Latest Buy Local day planned for April 12

The Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) campaign group is arranging the latest in its series of Buy Local days in the town next Friday April 12.

The group is distributing printed flyers to residents in Llangollen to encourage them to support their local independent business.

KLS chair Mike Edwards said: "We are inviting everyone to support Llangollen's traders and get quality, personal service and value for money.

"You will be making an important contribution to the local economy."

If any business needs copies they can contact Mike Edwards at chair@keepllangollenspecial.org.uk

Railway extension plan hits the headlines

 

* The current edition of The Railway Magazine in

which the Corwen extension article features. 

 

 

The current (May2013) edition of The Railway Magazine features a 5 page article about Llangollen Railway's plan to extend the line all the way to Corwen.

 

Compiled by Cliff Thomas as part of the magazine's Lazarus series - railways brought back from the dead - it looks at the recent history of the project, current status and the prospects of finishing phase 1 to Corwen East.

 

The article features numerous pictures of trains, mostly on the extension, as it currently exists to show what is in prospect when the line is operational on its full length.

 

Railway spokesman George Jones said: "Let's hope it attracts the rail fans and brings in some much needed donations to allow for completion in 2014."

 

Mr Jones explained that extracts from the article will be put on show as part of the Corwen exhibition in the coach at Llangollen Station.

Operation launched to cut motorcycle accidents

An operation which is aimed at reducing motorcycle related deaths and serious injuries on the roads of North Wales is being launched this weekend to coincide with its 10^th anniversary.

And one of the roads it will focus on is the A5.

 

Launched in 2003, the annual Operation Focus will run from early April until early autumn and will see police officers out and about stopping and talking to bikers to educate them about the dangers, and to also prosecute those who ride dangerously.

 

 

Historically high numbers of motorcyclists descend on North Wales due to the challenging nature of the roads in areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Snowdonia.

 

Motorcyclists are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision than any other road user, representing 1% of road traffic but accounting for 18% of all fatalities.

 

During 2012 there were a total of 63 serious collisions involving motorcyclists with a notable increase in the number of riders from outside the Force area.

 

Officers hope to reduce this figure by encouraging riders to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of other road users.

 

Police will patrol the roads where collisions are most common, which include the A494, A5104, A5, A470 and the A487.

 

Throughout the operation Bikesafe representatives will also be out and about speaking to riders and promoting the Bikesafe initiative, which offer free workshops in North Wales (subject to booking fee).

 

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing, who is in charge of North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “Operation Focus is one of many campaigns and initiatives that we run throughout the year targeting high-risk road users. It is not about alienating the motorcycling community – it is about education and enforcement.

 

“Whilst the vast majority of motorcyclists ride appropriately, some riders choose to use the roads as a racetrack, committing serious breaches of road safety legislation, such as speeding and riding dangerously thereby putting themselves and other road users at risk of death or life changing injury.”

 

“We are committed to keeping people safe on the roads of North Wales. This isn’t about catching bikers out, we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride safely and responsibly.

 

“Responsible riders are welcome to visit the area and take in the stunning scenery and landscape, but even they face risk of death or serious injury by underestimating the risk posed by fatigue brought on by a combination of driving long distances and concentrating on navigating challenging and unfamiliar routes.

 

“I would also urge bikers to take the opportunity to enhance their skills through training and attend the free Bikesafe workshops. Bikesafe is an accredited scheme which is run nationally by police forces which aims to reduce motorcycling casualties.

 

He added: “We will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”

 

The operation is expected to run from Easter through to early October.

 

Further details regarding the free Bikesafe workshops are available via the Bikesafe website

.

Birch Hill to be closed to through-traffic for three weeks

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is set to begin survey work on its wastewater network on Birch Hill, Llangollen.

The work will start on Monday 8 April and is set to take three weeks to complete. 

While the work is ongoing it will be necessary to close Birch Hill to through traffic.

However, access will be maintained for residents, according to Denbighshire County Council.

The council has informed residents and visitors that from Monday the alternative route available for traffic is via Birch Hill, the A5 (Queen Street to area boundary) and Maesmawr Road, and will be sign posted accordingly.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of closure

Welsh Water Communications Manager Jill Roberts said: “We appreciate the disruption work such as this can cause but these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of road users, pedestrians and our workforce.  We would like to thank people in advance for bearing with us while the work is ongoing.”

Welsh Water is investing heavily and working hard to ensure top quality services to all the communities it serves. The company is investing £1.5 billion in its water and sewerage network between 2010 and 2015.

It is a ‘not-for-profit company’ which has been owned by Glas Cymru since 2001. Welsh Water does not have shareholders, and any financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of customers.

Welsh Government help with council tax bills

Council tax reduction schemes are now operating in Wales to assist 330,000 households in paying their bills.

 

The new schemes replace council tax benefit which has been abolished by the UK Government as part of its welfare reform agenda.

The coalition government has also cut the funding available for replacement schemes by at least 10 per cent.

Welsh Ministers have repeatedly challenged this reduction in funding and remain profoundly concerned about the financial implications of the welfare reforms for some of the most vulnerable people in Wales.

The Welsh Government has taken on responsibility for developing new arrangements to support households in Wales in meeting their council tax bills. Extensive work has been undertaken with local government to minimise the impact on claimants and to ensure the new arrangements are viable and affordable.

For 2013/14 the Welsh Government is also providing an extra £22m to support local authorities in providing all eligible claimants with their full entitlement to support, despite the shortfall in funding transferred from the UK Government.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Local Government said:"In collaboration with local government, we have introduced schemes to provide vital financial assistance to approximately 330,000 households in Wales. The additional funding we have provided means some of our most vulnerable individuals will be protected from the UK Government’s cut in funding for council tax support."

Trio's charity bike marathon

Denbighshire County Council leisure officer Haydyn Jones, Greg King, leisure attendant at Llangollen Leisure Centre, and Alex Roberts, duty officer at Corwen Leisure Centre will be taking part in a sponsored bike ride in aid of Sport Relief 2013 across all seven of the county's leisure centres on Sunday (April 7).

Starting in Rhyl Leisure Centre at 9am, they aim to finish at Llangollen Leisure Centre at around 1pm after covering a total of 55 miles. 

All three have been training hard for the challenge as this is the first time that they have taken part in such an event.

Donations would be gratefully accepted and anyone can donate either pre or post event by contacting Llangollen Leisure Centre on 01978 861830 or Corwen Leisure Centre on 01490 412600.

Government urged to provide maximum help for snow-hit farmers

Denbighshire County Council is calling on the Welsh Government to ensure that as much support as possible is made available to farmers who have lost animals during the recent severe cold weather.

And the Leader of the Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, has invited the Minister to visit Denbighshire to hear of the impact of the losses.

Welsh Government Minister Alun Davies has announced a temporary agreement from midnight on April 3 for farmers in Denbighshire to bury sheep, lambs and calves over the next seven days, if a stock collector cannot access farms.
 
The Government says that farmers will be required to provide evidence that collectors were unable to access the farm.

Any farmers wanting advice or intending to bury their animals must notify the Council's Animal Health Team at County Hall, Ruthin on 01824 706086.

Farmers will be asked to record the burials  in their movement book, with tag numbers if appropriate and the burial site location.

Councillor Evans said: "As a farmer myself, I can truly appreciate the plight of farmers in many parts of Wales that have suffered losses as a result of the severe weather.  The extreme amount of snow that fell in Denbighshire and surrounding counties was unprecedented and for many residents it caused extreme inconvenience.

"For many the snow will eventually thaw and lives will return to normal.  However, there are some farmers that have lost a lot of animals and in the short term their main consideration is disposing of those animals. In the long term, farmers will need to consider the financial loss.

"We welcome the fact that the Welsh Government is to relax rules for seven days which allows farmers to bury their dead animals on their own land if stock collectors cannot access farms,  but unless the snow thaws quickly, the seven days may not be enough time.

"The full extent of the impact on individual farm businesses may not be known for some time and only when the snow has thawed that a full inspection of the holding can be completed. We would like the Minister  to see for himself how farmers and their families in Denbighshire have suffered."

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "Farmers in Denbighshire and other areas have suffered tremendously as a result of the heavy snow and only over the next days and weeks will the true extent of the issue be known. The Council has worked tirelessly to clear country lanes as quickly as possible, to allow feed to get to farms, but there is only so much we can do.

"Also,  with farming being the backbone of the rural economy, it is essential that farmers also have the best level of assistance possible to try and recoup some of their losses, not only from perished animals but also from damaged fencing that will need to be replaced.

"We hope that the Welsh Government engages with the agricultural sector long after the snow has thawed, to gauge the impact and what assistance may be required."

Pete spreads the word about a good day out

Well-known Llangollen resident Pete Stubbs has contacted llanblogger to spread the word about the “good day out” he and his family enjoyed just down the road in Wrexham earlier this week. 

He writes: “I took my family to the Circus Funtasia at Wrexham on Thursday, just off the A483 on the Mold Road next to the butchers. 

“There was an article about them in the Shropshire newspapers because the lady ringmaster went to Oswestry School. 

“With a flyer 50% off it cost from £3 for children and £4 for me. An absolute bargain at £13. 

“It had cost over £22 earlier in the day when we all went to see the animated film The Groods at the cinema, which was also very good. 

“The circus was great family entertainment, even if I had paid the full price or even £8 and £9 for ringside seats. 

“Live entertainment and fresh popcorn - what more could you ask for? 

“Please inform your readers what they are missing 

“The performance times are:  Friday 5th April: 5.00 pm & 7.30 pm, Saturday 6th: 3.00 pm & 6.00 pm, Sunday 7th: 2.00 pm & 5.00 pm.”

 

Pete now organises the regular antiques fairs at Llangollen Pavilion and has another one there this Sunday.

Milkman's miracle escape as snow crushes van roof

Fall from roof of old brewery also caves in windscreen

* Extensive damage to the exterior of Mr Rogers' van.

* The smashed-in roof of the van.

* The snow-filled interior of the van.

A milkman had a miraculous escape when a huge load of melting snow fell from a roadside building and completely crushed the roof of his delivery van.

Anthony Rogers, 58, had just finished his morning round in Ellesmere Port on the Wirral and was driving his Fiat Scudo home to Glyndyfrdwy along the A5 in Llangollen when the drama began at around 1pm on Tuesday.

Mr Rogers (pictured left) said: “I’d just stopped to fill up the van with fuel at a local garage and was driving along the A5 when I reached a spot where there is a large derelict building, which I think was once a brewery, on the left hand side.

“All of a sudden there was an explosion as if the van had been hit by a wrecking ball.

“The windscreen collapsed inwards and the broken glass cut my hand in about seven or eight places. The cab then filled up with snow.

“I just sat there for a few minutes not knowing what had happened, then I pulled myself together and started scooping away the snow with my hands so I could undo my seat belt.”

Anthony, who has been a milkman for the past 27 years, added: “No-one stopped to help and just went on their merry way. A couple of cars even swerved right around me.

“I eventually managed to get out of the van and go to the nearby garage, Kenrick Motors. They were very helpful.

“The whole roof of the vehicle had collapsed around me due to the weight of the snow that fell on it and the garage tells me it is now a write-off.

“I was just very very lucky to get out of it with just a few cuts on my hand. It could have been a lot worse.

“The amazing part is that I had some stock left in the van and despite what happened not one pint bottle was broken or a single egg smashed.

“Since it happened I haven’t lost a day on deliveries because the van that was damaged was just my back-up one which I was using because it handles better in the snow.”  

Council warns about risk from lying snow

Denbighshire county council is urging residents and visitors to be aware of the continued risk of lying snow and any snow remaining on roofs of buildings and on high structures 

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: "We have issued warnings to members of the public to be aware of the continued risk of lying snow and any snow remaining on roofs of buildings and on high structures. 

"An unprecedented amount of snow has fallen in recent times, in particular in the south Denbighshire area.  With the snow now starting to thaw, we would urge people to remain vigilant as there may be certain movements of snow that may occur without warning."

The council says it has been working tirelessly to clear as many of the county's roads as possible and treating pavements in town centres but adds: "Inevitably there is snow in locations which the council cannot clear."

Avalanche alert in parts of Llangollen

The Leader is reporting today that there is an avalanche alert in Llangollen and tons of snow start to thaw and move.

See the full story at http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/121345/avalanche-alert-in-llangollen-as-ice-mountain-starts-to-melt.aspx#.UVv_KYCsTsA.facebook

The Geraint still under snow

Readers are still sending in pictures of snow scenes.

The latest have come from Diane Slater and show the views around where she lives on the Geraint.

She said: "The snow has been devastating here but it is still a beautiful place."

Cemetery checks to be carried out at Fron Bache

Headstone and monument safety checks will be carried out by the county council at Fron Bache Cemetery in Llangollen later this month.

The exercise is part of investigations at council lowned cemeteries across Denbighshire during the month.

Advisory notices will be placed at memorials that require attention and the council says every effort will be made to contact the families to arrange any necessary repairs.

In exceptional circumstances any memorials deemed to be in a dangerous condition may be laid down prior to contact being made with the grave contact or family.

Take care of your property say police

North Wales Police are urging residents living in rural areas to take steps to protect their property.

 

Thieves often target garages, outbuildings and sheds, especially if they are left insecure, or have locks that can be easily forced.

 

In an effort to prevent and detect crimes, North Wales Police are asking people to consider;

 

• Signing up to OWL, the Online Watch Link which passes relevant information onto members quickly and safely.  Information may include recent crimes in your area and handy security tips. www.owl.co.uk/northwales

 

·        Joining Neighbourhood Watch. This one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention schemes. It builds community spirit and good relations helping people to tackle crime and disorder and to keep an eye on each other's property.  Contact your local PCSO on 101.

·        CCTV. Let us know if you have private CCTV.  You may be able to assist us with crime inquiries in your area.

·        Provide information about the handling of stolen goods. Any information will be treated as confidential and your details will not be disclosed.

 

Please contact your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team for information on securing your property.  

Bedroom tax will be "devastating", says Sargeant

 

Wales' new Housing Minister Carl Sargeant (pictured above) says the cut in housing benefit for tenants with spare bedrooms will have a "devastating impact" on many poorer households across Wales and that public services face a testing time as they struggle to cope with the fallout.

 

The so called ‘bedroom tax’, imposed by the UK Government from 1 April, means that tenants of council or housing association accommodation who are on housing benefit will be assessed for the number of bedrooms they actually need and those ruled to have too much space will receive a reduced payment.

Carl Sargeant said: “Research shows that around 40,000 households in Wales will lose an average of £11 per week from this change and, sadly, it is many of the most vulnerable people in society who will be affected.

 

“The Welsh Government is committed to doing all it can to ensure that the change does the least possible damage to our communities. However, we are under no illusion.

 

“We know that people will suffer hardship and this will put even more pressure on public services that are already straining to cope due to the current financial climate.

 

“We have allocated funding for 2013/14 to ensure that people on low income continue to receive council tax benefit.

 

"We are also providing £750,000 for the coming financial year to help on issues such as advice, landlord liaison and face to face contact with tenants having problems meeting their housing costs.

 

“We were also able to allocate some additional funding towards the end of the financial year to a number of projects focused on preventing homelessness, including extra resources for the homelessness prevention funds of all local authorities.    

 

“Also, several local authorities have joined together to undertake projects that reduce the rate of tenancy failure and put in place solutions that tenants say they prefer.    

 

“The Welsh Government is hugely concerned that many already hard pressed households are facing hardship and so is looking to find ways of supporting tenants and organisations to mitigate the effects of this highly damaging policy."

Cut price car parking in Ruthin extended

Residents and visitors to Ruthin will continue to benefit from reduced car parking charges for another year.  

A pilot initiative, due to end this Sunday, has been so successful over the last 12 months that Member Area Groups have agreed to extend this until March 31, 2014.

Last year, every Member Area Group was given a one-off fund of £50,000  to invest on projects that will benefit the local community.  

Councillors who are members of the Ruthin Member Area Group decided to use a part of their allocation to subsidise parking in Ruthin town centre.  

Due to the success of this initiative attracting more users to the town and it not costing as much as originally thought, the group have decided to extend this.

Following discussions with Denbighshire County Council, the fees will continue to be:

Dog Lane, Cae Ddol, Park Road, Troed y Rhiw, and Rhos St.

Retain 10p for half an hour as figures show this is popular

50p for up to 4 hours

£3.50 for all day

Market Street  Retain 10p / half an hour  as figures show this is popular 

50p for up to 4 hours  (No return) 
 
£3.50 for all day

St Peters Square  Retain 30p for three quarters of an hour
 
£1 for 3 hours (no return)

The group said: "We feel it's vitally important to continue the lower parking tariffs to attract more residents and visitors to use the town centre for their shopping.  Ruthin has a wealth of small shops that provide quality products and we must make every effort in this climate to support local businesses and be far more competitive in the market.

"Local businesses have continued to lobby for cheaper car parking charges and we feel we must do our bit to help regenerate the town. By extending these pilot charges for the next year, we hope that businesses will feel the benefit."

llanblogger says: How about an initiative like this is Llangollen?

Beef up health watchdogs, says Isherwood

NORTH Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called on new Health Minister, Mark Drakeford, to ensure that the role of Community Health Councils is strengthened.

 

Speaking in an Assembly debate on the Role of Community Health Councils, Mr Isherwood noted that the Minister’s statement pledging to see through the controversial reorganisation of health services and hospitals across Wales had removed any pretence that the responsibility lies with Health Boards rather than Welsh Government policy, and urged the Minister to address the fact that the patient’s voice has been compromised by the Welsh Government.   

 

He said: “This reorganisation has attracted huge opposition, and the patient’s voice should be heard, yet this Welsh Government follows the pattern set by its predecessors in proposing changes that could be used to further Community Health Council compliance with Welsh Government policy.

 

“Community Health Councils had been protecting patients’ rights in the NHS for over 28 years when the UK Labour Government abolished the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales, and all English Community Health Councils, on 1 December 2003. To its credit, the Welsh Government kept them in Wales. However, to its discredit, it has sought to tame and control them ever since.

 

“Speaking here in April 2010, I stated that the Welsh Government had compromised the patient’s voice through a micromanaged reorganisation of Community Health Councils. The then Minister for Health’s dismissal of concerns raised by Community Health Councils left them feeling ‘frustrated, disappointed and downright angry’. At the time, Community Health Councils in North Wales advised that the Minister’s changes would seriously inhibit the ability of Community Health Councils to represent patients and scrutinise local NHS services.

 

“To add insult to injury, the last Welsh Government, under this First Minister, scrapped the Independent Review forming the second stage of the complaints procedure, which ensured that complaints made by patients and relatives could be scrutinised properly.”

 

He added: “Presumably, failure to achieve Community Health Council compliance has led to the Welsh Government proposals now that could be used to bring them further into line. We seek assurances, but we also seek concrete measures to ensure that that cannot be the case.”

Special event could boost Cittaslow project

A special open-air event could be staged in the town centre this May to raise awareness of Llangollen’s bid for Cittaslow status.

This was one of the ideas discussed at the latest meeting of the working group spearheading the bid to gain the accreditation, which could bring major benefits to the area.

Cittaslow grew out of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in Italy to encourage people to use local businesses and delight in local produce.

Now it is a worldwide organisation and is a demonstration that a community is serious about sustainability – economic, social and environmental.

Last year (2012) the town council decided that Cittaslow embodied many of the things that the council was trying to achieve with its Town Plan and decided to set up the working group to aim to become a Cittaslow town.

The group, which meets monthly at the Town Hall, consists of four councillors and representatives from a wide range of community associations. including llanblogger.

At the latest meeting, on March 26, respresentatives of the various disciplines involved in the bid gave a summary of progress made over the past month.

One suggestion which drew unanimous support from members was for a special Cittaslow awareness day to be held, possibly on the Royal Gardens, on a date yet to be arranged in May.

This would feature a display of what Cittaslow and the Slow Food movement is all about and it is envisaged that other local groups, such as Friends of the Earth and the local gardening club will also be represented.

It was also suggested that Llangollen Silver Band could be invited to play and that a face-painter should be on hand to entertain youngsters.

Town clerk Gareth Thomas agreed to do some initial work on the idea, reporting back to the group next month.

Other ways of publicising the Cittaslow bid and its benefits were discussed, including using the noticeboard at the front of the Town Hall in Castle Street for displays and posters being placed in shop windows.

The possibility of involving the UCLAN centre – formerly the Youth Hostel – in Llangollen in the bid initiative was also suggested.

For anyone wishing to get in touch, the working group now has its own dedicated email address, which is slowfoodllangollen@gmail.com     

To find out more about Cittaslow in the UK and worldwide please see www.cittaslow.org.uk

Llan motorist highlights snow danger in Trevor

Council should act says professional driver

 

* Many of the pavements through Trevor are still blocked by snow.

 

A professional driver has highlighted what he claims are the dangerous road conditions left on the main through Trevor in the aftermath of last weekend’s heavy snowfall.

The man, who does not wish to be named, says he was heading home through the village on Saturday night when he almost hit a family forced to walk along the carriageway because the pavements on both sides were still blocked by snow

He said: “It was a father pushing a pram with other children walking alongside him near the Aussie Rooster pub.

“They were wearing dark clothing so I only spotted them at the very last minute and managed to steer around them.

“It was so lucky I didn’t hit them.

“It wasn’t their fault they were having to walk in the road. The pavements on either side were still completely blocked by deep snow so they had to make their way down the carriageway.”

The driver added: “The council in Denbighshire has done a great job clearing the roads and pavements in and around Llangollen but Trevor is the responsibility of Wrexham Council which obviously doesn’t consider making the pavements safe for pedestrians a priority.

“This is a very dangerous situation and Wrexham should do something about it before someone is hurt.” 

Noah follows in Pavarotti's footsteps

* Noah Stewart is to appear at the eisteddfod in July.

The first black musician to top the British classical music charts is following in the footsteps of one of his all-time heroes.

Top tenor Noah Stewart will be performing at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod where opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti launched himself on the world stage.

Noah, who was born to a single mum in Harlem, New York, arrived  on British shores a little over two years ago after been signed up to play the role of Lt B F Pinkerton in Puccini’s Madame Butterfly for Northern Opera.

Noah was fascinated to learn of Pavarotti’s love affair with the international festival of music and dance in the picturesque town of Llangollen.

When the chance came emulate the famous Italian tenor, he was determined to seize the opportunity with both hands.

He said: “I learnt that Pavarotti actually competed at Llangollen. My career has followed a similar path in many ways as, like Pavarotti, I too entered and won, a singing competition, although I was only 12.

“But it was how I started in music. It gave me the first clue that I might have a career doing what I love most, singing. There have been tough and difficult times getting to where I am today but in truth I suppose I haven’t done too badly for a black kid from Harlem.”

Noah is devoted to his single mother, Patricia, who fought hard to put food on the table and raise him and his sister, Belinda, the right way.

He said: “New York is the greatest city in the world as far as I am concerned and Harlem is such a special neighbourhood. I know Harlem has a reputation, undeserved, but there all the same, as being a tough desperately poor place where black people lived.

“But what people don’t realise is that Harlem has changed so much. In fact there are now more white people than blacks living in Harlem. It’s actually become quite a fashionable area in which to settle.

“But going back a few years Harlem was the centre of a kind of renaissance with many influential black musicians, writers and artists arriving from across America and Europe.”

Noah is fiercely protective of Harlem and its residents and says, growing up the area was, if anything, simply overflowing with love.

He said: “Don’t believe the hype that the district was nothing more than a crime-ridden ghetto. That just isn’t true; sure there are rough areas but you get rough areas anywhere.

“We never had a great deal of money but mum used to say being poor had nothing to do with how much money you did or didn’t have because you could be rich in love and knowledge.”

Noah was drawn to classical music as a child despite the fact that, being from New Orleans, his mum often played jazz, gospel and creole around the Stewart home.

He said: “I just found classical music different, it had a sort of richness to it and I always wanted to hear more. Sure, I played basketball, soccer and all the other stuff but mum didn’t want me out hanging around the streets at night so I listened to music instead.

“I really believe young people can lead better lives if they are exposed to the arts whether its poetry, literature, music, painting or some other form.

 “The first time I actually listened to an opera, that was it, I was hooked. I just wanted to sing like that. Of course it was far more fashionable to aspire to be a pop singer but I knew that wasn’t for me. Others were better at that sort of music than me.

“I wanted to sing in Latin, Italian, French and German and I wanted to work on my voice, to set it free. In a way opera is like some sports such as archery or tennis, it’s about perfection and about being precise and accurate.

“Of course there were not many opera singers from Harlem and in a strange way that drew me to the art form, despite people telling me if I wanted to become rich then opera wasn’t the way forward. And they were right about that!

“But opera meant I could use the full range of my voice allowing me to explore and use its full colour. After I won the singing competition I enrolled in LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts and I used to watch recordings every day before classes started.

"During that time I sang back-up vocals for various pop acts such as Hootie and the Blowfish and Mariah Carey, all good experience."

Winning a scholarship to the Big Apple’s prestigious Juilliard School of Music was the next piece in Noah’s operatic jigsaw.

After graduating he took a year or so out taking odd jobs and even working as a receptionist at Carnegie Hall before winning a place on the Adler Programme at San Francisco Opera.

It was in California that he got his big break, singing the role of Macduff in Verdi’s Macbeth to rave reviews despite taking to the stage with just 15 minutes’ notice.

Since then Noah admits life has been something of a whirlwind as he’s travelled the world starring in operas and performing to ever growing audiences.

And, last year, his début album, Noah, topped the British Classical Music Charts.

He said: “My biggest fan is my own mum. She retired not so long ago after 44 years working at the food store check-out. She gave up so much to help me along the musical path I’m on.

“I owe my career to her and everyone who has helped and inspired me, such as Luciano Pavarotti. And when I appear at Llangollen International Music Eistedffod I’ll be following in his footsteps and that really excites me.”  

Noah will be performing in concert on Wednesday, July 10, with former Royal harpist Claire Jones and percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

Among the other stars t 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.

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

 

Trains steam through the snow at Llan Railway

 

Volunteers' massive effort to clear the line

 

 

 

* The loco takes on water at Llangollen (above) and on arrival at Carrog (below).

 

A herculean effort by volunteers over the past few days has enabled trains to start running again on the Llangollen Railway.

Railway spokesman George Jones said: "All the hard work to clear snow from stations and junctions, as well as some 24 fallen trees, paid dividends on Friday when steam train services to Carrog resumed.

 

"The GWR Pannier tank No.6430 provided the two-hourly service and took passengers into a winter wonderland down the Dee Valley, the snowfield at Llantysilio being especially noteworthy for its almost alpine-like scenery.

 

"Train services continue over the weekend with an hourly service, although modified from the published timetable to be alternatively provided by one steam train and one diesel railcar.

 

"It is to be hoped that although a thaw has set in, the snow will remain in most places to provide the wintery scenes which people enjoyed on Friday."

Full steam ahead for Anything Goes

* From left: Stephanie Cottam (Bonnie), Dani Chamberlain (Hope Harcourt)
and Louisa Jones (Reno Sweeney).



* Cast members rehearse for Anything Goes.

Rehearsals are now steaming ahead for Llangollen Operatic Society’s production of  Cole Porter's Anything Goes which will be performed April 16-20 in the Town Hall.

Set on board an ocean liner bound for England in the 1930s, this lively, witty musical tells the story of stowaway Billy Crocker who, aided by a glamorous evangelist turned nightclub singer and a New York gangster, sets out on a mission to get his girl before she marries an ageing English gentleman.

This show has everything from comedy to romance, poignant solos and rousing chorus numbers guaranteed to have your toes tapping.

Porter’s jazzy score is a triumph and recognisable songs include I Get a Kick Out of You, Blow Gabriel Blow and the title number Anything Goes.   

Tickets are priced £9 and £7.50 (concessions) and are on sale now from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Jades Hair & Beauty or for telephone bookings call Stella Bond on 01978 860441. 

The society is also offering local companies or individuals the opportunity to sponsor one of the five performances.

For just £100, sponsors will receive tickets for front row balcony seats for four people, a drink each from the bar and programmes.

They will also have the chance to display and distribute their marketing material during the evening.

If you or your company would be interested, ontact Louisa Jones on 07989 986644, or e-mail louisa.jones@live.com.

"We don't need thrill-seekers" say police

As the Easter holidays approach police are advising visitors to North Wales to ensure they take sensible precautions and not to go on off-road trails ‘in search of thrills.’

Chief Inspector David Roome said: “We recognise that people will be travelling over the Easter weekend and many visitors will be coming to North Wales, so we are keen to emphasise that everyone visiting the area should be prepared for the weather conditions.”

 

The main routes are mostly now clear, but minor roads are still hazardous and temperatures are expected to remain around freezing.

 

“We don’t expect conditions to improve for several days so we want to advise people to plan their route properly, allow plenty of time for journeys and to make sure they are well equipped,” said CI Roome, adding that all the highways departments are working extremely hard to ensure that as many roads as possible are cleared.

 

“Everyone is working together to resolve the all the issues as quickly as possible.”

 

Police are also reiterating the message that people should keep checking on vulnerable neighbours, especially in remote rural areas.

 

“Some people have not been out for over a week. Their supplies may be running low and they may have health issues. If you have concerns about people in isolated areas please check on them, or contact the relevant authority. We ask that you look after yourselves and your neighbours.”

 

Police says the Horseshoe Pass will remain closed throughout the Easter period.

 

The A543 remains closed over the Denbigh Moors as does the A494 at Loggerheads and the B4500 from Llanarmon to Llanrhaeadr.

Warm praise for council's snowbusters

The Leader, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council and Cabinet Member have all paid tribute to the teams of staff, contractors for their tireless efforts in dealing with the prolonged wintry conditions as they prepare to work on into the Easter weekend. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the tireless work of our teams and contractors who have been working round the clock since the snow fell. I would also like to thank those people who have also offered their help to clear the snow, which has cut off many parts of the south of the county.

 "Our staff have told us that this weather event has been exceptional and it is fair to say our resources have been stretched but I am proud of how the teams have pulled together and we can see progress being made every day and I commend their efforts."
"The strong winds have caused major drifting and teams are still working with local contractors around the clock to try and clear these roads. This has proved difficult, particularly on higher routes, as the strong breeze has seen snow drifting back on roads which have been cleared. "

Chief Executive, Mohammed Mehmet, said: "I am very proud of our staff who have worked in terrible conditions to try and keep us safe. Many roads have been blocked hedge to hedge. It has been a really testing time and my thanks go to all the teams and contractors but also to colleagues in many other departments who have rallied together to assist with the efforts.

"We have also worked closely with colleagues from a number of other agencies to respond to this on-going situation and we will continue to deploy our resources to get the situation back to normal as quickly as possible. We are aware there are now increasing welfare issues for both residents and animals and we are looking to provide assistance to those who need it."

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "Many of our highways staff say these have been the worst conditions they have experienced. "Our gritting and ploughing teams are doing great work and I would also like to pay tribute to the contractors that have been assisting us. We would like to reassure residents that we are doing our utmost to clear the roads and to get things moving again - and we are making progress despite any news of a thaw in the coming days.

"We would like to thank the public for their understanding. We have seen examples of where communities have really pulled together to help each other - even in these difficult circumstances it's great to see community spirit alive and kicking and I would urge people to keep an eye on their elderly or vulnerable neighbours at this time."

Body found at foot of aqueduct

The Leader is reporting this morning that a body has been found at the foot of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Emergency services were called to the aqueduct in Trevor at 5.30pm yesterday.

See the full story at:

http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/121244/body-found-at-foot-of-pontcysyllte-aqueduct.aspx

Snow keeps Plas Newydd shut over Easter

* Snow will keep Plas Newydd closed over Easter.

Plas Newydd in Llangollen, home of ‘The Ladies’ will now be closed to the public during the Easter weekend.

Originally due to open on Good Friday, recent severe weather conditions have caused serious damage to trees and property on the site and despite the efforts of contractors, staff and volunteers it is currently unsafe to receive public visits.

Manager Sam Williams said ‘Llangollen was severely hit by the recent harsh weather conditions and although things are gradually returning to normal in the town we have had to take the decision to remain closed at Plas Newydd this weekend. A large number of damaged trees are still classified as unsafe and contractors have been unable to reach many of them in the snow.

We have work ongoing to clear the site and make it safe and we intend to open to the public in a weeks’ time.

The house, gardens and tea rooms will re-open on Friday April 5^th, 10am – 5pm and remain open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) until the end of September.

Our other properties Nantclwyd Y Dre in Ruthin and Ruthin Gaol will open as usual on Good Friday and we have a family egg-hunt taking place at Nantclwyd Y Dre on Easter Saturday

For more information please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage  or call Denbighshire Heritage Service on 01824 708274 / 708259.

Llangollen Railway man speaks to the BBC

George Jones of Llangollen Railway Trust (pictured below) has taken part in a special BBC Radio Wales news item marking the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report, which led to the closure of the town's mainline station in the 1960s.

Mr Jones talked about the 1970s re-birth of the station and the heritage railway's plans for the future.

"We are still attempting to get through to Corwen and have a 10 mile town-to-town railway through what is really the most scenic part of the Dee Valley.”

The item was aired just before 9am today (Wednesday) is can be seen on the BBC website at:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21947552

 

 

Latest snow update from county council

* A snow blower in action on a minor county road.

Snow update 27 March as at 3.45pm

Work to clear the snow is continuing today and good progress is now being made on the smaller roads but many of these are blocked from hedge to hedge.
 
In some areas though, drifts are still reforming over roads that have been cleared and so access is with 4x4s only - it is still a constantly shifting picture at the moment. Every available resource is being used and 30 highways crews and contractors will be working into the Easter weekend to continue the clearance work.

Teams of staff have been deployed to clear the town centres at Llangollen and Corwen in time for the Easter weekend and good progress is being made here too.

There are concerns however, that there is a large amount of snow on the roofs that could come down at any minute posing a risk to anyone underneath so extra care is needed in these areas (some sections of the streets have been cordoned off to protect the public). There is also a risk to fittings such as guttering.
The council is reminding people with any immediate and urgent welfare issues to contact Denbighshire's Customer Service Centre on 01824 706100 (Welsh) or 01824 706101 (English).

The council has have been receiving help from other organisations such as British Red Cross to assist people who are still snowbound. 

Council announces Easter recycling plans

Denbighshire County Council is reminding householders today that recycling and refuse collections will take place on the usual day over Easter.

Collection teams will be out working as normal on both the Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays.  In addition, the three manned Recycling Parks at Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin will be open throughout the Easter weekend.

With the clocks going forward on the night of Sunday 31^st March, the Recycling Parks will switch to the extended summer opening hours from Easter Monday (more details at denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling). 

The recent heavy snowfalls have affected recycling and refuse services to many residents, particularly those in the south of Denbighshire.

The council says it wishes to apologise for any inconvenience and assures householders that it is attempting to make collections wherever it is safe to do so.  With Denbighshire unlikely to see a rise in temperatures before the Easter weekend there is still a risk of disruption to services over Easter, according to the council.

However, where collections are missed due to snow the council says it will collect additional recycling or refuse if it is set out on the next due collection date.

AM praises search and rescue team members

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has praised North East Wales Search and  Rescue Team (NEWSAR) for their “incredible commitment’ during the recent heavy snow fall in North Wales.

 

Over the weekend, NEWSAR was called to a remote farm on the Horseshoe Pass above Llangollen to rescue an elderly couple who has collapsed from carbon monoxide poisoning after by fumes from their emergency generator came into the house.   

 

Mr Isherwood, who met NEWSAR’s Deputy Team Leader, Chris Griffiths, at their base on the Kingswood Outdoor Education Centre at Loggerheads, near Mold, on Tuesday,  said the way in which the volunteer team has dealt with the increased number of call outs due to the heavy snow fall is extremely commendable.

 

He said: "North East Wales Search and Rescue are owed a particular debt of gratitude for their incredible commitment and for the long hours they have worked during this period of heavy snow fall. Although they normally receive about 60-70 requests for their services each year, they have received some 20 calls over the last weekend alone. This is all the more incredible given that they are all volunteers and that almost all their funding comes from their own fundraising efforts.”

 

NEWSAR covers an area of 1,126 square miles (2,918 square kilometres) comprising the counties of Flintshire, Denbighshire, Wrexham and parts of Conwy , Powys, Wirral and Cheshire . The team also responds to calls from West Mercia Police in Shropshire and Cheshire Police in Cheshire.

Mountain rescue teams are on standby 24/7, 365 days a year, whatever the conditions, with fast response times helping those in difficult to access areas.

 

Mr Isherwood added: “The teams in North Wales, North East Wales Search and Rescue and Ogwen Mountain Rescue,  have been pushing the boundaries of mountain rescue for a long time, supporting the Emergency Service response at incidents such as the recent heavy snow falls, the St Asaph floods and the search for April Jones in Machynlleth. However, teams across Wales share just £13,000 Welsh Government funding, which is only £1,000 per team, which contrasts with the £312,000  Scottish Government funding for the teams there, equivalent to £11,500 each.”     

 

Horseshoe Pass rescue drama

The Leader is reporting today how rescue workers battled for hours to reach an elderly couple who had been poisoned by carbon monoxide at their remote farm on the Horseshoe Pass.

See the full story at http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/121172/couple-poisoned-in-farm-snow-drift.aspx  

Railway battles to be open in time for Friday

 

 

* The scene at Llangollen station on Tuesday as work got underway to clear the station driveway of snow.

Heavy snow fall in the Dee Valley has presented the Llangollen Railway with a major challenge to be back in operation by Good Friday.

 

The snowfall last Friday and Saturday caused train services to be suspended over the weekend and no trains have been able to run so far this week when daily train services were scheduled for the school holiday period.

 

With platforms and the railway track piled high with snow in places the need to begin clearance work is being tackled by full time railway staff and volunteers starting at Llangollen station.

 

George Jones, for Llangollen Railway, said: "With no thaw in sight the need is for spade work to clear the public access to stations and platforms, as well as to clear the points and lineside mechanical equipment to allow trains to operate.

 

"The depth of the snow in places has not been seen for many years and it will require a tremendous effort to reopen the line in time for Easter.

 

"If we do succeed in running steam trains along the line to Carrog it is likely visitors to the Railway will have a momentous trip into a winter wonderland where near alpine conditions exist in this part of North Wales."