Season's greetings from llanblogger

llanblogger wishes everyone...

New session of Men Moving Forward planned for next year.

A new session of Men Moving Forward is to be held in Llangollen next year. 

Organised by Barod, Working Denbighshire in partnership with South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP), it will offer a relaxed, welcoming space for men to socialise, build confidence, and get support on their journey towards work, education, or training.

Open to men aged 16+ living in Denbighshire, the sessions will be held in Llangollen Library on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, from 11am-1pm, starting on January 14. Access is via the Tourist Information Centre.

Free transport is available on request from Corwen or Llangollen areas, which can be arranged by calling SDCP on 01490 266004. Refreshments will be available.

Organisers say: "Join us to shape activities, meet others, and enjoy a supportive space at your own pace."

* To book a place, go to: https://ow.ly/LZyh50XKR7R

Man has serious injuries after Glyn Ceiriog crash

The Oswestry Advertizer is reporting that a man is in hospital with 'serious injuries' following a crash involving off-road bikes in Glyn Ceiriog over the weekend.

* For the full story, go to: https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/25720806.man-hospitalised-following-glyn-ceiriog-off-road-bike-crash/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRjcAO3sMhjbGNrA7ewo2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHvBnyN_S74p0iFbf--ot-5se0KgXOvXq99KzoXgFCDAAYK8B3gCRyHE7tvTA_aem_Nev_VOnghiU-bmab4CqWmQ

BBC Breakfast broadcasts live from Llangollen Station

* BBC reporter Jane McCubbin broadcasts live from Llangollen Station flanked by travellers waiting to board the Santa Special.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway's annual Santa Specials generate a quarter of its income - and also plenty of enjoyment and fun for excited travellers along the way.

That was the message from a live BBC broadcast from the heritage attraction earlier this morning (Tuesday).

BBC Breakfast reporter Jane McCubbin and a crew filmed two live sequences from a packed platform 1 as travellers waited to board one of two Santa Specials of the day making the 10-mile trip to Lapland (Carrog).

She spoke to passengers and volunteers and was told that, apart from generating lots of steam, the special excursions through the picturesque Dee Valley also bring in a healthy 25 per cent of the railway's annual income, which helps to keep everything on track.

Jane had a quick word with Santa and his Elves, a number of travellers and a young family of four who had come all the way from Kansas City in the USA to climb aboard the very special train.

* The Santa Special train waits for its passengers to board. 

* Santa and his Elves do an interview.

* Jane speaks to the family from Kansas.

* An excited young passenger waits to get aboard.

* And it's back to the studio from Llangollen Station.

Food Share's last distribution before Christmas is today

Llangollen Food Share have their final parcel distribution before Christmas at the Youth Club building in Willow Street from 11.30am today (Tuesday).

A spokesperson for Food Share said: "This is the first time that we have used the Youth Club building on Willow Street for the parcel distribution session. 

"We are moving our Wednesday parcel distribution sessions to the Youth Club from now on. Standing in the Market Street car park in a long queue during the winter is not the experience that those needing support should have to endure. 

"We’ve been looking for alternative premises for the last two years and now have the chance to move the weekly parcel session to the Youth Club. This will mean that everyone will be welcomed inside the building. 

"We also have the chance to provide refreshments and invite organisation that can help those in need to offer advice and support to help them. We are excited about the new challenge and are hoping to offer better support to those who come to the Food Share."

Is the price right for funky Ora 03 GT EV?

ORA 03 GT electric drive by Steve Rogers

Breaking news…. A Chinese car that has not torpedoed its rivals on price.

In fact it has been the total opposite with the Ora’s price dropped to bring it into line with the opposition.

Time to press the pause button. What the heck is an Ora 03? It is one of the lesser known Chinese brands and part of the GWM company, some may remember it as Great Wall who produced the Steed pick up until a decade ago. It was the first of the company’s five brands to come to the UK and here is where you might be confused.

I can hear you say the shape is familiar but not the name. Correct, the car started life as the Funky Cat which suited its quirky retro shape to a T, but the company decided it was too off the wall and came up with something more conservative. Pity.

Ora is a supermini sized entry into the growing world of electric cars, and it is a tough old world with a big cast from Europe, Korea, and Japan, some of which are cheaper.

To get a foothold in the market Ora is following the familiar Chinese formula of loading cars with kit and safety features normally found on bigger, more expensive models. That is the case here but with eye catching styling to pull punters into the showroom.

Ora has certainly got a retro feel, the clamshell bonnet and round headlights gives the look of a sixties Porsche 356, or our very own Mini. The back is even more interesting. Where are the lights? Closer inspection shows a light strip running along the base of the base of the window. Now that is clever.

Is it all style over substance? I had my doubts as Ora comes from the same family as the Haval Jolion, the only other GWM brand in the UK, and reviewed a few weeks ago. That was a disappointment but Ora is a lot better.

It is a small car with a short wheelbase so you would expect the suspension to struggle with our potholed roads but it does rather well. Ora does not match the cushioned ride of the new Citroen C3 but then nor does any of its rivals. The light steering means it’s a doddle driving round town and behaves well enough on the open road. With an electric motor acceleration is instant and there is a decent amount of grunt for overtaking.

There is nothing spectacular about the cabin design, apart from Mini Cooper style switches for quick entry to heating controls. The single screen is split in two with the driver’s binnacle showing a video game display of the vehicles surrounding the car. Some might say it's a distraction but my wife and I found it useful.

The central screen holds a library of information and like other Chinese models is a bit of a headache to work out especially with the small font sizes. Once again I was grateful for voice control which helped out with everyday functions.

Small it might be but Ora’s cabin is a bit like a tardis. The amount of space is surprisingly good and I doubt there is another supermini that can match its back seat legroom. It might be at the expense of boot space which is way smaller than a Renault Clio or Volkswagen Polo. A two level arrangement would be useful as there is a big drop to the floor.

There is a three model line up, Pure with a 48kW battery and 192 mile range, Pro, 63kW battery and 261 mile range and GT with the same battery pack. This is where it gets interesting because for around 25 grand the Pure is packed with kit including navigation, wireless phone charging, keyless entry and start, and 360 degree surround camera system. Just as well because the small back window has no rear wiper. Whoever thought that was a good idea got it wrong.

Pro looks the best bet at £28,995 with its larger battery pack and extra features like heated front seats, auto parking assist and front sensors. The safety pack is standard across the range and earned Ora a five star Euro NCAP rating.

Which brings us to the range topping GT. It looks great with its roof mounted spoiler and extensive red detailing around the body and in the cabin, but without any extra performance is it worth another three grand for a lot of red, a heat pump, powered ventilated front seats and sunroof?

The big challenge for Ora 03 is getting established in a strong market of small electric cars, but it should be on the shopping list.

Favourite feature: The funky styling.

Fast facts

Ora 03 GT

£32,995

Range 261 miles

Battery unit: 63kW

168bhp

0-62mph 8.2secs; 99mph

Co2 emissions: Zero

Boot: 228-858 litres

Warranty: 5 years; battery 8 years

Insurance group 3

Silver Band stages two successful Christmas concerts

* The training band on stage at the RAFA Club.

Llangollen Silver Band held the second of its two Christmas concerts - both entitled A Flourish of Festive Cheer - at the RAFA Club yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

There was a full programme of entertainment, including seasonal selections from the training and senior bands, which included a number of solo numbers.

Guests performers were singer/guitarist Ewan Smith and Saul and Amy who provided some up-tempo Christmas songs.

There was also a prize raffle, presentations to band members and a couple of mock snowball fights which the audience joined in enthusiastically.  

* Soloists from the band perform.

* Ewan Smith.

* Saul sings.  

Packed St Collen's congregation sing Carols by Candlelight

A packed St Collen's celebrated its annual Carols by Candlelight service yesterday (Sunday) evening with a joyous seasonal programme of songs, prayers and readings.

A specially-recruited choir, whose members had been practising their parts over a few weeks beforehand, provided powerful musical accompaniment while Father Lee Taylor led worship.

Readings, which portrayed the Biblical story leading up to the Nativity, came from the Deputy Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam; John Gambles, chairman of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod; Osian Watts, a police cadet and member of the congregation; Enid Law, president of Llangollen Inner Wheel; Phil Robinson (llanblogger); Major (Retd) Mike Adams of Llangollen Royal British Legion; and the Rev Ruth Gee, Minister of Llangollen Methodist Church.

The special atmosphere within the colourfully decorated church was set by members of the congregation each bearing small, lit Christingle candles.

* Father Lee Taylor.

* The specially recruited choir.

* John Gambles.

* Osian Watts.

* Enid Law.

* Mike Adams.

* Phil Robinson.

* The Rev Ruth Gee.

* Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam.

Santa throws a Christmas party for Ukrainians in the area

* Santa and the children at the party gather around the Christmas tree.

Llangollen's very own Santa Claus  - Chem - with the help of his friends, threw a Christmas party for around 40 Ukrainians from the town and surrounding areas at St Collen's Community Hall earlier this  afternoon.

Traditiona Ukrainian food was provided by Anna's Cafe in Oak Street, while a local couple, Peter and Sue McArthur, gave a donation of £400 towards the cost of the event. The use of the hall was also given for free.

County foster carers now get all-day parking permits

To assist foster carers with attending vital appointments and meetings Foster Wales Denbighshire carers are now issued with parking permits for all long-stay car parks within the county.

The permits are  available once they are accepted through the Foster Wales scheme.

This initiative is part of the council’s transformation programme which has the ambition to increase the number of Foster Wales Denbighshire carers, allowing children to be cared for closer to their communities and achieve better outcomes.

Rhiain Morrlle, Head of Children’s Services, said: “I am pleased to see that has been implemented. This is just one of the assistive policies that we will be rolling out for those who decide to foster through the local authority, with more to be announced within the coming months.

"I feel that this policy emphasises our commitment to those who make the rewarding decision to foster within Denbighshire.

"I would also like to note my thanks to colleagues in Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services for their support in implementing this scheme, and to demonstrating their support to Denbighshire’s foster carers as part of our One Council ethos.” 

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “Denbighshire County Council’s fostering team help make a real difference to the lives of children and young people within the county.

"The friendly staff help guide new foster carers through each step of the process and are always on hand to provide expert knowledge.

"We hope that by issuing these permits, we can help our foster carers to attend the vital appointments and meetings that can come with fostering and make their lives a little easier.”

Farmers highlight concerns about new National Park

Farmers have highlighted “numerous concerns” about the proposed National Park in northeast Wales, which would include Llangollen. The park, the fourth in Wales, is due to be designated in 2026.

* For the full story in North Wales Live, see: Nine 'concerns' about new North Wales national park flagged by the people who will help manage it | North Wales Live

Digital parking payments creating 'nightmare' for older people

* Older People’s Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, has warned that many older people across Wales will find it difficult to get out and about into their communities during the Christmas period due to concerns about being unable to pay for car parking and the risk of fines.

Older people often share concerns with the Commissioner about feeling frustrated and excluded by the increased use of digital and app-based payment systems for parking, an issue explored in the Commissioner’s latest report – Space for Everyone? Older people’s perspectives on access to car parking in Wales.¹

The report is based on experiences shared by older people, as well as data provided to the Commissioner by all local authorities, which provides a snapshot of the payment options and systems available in the car parks they run.

The report reveals that while most local authority car parks in Wales still offer a range of payment options, including cash in many cases, the perception amongst many older people that this is no longer the case is impacting on their independence, well-being and ability to take part in community life.

In addition, the potential impact on older people of removing cash payment options does not seem to have been fully recognised, with limited opportunities for older people to make their voices heard and influence decision-making processes.

The report also highlights additional barriers that many older people now face when trying to park the car, such as the complexity of navigating multiple apps, which are often not designed with older users in mind; concerns about scams and data privacy;  and unreliable mobile signal when trying to make payments online or by phone, a particular issue in rural or poorly connected areas.

These barriers have meant that some individuals been forced to rely on others for support, while others have simply ‘given up’ and no longer feel confident doing something that was previously a straightforward everyday activity.

Based on her findings, the Commissioner has identified a number of practical actions for local authorities to respond to the issues highlighted within her report. These include maintaining a range of payment options, improving communication to provide reassurance that non-digital payment options remain available, and ensuring that meaningful engagement and consultation is undertaken with older people if changes to services are being considered, in line with the Guidance issued by the Commissioner earlier this year.²

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “As we rush around in the build up to Christmas – attending festive get-togethers or doing some last-minute shopping – many of us will not think twice about using an app or other digital systems to pay to park the car.

“But for many older people, particularly those without a smartphone or people with limited digital skills, the increased use of and promotion of these kinds systems is creating feelings of frustration and exclusion.

“That’s why I’m calling on local authorities to take a range of practical action to respond to the issues identified, including maintaining a range of payment options, and improving communication to promote the availability of non-digital payment options."

Details of Christmas at Llangollen's churches

Churches Together in Llangollen (Cytun) welcome everyone to any of their services and activities over the Christmas season.

Details of events at individual churches can be found on their websites, which are at:

* St Collen's (Anglican) www.stcollenschurch.org.uk

* St Tysilio's Church - see website for St Collen's Church

* St John's Church - see website for St Collen's Church 

* Llangollen Methodist Church www.llangollenmethodist.org.uk

* Church of the Holy Cross (Roman Catholic) www.rcdwxm.org.uk/llangollen

* City Church, Brook Street www.citychurchllangollen.org.uk

* Glanrafon Evangelical Church www.llangollenevangelicalchurch.com/

* Seion Chapel (Welsh language) Welsh medium chapel

A Cytun spokesperson said: "We wish you all a joyful Christmastime." 

MS welcomes £719,000 lottery boost to transform St Collen's

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has welcomed a huge cash boost to transform St Collen’s in Llangollen. 

The church will receive £719,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to be transformed into a warm, flexible and welcoming space for the whole community, while protecting its unique medieval heritage.

 

He said:  “I am delighted that over £700,000 is being awarded for this ambitious project which will create a real hub for the community.

* St Collen's Church.

 

“It is particularly good to see that the plans are being driven by local people who are all working together to transform the church.

 

“These days more than ever, it is vital our local churches are supported and the work which will be undertaken will mean it can be used by local organisations and for other events.

 

“It is also great that National Lottery Funding continues to help projects in North Wales.”

 

St Collen’s Church, which dates from the seventh century, received a higher figure than originally applied for in recognition of unexpected challenges uncovered during the bid development phase and to demonstrate the confidence that the Heritage Fund has in the project.

The project manager for the reordering of the church, Sue Evans, said they had uncovered some unexpected challenges during the development but was thrilled their submission has been successful.

 

She said: “This exceptional outcome not only propels us towards meeting our match-funding target but also demonstrates the confidence that the Heritage Fund has in our vision, our planning, and the lasting impact of the project.

 

“The next step is to await the outcome of our Faculty (planning) application, which will allow us to move forward with delivery.”

 

A planning team, made up of members of the church congregation and people drawn from across the community, meet regularly to advise on the plans and take decisions. As well as transforming the church, plans are in place to repair the medieval hammer-and-beam ceiling, thought to date from the 15th century.

 

Sue added: “Cadw has agreed that we can submit a funding application for 50% of the costs of the repair! This is huge news as it will help with the amazing fundraising efforts the community has been undertaking.

 

“A huge thanks go to our fundraisers; St Collen’s Players, lots of private donations and bequests from individuals and families and our beautiful Evening of Song, supported by the Penley Madras Community Choir, which raised funds and awareness in equal measure.”

 

St Collen’s Church and its medieval ceiling is considered a masterpiece, and urgent conservation work is necessary to protect its unique carvings, repair extensive damage, and ensure it remains part of the life of St Collen’s and the town for centuries.

 

The church is part of the Valle Crucis Mission Area, a group of churches along the Dee and Ceiriog Valley’s stretching to Bala and Cerrigydrudion. Valle Crucis Mission Area is one of the 20 Mission Areas in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of the six dioceses in the Church in Wales.

Temporary one-way system on Market Street for water works

The county council is reporting that a temporary one-way system has been installed on Market Street, Llangollen, and George Street has been closed, to facilitate urgent works to restore water quality by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Christmas Festival raffle results announced

Results of the Christmas Festival raffle, which were drawn at the Bridge End Hotel this Tuesday, are below.

The the raffle committee will be contacting the winners over the next few days to arrange handover of their prizes.