Search is on for young champions to help improve venues' disabled access

* Manon Wyn Jones and her little girl, Nansi. Picture by Mandy Jones. 

A search has been launched in North East Wales to recruit a team of young disability champions to improve access at tourism and hospitality venues.

Leading the campaign is a community interest company called PIWS - it means purple - which is looking for disabled people to become Access Ambassadors to check out facilities and suggest ways they can be made more accessible and inclusive.

At stake is a share of a £274 billion purple pound bonanza – the combined spending power of of households in the UK with at least one disabled person.

According to PIWS, there are 670,000 people registered as disabled in Wales – that’s over 20 per cent of the population - and the vast majority of events, attractions and hospitality companies are missing out on a potentially lucrative business opportunity.

PIWS founder Davina Carey-Evans, who has two sons with complex disabilities and whose husband was severely disabled in a fall, is spearheading the drive.

As part of the scheme, young people aged between 16 and 24 will be paid a wage to review venues across Wales.

The aim is to provide feedback on their experiences so attractions and other venues can be supported to understand the challenges of families – including those with hidden disabilities – so they can make reasonable adjustments to accommodate them.

Davina said: “We hear a lot about the power of the LGBTQ+ community’s pink pound but the purple pound is also very valuable and in accessible tourism across UK it is estimated to have a potential worth of £15.5 billion a year.

“Gearing up your business to be user-friendly for the disabled isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes commercial sense too and it needn’t cost the earth either.

“It’s not just about wheelchair access – people in wheelchairs make up just nine per cent of UK’s registered disabled and a lot can be done that is straightforward and very inexpensive.

“There is a need for quiet safe spaces because sometimes the excitement of visiting somewhere new can be overwhelming for some impairments and an empty corner with seating can be ideal for them to chill out if they’re becoming over stimulated or anxious.

“In my case, for example, the ambassadors could be one of my sons or me or both of us or it can be a carer – it has to be someone who knows about coping with all access challenges.

“We also offer an hour-long Introduction to Accessibility Awareness  Workshop which all staff at an attraction should take and businesses should also appoint their own Accessibility Champion for which we provide a series of four day-long courses.

“Anyone living with a disability should get involved with reporting back on their experiences, the more we work together, the quicker we will see change.

“We're encouraging and prepared to pay young adults between the ages of 16 and 24, because we want to give them the confidence that they can leave their homes with a purpose, with an end goal of hopefully encouraging the tourism sector to employ them on their accessibility journey.

“All providers could employ a person with a disability to support them at their receptions for example  for a couple of hours each day, which is a way of breaking down the barriers of communication and understanding.  Many young disabled adults are very lonely, isolated and unemployed.

Helping to recruit the new ambassadors and playing an ambassadorial role herself is Manon Wyn Jones, from Carmel, near Caernarfon, whose two-and-a-half year old daughter, Nansi, was born with spina bifida.

Manon had to quit her job as an Early Play and Development worker for Gwynedd’s Flying Start programme for disadvantaged children aged under four to look after Nansi and now with the help of her mum and sister, is working for PIWS in marketing and support.

That includes recruiting disability ambassadors from across Wales and Manon is fully aware of the pitfalls of taking a child with disability out for the day.

She said: “We have to plan everywhere we go and everything we do. Nansi is unable to walk or stand unaided and her catheter bag has to be emptied every two and a half hours.

“We have been to places without proper changing rooms which has meant having to do catheter changes in the boot of the car.

“My mother and sister bought her a small wheelchair which she is now outgrowing and we know she will be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life so I realise just how important the work being done by PIWS is.

“Organising a family day out can be quite stressful, websites are not always clear and you really have to do your home work before setting out so the work that PIWS is doing will make such a difference – before that it wasn’t that simple.”

* For more information about PIWS go to www.piws.co.uk

Mystery scratches on tree follow 'big cat' sighting near Llangollen

* The picture with the Denbighshire Free Press story.

Mysterious scratches and damage to a tree near Corwen are being attributed to a big cat after reports of another sighting close to Llangollen earlier this week.

* For the full report in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: Did Llangollen 'big cat' damage this tree in Corwen? | Denbighshire Free Press

Bearded Men Adventures set to launch their new hotel

* The Bearded Men team outside their new hotel.

A new hotel is set to offer a base for adventurers and more to enjoy a place to rest for the night in Llangollen, according to the Leader.

* For the full story, see: New adventure for Bearded Men team via Llangollen hotel | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk) 

Costume swap outside Ysgol Y Gwernant today

Ysgol Y Gwernant's parent teacher group is hosting a costume swap outside the school gates on Pengwern today, Wednesday October 16, from 2.30pm.

The event is an opportunity to share your family's outgrown Hallowe'en costumes and find new ones. 

Fairy wings also wanted for the upcoming Scaries & Fairies Glow Party, says the PTFA. 

Donated items can be dropped off in advance at the school gates or taken along to the swap. 

All are welcome. This is a free event to reuse and recycle. Cash or card donations are welcome to support @Ysgol y Gwernant. 

Explore the fascinating world of bulbs at Plas Newydd

Special event at Plas Newydd this Friday October 18, from 10am-12noon.

Hospice to put its Christmas cards on sale outside Town Hall today

Nightingale House Hospice’s Llangollen Fundraising Group will be selling its Christmas cards outside the Town Hall in Llangollen today (Tuesday) from 10am-2pm.

Kayaking couple claim to have spotted big cat near Llangollen

A couple out kayaking near Llangollen claim to have come across a 'big cat', according to the Denbighshire Free Press.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24649759.big-cat-spotted-couple-llangollen/

Honda's Mr Sensible gets Jazzed up a little

Honda Jazz drive by Steve Rogers

My son asked for advice on a small roomy car when their first child arrived. I didn’t have to think about it, the answer was obvious: Honda Jazz.

No other supermini can match it for space or flexibility yet, in spite of its winning credentials, Jazz has never gained the popularity of a Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo.

Jazz is tall and boxy, not bad looking but lacking the ooh-la-la of French beauties Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio. It’s a Mr Sensible choice.

If you are thinking Jazz is a bit of a fuddy-duddy, think again because our tardis supermini has undergone something of a transformation.

The facelifted fourth generation model has had some cosmetic work done to the front with a snub nose style grille section and restyled bumper, but more importantly it has more power. We are not in hot hatch territory but in a drag race the Jazz will crush quite a few rivals.

This is a full hybrid with two electric motors boosting performance as well as efficiency and economy. It can be driven on electricity alone for short distances putting power back into the battery on the move through regenerative braking.

Power output is up 10kW to 90kW and alongside the 105bhp petrol engine the Jazz can hit sixty in just over nine seconds, that’s more than respectable.

I put more than 500 miles on the Jazz and it never dropped below 62mpg, about par for a hybrid, but quite a way off the Mazda2 hybrid reviewed last month which topped 70mpg.

Jazz made its mark as a super practical, super versatile small hatchback. Practical because it beats everyone on space, versatile because of the clever back seats that flip up, just like seats in the cinema, leaving enough room to walk through or carry something tall, or awkward. Legroom is astonishing, even with the front seats pushed back there is room for a six footer.

Fitting a child seat can be a pain in some small cars because a low roof line and tight space makes it cramped, but here it’s easy. Boot space is nowhere near class leading but adequate and accessible thanks to the full width tailgate.

Earlier generations of Jazz were blighted by an overly harsh ride but over the years things have improved and while the ride is not silky smooth there is far more cushioning when engaging a pot hole or poor surface. When aren’t we?

We come to expect a high level of tech from Honda and there is no shortage with lots of connectivity through a nine inch touchscreen. Car functions can be linked to a smart phone to sound the horn if struggling to find your Jazz in a crowded car park, or set the climate control ahead of a journey. The car can also be found through a location finder, handy if the car is stolen or for keeping a track on a teenage driver.

All models have an abundance of safety features and are very well equipped, the only major feature missing from the entry model is navigation but you can link your own app to the screen providing the phone is Apple or Android. Pity the screen definition is only average and shows up particularly when the reversing camera is engaged.

As part of its aim to jazz up the Jazz Honda has introduced the Advance Sport model. Nothing to get too excited over, it isn’t any quicker, but chassis upgrades have stiffened the suspension and there is a sports setting which changes the gear ratio, hanging on to the revs to make everything sound a little more punchy. It also has paddle shifters for selecting the level of brake regeneration force.

Honda keeps raising the bar with Jazz, the hybrid engine adding an important dimension to a car that is already practicality personified but does its high price put it out of reach of too many families?

Oh, and my son got hold of a low mileage used Jazz which is doing an admiral job.

Fast facts

Jazz Advance Sport

£29,285 (starts £26,885)

1.5 litre i-MMD hybrid; 105bhp

0-62mph 9.6secs; 108mph

61.4mpg combined

105g/km. 1st tax £195

Boot: 304-1205 litres

Insurance group 22

Bridge End Hotel among 'best in Britain' for autumn break

Llangollen's newly-reopened Bridge End Hotel has been named among the best in Britain for a cheap autumn break.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: Llangollen hotel among UK's best for a cheap autumn break | Denbighshire Free Press

Free coaching sessions on offer to group leaders

 

Denbighshire Voluntary Service Council (DVSC) is offering free coaching sessions to existing and aspiring leaders of charities, community interest companies and social enterprises who are delivering services in the county.  A spokesperson for DVSC said: "We recognise that leaders juggle multiple challenges and opportunities at any one time. "Sometimes coaching can be helpful to explore ways to resolve particular issues or find ways to develop and progress opportunities for you and/or your organisation.  "Coaching topics in our sector often include taking on a new role, leading change, effective professional relationships, working with chairs and boards, personal resilience, professional development, income diversification or simply being able to offload one or more of the many and varied topics you may be holding at any one time. "We also recognise the ‘lonely at the top’ place leadership can be and the value a confidential sounding board can play. "Coaching allows you the freedom to explore challenges and opportunities and express your thoughts and feelings openly, in a supportive, non-judgemental, confidential and objective space.  · Coaching is funded via the Key Fund so at no cost to your organisation during 2024 · 6 x 50-minute sessions are initially allocated to each coachee · Additional sessions can be allocated · An initial ‘taster’ session is available with no obligation thereafter · Timeframe is flexible between now and the end of 2024 · Coaching sessions are delivered online via zoom at a time to suit you · The coach, Michelle Hurst, holds level 7 (post-grad) certificate and diploma in executive coaching and mentoring and has extensive leadership and third sector experience – including at board level in charity and business.

* For more details, contact:

Anfonwch e-bost at michelle.hurst@bellanero.co.uk i wneud cais Simply email michelle.hurst@bellanero.co.uk to apply

Food Festival enjoys a great first day - with more to come

* A bustling Market Street was at the heart of the festival.

* A range of tasty treats were on offer in the food area at Riverside Park.

* Stalls were packed into the parking area behind Gales Wine Bar.

* Some well-known local faces, Selana and Bill Kong, check out in the craft stall at Gales.

* Lively trading at another of the stalls at Gales.

* The team from Xplore children's food science do an experiment in Centenary Square.

 * The Town Hall festival venue was jam-packed early in the afternoon.

* One of the Town Hall stalls does a roaring trade in cakes and biscuits.

* Live music on the bandstand in Riverside Park.

* A local supplier consults with customers in Market Street.

* The stalls along the riverside walk proved popular.

* More entertainment in Centenary Square.

* A busy cake stall on the station approach. 

The town centre has been packed for the first day of this year's Llangollen Food Festival.

Venues including Market Street, the Town Hall, Centenary Square, Riverside Park and the station approach were thronged with people sampling and snapping up the quality food, drink and other products on offer - as well as enjoying the autumnal sunshine.

There was also some top-class live entertainment throughout the day in two  locations.

With over 90 stalls spread across the central area, the two-day festival boasts a bumper menu filled with culinary delights, tastings and live music.

An impressive line-up of local and regional producers are showcasing everything from artisan cheeses to handmade chocolates and lots of specialist spirits and liqueurs.

The food court, located at Riverside Park, was at the heart of the festival, providing a perfect spot for people to relax and savour delicious bites.

There have been plenty of things for children to enjoy including a Foodie Treasure Hunt starting from the Town Hall and a special show entitled Disgusting Digestion.

This evening (Saturday) sees a Real Ale Train running from the station on which beer fans can sample a range of brews as they head through the scenic Dee Valley.

The steam train departs Llangollen station at 6pm with two round trips to Carrog and returns at around 9pm.

Ticket price includes two beer tokens and additional tokens can be purchased for £4 each.

To book, go to: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/real-ale-train/

Venues for the live entertainment on both days of the festival are the bandstand in Riverside Park and Centenary Square.

And the good news is that the festival is back for its second day tomorrow (Sunday).

* llanblogger says: It's hard to imagine the crowds of visitors shown on the pictures above coping without the public toilets in Market Street whose future has been thrown into doubt by Denbighshire County Council.

Llangollen attractions help Andrew’s journey to independence

* Llangollen Railway was one of the places where Andrew volunteered.

Stints volunteering with some of Llangollen's top tourist attractions helped a man rebuild his life after suffering a brain injury.

Andrew, who lives in Denbighshire, sustained his injury in a car accident in 2021, leaving him reliant on his family.

But he has since achieved a life-changing milestone, moving from volunteering to paid employment, thanks to his determination and the support of the Working Denbighshire scheme.

This is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. It is also part funded by UK Government.

 

Andrew's story shines a light on how employability services can help people rebuild their lives after facing major challenges.

 

In March 2023, his family sought help from Working Denbighshire, where Andrew was matched with Mentor Jen, who developed a personalised plan to support his journey to independence.

 

Andrew’s plan focused on securing a volunteering role as a step towards paid employment. It included: 

• Finding a volunteering role suited to his abilities
• Improving communication and confidence
• Crafting a tailored CV
• Supporting his wellbeing and independence

 

With support from an employment coordinator, Jen followed Andrew’s progress, to ensure he stayed on track.

 

By May 2023, Andrew started volunteering at Plas Newydd in Llangollen, gradually building his confidence and even taking the bus independently for the first time since his accident. 

By August, he took on new challenges, including volunteering at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, which boosted his independence and made his family proud.

 

In April 2024, Andrew expanded his volunteering experience to Llangollen Railway, where he developed new skills. By August, his hard work paid off, and he secured a paid role through the Work Start Scheme, starting in September.

 

Andrew’s journey from relying on family support to securing employment highlights the difference Working Denbighshire’s tailored approach can make.

 

He said: "My family and I had fantastic support from Working Denbighshire, especially from Jen, who was always just a phone call away. Their support took a huge weight off my wife's shoulders, and at one point, I thought returning to work would be impossible but with their help, I’ve now secured paid employment."

 

Jen, Working Denbighshire Employment & Skills Mentor, said: "I'm incredibly proud of all that Andrew has accomplished. He and his wife appreciated having a reliable point of contact for support, and I feel honoured to have been part of his journey."

 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Andrew’s story highlights how important it is to provide people with the right support at the right time. His success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when someone’s determination is matched with targeted guidance. We’re so proud of everything he has achieved.”

 

* For more information about Working Denbighshire and the support it offers, visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/working-denbighshire.aspx