangollen. The International Eisteddfod is well known and respected in China, and it’s been unforgettable for me just to be here, never mind win.”

During the next few weeks a selection panel will consider the entries and choose the singers who will take part in this year's competition. Each entrant has provided an MP3 audio recording or a link to a video.

Competitors, who are aged over 19 on the first day of the competition, are required to perform a contrasting programme of up to seven minutes in length for their preliminary round and up to 10 minutes for the final. The programmes should include works from oratorio, opera, lieder or song and be sung in the original language.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said: "The standard of the competitors in years past has been absolutely phenomenal and I have no doubt it will be just as incredibly high again this year.

"I wish all the young singers the very best of luck in this year's Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

“It  chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park because the arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”

Looking forward to this year's Eisteddfod, Dave Danford added: "The concert programme is looking great, with Tom Jones kicking things off on the Tuesday evening and Gregory Porter and Katherine Jenkins featuring in concerts later in the week.

"On Wednesday evening our Wales Welcomes the World concert will feature leading Welsh folk band Calan, Johns’ Boys Male Chorus who are based in Rhosllannerchrugog and who have previously won the Choir of the World competition, and Royal Harpist Alis Huws. All of them will be performing with an orchestra.

"There will be a musical theatre evening on the Thursday featuring John Owen-Jones and Kerry Ellis. They are two of the biggest musical theatre stars in the West End and Broadway. A real spread of things really but it's really important to us to make sure the main Eisteddfod week remains protected. Our programme this year has all the aspects our usual audience expect and one thing we're doing is bringing the finals of some of our competitions into the evening concerts.

"During the Wales Welcomes the World concert, we'll have the final of our Youth Choir competition and similarly on the Thursday we'll have the final of the Voice of Musical Theatre competition. People coming just to see the concerts will get a flavour of the Eisteddfod itself which is really important to us. 

"This year's Eisteddfod feels like we're back to our best after the troubles with the Covid-19 pandemic which caused the Eisteddfod to be halted for two years. We've gone all out with the programme this year, made sure the field is as vibrant as possible with the outside stages, and we've more international competitors than before Covid."

* For tickets or for more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or check out www.facebook.com/llangollen

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Llangollen canal walk raises £18,000 for children's hospices






Hundreds of walkers put their best foot forward and took on the 10-mile Llangollen Canal Walk last weekend to raise a massive £18,000 for Hope House and TÅ· Gobaith children’s hospices.

The walk started at the recently reopened Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Sunday where hikers strode across the world-famous structure and along canal all the way to The Poachers pub at Chirk for refreshments before heading back to receive their special medals.

The event was sponsored by the Principality Building Society and there was a team of volunteer marshals on the day from the Llangollen, Wrexham and Erddig Rotary Clubs.

Vicky Bradbeer, fundraiser, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing supporters who have joined us on our Llangollen Canal Walk, raising £18,000 so far with more money still coming in.

“This money will be supporting seriously ill local children and their families, and without this fantastic support we simply wouldn’t be able to be here for those that need us the most.

“A huge thank you also to our super team of volunteers and our event sponsors Principality Building Society who have helped make this such a great event.”

James Harper, Social Impact Manager at Principality Building Society, said: “We were delighted to sponsor the Llangollen Canal Walk for a second consecutive year as part of our ongoing charity partnership with Hope House and TÅ· Gobaith.

“It was wonderful to welcome all of the Hope House and TÅ· Gobaith supporters again this year and we cannot thank them enough for all the support.”

* If you have been inspired to take part in an event or fundraiser for the charity, visit www.hopehouse.org.uk for inspiration and ideas on how you can get involved.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Council chief says 'no decision has been taken' on public toilet issue


* Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services.

A senior county council officer has stressed that no decision on whether Denbighshire should off-load the running of all its public toilets has been taken.

And in an email to Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates, Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services, also takes a swipe at the "ill-informed, and factually incorrect" way the issue has been presented so far on social media and the local press.

Denbighshire is proposing to rid itself of all the county’s 20 public conveniences in a bid to ease its under-pressure budget to the tune of around £200,000 a year.

Pointing out that it doesn’t have a legal duty to provide toilets, it has suggested that they could be taken over by town and community councils. It is also aiming to promote a scheme under which businesses are paid a small sum each year to allow the public to use their toilets.

Over the weekend the proposal’s affect on the public loos in Market Street sparked a barrage of angry criticism on social media and the beginnings of campaigns to save them.

Mr Skates wrote to council chief executive Graham Boase to request the authority takes another look at the proposal.

And he has given llanblogger sight of the reply he received from Mr Jackson who says: "I’m writing in response to your query to Graham about the closure of the Llangollen public conveniences.  There’s been quite a bit of information posted on social media and in the local press and a lot of it is sadly, ill-informed, and factually incorrect.

"The truth of the matter is that Denbighshire Council are working hard to deal with a significant budget deficit for the forthcoming year.  As part of this a whole raft of measures are being considered and undertaken to make ends meet. This includes considering ceasing the operation of the Public Conveniences (PCs) within the County. 

"It is important to stress that no decision on this matter has been taken and our officers are working through the options based on cost, need, footfall for the area the PCs are located and the revenue they generate.  We’ve contacted City, Town and Community Councils to discuss with them the options and where possible are proactively seeking alternative arrangements to keep the PCs operating but at zero cost to the Council. 

"Again, no decision has been made and we will absolutely ensure that we engage fully and openly with local members and Community Councils to maintain transparency of communications and ensure local residents get the whole truth, not just partial information via social media posts." 

Monday, March 25, 2024

Fightback begins against loss of town's public toilets


* The public toilets under threat in Market Street.

The area’s Senedd Member has intervened, the mayor has been asked to host a public meeting and residents and businesses have been urged to lobby council chiefs about a controversial suggestion that Llangollen should lose is sole public toilet.

Llanblogger revealed recently that Denbighshire is proposing to rid itself of all the county’s 20 public conveniences in a bid to ease its under-pressure budget to the tune of around £200,000 a year.

Pointing out that it doesn’t have a legal duty to provide toilets, it has suggested that they could be taken over by town and community councils. It is also aiming to promote a scheme under which businesses are paid a small sum each year to allow the public to use their toilets.

Over the weekend the proposal’s affect on the public loos in Market Street has sparked a barrage of angry criticism on social media and the beginnings of campaigns to save them.

Most notable move is a request from Clwyd South MS Ken Skates to county leaders to take another look at the plan, which is currently going through the scrutiny process but has yet to be considered by the cabinet.

Mr Skates, who only last week returned to the Welsh Government as secretary for transport and North Wales, told llanblogger that he had decided to become involved after being requesting to do so by a number of his constituents.

Yesterday (Sunday) a resident sent an email – copied to llanblogger – to town mayor Paul Keddie, who is also one of the area’s county councillors and a town councillor, asking if he would organise and chair a public meeting at which the proposal could be fully examined.

In his email Rod Holt said: “I am contacting you after seeing and hearing the residents of Llangollen concerns during the last week on Social Media and home-made signs that are visible on Market Street.

“The proposed closure of these Toilets/Facilities will have a huge impact on our Town.

“I AM NOW ASKING FOR A PUBLIC MEETING, THAT AS NOT ONLY MAYOR BUT COUNTY COUNCILLOR, I WOULD HOPE YOU WOULD CHAIR.

“I would also hope after the outcry from residents and businesses in the last few days you would support this campaign and use your powers to get DCC officials to also attend and field questions etc from attendees.”

Also over the weekend, another resident urged people opposed to the proposal to write letters of protest to senior council leaders.

On social media Alex Hammond sent out the message: “Want to save Llangollen’s toilets and the jobs of those who maintain them?

“Don’t delay! Llangollen needs you to personally tell Denbighshire County Council how you feel about this.”

He goes on to give the email addresses of two senior figures at the council identified as most responsible for the proposal. He also emailed the officials himself asking for more financial detail behind it.

Some of the comment on social media: 

* “I know this will not go down well nut when you go abroad you pay a tourism tax and this goes to the local councils. Perhaps will pay to keep the toilets open. Just a thought."

* Once people start to use doorways they will soon, reopen them! by far the worst decision by any council in such a massive tourist area shame on you!!!! 

“Who makes these ridiculous decisions to close them in the first place?"

* "These toilets serve a great need to our visitors and to see them closed down like some of the other empty buildings just makes our town look unkempt.

"All the effort going into getting the Eisteddfod up and running with popular bands and people make their stupid decisions annoys and baffles me.”

Dog owners reminded to be responsible during Easter holidays

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB are reminding dog owners to act responsibly as more people prepare to visit the area’s countryside hotspots during the Easter holidays.

Both bodies are urging people to follow important advice to keep pets on leads whilst walking through the countryside following reported incidents last year at land around Moel Famau.

Livestock worrying, where dogs disturb and chase sheep, is illegal. Any dogs caught worrying livestock can be destroyed and the owners can be prosecuted.

Visitors should make themselves aware of what restrictions and guidelines are in place at the area they visit and to keep themselves and others safe. People should also check ahead to see if countryside facilities are open and also park responsibly in designated areas.

Councillor Win Mullen James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We do know that many dog owners visiting our countryside areas are respectful and take care to keep their pets on a lead and I would like to thank them for making this effort.

“However, there is a minority who do not follow the rules and we are urging them to remember that they are ultimately responsible for their dog while walking through the countryside.

“Dog owners who ignore the rules and let their pets worry livestock in the area can be prosecuted and their dog legally shot if caught in the act. This is extremely distressing to all and an outcome we want to work to prevent.

“If you are bringing your dog, please always plan ahead if visiting our countryside, know the land you are going to walk through, respect the countryside code and always keep your dog on a lead.”

For more information, visit https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/ and follow the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB on Facebook and X.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

 

Butlers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire


25 March - 12 April

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Name: Butlers Hill, Llangollen

 

Location: Butlers Hill

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

 

Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


25 March - 12 April

 

Delays likely - Diversion route

 

Name: Diversion

 

Location: Regent Street

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

 

 

 

Greenfield, Llangollen, Denbighshire


25 March - 27 March

 

Roadworks, Delays unlikely

 

Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion

 

Description: WORKS TO RECTIFY DEFECTIVE REINSTATEMENT IN THE CARRIAGEWAY

 

Works location: OUTSIDE 6

 

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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.

 

Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: GY004461824R

 

 

 

Saturday, March 23, 2024

County councillor speaks on local use of Plas Madoc recycling centre

 

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has made the following statement about the use of the Plas Madoc recycling centre by the people of Llangollen:

"People of the Dee Valley care about recycling. We know that because over a thousand people signed a petition I helped to launch over three years ago. 

"Councils are expected to work together to make best use of the property assets and to the residents of the Dee Valley it seemed an obvious choice that we should be using the recycling facility at Plas Madoc rather than having a thirty two-mile round trip to Ruthin to dispose of our waste.

"We finally achieved a success of sorts for Llangollen (LL20 postcode) because we now have access to Plas Madoc via the DCC booking system. It will run for a trial period of three months from the 18th March to the 17th June. 

"Both Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils will need to satisfy themselves that the financial arrangements are fair to both parties and that the system works effectively. Details of how the booking system operates can be found at this link: website https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/visiting-our-waste-and-recycling-parks.aspx or via customer services 01824 706000

"We are not ‘out of the woods’ entirely as the access is for a trial period, but if the service proves itself, I will be working to ensure that it continues.

"Anyone with issues about the arrangement can contact me at: Karen.Edwards@denbighshire.gov.uk

Historic pub receives £452,700 government boost to secure its future


Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed news that the UK government is to provide £452,700 in funding to help Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Ltd to purchase and refurbish the famous Corwen landmark. 

The Grade II listed building can trace its origins back to the 14th century. It served as the site of the first public Eisteddfod in Wales in 1789 and is one of only eight surviving coaching inns along the historic London to Holyhead A5 route. 


The current owner of the hotel has been looking to sell in recent years, and there has been a notable local campaign headed by Corwen Town Councillor Dr David Counsell to purchase and refurbish the site for the benefit of the local community.

 

The £452,700 in funding will come from the UK government’s Community Ownership Fund which opened in 2021 to support community groups to take ownership of assets which are at risk of being lost to the community. 


In addition to the funds from the UK government, the Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Ltd have also independently raised over £164,000 through share sales. 

 

Across the UK, the Department for Levelling Up has announced £33.5m today to save more than 80 projects in our communities. Of these, six vital community spaces in Wales have been saved from closure thanks to £3.1m from the Department for Levelling Up’s Community Ownership Fund.



* Simon Baynes MP and Cllr Dr David Counsell outside the Owain Glyndwr Hotel in Corwen in 2022.

 

This funding for the Owain Glyndwr Hotel comes on top of the £13.3 million Clwyd South Levelling Up Fund, secured by Simon Baynes MP from the UK government in 2021, which contains a substantial package of investment in Corwen Station, the town centre and the surrounding area.

 

Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted by the news that the UK government has approved the Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Limited’s Community Ownership Fund application. 


"The £452,700 awarded will cover top up funding for the purchase, revenue funding to cover any trading shortfalls in the first 12 months and will kick start the refurbishment programme.

 

"I was very proud to back this campaign and I have been enormously impressed by everyone involved, including Cllr Dr David Counsell and County Councillor Alan Hughes, all of whom should take great pride in their work helping to save this historic landmark for future generations.

 

"Since I was elected as the MP for Clwyd South in December 2019, I have been particularly keen to support the beautiful town and community of Corwen, which has suffered from a lack of investment. I am very pleased to have helped bring significant Levelling Up Fund investment to the town from the UK government so that Corwen can realise its great potential and prosper in the years to come.”

Friday, March 22, 2024

County's Cabinet approves care home fees increase

Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet have approved the recommendation of an increase of 8.8% for care home fees for 2024/25.

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, who presented the recommendation said: “I’m pleased that Cabinet has unanimously agreed to approve the proposed 8.8% increase in our residential and nursing home care fees. 

"Considering that this is significantly more than the 3.8% increase we’ve received in our settlement, this decision reflects that, even in the face of significant financial challenge, Cabinet is prioritising the provision of care in our community. 

"We currently spend around £13 million on approximately 364 placements in 82 homes. Now that Cabinet has approved the increase, our expenditure is set to increase by over £1 million. 

"This increase strives to strike the delicate balance between navigating challenging financial constraints and ensuring that we are maintaining a sustainable future for the care sector in Denbighshire.”

New Welsh Government role for local MS Ken Skates


* Ken Skates MS.

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates has returned to government in the ministerial line-up announced yesterday by Wales's new First Minister Vaughan Gething. 

He becomes Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport.

Wrexham-born Mr Skates Ken, who has his constituency office in Llangollen, was appointed to the Welsh Government as Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology in 2011. He was then appointed Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in 2014 and promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure in May 2016. 

In announcing his new top team Mr Gething said: “I’m incredibly proud to bring together a government drawn from all parts of Wales to serve the whole of our nation, with progressive politics at its heart. In particular, I am pleased to appoint a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years to ensure we deliver in the first 1,000 days of the life of every child. 

“This Ministerial team will answer the call of the generation in waiting, to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. We will take action to strengthen our economy by providing opportunities for everyone and being steadfast in our commitment to a just transition to net zero. Our goal to deliver green prosperity is reflected by the creation of a new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language. 

“I believe in a Wales that recognises that we can celebrate our differences and take pride in all those things that draw us together and make us who we are. While there will be many challenges ahead, there are even greater opportunities. I am ambitious about the work this team will do to make Wales an even better place." 

Your chance to nominate special volunteers for an award

                       

Denbighshire Council for Voluntary Service (DVSC) is invited nominations to its Volunteer Awards 2024.

 

Conditions for the awards, which are being held as part of Volunteers Week, are that the nominee must do their volunteering within Denbighshire.


Organisers say the aim is to say thank you to a special volunteer.

 

People can only make one nomination and individuals cannot nominate themselves.

 

The rules also state that the nominee - whether an individual or a group - must not be contacted or made aware that they are being nominated for an award.


Categories are Dedicated service, Newcomer, Team Leader, Fubdraising, Environmental Conservation, Community Support and Young Volunteer


Closing date for nominations is Friday May 3.

 

The awards will be presented at DVSC’s base in the Naylor Leyland Centre, Ruthin on Friday June 7. 


Nominate Here : bit.ly/DVSCVolunteerAwards2024Form

Once completed - please return to office@dvsc.co.uk
***