Restoration of local industrial heritage underway

* The GVT wall which will be renovated this month. 

During June the Our Picturesque Landscape project of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be continuing work to restore an important piece of community heritage along the canal towpath in Chirk.

The Glyn Valley Tramway (GVT) was a narrow gauge railway that operated between 1888 and 1935 down the Ceiriog Valley to interchanges with the Great Western Railway and the Shropshire Union Canal at Chirk. 

Crushed stone and stone setts produced by the Ceiriog Granite Company were loaded into boats at the Glyn Valley Tramway wharf.

The wall is the last remaining feature of this wharf and is currently in poor condition. 

Work will consist of specialised cleaning to reveal the colourful pattern in the brickwork and replacement of the lime mortar that holds the bricks together.

This work is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, delivered through the Our Picturesque Landscape partnership scheme.

Face-to-face consultation on 2020 plan gets underway

* Yesterday was the first day of the exhibition outside the Town Hall 

where people are being briefed on the 2020 plan.

Face-to-face public consultation on the £1.7 million plan to streamline Llangollen's traffic and parking system got underway yesterday (Monday).

And the area's MP, Simon Baynes, has urged local people to "have your voices heard" on the 2020 scheme.

The proposals are intended to improve the public realm along Castle Street by replacing the existing kerbs and footway paving with high-quality materials.

It will also see the removal of on-street parking from Castle Street and from the Abbey Road/Castle Street junction to enable the adjacent pavements to be widened and reduce parking-related congestion on Castle Street. 

Other proposals include introducing a number of pedestrian dropped kerbs along Castle Street and to reduce traffic speeds by raising the road surface at some side road junctions as well as providing two loading bays for businesses on Castle Street, together with two disabled parking spaces near to Castle Street. 

It is also proposed to make Market Street one-way in a westerly direction between Castle Street and East Street and introduce a loading bay on the south side of Market Street where the temporary loading bay is currently located. 

The Castle Street improvement is part of a phased-approach to improve parking and to improve walking and cycling routes in the town. 

Members of the public can have their say on the plans online and at a public exhibition which is being held on Castle Street near to the Town Hall between now and Friday.

The exhibition is open between 10am and 4pm daily, except for Wednesday, June 23 when it will be open from 10am until 7pm. 

At the end of the first day of the exhibition yesterday, Llangollen county councillor Melvyn Mile, who is a member of the 2020 group, said there had been a steady flow of people coming to see it and added that there had been "some good feedback" on the plans on display.

The three-week consultation exercise will close on July 6. 

The county council says it will visit Castle Street businesses during week commencing June 21 to give them the opportunity to discuss the proposals with officers. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes is encouraging Llangollen residents to have their say on the proposals.

He said: “We all want to see our communities thrive, especially as residents and businesses in Llangollen have struggled with restrictions over the last year. 

"But we need to make sure we get these proposals right, and that residents and business owners are happy with them. 

"This is the chance to have your voice heard and to feed back to Denbighshire Council and have your say.”

Programme announced for this year's Eisteddfod

    

* Patchwork panels of ‘Bridges, Not Walls’ on Llangollen Bridge.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is returning this year with a diverse new cultural programme specially commissioned to celebrate the message of international peace and friendship on which it was founded over 70 years ago.

Due to the Covid pandemic, the Eisteddfod will be largely held online, with the main programme presented free of charge over the weekend of the July 9-11.

Organisers say that, with funding support from Welsh Government, this year’s festival will celebrate the broadest possible range of genres from classical, choral, hip hop, dance and world music, as well as Luke Jerram’s Llangollen bridge artwork, to connect with existing and new audiences in preparation for its physical return in 2022.

The 2021 programme comprises:

·       Bridges, Not Walls, Luke Jerram

A brand-new art installation by the world-renowned artistLuke Jerram, who is covering the grade 1 listed Llangollen bridge with a patchwork of fabrics representing Wales and countries that usually attend the Eisteddfod.Known for public art installations around the world including Museum of the Moon,Play Me, I'm Yours street pianos and Glass Microbiology sculptures depicting the coronavirus and its vaccine, this is his first commission in Wales. The artwork will remain in place until 5 August. 

·       Tangnefedd by Paul Mealorand Mererid Hopwood

World-premiere of a new choral piece by Paul Mealor, one of the world’s most performed living composers and Mererid Hopwood, renowned Welsh poet and the first woman to win the National Eisteddfod Chair. The performance will feature choirs from around the world that have successfully competed at the Eisteddfod, from the UK, US and Africa. In the Welsh language, Tangnefeddmeans the result of bringing together two elements in peace and harmony. 

·       Curiad Calon/Heartbeat with Horizons (BBC/ACW), Rachel K Collier, Magugu and Lily Beau

A new dance track commissioned for Llangollen Eisteddfod by up-and-coming electronic producer and performer Rachel K Collier, Nigerian-born, avant-garde rapper Magugu and talented young Welsh singer-songwriter and actress Lily Beau. The track is designed to inspire the Eisteddfod international music and dance community and wider public to respond with their own moves on social media. It’s also a world first of combining the English, Welsh and Nigerian Pidgin Rap languages! 

·       Catrin Finch and Guests

A new musical composition exploring the peace message with internationally renowned harpist and composer Catrin Finch, pioneering beatboxer andrapperMr Phormula (Ed Holden), British Asian musician and tabla player KuljitBhamra, Eliza Marshall and Nick Ellis on Bansuri, Lee House, electronics and RAV drum and the refugee and asylum seeker Oasis One World Choir, from Cardiff. 

·       Beth YwHeddwch?/What is Peace? schools project

Project exploring children’s thoughts about peace through the written word, dance, movement and drama sessions involving 1,000 pupils from three schools from Rhyl, Llanberis and Llangollen. A creative video will be produced and an exhibition of postcards expressing children’s views about peace will be displayed throughout the town. 

·       Peace Pavilion Programme

A thought-provoking programme of talks and activities with AcademiHeddwch Cymru exploring peace and peacebuilding. The programme includes ‘The Peace Lecture’ given by BegoñaLasagabaster,UN Women Chief of Leadership and Governance Section; ‘The Art of Peacebuilding’; ‘Peace Poems’ and much more. For young people, this series includes virtual cultural exchange and the Young Peacemakers Awards ceremony. [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/academi-heddwch-cymru-33667861775] 

This year’s digital Llangollen Eisteddfod will feature videos of the world premiere performances, many filmed in the town itself. 

On Saturday night, there will be a performance of Tangnefeddby a mass choir, some appearing digitally from across the world and others on stage in the pavilion where the Eisteddfod is usually staged, just outside the town. People living locally, in Wales and around the world are invited to explore the programme, free of charge, at https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/.

Betsan Moses, interim chief executive of the Eisteddfod for 2021, says she is leading the creation of a fresh, diverse, world-class cultural programme to connect with both new and existing audiences, after last year’s event was postponed due to the pandemic.

She says: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod was founded on the idea of bringing peace and this year’s cultural programme expresses what it stands for - peace, creativity and togetherness. 

"We’re looking forward to sharing a varied and inspiring programme of events online this year, with an array of world-class performers across musical and artistic genres and exciting new commissions to delight both existing and new audiences across the globe.

“The beautiful town of Llangollen, which normally sees up to 35,000 visitors during the Eisteddfod, will also play host to the visitors that come to see the transformation of Llangollen Bridge into a giant artwork by Luke Jerram, clothed in a patchwork of fabrics from around the world.”

* For more information, visit https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/

Latest coronavirus update from Welsh Government

 

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• Health Minister Eluned Morgan will remind everyone in Wales of their part to play in keeping Wales safe this summer during a press conference this afternoon.
• As cases of the Delta variant continue to rise in Wales, the Minister will be joined by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Chris Jones to update on the current situation in Wales.
• https://gov.wales/keep-wales-safe-summer-urges-health-minister
• Watch today’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1406937227519660038
• Education Minister Jeremy Miles has set out a series of measures we will take to create more capacity and ease potential pressures within the Welsh education system, providing further clarity on what the next year academic year will look like.
• Since taking up post as Minister for Education and Welsh Language he has been speaking to people within the school system across the country to hear directly from them about the challenges they face in supporting learners during the pandemic, and what help they need.
• The measures announced today will help reduce administrative burdens on schools and enable a more individualised approach to supporting young people in Wales.
• https://gov.wales/new-actions-create-space-schools-announced
• Written Statement: https://gov.wales/written-statement-school-information-improvement-and-inspection-arrangements-supporting-renewal-and

 

• Updated guidance about hospital visiting was published on Friday June 18 and will come into force on 5 July: https://gov.wales/updated-guidance-hospital-visiting-wales
• Updated guidance for hospital visiting: https://gov.wales/hospital-visiting-during-coronavirus-outbreak-guidance
• The Welsh Government's plan to provide everyone under 25 with the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment through its new Young Person’s Guarantee will help ensure there is no lost generation in Wales following the Covid-19 pandemic, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething, said today: https://gov.wales/young-persons-guarantee-will-help-ensure-theres-no-lost-generation-wales-vaughan-gething
• Technical Advisory Cell summary of advice: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-cell-summary-advice-8-june-2021
• Technical Advisory Group: Advice from TAG and the Chief Scientific Advisor for Health on the Delta Variant: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-advice-tag-and-chief-scientific-advisor-health-delta-variant
• Technical Advisory Group: Use of face coverings in childcare and educational settings for under-18s: https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-group-use-face-coverings-childcare-and-educational-settings-under-18s
• Updated: Coronavirus frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/current-restrictions-frequently-asked-questions  
• Updated: Guidance on reopening places of worship: https://gov.wales/guidance-reopening-places-worship-coronavirus

 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 484 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 215,205 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• There were no deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,572.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary  

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 2,237,710 people have received their first dose.
• And 1,517,604 people have completed their two-dose course of the vaccine.
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You must have a test on day one and day eight if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales Test Trace Protect.
• You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
   

Where to find the latest information

• Wales has moved into alert level one. More information is available at: https://gov.wales/current-restrictions
• The roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a weekly Ministerial press conference on Mondays – these are televised on S4C and broadcast on our social media channels – this is in addition to the 21-day coronavirus regulation review press conference, which is led by the First Minister.

.

River clean-up has some startling finds

* The pistol taken out of the river. 

* A traffic cone retrieved during the clean-up.

* On the carpet.

* A window frame discovered by a paddler.

* Another huge metal object retrieved.

A group of canoeists came up with some interesting finds when they did a clean-up of the River Dee yesterday. 

Amongst their haul were traffic cones, carpet, mattresses ... and a gun. 

The paddlers were all part of the Dee Valley clean-up group which is dedicated to keeping their waterway clean and healthy for all its users. 

During last weekend’s  venture onto the water, which is their fifth so far during the three years they’ve been doing it, they removed three large bagsful of trash but the most startling thing they retrieved from the depths of the Dee was an automatic pistol with a few parts missing. 

Aaron Kendall, the clean-up organiser, said: “The gun was spotted by people on a rafting trip and then we went and cleaned it up. It was by the King’s Bridge under the water. Police firearms came and collected it."

He added: “You’d be amazed what you find in the river. 

“We had about 30 paddlers involved and a lawn mower, cash, washing machines, canisters and car parts were found. 

“We all love and use the river and we aim to give everyone the opportunity to keep this special environment in the best possible condition that we can. 

“Everyone taking part is doing so at their own risk and paddling well within their capabilities. All Welsh Government Covid guidelines are followed. 

“Huge thanks to Project Wanderer and Whitewater Active for supporting the clean-up.”

Rhos Male Voice Choir stars on breakfast TV

Rhos Male Voice Choir made a guest appearance from Llangollen Wharf on Good Morning Britain this morning.

All wearing their stylish tuxedos by the waterside, the singers and their conductor were featured a couple of times during the course of the breakfast show alongside presenter Andy Peters as he introduced the station's prize competition. 

Latest local roadworks alert

 

The following local roadworks have been notified by one.network:    Brook Street 23 June — 25 June   Delays possible - Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)   Works location: Brook Street junction of Queen Street...   Works description: TM PURPOSES ONLY   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWNWC2WC5MWN1P   Queen Street 23 June — 25 June   Delays likely - Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)   Works location: Near North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Queen Street, LL20 8LA   Works description: MJ Quinn to clear blockage in footway   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWNGC1WC7DK70B Queen Street 23 June — 25 June   Delays likely - Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)   Works location: Queen Street   Works description: MJ Quinn to carry out works involving - Installing fibre splicing...   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWNWC1WC5MWN1P