Silver Band plays at church's carol concert

* Fresh from a successful appearance at a similar occasion in Chirk Castle earlier in the day, Llangollen Silver Band played at a carol concert in Llangollen Methodist Church yesterday (Sunday) evening. 

Plans submitted for Chirk station disabled bridge

The BBC is reporting today that work could start on a £1.4m disabled access footbridge and ramp at Chirk railway station could begin in January.

See the full story at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25368285

MP promotes "Justice for Robert" Bill

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones is promoting a new Bill in Parliament which would mean a review of sentencing for serious driving offences.

The proposed legislation stems directly from Ms Jones’s long-standing interest in the case of nine-year-old Robert Gaunt of Overton who died after being knocked down by a car on the road near his home in 2009.

The car driver was jailed for 22 months and banned from driving for four years after he admitted perverting the course of justice.

Claiming they had been “let down” by the justice system, Robert’s family began a campaign for a change to the law, which has been backed by Ms Jones (pictured right).

In the summer of 2011, she raised the issue in Parliament and called for the law to be toughened but the Government Minister responsible told her there were are no plans to bring in what he described as ‘tinkering legislation’.

Now, the MP has revealed that she is bringing a Bill before Parliament on January 8 next year which will effectively be “Justice for Robert”.  

She said: “The formal title of the Bill is Driving Offences (Review of Sentencing Guidelines).

“The formal description is ‘That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the maximum penalties for driving offences leading to death and serious injury; and for connected purposes’.

“My Bill calls for a review to be made of what the guidelines are on sentencing, i.e. what the maximum penalties are for various driving offences.

“For too long those who commit serious driving offences have been received overly lenient sentences. A review must be made of the maximum penalties in order to get justice for those families torn apart by these terrible offences.”

She added: “I am very pleased to say that the Labour Party front bench have given their support to this Bill and I very much hope that the Government will do so as well.” 

Group honoured for its community efforts

* The award being presented to John Gambles by Councillor

Huw Jones (right) Shep Evans (Cymdeithas member)  

and AONB Officer Howard Sutcliffe, and t(o the right)

Joy Roberts (Cymdeithas member).

A community group in Llantysilio has been recognised by the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team for successfully establishing a community centre for the village. 

The AONB Award for 2013 has been given to Cymdeithas y Cwm, a voluntary group which was founded in the early 1980s when the two village pubs, The Sun and The Conquering Hero were both, at that time, closed down.  

Cymdeithas y Cwm was soon established with an annual programme of events that included a horticultural show and fete, bonfire and fireworks and a Christmas party for the whole village.

In 1997 the charity was successful in gaining the support of the National Lottery Charities Board to buy and convert The Conquering Hero or The Conq (as it is known locally) into a community centre for the village, and it has since hosted numerous events including weekly youth club, evening classes, community council and committee meetings, Llantysilio Diners Club, and children’s parties.  The charity continues to be committed to maintaining the facilities at Llantysilio Green for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area. They also offer an employment opportunity and affordable accommodation to local people and support local businesses wherever possible.  Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Officer,  Howard Sutcliffe said:  “The communities of the Clwydian Range& Dee Valley AONB are a fundamental part of our outstanding landscape and the work and efforts that have taken place in Llantysilio to provide a community centre for the benefit  all of the communities  is inspirational. The Award is very well deserved."

Councillor Huw Jones, Vice Chair of the Interim Joint Advisory Committee, said he was very proud that the communities of the Dee Valley had won the award this year; the group had shown real leadership in partnership work within the AONB.

On receiving the award on behalf of the group, John Gambles said: “We all enjoy living in such a beautiful and welcoming place and Cymdeithas has over the years enjoyed trying to add to this. We are surprised but delighted to receive this Award from the AONB on behalf of all of people who have contributed to Cymdeithas over the last 30 years; it is also a chance to thank Denbighshire County Council for the support they have given us."

Silver Band holds Christmas gala concert tonight

Llangollen Silver Band's annual Christmas Gala Concert, which is now in its fifth year, will be held at the Town Hall this evening (Friday), starting at 7pm.

* A young band member practices for the concert.

Described as a real traditional celebration of Christmas, the evening will see the Senior Band playing seasonal tunes and there will be sing-a-long carols with word sheets are provided.

The gala will showcase not only the Christmas programme that the senior and youth bands have been working very hard on, but also the varied musical talents of the band’s players both young and old.

Pick up a ticket for just £5 from Honeypots, the Town Council office in Parade Street, or from any band member.

The cost of the ticket includes a mince pie, a glass of mulled wine and a generous helping of Christmas spirit.                                                       

Council seeks views on housing issues

Denbighshire County Council is inviting people to help shape the future of housing and housing related services in the county.  The council is currently consulting on its draft Local Housing Strategy and needs feedback. Housing faces some significant challenges over the coming years.  The council says it needs to: ·        Encourage economic and housing growth ·        Mitigating the impact of Welfare Reform and the increased demand for services ·        Promote and increase availability in the private rented housing sector ·        Addressing the high levels of deprivation in areas such as Rhyl West and Upper Denbigh and Henllan.  It is important that the council receives input from key partners and the community, to ensure the housing strategy is robust, realistic and meets these challenges.  Please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/consultation where you will find a copy of the strategy or paper copies can be provided on request by phoning 01824 712282.

Latest from the chamber of trade and tourism

Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism has submitted the following report from its latest meeting:

At the December meeting the members were pleased to hear that a number of businesses had decided to join the Chamber since the last meeting.

Membership has now nearly doubled since the summer and businesses recognise the benefits of membership - networking with other businesses; business support and advice; free training opportunities; preferential advertising; co-ordinated town activities; advance notice of events; page on www.llangollen.org website; representing your views to help make Llangollen a successful town.

County Cllr Stuart Davies was invited to attend the meeting to bring members up to date on a number of County Council issues. He explained that reductions in the amount of money the County receives from the Welsh Government together with other factors would result in savings of between 6% and 8% having to be made over the next few years.

The County Council would be considering efficiency savings in many areas to offset reductions in services but the size of the reductions would inevitably mean a significant impact on some non-statutory services.

However, in acknowledging that Llangollen has insufficient parking spaces in the town, especially in the summer months and when major events are being held, the County is investigating options to double the existing number of spaces over the next two years.

This will include plans to reduce some of the recycling facilities and removing the existing garages in Market Street car park; making more use of the car park at Ysgol Dinas Bran; extending car park provision at the Pavilion; utilising the car parks at the proposed new Health Centre; and investigating the site at Wenffrwd as a Park & Ride facility. It is likely that a consultation exercise will be carried out prior to any of these projects.

Following complaints about 'A' boards blocking pavements across the County, not just in Llangollen, there is to be a protocol established so that everyone will know what will and what will not be permitted. As a result of some unhelpful and speedy reaction in removing advertising signs for the Food Festival without warning a meeting was held with the County's Street Scene Coordinator for the Dee Valley. This proved very useful and agreement has now been reached about locations where such signs can be located in future.

The signs will also be used in future for the International Eisteddfod, Fringe Festival, Food Festival and Christmas Festival.

Cllr Davies also informed the meeting that the County Council has prepared a Town Plan for Llangollen/Llantysilio and is available for inspection on the County Council's website. Any future major projects for the town will be included in the Town Plan.

A formal letter objecting to the proposal to close the HSBC bank in Llangollen has been sent to the Group Chief Executive of HSBC as many members will be very much inconvenienced and subject to security concerns as a result of the closure. The Chair has held a meeting with Barclays Bank who say they are happy to assist any business in transferring accounts to their branch. Business accounts would be fee free for 6 months and Community accounts would be operated on a free basis as long as they were in credit.

The website is in the final stages of being re-written and the Events Diary is available to anyone wanting to advertise their events in Llangollen.

Some issues which hopefully will attract more visitors to the town - two members recently attended the Denbighshire Tourism Forum and said that good progress is being made to produce a Denbighshire Destination Plan which is anticipated to receive formal approval by the County Council in March.

Also an article is to be placed in Country Walking magazine next year after representatives spent two days here walking in the area. Contact is to be made with the Radio 4 programme on Rambling and the Times Travel Supplement in order to persuade them to do a programme/article based on Llangollen.

It is anticipated that the long awaited arrival of trains in Corwen will take place in March next year with a passenger service operational by Easter.

* The next meeting of the Chamber will be on Monday 6th January 2014 at 7.00pm in the Hand Hotel. At that meeting the priorities for the Chamber for 2014 will be discussed.

Winners of Christmas card contest unveiled

* Ken Skates AM and Susan Elan Jones MP meet

competition winner, Sam Jones.

CLWYD South AM Ken Skates and MP Susan Elan Jones have congratulated the six-year-old schoolboy who won their annual Christmas card competition.

The Labour politicians met Sam Jones from Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy in Cynwyd on Friday (December 6), whose festive design was chosen by the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones as his favourite from more than 100 entries.

 

Mr Skates said: “Sam’s colourful Christmas tree was just what we were looking for and will be the main image on the cards we will send out to hundreds of constituents, businesses, schools and voluntary groups across the constituency.

 

“The competition was open to pupils of all junior schools in Clwyd South and such was the quality of the entries it wasn’t easy choice for the First Minister, so he has also chosen three runners-up whose designs will also feature on our card.

 

“We had more brilliant entries than ever this year so I’d like to say a big thank you to all the children who took part and the teachers who encouraged them.”

 

The runners-up were Harvey Arleinstall from Johnstown Junior School, Crystal Adlington-Jones from Cefn Mawr County Primary School and Finlay McLellan from Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen.

 

Ms Jones said: “The Christmas card competition is a fun way for us to engage with local schoolchildren and it is fantastic that so many have taken part. This year we have yet again received a wonderful selection of amazingly creative entries.

 

“I really enjoyed meeting Sam and congratulating him personally. Well done also so Harvey, Crystal and Finlay, who would all have been very worthy winners. They have done themselves and their schools proud.”

Take extra care during firefighters' strike

The Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public across the region to ‘take extra care’ at home and on the roads following the Fire Brigades Union’s announcement that firefighters in England and Wales will take further industrial action on Friday 13th December between 6.00pm and 10.00pm and Saturday 14th December between 6pm and 10pm.

Chief Fire Officer, Simon Smith, stressed: “Attention to fire safety in the home and road safety is of paramount importance, but even more so during these times.

“The Fire Brigades Union has chosen to strike at times of the day when the risk to people’s safety is inherently more significant - on a Friday and Saturday evening, people are likely to be out socialising and drinking or cooking at home entertaining family and friends.

“Of particular concern to us at this time of year of course is the likelihood that people will be out celebrating in the run up to Christmas which again increases the risk to safety.”

“I am therefore urging people to be extra vigilant think more carefully about the situations they may be putting themselves into. Historically these are times when calls to the fire and rescue service are at their peak and regrettably it is likely that during the strike period we won’t be able to respond as we normally would – prevention is best, so take these simple steps to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones;

• Ensure you have a smoke alarm and test that it is in working order
• Do not mix drinking and cooking – it’s a recipe for disaster. If you are hungry get a takeaway or make a sandwich. Do not get the chip pan out or leave cooking unattended
• Avoid any unnecessary journeys and pay particular attention to road safety  – if you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision we may not be able to get there to help you as quickly as we normally would
• Switch off any unused electrical appliances before you go to bed and close all doors – make sure you have an escape plan in the event of fire
• Ensure you extinguish smoking materials and take care with candles
• Get your chimney cleaned and use a fire guard on open fires
• If a fire does start - get out, stay out and call 999. Don’t be tempted to tackle a fire yourself

Safety advice and guidance for the public and businesses is available on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk and social network sites on Facebook www.facebook.com/Northwalesfireservice  and Twitter @NorthWalesFire  (#takeextracare), as well as through the local news.

Everyone likes to enjoy themselves in the run up to the festive period but members of the public are urged to keep safety in mind while celebrating by following follow the simple Christmas safety  tips which are also available on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website and social networking sites.

The number of firefighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service expected to make a protest by striking is high and will result in a reduction in the resources available. As a consequence, the fire and rescue service will not be able to provide the same high level of response as it normally would – it will continue to respond to emergency calls by prioritising the deployment of the available resources at its disposal and focussing on the protection of life

Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith reassured the public “North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has arrangements in place to continue to provide a service during strike action” but warned that, “because of the circumstances, services may be limited.”

“The Service’s business continuity arrangements will ensure a speedy and safe return to normal services on conclusion of any period of industrial action.”

Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies, Chairman of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Whilst we understand the concerns of staff which have led to their decision to make a protest in this way, we have a duty and an obligation to ensure that the provision of services remains as unaffected as reasonably practicable. This is a dispute between the Fire Brigade’s Union and the Government in England and Wales over proposed changes to pension arrangements. However our number one priority is to ensure public safety.”

Members of the public who may need to call the fire and rescue service regarding a non-urgent matter during a period of industrial action are requested to consider waiting until strike action ends to make that call.

Isherwood raises concerns over loss of tourism support

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has raised concerns in the Assembly this week that North Wales could lose millions in tourism support if proposed changes to the way funding is assessed are implemented.  

 

Calling for a Welsh Government Statement on tourism in North Wales, Mr Isherwood said it is feared that North Wales cold lose out to South Wales if the changes come into force.

 

Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, he said:  “I have received reference to a report from a tourism business leader in north Wales. The report is entitled ‘Measuring Tourism Demand at Local Authority Level in Wales: Official Statistics and STEAM’, which refers to indicative changes in the 2013-14 standard spending assessment. It suggests that Flintshire would lose £358,000, and north Wales millions in support, with the money going to south Wales authorities, despite the most economically deprived part of Wales, West Wales and the Valleys, including four of north Wales’ six counties - and despite almost one fifth of the population of Wales living within the most deprived wards in Wales being located in north Wales.”

 

The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths, replied: “There is a great deal of work going on around tourism right across Wales, not just in north Wales. Visit Wales has relaunched its travel trade approach, which focuses largely on international markets, and it continues to work very closely with Visit Britain internationally. There is a programme of PR and campaign activity, which I am sure will benefit north Wales.”

 

Mr Isherwood said later: “The Minister’s failure to address the concerns I raised can only reinforce fears that North Wales is to lose out to South Wales."

Ysgol Dinas Bran gets "Band 2" ranking in performance tables

Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen has achieved a Band 2 ranking in the latest Welsh Government performance tables published today, according to the BBC.

See the full story on the BBC news website at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25351074

* Commenting following the publication of this year’s school banding data, Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Minister said:

 

“No matter how schools in Wales have performed over the year, we already know that there will be a fixed amount of schools in each band.  That is too crude and simplistic a system.  Too often we are hearing of how parents are confused about why their children’s school has been re-banded despite the fact its results have stayed the same.

 

“In too many cases, the banding system and the results of Estyn inspections are at odds with each other and this creates uncertainty and instability within the sector.

 

“An Estyn report confirmed this week that there is still not an appropriate system in place to track individuals’ progress.  The Welsh Liberal Democrats believe that monitoring the performance of each individual pupil would be a far more effective way to raise standards, as then we could identify children who were not achieving their potential.  The Welsh Government could also monitor the performance of a school on the basis of how many of its pupils were meeting their individual targets.

 

“The outcome of the promised review of the current banding system must be one in which schools and consortia are absolutely clear about standards.”

 

 

Health board speaks out on future of two Llan landmarks

llanblogger exclusive

See reader comments at foot of story ...

 

 

* The health centre in Regent Street.

llanblogger has been given an insight into what the future might hold for two landmark buildings in the town.

The former Cottage Hospital in Abbey Road now lies empty after being closed amidst a storm of public protest last March.

The death knell was also sounded for the health centre in Abbey Road when plans were unveiled earlier this year to build a new £5.5 million replacement for it on the site of the old River Lodge on the A539.    

In view of local speculation about the fates of these two buildings, we asked the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), which owns then both, what plans it has for their disposal.

A BCUHB spokesperson said ¨We have received Welsh Government approval to dispose of the former Llangollen Hospital premises, and at the moment we are advertising its availability to other public sector organisations. 

“If none of our public sector partners have need of the site it will be placed on the open market. 

“Once the business case to develop the new primary care resource centre in Llangollen is approved we will follow a similar process for the health centre in Regent Street when services have moved from the building.”

Meanwhile, the 137-year-old hospital lies empty, boarded up and surrounded by security fencing.

A planning application for the new health centre was recently submitted to Denbighshire County Council.

·        We’d like to hear our readers’ views on what they believe should happen to either of these buildings. Let us know what you think by contacting us at: llanblogger@gmail.com  

* First comment has come in from Martin Crumpton, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, who says:

When the surgery on Regent street finally closes its door, it leaves behind one of most accessible buildings in Llangollen. Given its adjacency to the community hall and its access for disabled people – and most of all, parking, if that can be negotiated with the Church - it is ideal for a community drop-in centre (also known as a hub) for Keep Llangollen Special and other groups in the community. There is a need for, but a shortage of, free meeting places.

 

Regarding the Cottage Hospital, we think that Betsi Cadwalad should bear in mind the general well-being of Llangollen. If they find no takers in the public sector, they plan to place it on the market. We would suggest there’s something missing between the two; to see if the community could find a perfectly good use for it, perhaps a town cinema or a fitness centre now that it seems Plas Madoc is to be axed and maybe even offices for start-up businesses.

Martin Crumpton

* Second comment comes from Mike Edwards:

 Firstly I think the former hospital property should be made available to one of the local Housing Associations to provide Social Housing for the benefit of residents of Llangollen. Possibly a sheltered housing unit should be considered to assist older residents of Llangollen and the Dee Valley.

Secondly tend to I agree with Martin that the GP Surgery is worthy of consideration as a Business and Community Hub (BACH) if the former HSBC Bank building is not available. Whichever property is available to the Community it would need to be subjected to a thorough investigation and structural survey to assess it's suitability and viability for conversion to a hub facility. The cost of conversion and future running expenses would be assessed as part of a comprehensive Business Plan for the BACH based on the model of Glyn Wylfa, Chirk which is run by a Community Development Trust:

http://www.glynwylfa.co.uk

There are various sources of funding for these type of projects which normally attract the support of Welsh Government and relevant Local Authorities and it would be useful to hear what residents, businesses and everyone who have the best interests of Llangollen at heart.

Mike Edwards

County wants your views on Welsh language situation

The county council has commissioned an audit on the Welsh language situation in Denbighshire  communities and wants to hear ideas from people on how the language can be enhanced and promoted over the coming years.
 
The County Council has commissioned Sbectrwm to undertake the review and to consult with key individuals, organisations and institutions.

Three meetings, arranged in conjunction with Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych,  will be held on the following dates:

21 January 2014 - Corwen Sports Pavilion (7.00 p.m)
22 January 2014 - Scala Arts Centre, Prestatyn (7.00 p.m)
23 January 2014 - Denbigh Town Hall (7.00 p.m)

Hywyn Williams, Corporate Director - Communities, Denbighshire County Council, said:  "The Council commissionned the audit for a number of reasons.  The Welsh language is a subject of debate nationally and the proposed Welsh Language Standards are expected to come into effect in around a year's time.  There has been a decline in the number of Welsh speakers in the county, which reflects the national position and we are keen to see an increase by the next census.  The Council was also very eager to build on the interest in the Welsh language and culture following the tremendous success of the National Eisteddfod held in our county this year".

Cefin Campbell from Sbectrwm, said: "The main purpose of the meetings will be to consider the current state of the Welsh language in Denbighshire and invite ideas on how to revitalise the language in future. The intention is to look at many different sectors, for example – education, children and young people, Welsh learners, sports and leisure, business, planning, community activities and the use of Welsh in the workplace.

John Glyn Jones, Chairman of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych, said: "This is an open meeting for all those interested in the future of the language. Non-Welsh speakers are particularly welcome as there will be simultaneous translation facilities available on the evening to allow everyone to participate fully in the discussions.

"I hope that you will be able to attend one of the above meetings as your contribution to discussions on the language  and how we can further promote the Welsh language in our community would be greatly appreciated".

Please confirm your attendance by no later than 10 January 2014, by phoning Sbectrwm on 01558 668663 or Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych on 01745 812822. Or by e.mail to cefin@sbectrwm.com or ruth@menterdinbych.org 

Plas Madoc could face demolition

The BBC is reporting on its North East Wales news website this evening (Wednesday) that Wrexham's two main leisure centres, including Plas Madoc, could face demolition after councillors voted this afternoon to consider replacing them with a £12m complex near the town centre.

A council's scrutiny committee recommended closure after a report said maintaining them would cost £2m.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25298232

Plaid AM hits out over hospital downgrade plan

A Plaid Cymru politician has responded to revelations earlier today that the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is considering downgrading A&E facilities at one of the three general hospitals it runs in North Wales, which includes Wrexham Maelor.

 

Llyr Gruffydd said: “Talk of removing services from one  of the three A&E departments in North Wales will cause great concern in the community.

 

"Every month, more than 15,000 people attend A&E in Bangor, Bodelwyddan or Wrexham (https://statswales.wales.gov.uk/Catalogue/Health-and-Social-Care/NHS-Hospital-Waiting-Times/Accident-and-Emergency/PerformanceAgainst4HourWaitingTimesTarget-by-MajorHospital)  - to expect people to travel 30 miles or more to the next nearest one is dangerous and unreasonable.

 

“A study by Hallam University found that for every 10km additionally travelled there was an additional 1% mortality among patients with potentially life-threatening conditions (http://www.zen142533.zen.co.uk/SWATcontd/traumacentre_documents/Distance%20and%20Mortality%20in%20emerg%20EMJ2007.pdf).

 

Put simply, centralisation kills and for North Wales it will mean more people dying unnecessarily if they have to travel to another hospital.

 

 “In 2010-11 there was an emergency care review that took account of the region’s rural nature and decided three sites were sufficient. What has changed?

 

"We seem to be on a never-ending process of centralising services without being told what the end game is. Does the Labour government driving through these changes want to see one super-hospital in the north? Or do they want to transfer yet more health services to the Wirral?

 

“We’ve already seen too many health services from the north being moved across the border – is A&E the latest that will go? I will be seeking assurances from both the Health Minister and the health board that this is not the case. Plaid Cymru wants to improve our health service in North Wales and maintain specialist services rather than see it further downgraded.”

 

The North Wales Health Alliance first raised concerns about the possible removal of one A&E department in the north after it was openly discussed at a stakeholder meeting in July 2013.

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor, speaking on behalf of the NWHA, said: “Back in July we were horrified to hear plans being openly discussed to remove one of the three A&E departments.

 

"There was open talk about the possibility of Wrexham closing and patients travelling to the Wirral for A&E care. The health board publicly denied it was on the agenda but just six months later we find the health minister talking about the same removal of service.

 

“Behind closed doors, there  appears to be a master plan to centralise and reduce health services in the north because we’re an inconveniently rural region.

 

 “We’ve seen small community hospitals closed, additional pressure piled on the district general hospitals until they are at breaking point in terms of ambulances queuing up to discharge patients and now there is talk of downgrading them as well. 

 

 “We challenge Betsi Cadwaladr to come clean about their ultimate goal. Do they want just one big super hospital? Do they have a vision for improving our NHS? We would also question what Mark Drakeford’s ambition is for our health services - how much further does he expect us to travel to get treated?”

Operatic's Christmas Cracker goes with a bang

Llangollen Operatic Society’s Christmas Cracker event went with a real seasonal bang at the Town Hall last night (Tuesday).

Along with the complementary mince pies, a packed audience enjoyed every tasty morsel of festive entertainment which was served up, ranging from traditional carols and songs to a clever little playlet with a strong Christmas theme.

First to take the stage were members of the society’s talented travelling troupe who performed a couple of perfectly executed and joyous seasonal numbers.

Next on stage came Chrissie Ashworth with a neat slice of Scouse-flavoured fun in the shape of a passage about a school nativity play that goes hilariously wrong.

Then it was the turn of Helen Belton and Louisa Jones to harmonise over two exceptionally beautiful seasonal songs. 

They were followed by a group of youngsters from the society’s junior stage section, the Young ‘Uns, who presented a selection of Christmassy songs.

A clever reading on the theme of a young person's experience of Christmas was delightfully performed by Carys Stallard.

And a  couple of neat monologues, based on scenarios before and after Christmas, were skilfully delivered by Sue Price and Jeanette Robinson.

The first half of the show was brought neatly to an end by a tuneful trio headed by Chris Simms and including singer Beccy Evans who offered somne up-tempo versions of seasonal standards such as Jingle Bells.

A novel touch came in the second half when some of the society’s best-known performers, augmented by a few relative newcomers, put on a 20-minute play in which a couple of families warring over who has the best Christmas displays in their front gardens finally make peace over a big bowl of punch and some timely carols.

Chris Simms was back at the keyboard to lead a willing audience in yet another selection of carols and a rousing rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

All in all the evening provided the perfect start to the festive season.   

AM dons high heels to highlight violence against women

 

* Mark Isherwood AM wears high heels to highlight the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event.

 

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood donned a pair of high heels today to help raise awareness of Welsh Women’s Aid’s ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ event.

 

'Walk a Mile in Her Shoes' is an internationally recognised campaign that asks men the world over to take the challenge of walking one mile in high heeled shoes to help raise awareness of violence against women.

 

There is a wide range of men taking part this year, including a rugby team!

 

Mr Isherwood said: “By wearing the high heels today I think I proved that I am prepared to do anything to help a good cause! I was only in the heels for a very short time and found it difficult to walk in them, so I commend all those men who will be walking a mile, and Women’s Aid for coming up with such a fun way to get the community to talk about something that is often very difficult to discuss: gender relations and sexual  violence.”

 

For more information about the ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’, log on to walkamileinhershoes.org

Denbighshire school meals now officially best in UK

Denbighshire's School Meals service is the best in the UK - and that's official.

The service was chosen as Best Performer in the Education Catering category at the Association of Public Services Excellence (APSE) Awards held in Blackpool last Thursday.

Services from across the UK submitted Data and APSE then short-listed down to Bolton, Cheshire West, Clackmannanshire, East Renfrewshire, Hartlepool and Manchester City Councils before Denbighshire were proclaimed the winners.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "We take great pride in our school meals service as it consistently performs well in terms of the healthy, nutritious and balanced meals it offers to our children and young people.

"School meals take up is on the increase, as we have devised menus that are attractive to pupils, as well as giving parents peace of mind that their children are given plenty of choice of meals in schools.

"I would like to congratulate the whole team, from the management to all the catering staff in our schools on winning this prestigious industry award. This really shows the commitment and dedication to improving the service is paying dividends."

County appoints new social services boss

Denbighshire County Council has appointed Nicola Stubbins as its new Director of Social Services.
   
Nicola is currently Head of Service - Adult Safeguarding and Well-being for Blackpool Council and has experience in both adult and children's services.

She will replace Sally Ellis who is retiring from her role as Corporate Director and Statutory Director for Social Services.
   
Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Health and Well-being and who is also the Older Person's Champion, said: "We are delighted that an officer of Nicola's calibre will be joining us here in Denbighshire. She has a wealth of experience in the social services field and is well placed to continue the tremendous work carried out by Sally and the team over the years.
   
"We would like to formally welcome Nicola to Denbighshire and to thank Sally for her clear commitment, dedication and leadership in our efforts to protect vulnerable people in the county."
   
Nicola said: "I am truly and honestly thrilled to be joining Denbighshire County Council. The post of Director of Social Services is a great responsibility but this is also an exciting opportunity to be part of a successful team".

Lessons must be learned from health board's failings, says AMs report

Health authorities across Wales must learn lessons from failings at the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, assembly members have warned.

Some senior managers at the board, the biggest in Wales, have already stepped down after an earlier  critical report.

In its latest report, which has just been published, the powerful assembly's public accounts committee says the new leadership now faces a "huge task".

* The Party of Wales AM Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales, said: “This damning report highlights serious concerns over the breakdown of the relationship between the Health Board, its staff and the Welsh Government. In particular, there was a failure to properly hold Health Board leaders to account.

 

“The committee concluded that, had the Welsh Government properly monitored the Health Board, then problems could have been identified earlier. The laissez faire attitude of the Welsh Government towards our health service is unacceptable, and this report demonstrates that patients have suffered as a result.”

* See the full story on the BBC North East Wales website at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25305585

Tragedy in Fron

The BBC's North East Wales news website is reporting this evening (Thursday) that a three-year-old boy has died in hospital after he was found in a garden pond in Froncysllte.

See the full story at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24865177

Operatic presents its Christmas show

Llangollen Operatic Society will present its big festive show at the Town Hall tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.

A Christmas Cracker is a selection of seasonal songs and short sketches.

It starts at 7.30pm and tickets at £6 are available from Gwynn 's Butchers and the Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street and also on the door on the night.

Trains services in Wales "lagging behind" says report

Train services in Wales are lagging behind those elsewhere in the UK, according to a report highlighted today on the BBC's North East Wales news website.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25297609

Closure of Plas Madoc leisure centre proposed

* Plas Madoc leisure centre ... proposed for closure.

The closure of Plas Madoc leisure centre, which is used by many people from Llangollen, is proposed in a report by consultants due to go before a Wrexham Council scrutiny committee on Wednesday.

To see the full report go to:

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/MinutesData/HomesEnvCom/Reports/haed5913s.pdf

RAF flies in to help tidy Plas Newydd grounds

 

 

* RAF volunteers at work in the stream.

 

* Part of the RAF team zeros in on a little burning.

The Royal Air Force flew in to help give the grounds of Plas Newydd a winter makeover at the weekend.

Around a dozen volunteers sortied out from RAF Shawbury on Saturday and Sunday to attack a variety of tasks including tidying up the stream and burning excess foliage.

Heritage team leader for Denbighshire County Council, Kevin Pennington, said: "'We are really grateful for their help, it is a busy time of year for our gardener, keeping our site well maintained and attractive for visitors and the people of Llangollen to enjoy.
   "The impact of this extra help will be really beneficial in looking after our beautiful site.".

Red sky at night ...

The other day llanblogger brought you a picture showing a striking red sky at morning.

Now we've just captured a photograph of red sky at night over Regent Street in Llan.

HSBC closure – "Broken Promises"

llanblogger has received the following letter about the closure of the town's HSBC bank:

A report by Aled Blake on WalesOnline on 17th March 2010, when Rachel Thomas was appointed as Regional Director for Wales states: 'Ms Thomas, who will have the job of expanding HSBC’s presence here, said: 'HSBC’s commitment to Wales is clear. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been laid by my colleagues.

 

'Wales continues to be a key business area for HSBC, we employ more than 2,700 people in the region and have the highest market share compared with any area in the UK. My intention is to carry forward our distinguished  history, good customer service and grow business in Wales.'

 

Since then she has closed several branches in North and Mid Wales and appears to have ignored her job description. What I can’t understand is why she has been allowed to get away with it by her bosses.

 

HSBC owe the people of Llangollen a debt of gratitude for their loyalty to the bank in all its guises over the last 150 years, from its beginnings as the North and South Wales Bank, Midland and HSBC.

 

It also needs to recognise that Llangollen is an important international town with a vibrant community that does not deserve the way it has been treated. The speed with which this decision has been made and the disregard for loyal customers beggars belief, and as a former employee of the Midland Bank, leaves me saddened and disillusioned.

 

Gill Thomas

 

Skates pledges to keep up the HSBC fight

 

* The HSBC Bank in Bridge Street which is earmarked for closure.

 

CLWYD South Assembly Member Ken Skates has vowed to continue fighting for ‘the best deal possible’ for bank users in Llangollen after HSBC announced it will close the town’s branch in February. 

 

Labour AM Mr Skates and North Wales AM Mark Isherwood met the company’s regional director in Cardiff on Thursday (December 5) to highlight constituents’ concerns over the axing of the branch, which HSBC says has one of the lowest usage rates of its 1,100 in the UK. 

 

Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “It was a useful meeting and I was glad to have the opportunity to stress to the bank just how many people will be affected by its decision. HSBC is refusing to budge on its plans to close the branch, but I will continue to fight for the best deal possible for my constituents. 

 

“I have asked the company to consider keeping a cashpoint for its loyal customers here, and they have said they will provide me with contact details for the owner of the building so we can look at whether it could be retained for community use.” 

 

The bank says its records show that the majority of customers in Llangollen use other branches and are internet registered, and the company also stressed that personal banking customers can access HSBC services via any post office. 

 

Mr Skates added: “For many customers, especially some older ones, the loss of the branch is difficult to bear and they will not easily switch to internet banking. 

 

“HSBC has promised to offer full support to customers and has asked me to urge people to contact them to ask about alternative ways to access banking services. The company has also promised to provide a range of collection and drop-off services for business customers."

Support Buy Local Day this Saturday

 

This Saturday, Keep Llangollen Special is combining its latest Buy Local Day, when people are encouraged to support local shops rather than going outside the town to spend their money, with Small Business Saturday, a similar event which has proved very successful in the United States and is being promoted locally by Clwyd South MP, Susan Elan Jones.

 

NI axe will aid local jobs quest, says Aled Roberts

The drive to help young people get jobs in Denbighshire will be boosted by plans to abolish employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for under 21-years-olds, North Wales Assembly Member Aled Roberts has said.

 

The news means businesses will no longer have to pay tax on employees aged under 21 years old, he believes, and companies will save £1,000 each year for every young employee earning £16,000.

 

In Denbighshire the plan to abolish NICs for young people from April 2015 means companies will not have to pay the contributions for 3,760 young people.

 

 Mr Roberts welcomed the decision, which was as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, and said:  “The Liberal Democrats are focused on getting young people into work and this is exactly the kind of initiative needed to give businesses a break and encourage them to start recruiting.

 

“Since 2010 we have already helped create more than 1.5m new apprenticeships. Meanwhile, Nick Clegg’s £1bn Youth Contract is supporting work experience, wage incentives and apprenticeships.

 

"Our economy is growing because of the hard work of people and businesses, they deserve this help. The coalition's economic plan is the rock on which our recovery is being built – and it is happening because of the Liberal Democrats.”

AMs meet HSBC chiefs to discuss bank closures

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, together with Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, has met HSBC Bank’s regional director, Retail Banking, and regional service manager in the Assembly today following HSBC’s recent announcement of bank closures in Llangollen, Conwy and Beaumaris.

 

The AMs highlighted concerns raised with them by constituents about the impact these closures will have on them, but were told that the bank was unable to reverse its decision because customer usage at these three branches was amongst the lowest of its network of 1,100 branches across the UK.

 

The AMs asked the bank to consider the provision of an ATM cashpoint machine and were told that the bank would give this its consideration and let them know what decision it reached.

 

The bank’s representatives stated their records showed that the majority of customers at the three branches already use other branches and are internet registered.

 

However they said they want to talk with all their customers  - and especially those who lack mobility or internet access – about alternative ways they can access services.

 

Mr Isherwood said: “They are using their own database to identify their most vulnerable customers, some information is not held by them and all information is helpful.

 

"The bank emphasised that all personal customers can access HSBC via any post office, that they offer personal internet banking, that mobile phones can now be used to pay bills and transfer cash and that business customers can use the ‘fast bank’ service.

 

"The bank also emphasised that it wants a conversation with its local business customers about the different ways it can help.”