Check out your local school's details

The Welsh Government have been promoting their My Local School website, which aims to provide school performance data for parents and others.

The site sets out to present information in a clear and simple format and data is displayed by school.  

It presents many of the outputs of the education system such as examination performance, but also some of the inputs such as finance.  

However, it stresses that it cannot measure other factors such as levels of parental involvement, support networks in place for pupils, external tuition and the levels of motivation that an individual pupil has to attain the best she or he can. 

The summary page is a data sketch of the school at a glance.  

From here you can also click on the individual tabs for more detailed charts and tables.  

The charts in the site tend to be over a five-year period so it is possible to see over time if the performance is up, down or level.  

The website can be viewed at: http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/about.htm?lang=eng

The summaries for each Llangollen school are:

Ysgol Dinas Bran

982 - Number of pupils on roll (Year 2012)

13.9% - Free school meals (FSM) - 3 year average (Year 2012)

16.8 - Pupil Teacher Ratio (Year 2012)

93.6% - Percentage attendance during the year (Year 2012)

£4,740 - School budget per pupil (Year 2013)

Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 2

Year: 2012BBBBand 1 - Secondary school banding (Year 2012)

74.5% - Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 3 (Year 2012)

58.7% - Percentage of pupils achieving the level 2 threshold including English/Welsh and Maths (Key stage 4) (Year 2012)

377 - Average capped points score (Key stage 4) (Year 2012)

More information: http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/school.htm?estab=6634027&lang=eng

Ysgol Bryn Collen

155 - Number of pupils on roll (Year 2012)

16.3% - Free school meals - 3 year average (Year 2012)

18.5 Pupil Teacher Ratio (Year 2012)

94.8% - Percentage atttendance during the year (Year 2012)

£4,334 - School budget per pupil (Year 2012)

76.9% - Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 2 (Year 2012)

87.5% - Pupils achieving expected level in Foundation Phase areas of learning (Year 2012)

More information: http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/school.htm?estab=6632234&lang=eng

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Gwernant

119 - Number of pupils on roll (Year 2012)

11.5% - Free school meals - 3 year average (Year 2012)

17.1 - Pupil Teacher Ratio (Year 2012)

95.7% - Percentage attendance during the year (Year 2012)

£4,385 - School budget per pupil (Year 2013)

92.9% - Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 2 (year 2012)

 

91.7% - Pupils achieving the expected level in the Foundation Phase areas of learning (year 2012)

More information: http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/school.htm?estab=6632263&lang=eng

Year: 2012* Ysgol Dinas Bran.*

Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 3

Year: 2012

% Pupils achieving the level 2 threshold including English/Welsh and Maths

(Key stage 4)

Year: 2012

Average capped points score
(Key stage 4)

Year: 2012

 

Secondary school banding

Year: 2012

Pupils achieving the expected level in the core subjects at Key Stage 3

Year: 2012

% Pupils achieving the level 2 threshold including English/Welsh and Maths

(Key stage 4)

Year: 2012

Average capped points score
(Key stage 4

Year: 2012

 

Burn safely, fire service urges farmers

With a dry spell of weather predicted and with the controlled burning season drawing to a close, firefighters are appealing to farmers to undertake their controlled burning in the safest and most effective way possible.

The Heather and Grass Burning Code states that burning is allowed only between the 1st of October and the 31st of March in upland areas and the 1st of November and the 15th of March elsewhere.

Many farmers will now be taking the opportunity towards the end of the period to undertake controlled burning of heather, grass and gorse on their land.

Staff from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been visiting livestock markets across the region in recent weeks to spread to word on safe controlled burning.

Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: " We are urging all landowners undertaking controlled burning to notify us by calling our control room on 01745 535805. This will help avoid false alarms and crews being sent out unnecessarily as well as ensuring we are ready to respond in the event of a burn getting out of control.

"We are also asking these landowners to be responsible when it comes to controlled burning. The fires are set in areas where access is extremely difficult and water supply is limited - should the fire get out of control, this can place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control. These fires can put homes, livestock and the lives of crews and residents at risk as firefighters are kept from attending genuine emergencies.”

Farmers are asked to follow the guidelines below if they are planning a controlled burn:

- Ensure they have sufficient people and equipment to control the fire
- Check wind direction and ensure there is no risk to property, roads and wildlife
- If a fire gets out of control contact the fire service immediately giving details of location and access
- It is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it. - Always ensure a fire is completely out before you leave it and check next day to ensure it has not reignited.

No-go zone planned to stop cold callers

Police are aiming to join forces with county trading standards officers to set up a “no cold calling” zone in Llangollen.

The idea, which is aimed at helping to keep at bay nuisance doorstep traders, was outlined to members of the Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday evening.

Sergeant Paul Hughes, of the neighbourhood policing team, first explained how officers had been called about two weeks ago to deal with the occupants of a vehicle selling fresh fish in the Wern Road area of the town.

He said: “We had a call from a resident in that area who said these people were selling fish from the back of a van, which I understand was sub-standard for the prices they were charging.

“The people were from the north east of the country and were already known to trading standards.”

He added: “With trading standards we are looking at setting up a no cold calling zone in Llangollen.

“This means that notices will be placed on lampposts around the zone warning cold callers they are not welcome inside it.

“These schemes, which have been successful elsewhere, enhance the power of trading standards in that if complaints are received about callers inside the zone they can more easily shown to be in breach of restrictions.”

Sgt Hughes urged anyone having problems with cold callers to ring North Wales Police on the non-emergency line of 101, or even 999 if it is believed vulnerable people may be at risk.

Health service campaigners take to the streets

Th BBC North East Wales news website is reporting this evening (Saturday)  that hundreds of campaigners opposing a raft of changes to hospital care in north Wales - including the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital - have taken to the streets.

More than 300 people joined the demonstrations in Llandudno.

It follows a decision by the area community health council (CHC) not to refer Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board plans to the Welsh government.

See the full story and video at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21553317

County stamps down on dog foulers

Denbighshire has launched an anti-dog fouling campaign.

It features a raft of measures aimed at engaging with communities, educating people about the impact of dog fouling and robust enforcement action as well as a dedicated freephone number for residents to report dog fouling culprits and hot spot areas.

The number is 0800 230 0234.

Cabinet member for Environment, Councillor David Smith, explained: "While we know that most dog owners are responsible and always clean up after their dogs, there seems to be a stubborn minority who continue to allow their animals to foul and do not clear up after them.

"We cannot let this continue as time and time again, dog fouling has come up in resident's surveys and regular communication between residents and our councillors backs this up - it s one of the most common complaints we receive."
Denbighshire has already contracted environmental enforcement firm, XFor to patrol areas across the county and issue Fixed Penalty Notices for littering and fouling and will also work closely with North Wales Police through the Community Safety Partnership.

The Council would also like to increase community involvement and support with clean-up campaigns and is also working closely with Keep Wales Tidy Officer for Denbighshire.
Councillor Smith said : "Working with the community is key to the success of this campaign and I would urge people - if you see it, report it! If you know who the culprit is, we need you to tell us.

"With the best will in the world, we can't be everywhere and we need the community to help be our eyes and ears and we need to know where the hot spots are so we can specifically target them with increased patrols."

"Denbighshire has installed 90 new bins in new locations last year with more planned for this year and we recently asked members to tell us about hot spots, and now have a list that we will be attending to. We have also been working with Town and Community Councils."

Get your council tax bill by e-mail

Denbighshire County Council is inviting people to sign up to the future and get their Council Tax bill by e-mail which is sent securely straight to tablet or PC mailboxes.

Having your bill e-mailed to you saves the Council money which it can then spend on vital services. It also saves on paper which helps the environment.

Anyone who is interested in the new scheme should contact revenues@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Please supply your name and address or even better your Council Tax reference number from what will be your last paper bill. If you want to talk to us then call: (01824) 706443, 706456, 706468, 706315, 706338, 706428

Watchdog member resigns over health shake-up decision

A story this afternoon on the ITV Wales news website says that a member of the local patient watchdog in North Wales has resigned, criticising its decision to support controversial changes to health services there.

These include the closure of Llangollen Hospital.

The ITV story says Huw Edwards, who is a Gwynedd councillor, described that decision as "despicable", and said he had "lost all faith" in the local watchdog.

According to the site, his statement reads: "I have lost all faith in the Health Council. Gwynedd’s Committee has opposed these recommendations in two meetings. There are no details at all about provision in the community that the Board refers to and that is totally unfair to the areas that will lose their local hospitals. The decision to move the specialist neonatal unit from Glan Clwyd is equally despicable. For parents in Gwynedd and Ynys Mon the cumbersome and impractical. I believe that the Health Council has behaved contrary to public opinion and also to their own plans."

* More on this story on the BBC North East Wales news website at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21548425

Mold Gold Cape to be shown in Wrexham

History buffs in Llangollen will be delighted to learn that the world-famous Mold Gold Cape will go on loan by the British Museum for public display in Wrexham this summer.

 

In partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and Wrexham County Borough Museum & Archives, this will be the third time the cape will have been displayed in Cardiff and will go on to be shown at Wrexham Museum, not far from where it was found.

* The Mold Gold Cape. 

The Cape will be on display for free at both venues as part of the Spotlight Tours organised through the British Museum’s Partnership UK Scheme.

 

The Mold Cape is a unique ceremonial gold cape and made around 3,700 years ago, during the Early Bronze Age.

A highlight exhibit at the British Museum, the cape will be shown at National Museum Cardiff from 2 July to 4 August and then Wrexham County Borough Museum from 7 August to 14 September 2013.

The cape is one of the finest examples of prehistoric sheet and embossed-gold working in Europe.

Skillfully and carefully fashioned from a single sheet of thin gold, it is unique in design.

The cape was discovered in Mold, Flintshire in 1833 when workmen discovered a skeleton in a grave at the centre of a circular burial monument.

The accompanying grave goods, hundreds of amber beads, gold and bronze fragments, were divided up between them and the land tenant. The British Museum, recognizing its importance and significance - and at a time before a National Museum existed in Wales - devoted efforts and care in acquiring the cape and accompanying fragments for its collections.

It was given prominence in the British Museum prehistory displays from early on and in the 1960s and 70s British Museum experts looked at how the fragments were joined.

The original shape of the object only became clear after painstaking work at the Museum, piecing together all the embossed fragments to reveal its original form as a cape. Recent research has suggested that the wearer of the cape, amber bead necklace and the bronze knife may have been a woman.

Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum said: “We are delighted that this exceptional object of national and international significance will be displayed in Cardiff and Wrexham this summer and are hugely grateful to our partners, the National Museum Wales and Wrexham County Borough Museum, for their collaboration as well as the Art Fund for their support.

"Through research on rare objects like the Mold Gold Cape, in recent years we have come to see British prehistoric societies very differently. These precious objects show us that societies in Britain must then have been extremely sophisticated, both in skill and in their social structure. They were not isolated but part of a larger European trade network, a web of trade and exchange from North Wales to Scandinavia.”

David Anderson, Director General, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said: “We’re delighted that this priceless Bronze Age masterpiece from north east Wales will soon be on display here again at the National Museum Cardiff.

"Having one of Britain’s most famous ancient artefacts and one of the most important European Bronze Age finds on display in Wales, where it was originally found, is a wonderful and unique opportunity for local people and visitors to enjoy and to find out more about their heritage and early past.

"Working in partnership with museums such as the British Museum and Wrexham County Borough Museum enables precious artefacts such as the Mold Cape to be accessible to all. The Mold Cape is of great importance, in both local and national contexts and is also of international significance to our understanding of cultural expression and power relations in Early Bronze Age Europe, reflected both in life and in death.”

Councillor Neil Rogers Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council said: “The last time the Mold Cape came to Wrexham Museum in 2005 it attracted 11,500 visitors in just 12 weeks. That fact more than any other illustrates the huge level of interest amongst the local public for both archaeology and our shared prehistoric heritage.

"So I am naturally excited at the prospect of the Cape’s return to the town. The exhibition at Wrexham Museum will tell the story of its discovery and by looking at the evidence for other similar sites in the area, attempt to set it in its contemporary archaeological context.

"The display of the Cape would clearly not be possible without the co-operation of both the British Museum and Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council is extremely grateful to both bodies for their on-going support in continuing to bring our shared National treasures to Wrexham.”

The Mold Gold Cape was featured as one of the top ten treasures in the 100 objects in “A History of the World” in partnership with the BBC. This project was awarded The Art Fund Prize in 2011 and the prize money awarded has formed the basis for The Spotlight Tours.

Councillor tackles fire in wood store

The Leader is reporting today how a quick-thinking Llangollen councillor tackled a wood store blaze.

To read to full story see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/120260/quick-thinking-llangollen-councillor-tackles-wood-store-blaze.aspx#

Latest roadworks in the area

Latest roadworks to be announced by Denbighshire County Council are: 

A5, from Glyndyfrdwy to the telephone exchange, temporary traffic lights until March 19 to allow resurfacing work. 

A5, from the Berwyn Arms to the telephone exchange,  Glyndyfrdwy, 10mph convoy until March 8 to allow resurfacing work. 

Hatchery Lane, Trevor, from the A539 to the junction opposite Trevor Mill House, road closure until March 5 to allow drainage works by Dee Valley Water.

Police hand out three anti-social orders

Police in Llangollen have recently handed out Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders to three people in the town.

The details were given to members of Llangollen Town Council at their meeting on Tuesday evening by Sergeant Paul Hughes of the neighbourhood policing team.

Giving one of his regular updates on policing activity in the area, he explained how the orders – known as CRASBOs – differed from Anti-Social Behaviour Orders in that breaching one was a criminal offence.

For a breach, the maximum penalty is five years imprisonment for an adult or a two year Detention and Training Order for juveniles, 12 months of which is custodial.

Sgt Hughes said that over the past few months, his team had handed out three CRASBOs after much hard work to compile a case against the recipients.

The first, he said, had gone to a male from the Plas Madoc area who had been coming to Llangollen for around 12 months and had been the subject of numerous complaints of anti-social behaviour. mainly related to alcohol.

Sgt Hughes said he had been causing a particular problem for elderly residents in the Hill Street area.

He added: “We obtained the order against him two weeks ago and he is not allowed to enter any of the 30mph zones around the town.

“The order lasts for two years and if it is breached there will be a custodial sentence.”

Sgt Hughes said the other two CRASBOs had gone to a male and a female who had been associating with the other male recipient.

He added: “They were causing untold trouble – anti-social behaviour and drink related - and the order means that for the next two years they are not to go within 50 yards of Hill Street.”  

Welcoming the action, the mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, said: “The problem with ASBOs is that there was no penalty if they were breached."

Anger as watchdog fails to oppose hospital closures

Ther BBC North East Wales news website is reporting this afternoon (Thursday) that patients' watchdog body the Community Health Council has decided today not to refer the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's proposal to close several community hospitals - including Llangollen - minor injury units and X-ray departments to Wales' Health Minister Lesley Griffiths.

The decision is said to have been greeted with dismay by North Wales Assembly Members campaigning against the moves.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21535311

Why couldn't local bed be found for Wynn?

The Town Council is writing to regional health chiefs to ask why a hospital bed nearer than one in Mold could not be found for an elderly Llangollen man injured in an accident near his home a few weeks ago.

The issue was raised at Tuesday evening’s council meeting by Cllr Sheena Burrell who claimed the situation was a direct result of the “fiasco” of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board closing community hospitals, including the one in Llangollen, as part of a controversial shake-up of services across north Wales.

She said: “One of our best-loved characters in the town, Wynn Hughes, was recently injured in an accident and is now in hospital in Mold.

“Even with Llangollen Hospital closing, why could he not have been found a bed nearer than in Mold?

“People want to go to visit him and it would have been much easier for them to do that had he been at Chirk Hospital or even Wrexham.Mold is not even in this area.

“The closure of community hospitals has been a fiasco. Services were supposed to have been kept local.

“What we were told at the public meetings arranged by the health board was just a load of hot air and rubbish.

“At every meeting they gave the answers they knew people wanted to hear.

“This is disgusting and every fear that we had has come true right away.”

Referring to the situation at Llangollen Cottage Hospital, Cllr James Tobin said staff were now working from day to day and had not been told anything by the health board about when it would actually close.

The mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, said: “We are now beyond the point where we can object to the health board’s policy on service changes but the implementation has not been what they said they would do.”

Councillors approved a suggestion from Cllr Burrell that the council should write to the health board asking why a bed could not be found for the injured resident she had referred to closer than in Mold.

Royal harpist's Llan dream date

The former royal harpist who enchanted Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding reception is looking forward to her own dream date in North Wales.

Talented Claire Jones, 28, can't wait to take the stage at the "extra special" Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, the global festival of music and dance.

Claire, who hails from Pembrokeshire, was appointed Official Harpist to His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales in 2007.

 

She held the role until 2011, making her the longest serving Royal harpist to date.

Prince Charles was so impressed that he extended her duties for an extra year - and sent her a wedding present when she got married.

As part of her duties, Claire (pictured left) regularly performed for the Royal Family and their guests at the Royal palaces and one of her biggest thrills came when she was the star of an exclusive lunch reception for 600 wedding guests at Buckingham Palace.

Fresh out of the Royal College of Music, Claire was hardly prepared for the media clamour that would engulf her as result of the royal wedding.

She said: “Playing for Prince William and Catherine on their wedding day was the biggest performance of my life. The atmosphere in the palace was amazing and I was playing in a room with just the Royal Family, the Middletons and selected guests present.

“I was made to feel part of the occasion and not just someone brought into perform. And of course, I had the chance to chat to many of the Royals who were very complimentary.

“Catherine was absolutely amazing, stunningly beautiful she came and had a chat, not just for a minute but a full 10 minutes and this was on her wedding day when the eyes of the world were upon her.

“I suppose, being in a private room surrounded by family and with no TV cameras present she felt relaxed, she certainly gave me the impression she was completely at ease.”

Speaking at her London home, she said: “I have played on the main stage at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod once before, as part of the opening ceremony in 2007. So to go back for a gala performance will be absolutely magical.

“I grew up in Pembrokeshire and Llangollen Eisteddfod was something we all, as a family, followed. It’s a massive event. It’s something we all aspire to, so to basically have the stage to myself, will be a memorable and magical moment in my career.”

Among the other stars performing at the International Eisteddfod this year, are Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, English soprano Claire Rutter, Kiwi bass Jonathan Lemalu and the choir Only Men Aloud who shot to fame on the hit TV show, Last Choir Standing.

Claire will be performing in concert on Wednesday, July 10, with popular American tenor Noah Stewart and top percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

Despite Claire taking up the harp at the age of 10, it wasn’t her first instrument when she began studying at London’s Royal College of Music (RCM).

“The harp was my second choice and the violin my first instrument”, she says, almost apologetically, “I started learning the violin aged eight a year after I had started piano lessons.

“However, at the RCM it became clear, as I was getting more requests to play the harp, that the instrument had almost chosen me rather than me the instrument.

“My tutor, Ieuan Jones, who actually comes from North Wales and grew up very close to Llangollen, took me to one side and told me I could play the harp to a very high standard and could, in his opinion, become a soloist.

“Uniquely, I was still playing the piano, violin and harp for a long time and certainly up to the age of 18. I knew I wanted to be a soloist but just didn’t know with what instrument!”

However, getting the call and being offered the opportunity to become harpist to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, certainly helped Claire finally make the choice that she would concentrate on the harp.

Claire cherishes every moment of her four years as Royal Harpist.

She said: “It was such an amazing experience, something on a different level really. I played privately for the Queen and had at last four engagements a month, whether a private dinner parties for 100 people Prince Charles was hosting or state banquets.

“It was just such a special time in my life. And of course Prince Charles’ own harp is something to behold. He has a Victor Salvi gold leaf harp complete with dragons and his initials. I would say it’s priceless.

“My own harp, which is really top-of-the-range costs £40,000, but I did enjoy playing Prince Charles’ harp. I am very much attached to my own instrument but his gold harp, well it’s just divine.

She added: “The biggest shock after playing for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their return to Buckingham Palace was the media coverage it generated.

“It was insane, I ended up doing back to back interviews with American television stations and even playing live to an audience of millions which was somewhat nerve-wracking.

“Then, of course, there was British television, French, German, Spanish even Japanese stations, it really was crazy and I was a bit unprepared for it.”

And following on from the Royal Wedding, Claire soon had wedding news of her own.

Three weeks after she played at Buckingham Palace, her long-term partner, Chris Marshall, got down on one knee and proposed to her at the base of Christ the Statue, in Rio de Janeiro.

She said: “It was so romantic. Obviously we had talked of marriage and we had agreed we would marry but I wasn’t in charge of when I don’t suppose! When we did get married Prince Charles sent us a lovely gift and a letter of congratulations.

“In fact he writes on a quite regular basis to see how I am getting on, in fact it’s my turn to write back. And Catherine sent me some personal pictures from her wedding day which I will always treasure.”

And with her husband being an accomplished percussionist and composer in his own right Claire says it’s a marriage made in heaven.

She said: “I recorded my album, The Girl With The Golden Harp, which Chris arranged and even wrote some of the music for. I am delighted with the album which reached number three in the classical music chart.

“I like to think of myself as an ambassador for my country of birth, classical music and for my instrument. And believe me, I can think of no better place to showcase all three than the Llangollen Eisteddfod stage - I really am excited and can’t wait.”

To book tickets and for more details on this year’s event go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Former QE2 captain visits Llan birthplace

* Commodore Ronald Warwick outside Llangollen Cottage Hospital where he was born in 1940.
 

The former captain of world-famous cruise liner the Queen Elizabeth II (QE2)  this week made a sentimental journey to Llangollen to visit the place where he was born over 70 years ago.

And this will probably be the last time Commodore Ronald Warwick has the chance see it as a working unit as the town’s historic Cottage Hospital is due for the axe as part of a controversial shake-up of services across North Wales by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Commodore Warwick, 72, who also captained the Cunard liner Queen Mary 2 before his retirement in 2006, was staying in the area for a few days with friends Ken and Carol Mascarenhas who run the Abbey Dingle nursing home in Llangollen.

Top of his list of places to visit was the 137-year-old hospital in Abbey Road where he was born on November 28, 1940.

Commodore Warwick, who lives in Somerset, recalled that at the time of his birth his mother, Evelyn, had been evacuated to the safety of Llangollen from her home in Liverpool to avoid the bombing of the city at the start of World War Two.

Liverpool was the home of his father Commodore William Warwick, who was also famous as the first captain of the QE2 and at the time was serving with the Royal Navy Reserve.

Commodore Warwick said: “When she was evacuated to Llangollen my mother was living at her mother-in-law’s home in Liverpool, which became dangerous because of the bombing.

“At the time I was born in late 1940 she was living at number 6 Dee Mill Place, which I believe is no longer there.

“I’m not sure whether she was living there with a family member but I know that at some stage she did live with her aunt and uncle, Rupert and Liza Crosher, at Cherry Tree Farm in the Pengwern area of Llangollen.

“I was born at the Cottage Hospital in 1940 but I don’t think my mother stayed in the area for very long after that.

“One of my earliest recollections is going back to the farm to visit my relatives at the age of five. “

He added: “While I have been staying with my friends Ken and Carol I thought I would take the opportunity of visiting the hospital.

“I think this could be my last chance of going there while it is still a hospital as I understand it is due to close soon.

“It’s sad that hospitals in general have to close. I can’t say I approve or disapprove of the plan to close the Cottage Hospital because I don’t really know much about it.

“However, it was nice to go there and see where I was born.”

Commodore Warwick, who was invited to speak to members of the local Rotary Club about his career on Monday evening, went to sea at the age of just 15 and served in various roles aboard a wide variety of ships.

After joining the Cunard line in 1970, he served in various ranks on the QE2 and was the ship’s chief officer for a number of years, which included the period when the liner was requisitioned by the British Government for service as a troopship in the Falklands Campaign of 1982.

Commodore Warwick was appointed to command the Queen Elizabeth 2 in July 1990.

At this point in his career he made Cunard Line history by sailing in command of the same ship as his father who was the first master of the QE2 before he retired in 1972.

Commodore Warwick later went on to command one of Cunard’s latest super-ships, the Queen Mary 2, from 2003 until his retirement three years later. 

Minister replies to KLS call-in plea

Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special recently wrote to Wales' Health Secretary Lesley Griffiths asking her to call in proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) for a major shake-up of health services in the region, which include the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

 

He has now received the following reply from the Minister:

 

 

Llan campaigners join regional health fight

Campaigners from Llangollen joined their counterparts from across North Wales last night (Monday) to oppose plans to downgrade and centralise health services across the region.

Groups representing campaigns in the town along with those from Blaenau Ffestiniog, Flint, Prestatyn and Llandudno were present at the emergency meeting in St Asaph at which they came up with the idea of launching a legal challenge to plans for a major shake-up of the NHS in the region.

 

This includes the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital. 

 

They joined forces to call themselves the North Wales Health Alliance and issued the following statement: "We have come together because there is strength in unity.

"We are considering a legal challenge to the entire process. The advice we have received suggests Betsi Cadwaladr health board is vulnerable to a challenge."

The meeting, attended by more than 30 activists including county councillors, unanimously backed a vote of no confidence in Betsi Cadwaladr's health board for failing to consult adequately over community hospital closures and proposals to move neonatal intensive care to Arrowe Park on the Wirral.

The statement added: "We understand the Community Health Council executive board is meeting on Wednesday. We have had a good engagement with some local CHC representatives but have reservations about the executive board. We hope that the executive will start to represent the community's views."

In view of the possibility of a Judicial Review, the newly formed alliance also called on Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to immediately halt what they described as "the closure by stealth" of community facilities across the north "without adequate replacements".

Mabon ap Gwynfor, of the Keep Llangollen Health Services Campaign and now chairman of the newly formed North Wales Health Alliance, representing campaign groups from across north Wales, said: “The clear message from last night’s meeting is that we are not alone, we are part of a pan north Wales campaign with tens of thousands of people on our side.

“Some people in and around Llangollen may have given up the fight because the Health Board have started to move services away before the process has even finished. But the fight is far from over. We have been treated with complete contempt and the process is flawed. We believe that the Health board is vulnerable to a legal challenge.

“We decided to look at various options including seeking legal advice. We are also calling on the Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to step in urgently to stop the closure by stealth that we are seeing carried out by the Health Board.

“This is no longer just a fight for Llangollen but a fight for our health services across north Wales, including Llangollen and the negative knock on affect that the closure will have on our friends and families across the region. If we are to go down the route of a Judicial Review we will be looking for financial contributions. All assistance would be gratefully accepted.

“If you want to join the campaign contact us onkeepllanhealthservices@gmail.com or phone me on 07811358407”.

Take care with your chips, say fire chiefs

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging chip lovers to take care when they indulge in one of the nation's favourite foods the current National Chip Week.
Last year, 153 of all accidental dwelling fires in North Wales started in the kitchen and 31 of these were as a result of overheated chip pans.

Dave Evans, Head of Community Safety, said: "We are finding that thankfully the number of chip pan fires is going down and people are listening to our warnings - but residents must remain vigilant as this incident goes to show.

"It is all too easy to turn your back and see a full blown fire develop in a matter of minutes if you do not cook safely. Our message is still to get rid of your chip pan and get a deep fat fryer instead, which is far safer - and always ensure you have working smoke alarm at home as it could mean the difference between life and death.

"Leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite. A simple switch from the pan to the oven or a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer can help prevent the worst.

"The smallest distraction when using a hot chip pan could lead to a fire in a matter of moments. Oven chips are a safer and healthier way to enjoy your favourite, but if you do choose to deep fat fry please don't leave the pan unattended. If your pan does catch light, don't throw water over it- get out, stay out and call 999."

If you do choose to deep fat fry your chips, these all-year-round fire safety tips could help reduce the risk:

• Don't overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full.
• Be careful that it doesn't overheat - hot oil can catch fire easily.
• Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn't get too hot
• Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
• Don't cook after drinking alcohol.
• In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.
• Don't take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
• Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge. This service is available to all residents in North Wales.

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.ukor visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

For more information on National Chip Week: http://www.lovechips.co.uk/

Food champion urges people to "buy local"

 

* True Taste Champion Robin Jones, Managing Director of Village Bakery, with some of his staff and the locally sourced meat that goes into their products. From left, Kerry Wilson, pie room production manager, Neal Hughes, cook room supervisor and Wioleta Mojzuk with Robin.

 

A food ambassador is urging Welsh companies to buy local in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.

 

The plea has come from Robin Jones, the current True Taste Champion of Wales, who is also Managing Director of the award winning Village Bakery.

He revealed the Village Bakery is putting up posters in all its shops - in Llangollen, Wrexham, Rhos, Hollywell and Ruthin - to highlight that they use only locally sourced meat in their pies.

 

The boss of the family firm says it's vitally important to reassure their customers in the wake of the negative headlines spreading across Europe.

 

Mr Jones said: "We are extremely proud of our local sourcing policy that's been in place for many years.

 

"We know exactly where our meat comes from every week and we can name the individual farms in the Vale of Clwyd and the Conwy Valley who supplied us this week.

 

"We don't buy mince or re-conformed beef. We buy proper cuts and do all the butchering ourselves so that we can be sure exactly what we're getting and that the quality is 100 per cent right.

 

"We guard our reputation jealously and this is the only way that we can maintain our high standards.

 

"I suspect many other companies will be looking to source their meat locally in future as a result of the news about horsemeat being found in beef products.

 

"We have always fully understood the importance of provenance and traceability to our customers and to our business.

 

"We pay a premium for our meat because we want our customers to have the best quality possible. For us quality is king.

 

"Given the current headlines, we felt it was important to remind and reassure our customers that our pies contain 100 per cent quality meat.

 

"Traceability has never been more important than it is today and I would urge Welsh food companies to buy local produce as ingredients whenever they can."

 

Mr Jones is one of the most respected figures in the UK food industry and in 2010 was named as British Baker of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards.

 

The Village Bakery makes premium breads, morning goods, savouries and bespoke products for major supermarket chains and their own shops and cafes.

 

The main bakery is in Minera and in 2008 they opened the most modern gluten-free bakery in Europe as part of a deal with the Swiss giant, the Hero Group.

 

The£3 million state-of-the art Village Bakery (Nutrition) Ltd on Wrexham Industrial Estate was officially opened by the then First Minister of Wales, Rhodri Morgan AM.

 

Then just over a year ago the company invested £7 million in the third bakery when they took over a 30,000 sq ft unit next door to the gluten-free bakery.

 

Originally, the aim was to employ 30 people but in the event we've recruited more than 40, taking the total workforce over the 250 mark.

 

Mr Jones added: "When I bring major retailers into the business, they know that the traditional craft skills are at the core of our business. It shines through and it sells the product to them. We're not just selling them a pie or a sausage roll, we're selling them the story of the Village Bakery and our craft tradition and culture.

 

“We produce a product that’s local, it’s manufactured in Wales –and our local sourcing policy means we’re also benefitting our suppliers.

 

"That means we can cut back on the food miles while helping to boost the local economy at the same time.

 

 

"Buying local makes so much more sense - whichever way you look at it."

'Devastating" impact of welfare changes, according to reports

A series of reports published today are said to reveal the "devastating" impact the UK Government’s changes to the welfare system will have on the people and economy of Wales.

 

The two reports commissioned by the Welsh Government to better understand the impact of the welfare reforms show that the changes to the UK welfare system announced prior to December’s Autumn Statement will reduce total benefit and tax credit entitlements in Wales by around £590 million in 2014-15.

 

Additional cuts announced in December’s Autumn Statement mean losses will be even higher than this, it is claimed.

 

Overall, families with children and those from low-middle income families will suffer the most from the changes.

Reforms to Disability Living Allowance account for some of the greatest cuts in Wales.

Around 42,500 people in Wales are estimated to lose their entitlement as a result of this reform - an average loss of up to £83 per claimant per week and an annual loss of up to £183m in Wales as a whole.

Those hit by the cuts in welfare payments are likely to reduce their spending on goods and services, taking even more money out of the Welsh economy.

Although one of the UK Government’s main aims is for the welfare reforms to get more people into work, this research suggests that any effects on employment in Wales are likely to be small, and will depend on wider economic conditions.

Education and Skills Minister Leighton Andrews said: “The UK Government’s welfare reforms will have a huge and damaging effect on Wales as a whole.

“The reports published today by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Welsh Government confirm our worst fears about the changes.

“From the most vulnerable in our society, through to low-middle income families, these cuts from the UK Government are devastating.”

Warning over recreational drugs

North Wales Police and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are warning people not to take recreational drugs known as Pink Love Tablets. 

 

The safety alert comes after two young people from the Anglesey area became ill and required hospital treatement after taking the heart-shaped pink pills.

A similar warning was given last week about the dangers of taking tablets known as “Green Apples” following the death of a local young man.

Dr Linda Dykes FCEM, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Ysbyty Gwynedd said: "Over recent weeks we have seen a number of people brought into hospital as emergency cases after taking recreational drugs, some of whom have suffered very severe reactions requiring admission to intensive care and one patient has sadly died.

 

"There are significant risks with any drug misuse, especially when it involves drugs bought off the streets or from unregulated sources. Users will never actually know what they are taking, its strength or whether or not it is contaminated: every time you take a street drug, you are trusting your health, or indeed your life, to chance."

Acting Chief Inspector Simon Barrasford said: "We continue to work with our partners to highlight the dangers of drug abuse and a pro-active team actively targets people involved in the illegal supply of drugs. Both the pink heart shaped Pink Love and Green Apple tablets are being used by party goers and I want to make it very clear that the consequences of taking these tablets can be fatal”

“If you have been given or have bought these drugs please do not take them, I ask that you hand them into the Police so that they can be destroyed properly and safely. I am also asking parents with teenage children to be extra vigilant and to sit down with their sons and daughters and talk through the dangers of taking these drugs You can also call in confidence with any information regarding drug dealing and I assure you this information provided will be dealt with confidentially.”

If you have any information about those who use or supply Pink Love or Green Apple tablets or any other controlled drug contact North Wales Police.

River Lodge's future questioned by llanblogger

* The fate of the former River Lodge has been questioned by llanblogger.

Llangollen’s derelict River Lodge is not for sale on the open market, with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB)  having an option to buy the property from the Welsh Government. 

These two facts are confirmed in the response to a Freedom of Information request submitted last month by llanblogger.  

The lodge – also known as the former Woodlands Hotel – on the A539, has been at the centre of a long-running row over its future. 

And it has most recently been mentioned as the possible site for a new health centre where some of the services lost by the imminent closure of the town’s Cottage Hospital could be relocated. 

Through the now defunct Welsh Development Agency, the Welsh Government bought the building on the banks of the River Dee at the gateway to the town in 2007.  

Sole purpose of the deal was to facilitate a community project by Powys Fadog.  

But the development never went ahead and following a series of vandal attacks the property now lies empty and derelict after costing the taxpayer a considerable amount of money.  

The saga has sparked major criticisms of the part played by the government and led last year to the publication of a critical report by the independent Welsh Audit Office.  

That report described the government’s decision to purchase River Lodge as“flawed” and said it had “represented poor value for money”.  

Two sessions of the Welsh Assembly’s powerful public accounts committee – one held in Llangollen Pavilion last October – have since taken evidence on the circumstances of the acquisition and attempts to dispose of the property. 

In our FoI request, llanblogger asked the following questions: 

1.      Is the property still in the ownership of the Welsh Government?

2.      Is the property currently up for sale or disposal by any other means?

3.      Is the Welsh Government currently in negotiation with any party, private or

corporate, regarding the acquisition of the property?

4.      If up for sale, what is its current asking price for the property and how does this compare to the sum originally paid for it by the former Welsh Development Agency?

5.      Is the Welsh Government currently in negotiations with the Betsi Cadwaladr

University Health Board about the property's potential sale to the board?

6.      If negotiations are taking place between the Welsh Government and the Betsi

Cadwaladr University Health Board, at what stage are these negotiations? 

In the reply, received today (Monday), a Welsh Government official says: “For

question 1, I can confirm that the property is still in the ownership of the Welsh

Government.

 

“For your remaining questions, I can advise that the property is not up for

sale on the open market and as such there is no open market asking price. 

“The Welsh Government has recently entered into an option agreement with Betsi

Cadwaladr University Health Board for them to purchase the site.”

This is confirmed by a notice on the Welsh Government website from August 2012, whixch says: “The Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science has been asked to approve the granting of an Option for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to purchase River Lodge, Llangollen, the property having been offered to the public sector in accordance with the National Asset Transfer Protocol.”

Llanblogger is currently awaiting a response to a seperate FoI request submitted to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board last month about its intentions for River Lodge.