Coffee morning tomorrow for Myanmar Earthquake Relief Fund

A coffee morning and sale in aid of the Myanmar Earthquake Relief Fund will be held in the Memorial Hall, Market Street, tomorrow (Tuesday) from 10am to 12noon.

Work completed to restore wild flower meadow near Llangollen

Work to restore valuable wildflower meadows at Caeau Pen y Coed near Llangollen has recently been completed.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has funded scrub management at the site, which is owned by the Woodland Trust. 

The aim is to help restore and protect species-rich neutral grassland, a rare and declining habitat found only at a few Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in North East Wales.

Yearly scrub management at Caeau Pen y Coed involves cutting back and removing encroaching scrub to allow the grassland to re-establish. This is a standard conservation approach used to protect lowland meadows, which support a wide variety of flowering species crucial to biodiversity.

The work took place between January and February and will continue over the next five years, subject to funding. Plans include expanding the work area, cutting back further scrub, and maintaining the areas already restored.

Since the Second World War, 97% of wildflower meadows in the UK have been lost due to changing land use and intensification. With so few examples of this rare habitat remaining, efforts to restore and maintain sites like Caeau Pen y Coed are vital.

Rhys Ellis, Denbighshire Environment Team Leader at NRW, said: “Lowland meadows are one of the UK’s most threatened habitats, and we must do everything we can to protect and restore them.

"Scrub management at Caeau Pen y Coed is a key step in bringing this important site back to good condition, helping a diverse range of flowering species to thrive. Working with the Woodland Trust, we are committed to continuing this effort and expanding the restoration work over the coming years.”

Rebecca Good, Site Manager (North East & Mid Wales) for Woodland Trust, said: “Coed Cadw manages a variety of important habitats across its estate. The grassland at Pen Y Coed is now seeing an increase in many species such as meadow buttercup, red clover and ox-eye daisy. We hope that working through this partnership we will continue to see these grassland species expand across the site.”

Sign up for the latest World Heritage Walk for Nightingale House Hospice

Nightingale House Hospice is hosting its latest World Heritage Walk on Sunday May 8 In aid of its funds.

It's a 13-mile trek through beautiful scenery along the legendary towpaths and footpaths of Llangollen and Oswestry, an area steeped in local heritage.

Walking with fellow Nightingale House supporters, breath-taking scenery will greet those taking part at every twist and turn, including the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk Aqueduct, Trevor Basin and the Chirk Tunnel.

As well as raising much-needed funds for the hospice, this is also an opportunity to walk through some of the region’s most picturesque countryside, an area awarded the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

* People taking part in a previous World Heritage Walk.

There is no registration fee but the hospice encourages you to raise as much sponsorship as you  can.

Children are welcome with an appropriate adult. However, all participants must be able to walk the full 13 miles. Each person taking part in the walk must register (including children). Dogs are also welcome but must be kept on leads and are the responsibility of the owner.

You will start your journey by meeting the Nightingale House team at the Lion Quays in Oswestry where free parking will be provided. A free shuttle bus provided by Pats Coaches will transport you to the Chainbridge Hotel in Llangollen where your walking adventure will begin. 

The walk will last approximately four or five hours and organisers say you can take as long as you wish to complete it although the Nightingale House team will leave the Lion Quays at 4pm. 

* For more information, please contact the fundraising team on 01978 314 292 or email fundraising@nightingalehouse.co.uk

Volunteer Rangers sought to help care for the Dee Valley

* Among the places where Volunteer Rangers are based is the Horseshoe Falls.  

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looking for Volunteer Rangers who would like to help the team take care of the southern end of the designated landscape. 

The Dee Valley is an iconic area of truly outstanding scenery rich in cultural and industrial heritage. 

As a ranger, you can become an ambassador for the AONB, share your love and knowledge of this area, and inspire local people and visitors alike to help protect what makes the Dee Valley so special.

 

Volunteer Rangers will primarily be based at two of the most popular sites in the area - Castell Dinas Brân, the ancient hill fort which overlooks Llangollen, and Horseshoe Falls, Thomas Telford’s masterpiece and starting point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

 

They will be provided with branded uniform and will meet and engage with members of the public, sharing information and answering questions.

 

Volunteers are being sought to help the Ranger team at their busiest times, so we are looking for people who can commit to at least a couple of days a month during weekends. All new Volunteer Rangers will receive training prior to starting in their roles.

 

Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning said: “This is a fantastic opportunity as getting outdoors and experiencing our amazing environment around the Dee Valley can be really beneficial for helping individual physical and mental health.

 

“It’s also very important work to protect the nature in the Dee Valley to help preserve the area for people to continue to visit and enjoy and I encourage those who love where they live around this amazing part of the world to take up this opportunity."

 

The role is open to anyone over the age of 18, with no previous experience required but a love of the landscape is essential. If you are interested in joining the team, an introductory information session about the roles will be held in Llangollen on Wednesday April 30 between 6pm and 8.30pm.

 

* To book your place or to ask for more information, contact Christina Sheehan (christina.sheehan@denbighshire.gov.uk 07880 023259) who will confirm the meeting location closer to the date. The closing date for expressions of interest is Wednesday April 23.

 

 

Library-based navigators can help with your well-being

* A Community Navigator at work in a library.

Based at all of Denbighshire’s Libraries including Llangollen, Talking Points are an easy and convenient way for Denbighshire residents to find out what help and support is available in their local area.

Set up to help improve residents’ health and well-being, the Community Navigators who are stationed at each Talking Point session provide Denbighshire residents with face-to-face support and advice county-wide, with the team attending a different library each day of the week.

The Community Navigators service is provided by the British Red Cross in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and work along-side key partners such as Working Denbighshire, Cwmpas, Citizens Advice, NHS Audiology and My Home Denbighshire.

There is no need to book an appointment to go to a Talking Point and residents can simply turn up at a Talking Point when one is taking place. However, appointments can still be booked if requested.

The Talking Points session in Llangollen is held every Thursday from 10am until 12.30pm

Michael Vinsome, Community Navigator said: "As a Community Navigator, I support people facing a wide range of challenges – from practical concerns like housing or finances to emotional and psychological struggles.

"What makes this role so rewarding is knowing we're in it for the long haul. We don’t just signpost – we stay involved, making ongoing referrals for as long as someone needs us. The feedback we receive from people we've helped is genuinely moving, and it’s what makes this work feel so worthwhile."

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care said: “Talking Points are easily accessible at Denbighshire’s local Libraries, where the friendly Community Navigators and always ready to help and chat.

"The support available through the Talking Points sessions is wide ranging thanks to the work that the Community Navigators do with partnering organisations. I would urge anyone who thinks they may need some support to go along to their nearest talking points session.”

* For more information, please go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/health-and-social-care/adults/talking-points.aspx

Many appointments left for blood donation session on April 29

Over 70 appointments are still available for a blood donation session to be held at Llangollen Pavilion on Tuesday, April 29.  

A spokesperson for the Welsh Blood Service said: "We currently have 77 appointments still available so I am hoping that people can share the information around the various social media platforms to reach the wider community, digital screens, posters displayed in house,   newsletters and emails etc.  

"Every share really helps save lives as you encourage new blood donors. Every  donation saves thrree lives or the lives of six babies which is an incredible gift.

"The Welsh Blood Service needs 350 donors to come forward every single day to supply 19 hospitals in Wales. This is an essential service, and something you can do to help the NHS.

"Book your lifesaving donation in Llangollen and give blood if you can. https://wbs.wales/LlangollenPavilion

Kia EV3 is my contender for car of the year

Kia EV3 drive by Steve Rogers

Bravo Kia! I have driven a hot contender for my car of the year.

The electric EV3 covers just about every base whether it be space, performance, quality or range. It seems new buyers agree because the compact SUV is currently the UK’s best selling battery electric car.

That said if you read comments on Facebook EV3 is the world’s ugliest car. Well, the dramatic styling is a bit of a marmite job: you love it or hate it. I am sitting on the fence for now, although the light signatures are stunning, but whatever misgivings on looks are trampled into the dust by its all round capabilities.

There is a three model range starting at £33,005 with a 51kWh battery and a range of 270 miles, or 81kWh that could be good for an impressive 375 miles. The city cycle is said to add another 100 miles which would be music to the ears of taxi drivers.

My 325 miles on a full charge was the best return on any electric car I have driven but it was during the mini heatwave so conditions for electric driving were about perfect. Even turning on the heating made only a negligible difference to the range; it’s a different story in a cold winter.

Using a home wall charger is an all night job from 10 per cent to full but using the more powerful public charging stations can get to 80 per cent in half an hour.

Enough of the stats, what makes EV3 such an appealing car? Quite a lot but the first thing to notice is the space. With no gearbox and handbrake mechanism the front of the cabin is open creating an abundance of floor level storage areas, although the lack of a conventional storage box between the front seats is a bit of an oddity.

Instead the two top level models have a slide out tray which looks attractive but isn’t that practical especially when there aren’t any cup holders. They are on the floor. It also means that apart from the glove box, which is virtually filled with the instruction manual, there is nowhere to hide valuables.

The dashboard is all digital laid out in Kia’s familiar ‘widescreen TV’ style with two integrated 12.3in screens. The driver’s section is neat and clear although I would prefer the digital speedo to be centred rather than on the side. It is a pity the head up display is only fitted to the top model.

There is a mass of information in the central touchscreen but it is instinctive and easy to fathom. Physical switches for heating will satisfy those who believe dabbing a screen is a driver distraction. My tip is to use voice control for heating, radio selections and navigation destinations, but have postcodes on hand for tricky Welsh place names…Bwlchgwyn is a non-starter!

For its size EV3 is a serious family car with plenty of leg and shoulder room for three adults across the back seat, and there will be no complaints about boot space which has a two level floor, and there is a frunk box under the bonnet that is big enough to take the charging cable.

Performance is in the realms of a hot hatch of old and while the handling can’t match a petrol or diesel it is not going to bother anyone other than a rally driver. The penalty of lugging around a heavy battery pack is stiff suspension so be prepared for hefty thuds over potholes but on normal surfaces the ride is fine with very little wind or road noise.

The level of equipment, safety features and technology are right up there even on the entry Air model. Steering wheel paddles for regenerative braking and slowing the car saves wear on brake pads while a new over the air app linked to navigation reads the road making braking and speed adjustments ahead of time without the driver needing to press the brake pedal.

Throw that in with adaptive cruise control and you almost have a driverless car.

Electric car sales are the best they have ever been but there is still a fair bit of discounting so be prepared to haggle, and here’s a bonus. Two of the three EV3 models come in under £40k avoiding the new surcharge that slaps an extra £410 on road tax for five years.

In a word EV3 is a triumph. As I said at the top of the start, bravo Kia.

Fast facts

EV3 GT-Line

£39,495

Battery pack: 81.4kW; 201bhp

Max charging rate: 127.5kW

Combined range: 367 miles

0-62mph 7.9secs; 105mph

Zero emissions

Boot: 460-1250 litres

Insurance group 35

Warranty: 7 years

Llangollen church services for Easter

The churches of Llangollen area have sent wishes for "a happy and blessed Easter" and say they warmly welcome you to any of their Easter services. 

Details of these can be found at any of the churches or on their own websites:

* Church in Wales - St Collen's Parish: www.stcollenschurch.org.uk

* Methodist Church - www.llangollenmethodist.org.uk

* Catholic Church - www.strichardgwynparish.co.uk 

Council leads special events to mark VE Day 80th anniversary

* Llangollen Town Hall lit up in red, white and blue for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020.  

Events including lighting the Town Hall in red, white and blue and the serving up of 1940s-style fish and chips in newspaper feature in a two-day programme to mark the 80^th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe next month. 

This year sees the landmark anniversary of VE Day, a moment of great national and international significance. 

Although VE Day falls on Thursday, May 8, the Together Coalition, which promotes community cohesion and kindness, has designated Bank Holiday Monday May 5 as the day for community-based celebrations. 

At its meeting last night (Tuesday) Llangollen Town Council approved a package of events to celebrate the occasion. 

While the Town Council has not yet been approached by any community group to coordinate local events, it considered it appropriate to take the lead in developing commemorative activities. 

And given the prominence of the Town Hall as a civic and cultural focal point, it has arranged a series of events to take place there on both on the Bank Holiday Monday (May 5) and VE Day itself (May 8). 

On Bank Holiday Monday, there will be a daytime Community Celebration at the Town Hall featuring: 

* The screening of historic VE Day footage and still images from previous national celebrations, including materials from Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, reflecting its ethos of promoting peace through music 

* Live interactive dance performances by local groups who regularly use the Town Hall

* Musical interludes

* Complimentary teas, coffees and cakes throughout the day

* A fish and chip van parked outside the venue, serving meals in 1940s-style newspaper, with staff dressed in Land Army costume

On Thursday May 8 there will be an event entitled VE Day – Evening of Commemoration where Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion will lead a short service of Remembrance on Centenary Square followed by a formal ceremony at the Town Hall, including a proclamation by the Town Crier, after which the Town Mayor will switch on the illuminations to turn the front of the Town Hall red, white, and blue, symbolising peace and unity. The light display is seen by the council as a symbolic alternative to the lighting of a beacon.

Section of A539 closed for ongoing incident

North Wales Police posted on Facebook around 6.30pm:

⚠️  ROAD CLOSED ⚠️ 

Trevor Road and Llangollen Road in Llangollen (A539) are currently closed due to an ongoing incident with Emergency Services on scene. Please avoid the area and consider alternative routes on your travels.

* A full update appears on Leader Live at: 

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/25093118.recap-police-shut-a539-incident-reported-llangollen/

Churches Together's Good Friday gathering in Centenary Square

Churches Together in Llangollen (Cytun) is inviting everyone to join together on Centenary Square from 12 noon on Good Friday for songs and readings.

An organiser of the event says: "You are also invited to join with those from the Methodist Church in Princess Street as they leave the church after the 11am service in a Walk of Witness to the square.

"Mini Easter eggs and hot cross buns will be distributed to bystanders. Please come and join in."

Riverside Park among schemes to improve county's open spaces

                     * Llangollen's Riverside Park.                     

 

A number of projects aimed at improving infrastructure in Denbighshire - including a major scheme in Llangollen - have recently been completed by the county council’s Streetscene services. 

 

The county was awarded £340,000 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to improve the public realm and open spaces. 

The funding was spilt over three separate projects in Llangollen, Rhyl and Prestatyn.

 

Riverside Park in Llangollen was in need of some much-needed public realm improvements and underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, including aesthetic improvements such as painting metal railings and street lighting upgrades, and practical upgrades like bench refurbishment and new bin installations.

 

Further structural work included the installation of a timber knee rail fence around the bandstand, repairs to the Multi Use Game Area (MUGA), retaining wall, and fencing adjacent to the A5, alongside some drainage improvements.

 

New signage and posts were also installed to increase the visibility of the park, contributing to refurbishment of the public space.

 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “The completion of these projects across the County is fantastic news, and this much-needed work to our green spaces would not have been possible without funding from the UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund and the hard work of our Streetscene team.

 

“The restoration of these areas across Denbighshire will preserve their longevity and ensure their future use for years to come."

 

* For more information on Denbighshire’s Shared Prosperity Fund projects click here.

 

Care home champion gives cautious welcome to new ratings system

* Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales.

A social care champion has given a “cautious welcome” to a new ratings system for care homes and home care services in Wales.

But Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, believes it has been introduced too soon without sufficient safeguards or proper funding.

As a result, he fears some care homes and domiciliary care companies will be unfairly labelled as failing organisations.

Under the new system, care homes and home care services will be graded on four different aspects of care.

Inspections by regulators Care Inspectorate Wales will focus on well-being, care and support, leadership and management and the environment at the home.

Care homes will then be legally obliged to display their ratings at the home and online.

According to the Welsh Government, they hope the new system will improve standards across the sector.

While supporting the idea behind it, Mr Kreft has concerns about the speed of the implementation and the unfairness of the post code lottery of social care funding in Wales.

He said: “In principle, we like the idea of promoting quality in the social care sector in a way that the public can understand, so we’re giving the ratings system a cautious welcome but with some important caveats.

“Unfortunately, there is a total disconnect in terms of resources because Wales is blighted by a post code lottery of fees that promotes unfairness and inequality.

“If you’re having a national ratings system for care homes you also need a national framework for fees to provide care.

“For example, there’s a massive difference between the fees paid by Denbighshire County Council and the ones in neighbouring Conwy.

“A care home on the Conwy side of the Foryd Bridge in Rhyl will get £9,000 a year per person more than a home in Denbigh.

“It’s also a bit of blunt instrument. You can be a hair’s breadth away from needing improvement or a hair’s breadth away from being rated excellent and you still get the same rating and the system does not take any account of resources.

“In some parts of Wales there are care home receiving £12,000 per resident more than others but they’re all being rated against the exactly the same criteria.

“If a care home in the neighbouring county is getting an extra £400,000 a year that will undoubtedly have an influence on the ratings.

“Everyone knows that keeping staff, offering them careers and paying them above the real living wage costs money.

“Despite this gaping chasm in eligibility for funding they are subjected to the same criteria in terms of ratings and subjected to the same regulatory regime

“”It’s making life very hard for care homes on the wrong end of the post code lottery who are struggling to survive. It’s going to be a lot more challenging for them to be rated as excellent.

“Another issue is that this could give the wrong impression about a particular care home. This is a rating based on a given day.

It may not be a typical day. There could be homes that fall foul of the new system if they’re having a bad day. Things can go wrong and if that’s the day the inspector comes in, you have to publicise that.

“If you’re really having a bad day the inspector’s  report could have serious consequences for the home in question.

“We are doing our very best to make it work but it’s not being implemented in the way we would have done.

“The ratings should reflect the funding of the local authorities and health boards and our priority should be to get a level playing field in terms of funding so that it does not discriminate between the have and the have nots.

“You can’t have a fair ratings system without parity of funding. Without a baseline in terms of funding for vulnerable people who need social care, you can’t expect consistency in the standards of care.

“Most of the local authorities and the health boards in Wales are flouting Welsh Government guidelines and they are promoting inequality through this iniquitous post code lottery of funding.

“By and large, the level of funding for individuals is not assessed according to their actual needs but rather on what the council or the health board wish to pay.

“That’s why it’s essential that we have a national framework to decide funding for vulnerable people rather than persisting with a dysfunctional  system that perpetuates discrimination against them.

“We see this as one of the major flaws of bringing in the new ratings when the social care sector is so fragile and the funding so fragmented. Wales should not have a system that promotes inequality.”