Royal Yacht crewman speaks of his exciting years aboard

 

* The Royal Yacht Britannia in her heyday.

A man who spent more than a decade working there gave a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of one Britain’s most famous royal residences to members of Llangollen Methodist Church recently.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is no longer in service but Andy Jones, who is now a postman in Oswestry, spent 11 years of his Royal Navy service aboard the “floating palace”, as he fondly calls her, serving almost every member of the Royal Family along a host of world statesman like Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela.

Andy – nicknamed “Jonah” by his navy mates – was guest speaker at the latest meeting of the church’s This & That social group.

Recalling how he was inspired by the previous year’s Falklands War to join the navy in 1983, Andy trained at HMS Raleigh before serving aboard a warship as an officers’ valet.

He joined the Royal Naval crew of the Britannia in 1985 after answering an advert for stewards which was posted across the fleet.

Andy spoke of the famous ship’s compact dimensions, which saw all 240 of the ship’s crew crowded into the front section while everything aft of the funnel was royal territory.

* The Queen sheds a tear for the paying off
of the Royal Yacht Britannia.

He became one of a dozen stewards aboard and gradually progressed from serving senior crew members and royal staff to taking care of Royal Family members from princes and princesses to the Duke of Edinburgh  and the Queen herself in the latter years of his time in the Britannia before she was controversially withdrawn from service in 1997 to become a museum piece moored in Edinburgh.

During his time as a crew member he estimates that he circumnavigated the globe four-and-a-half times and calling at a huge numbers of foreign ports.

But because of the long working hours – all he recalls of Hong Kong is going briefly ashore to empty the royal dustbins  - it’s his time afloat that he remembers best.

One of his duties was to wait on tables groaning not just with the best food but also priceless royal possessions including the £500,000 Nelson Cup, awarded to the naval hero’s family by the nation after his victory at Trafalgar and, what he says was the Queen’s personal favourite piece, a table decoration consisting of two camels made from solid gold standing beneath a palm tree dripping with “dates” which are actually rubies.

In fact, so valuable were all the pieces on the yacht that an expert from Sotheby’s would come aboard at the start of every royal trip to make fresh insurance valuations of them in case any should go missing.

While the camels piece, given to her by an Arabian potentate, was the Queen’s most beloved piece of art, Andy, who would regularly serve her with it, recalled that her favourite tipple was a Royal Cocktail concocted from martini and a considerable quantity of gin.

But despite serving so many senior royals, he told his audience that the two most memorable guests he met aboard the Britannia were former US President Bill Clinton and the late South African President Nelson Mandela.

He told how he fondly remembered one day being overcome by the realisation that he was ironing one of Mr Mandela’s shirts  and about how he was frisked by two enormous American security men before being allowed to take in Mr Clinton’s breakfast tray one morning.

An anecdote which amused the audience concerned the time he had gone into the Duke of Edinburgh’s cabin to deliver his morning wake-up greeting and found himself unable to leave because the door had jammed.

As the duke took a shower in the adjoining bathroom Andy was desperately trying to open the door using a table knife from the royal collection when he felt a tap on the shoulder.

It was the Queen’s husband asking him what the b***** hell he was doing.

Andy said that like most crew members and members of the Royal Family he had been extremely upset to see the Britannia withdrawn from service after 43 years of loyal service and he recalled how the paying-off ceremony had been the only time in her long reign when the Queen had been spotted shedding a tear for the loss.          

Student sleuths solve grisly slaying

 

* Working on fingerprinting with Mark Watson, of Techniquest,

were, from left, Carys Stallard, 14, Llangollen; Mae Morgan, 13, Llandrillo;

Aaron Morrison, 14, Rhosymedre; and Callum Newell, 14, Chirk.

 

A grisly murder took place in Llangollen – but school student sleuths soon had the culprit bang to rights.

 

In fact not only did they find out whodunit but they also came up with a flood survival pack, and built a wind turbine, a suspension bridge, an electricity generator and a robot.

 

It was just another day at school for 200 Year Nine and Ten pupils of Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, and Denbigh High School as they worked with industry experts from Airbus, civil engineers, and experts on robotics and forensic science from Techniquest in Wrexham.

 

They were at a special Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) event at the Royal International Pavilion, organised as part of the Llwyddon’n Lleol programme, funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund.

 

This aims to help young people across North Wales develop their career paths and the Pavilion event was designed to create awareness of the opportunities and the practical realities of the world of work.

 

The students worked with representatives of the aviation, construction, energy, science and technical industries to learn how they go about tackling practical problems.

 

These included studying flooding in Denbigh and coming up with a cheap and effective flood survival pack, building an indoor suspension bridge as well as an electricity generator, exploring atomic science, forensic science and robotics.

 

The day was hailed as a big success by Denbigh High School Curriculum Head Miranda Cookson who said: “We took Year Nine pupils who are in the process of picking their options for GCSE and Llwyddo’n Lleol have given them a real opportunity to work with STEM-based businesses.

 

“We want them to think about what sort of career they would like and the feedback from the children has been brilliant. They thoroughly enjoyed their morning there and would have loved to have been able to spend all day.

 

“It’s the sort of experience you can’t provide in school but through Llwyddo’n Lleol they have been able to get a real taste of hi tech industries.”

 

Ysgol Dinas Bran Deputy Head Teacher Mark Hatch was also pleased and said: “We have had the whole of Year Ten here and it’s been very worthwhile.

 

“As a mathematician myself it’s great to see how maths and science can be connected to the real world from flood risk management to robotics.

 

“The students have also been mixed up so they have had to work in groups with people they might not have worked with before and that involves other workplace skills of co-operation and teamwork.

 

“We’ve been involved in previous events provided by Jenni Edwards and Llwyddo’n Lleol and they have been very good as well and of great benefit to the pupils.

 

“We do computer programming and engineering at GCSE and here they can see the real life applications of those courses and there will be someone here today who wants to be a forensic scientist working on crime scenes and if we can inspire them then it’s great.

 

“When they next have a meeting with the careers adviser there should be things they can ask about.”

 

Mike Wellingtion, of civil engineers Martin Wright Associates, of Pulford, Chester, said it was a good opportunity to tell the students about the varied work involved in civil engineering, especially on the topical subject of flooding.

 

He had worked with the pupils on flood risk management in Denbigh and also in preparing a flood survival pack.

 

He said: “We are able to show them how we can work with the infrastructure and how people can make themselves more resilient in flood situations.

 

“It shows how we apply civil engineering to the problems of flooding and flood risk and schools see the value in that and events like this spread the word.”

 

Dinas Bran pupil George Fletcher, 14, of Froncysyllte, said: “It’s been very good and we’ve learned how to deal with flood risk and working in this area could be something I’d be interested in in future.”

 

Aaron Morrison, 14, of Rhosymedre, added: “It’s different from being in a classroom, it’s a different way of learning and it’s cool.”

 

Students from Denbigh High School also took part in the Royal International Pavilion event while a similar STEM day was held at Optic Technium in St Asaph for pupils of Prestatyn High School and Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph.

 

Both were organised by Jenni Edwards, Llwyddo’n Lleol Project Officer for Conwy and Denbighshire, and she said: “We want to get the students to understand the importance of STEM qualifications and of getting good grades and doing it through practical activities.

 

“It is vital in North Wales that we build a strong and skilled workforce because that will create a vibrant economy for the region and in turn create more opportunities for the future.

 

“We need young people who have the right skills, the skills that employers are looking for and events like this where they can work with professionals reinforces the message.

 

“They are meeting the people who do these things as their day job and tackling real life experiences and problems.

 

“They’re also seeing that employers don’t just look for qualifications but also for skills and social skills like the ability to work as part of a team.

 

“This has been very successful. The young people are enjoying it and enjoying the challenges and it gives them a lot to go back and think about.”

"All systems go" for bridge restoration

It’s “all systems go” for a major project to restore and re-open the world-famous Chain Bridge in Llangollen.
That was the message from town clerk Gareth Thomas to members at Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the town council.

Mr Thomas reported that the county council had just offered to contribute another £15,000 towards the ambitious scheme on condition that all the money was spent.

To ensure this is the case, he told members that the cash would be placed in a special reserved bank account.

The town clerk also reported that Welsh historic monuments agency Cadw had recently agreed to support the restoration of the bridge on the basis that it lies within the World Heritage site.

Mr Thomas told members: “It’s all systems go and we are still trying to get as much money as we can to take the project forward.” 

Volunteers sought for cultural events

Denbighshire County Council is hosting a range of sporting and cultural events this summer and would like to invite local residents to play a vital role in them by volunteering.

Volunteer groups and charities looking to fund raise for good causes are also being invited to be part of these regional and national events, and will be given specific areas to collect donations from.

Students needing to carry out volunteer hours to complete qualifications will also receive a signed certificate of volunteer logged hours.

Events include,the Commonwealth Games Queen's Baton Relay which is coming to Denbighshire on Fri 30 May, and will be visiting Rhyl, the Clwydian Range AONB at Moel Famau, Ruthin and Llandegla and all events are looking for marshalls and stewards.

There are also the triathlons in Rhyl and Denbigh in need of volunteers for marshalling and pool counting.

The official opening of the Rhyl Harbour with a seafood festival and water sport activities and Marine Lake is also looking for volunteers.

For a full list of volunteer opportunities please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/jobs/volunteers or contact Volunteer co-ordinator Matt Hilliker on 07798742290 or matthew.hilliker@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Specific volunteer clothing and training will be provided where necessary dependant on the volunteer role undertaken. Some volunteer placements will offer expenses towards travel and food or if not this will be provided by the Council.

Jamie Groves, head of Communications, Marketing and Leisure, said: "Denbighshire has been the highest performing council for the last three years in Wales, and as part of this change in performance we want to become ‘closer to our communities."

"These events are beneficial for the local economy and business, enticing visitors and improving tourism. By working closer with our residents, volunteer groups and charities, we want these events to become part of the fabric of our county.

"Sharing ownership of future events with communities will give us all a stake in the events and the feel good factor of successfully delivering national sporting and cultural events on our doorsteps."

St Collen's presents a stylish Easter musical

*  A scene from The Feast of Life performed in St Collen's Church on Good Friday. 

A talented cast presented a different slant on the Easter story when they staged the musical The Feast of Life in St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, yesterday (Good Friday) afternoon.

It was the first of three performances of the piece, by Marty Haugen and Gary Daigle, whuch is based on the Gospel of Luke.

The second follows today (Saturday) and the final performance is in the Town Hall on Easter Sunday, both starting at 3pm. Admission is free.   

Debuted at the 2000 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, The Feast of Life reminds its audience of the 14 banquets mentioned in Luke’s Gospel and invites them to hear and experience the stories of Jesus.

Ten songs paint powerful musical portraits of key episodes, from the announcement of His birth to the Shepherds to His crucifixion and resurrection.

Along the way there are interpretations of the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

The songs come in a range of musical styles from English and Celtic folk music, Broadway, jazz and gospel all performed with aplomb.

It was a polished and thought-provoking performance from all 18 cast members.

Stylish soloists are Mike Connelly, Sue Stokes, Helen Belton, Simon Orton-Jones, Andrew Sully, Owen Roberts and Jennifer Rose.

They are backed up by an accomplished choir comprising Laura Gallagher, Brenda Coggan, June Cook, Christina Edwards, Vanessa Baldry, Ruth Owens, Vera Heath, Kay Saul, John Williams, Martin Coggan and Paul Coleman.

Instrumentalists are Harvey and Eve Barratt, Huw and Rhys Penge and Gracie Beavan. Lighting of the church performance area is by John Gambles.

The production, which lasts for about an hour, is a credit to musical director Paul Young and director Peter Harris.    

For more details about church activities go to: stcollenschurch.org.uk   

Firefighters spend 11 hours at blaze in Chirk

The Daily Post is reporting today on a fire at the Kronospan factory in Chirk.

See full report at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/kronospan-chirk-firefighters-spend-11-7006692 

Bishop's Easter message

* The Right Revd Dr Gregory K Cameron, Bishop of

St Asaph.

The Bishop of St Asaph says Easter is about "loosening the chains that bind us, whether they are physical or not".

 

In his Easter message, the Right Revd Dr Gregory K Cameron is urging Christians to be bold in breaking the chains of injustice and not be afraid to confront the world of politics.

 

In it he says: “It is sometimes said that preachers should stay in the pulpit and not stray into politics, but the truth is that society can’t be walled off from religion; Christ says, where there is a chain, break it in my name. 

 

“I hope that means a Church at the forefront of fighting those things that make human life less than full – in whichever form they take.  Would that we could all become chain breakers like Christ this Easter.”

 

The full text of his Easter message is:

 

I am a Christian because I believe it when Jesus said: The Truth shall set you free (John 8.32 if you want to look it up).  Such a Truth has not just to set me free, but to bring liberty to all those who are in chains, whether those chains are physical, poverty, injustice, or war; or metaphysical, guilt, failure, sin.

 

The truth I think he is referring to is a fundamental truth about creation: that there is a purpose, a person, God, who sustains the universe, and that God is love.  I realise that I can’t go into a laboratory to prove such a statement, but it is for me the best and most fundamental way in which to make sense of everything else.  And this truth sets me free, because it gives me a reason to live and to love, and a passion to fight for the breaking of chains everywhere.

 

Easter is about Jesus breaking the chains that bind humanity.  It is about a man who was weighed down with every burden that humanity could carry, but who rose up in divine power to new life.  And it commits me, and every Christian, to be breakers of chains like him.  It is sometimes said that preachers should stay in the pulpit and not stray into politics, but the truth is that society can’t be walled off from religion; Christ says, where there is a chain, break it in my name.  I hope that means a Church at the forefront of fighting those things that make human life less than full – in whichever form they take.

 

Would that we could all become chain breakers like Christ this Easter.

Music legend's nephew tries out for Sweeney Todd

 

 

* Berwyn Pearce, great-nephew of Sir Geraint Evans,

auditions for a part in Sweeney Todd.

 

The great-nephew of one of Wales’s singing legends will be bidding for a starring role alongside operatic great Bryn Terfel at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

Berwyn Pearce, 26, from Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his great-uncle, Sir Geraint Evans and carve out a musical career.

 

Sir Geraint, a miner’s son who died in 1992, was a star of the Royal Opera House and, like Bryn Terfel, a bass-baritone who performed in the great opera houses of the world in roles such as Falstaff and Figaro.

 

Berwyn, currently teaching at Cwmderwen Primary School, in Blackwood, in Gwent, has been short-listed for the role of Anthony when Bryn Terfel (pictured left) heads a star-studded cast in a performance of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway smash hit Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at Llangollen in July.

 

The graduate of the Central School of Speech and Drama in London impressed the Eisteddfod’s Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths at auditions for Sweeney Todd, held in the Wales Millennium Centre, in Cardiff.

 

He is back at the Wales Millennium Cetre, this time in front of Bryn Terfel himself, as a vies for a place in the curtain-raiser to this year’s Eisteddfod at the Royal International Pavilion on Monday, July 7.

 

Berwyn said: “I’m very excited about the prospect. It’s a great opportunity and I’m nervous as well.

 

“We did perform Sweeney Todd in college and I shared the role of Anthony so I am brushing up on it ahead of the audition.

 

“It will be incredible to audition with Bryn Terfel, especially because of who my great-uncle was, but that won’t count for anything on audition day which will be a great experience.”

 

Sondheim’s acclaimed show which was first performed in 1979 and will see Terfel play the title role of the murderous barber with a cast that also includes Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans, Gio Compario of the Go Compare television ads.

 

Over 80 young singers took part in the first auditions in Cardiff, where Berwyn appeared, and at the Royal International Pavilion, in Llangollen, and these have been whittled down to just 12 so that Bryn Terfel can himself choose the three young unknowns who will take the stage alongside him.

 

The roles to be filled are star-crossed young lovers Anthony and Johanna and street urchin Tobias Ragg who works for Todd’s rival, Pirelli (Wynne Evans) and then for piemaker Mrs Lovett, Todd’s murderous accomplice.

 

The Anthony and Johanna roles are for tenors and sopranos over 18 while Tobias will be played by a ten to 14-year-old.

 

Eilir Owen Griffiths has been impressed by the quality of the entrants and he said: “The standard has been very, very high and it’s been very exciting.

 

“I am sure everyone will be very well prepared because there is a lot at stake. Performing a major role alongside an icon like Bryn Terfel could be the springboard for someone’s career.

“Bryn and the show conductor, Gareth Jones, will be there for the auditions and will choose the three successful singers on the day.

 

“They will have learned the part and we will be trying out the different Anthonys with the various Johannas and they may have to read parts with Bryn.

 

“One of our roles at the Eisteddfod is to provide an opportunity for young talent to flourish and there can be no bigger opportunity than to sing alongside a legend like Bryn Terfel.

 

“Just the chance to actually audition for a role like this is an experience in itself and one which will stand them in good stead in the future.”

 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Sondheim is set in 19^th century London and tells the story of the crazed barber who murders his clients and supplies the bodies to his accomplice, piemaker Mrs Lovett.

 

Sondheim’s multi-award winning classic was first performed on Broadway in 1979 and has since been a regular production across the world and on the big screen in 2007 when superstar Johnny Depp played Todd and Helena Bonham Carter his accomplice.

 

Bryn Terfel is fresh from starring in a production of Sweeney Todd alongside Emma Thompson with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the Lincoln Center in New York last month and before that played it in 2002 in Chicago.

 

It will be the first time he has performed on the International Eisteddfod stage since he opened the 2006 festival and that was his first appearance at Llangollen in a decade.

 

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled I’m able to appear at the 2014 International Eisteddfod. I’m a proud Welshman and the International Eisteddfod is unique, the atmosphere, the colour, the audience, even the flowers, it really is a very, very special event.”

 

Eilir Owen Griffiths added: “It’s brilliant to have Bryn back this year and what an experience for those who come through the auditions to be on stage with him.

 

“It’s very exciting and the orchestra for the performance, the Sinfonia Cymru, is a very young orchestra also, conducted by maestro Gareth Jones.

 

“We need to be leaving a legacy and giving an opportunity for young people to shine.”

 

Sweeney Todd will be the curtain raiser to six tremendous days at Llangollen which kicks off on Tuesday, July 8, with this year’s concerts featuring Dutch jazz diva Caro Emerald, American tenor star Noah Stewart, a new work by composer Karl Jenkins, the Cape Town Opera, the Choir of the World competition on Saturday night and legendary British rockers Status Quo closing the event on Sunday night.

 

To book tickets and for more information on the 2014 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Easter events in Llangollen

The Feast of Life, a musical in ten songs about the life of Jesus as told by St Luke, will be staged tomorrow (Good Friday) and again on Saturday at 3pm in St Collen’s Church, Llangollen.

It will also be staged on Sunday (Easter Day) in the Town Hall at 3pm.

Admission is free.



* Llangollen Community Garden has an Easter Egg Hunt planned for Saturday morning.

Details are on the poster below:

Councillors' fears over new health centre access

UPDATE ...

 

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies has sent the following comment on the story below:

 

"Cllr Davies has continually pushed for Betsi Cadwallader to provide controlled crossings on the approach to the new Health Centre. He attended a site meeting last week with Highway officers and it was agreed that the relevant Highway specialist would meet with local Councillors on site next week to continue the negotiations.

"There have been developments with the bus provision for Pengwern in the short term. Confidential negotiations continue and he will update as soon as he has more news.

"Long term he has tasked DCC officers to explore the joint provision of a dedicated service to service the town and health centre."

Pedestrian access to Llangollen’s new health centre is going to present “absolutely horrendous” safety problems, according to a town councillor.

At Tuesday’s evening’s monthly council meeting a number of members voiced concerns about how people making their way on foot to the new centre will cope with what has been described as a traffic “pinch point” where the main A539 narrows just past the Four Poster B&B.

The issue was raised for debate by the mayor, Cllr Bob Lube, who said: “Access to the centre site can be extremely dangerous and I think we should discuss this.”

Cllr Phil Thane said: “The access could only be improved by compulsory purchase of property there and knocking it down, and I can’t see either the county council or the health board doing that.”

Cllr Sheena Burrell said: “We have been told that access will be made safer by bringing the traffic speed down to 30mph and putting in pelican crossings.

“The possibility of a footbridge over the river has also been mentioned by some people but we have been told this would be too expensive.

“I’m really dreading it. It’s damn dangerous because everything seems to overhang the road at that point and it’s quite dark.

“It’s going to be absolutely horrendous. If you get a wagon or a bus going past there as people are walking by it’s a recipe for disaster.”

She added: “I am recommending that we invite someone here from the county council to tell us exactly what they are going to do about it.”

Her recommendation was unanimously approved by members and the town clerk was authorised to invite a representative from the county’s highways department to address a future meeting of the council on the issue.     

 *A county council official with responsibility for public transport is also to be invited to attend a future council meeting at the request of members.

The invitation stems from concern raised about the possible axing of the Pengwern estate bus service.

Cllr Burrell said: “This is something we need to keep a very close eye on.”

County's survey on rural transport

Denbighshire County Council has launched a consultation to find out the community’s views on the existing transport options in rural Denbighshire - whether it meets local needs and what could be improved.

The findings of the consultation, which runs until May 11, will help to shape and transform public transport and community transport services within Denbighshire and what changes will be made to the network in the future.

People are being asked spare a couple of minutes completing the short survey which is part of the wider consultation.

The survey is available:

• online using the QR code below or go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ResidentsPTsurvey

• or picking up the short questionnaire up at your local library, council offices, leisure centre, or health centre/ doctor surgeries.

Llangollen to Corwen train service could start this summer

* The celebratory group assembled around the buffer stop.

Trains could be running between Llangollen and Corwen this summer for the first time in almost 50 years.

That’s the word from Llangollen Railway as  the first phase of its ambitious project to restore the rail link between the two Dee Valley towns reaches the end of the line.

A volunteer-led task force has now completed the track extension project to reach the station site at Dwyrain Corwen East.

Track panels laid alongside the footings for the temporary platform were connected to a buffer stop at the end of the track on Saturday, April 5.

Following a project co-ordination meeting on Wednesday April 9, at which the conclusion of the track laying exercise was announced, representatives from the local community and Denbighshire County Council celebrated with a visit to the railhead.

Llangollen Railway Trust chairman, Neil Evans, said: “The occasion was the culmination of a lot of hard work and application of resources over the past three years.

“Whilst a significant moment to celebrate, there is still much to do before trains can operate into the station. However it is evident now that we have almost completed phase one of this exciting rail extension project.”

Thanks to a magnificent response by contributors to the Corwen Sleeper Appeal, new supplies of concrete sleepers were sourced and delivered to the site during March.

With the project’s road/rail machine back in action, the volunteer workforce made good progress when track laying resumed and, as of the end of March, the rail head had exited the cutting west of Bridge 28A and was into the curve heading for underpass Bridge 29.

From that point Corwen town centre was plainly in sight and track laying was again visible for users of the nearby A5 road.

With continued effort in early April, the railhead reached the station site and the buffer stop was put in place sooner than initially forecast. 

Next challenge will be the building and installation of the 100-metre platform and associated access ramp leading off the embankment, and specialist help is being sought for this part of the project.

Delivery of over a thousand tons of stone is needed for the top ballasting of the track, with packing and aligning from the aid of a hired in tamper machine.

A railway spokesperson said: “There are various other aspects to be finished off and the length tidied up before the line can be passed for passenger trains. 

“However, it is looking hopeful that train services to and from Corwen will commence in the summer of 2014, provided finance continues to come to hand to provide the necessary resources to complete the job.”

Trains last ran between Llangollen and Corwen in December 1964 when the line was axed as part of the notorious Beeching cuts.

Can you help the Chainbridge Project with your memories?

Samantha Jones, heritage officer for the Chainbridge Project, has asked us to display the poster below for their next memories gathering day, which is being held at the Conquering Hero in Rhewl on April 26.

 

Mike completes gruelling Chirk Triathlon

* Mike Edwards completes the cycling section of the event.

 

An intrepid Llangollen man was amongst the 400 athletes from across the country who took part in Sunday’s Chirk Triathlon.

The gruelling event, now in its 22^nd year, featured a 400-metre pool swim at Chirk Leisure Centre, a 24km cycle ride from the centre out to Glyn Ceiriog and back, then a 5km run on single lane roads towards Halton and back.

Mike Edwards from Llangollen completed the challenge in 1:39:54.

Chris Standidge, from Northwich, was the first male to finish the race, and Beth Hughes, who was running for City of Chester Triathlon Club, was the first female entrant to cross the line.

Wrecsam Triathlon Club, which runs the event, has praised the support from North Wales Police, Wrexham Council highways and the leisure departments for their continuing support.

The club has also thanked the local air cadets and guides who assisted on the run course and pool respectively.

Plas Madoc community trust seeks magic models

Volunteers fighting to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre are calling on members of the public to become models for a day.

The recently-formed Splash Community Trust is appealing for residents of all ages to offer their help by posing as ‘magic models’ and playing a part in the popular facility’s revival.

The centre, which could be renamed sPLASh Madoc or sPLASh Magic, will close at the end of April – but the trust wants to reopen it as a social enterprise as soon as the summer.

Committee member and marketing professional Alison Roberts said: “We will be producing material to promote Plas Madoc and we want to show it through the eyes of the people who use it.

“We want to give a true reflection of the fantastic fun to be had at the centre, whether it’s basketball or badminton sessions, swimming lessons, pool parties or roller discos – there’s something for everyone and we want to highlight that.”

Alison added: “Plas Madoc – and our whole campaign – is about the people, and we want to mirror this in our future marketing initiatives.”

Volunteers are wanted at the half-term roller disco from 1pm-2.30pm on Thursday, April 24, and the pool fun inflatables session at 6.30pm the same day, when there will be consent forms for children.

Trust director Greg Ogden added: “This is another way members of the public can help us, so please come along and show your support for Plas Madoc.

“We will continue to advertise key events and dates through Facebook, Twitter and the local press, so keep your eyes peeled, and remember that anyone with fundraising ideas can email jennymiller08@hotmail.co.uk or call Jenny on 07921 6590990.”

The trust is still urging people to fill in a short online survey which will help keep centre users up to date and could help with grant applications. To complete it visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMFUTURE

Historic loco heads to Camarthen

 

* Luke Denoven and Harry Jones with TVR 28 before it left for Carmarthen.

Picture by Llangollen Railway's chief engineer Dave Owen.

A restored Welsh-built steam locomotive believed to be one of the last of its type has made its way from Llangollen to Carmarthen.

The standard gauge loco known as TVR 28 was built in 1897 and began its journey on the back of a lorry, going via Cardiff Bay's Coal Exchange, on Thursday.

Now painted in Great Western colours, it is going on display at the Gwili Steam Railway with the only Welsh-built standard gauge carriage.

The train was restored in workshops at Llangollen Railway. Before it left the workshop's two first year apprentices Luke Denoven and Harry Jones, both from Wrexham, posed in front of it. They have both played a major role in the loco's restoration.

 

 

Warning over suspect mattress sales

Trading Standards officers in Denbighshire are warning residents to be on their guard against suspect mattress sales.

The warning comes after reports were received that there is a white van travelling throughout the area offering “discounted” mattresses for sale.

Although residents who bought a mattress were given hand written receipts by people driving the van,  

Trading Standards are advising the public to be cautious about buying from unknown sources as they may not get exactly what they expect.

Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager, said: “We are unable to confirm whether the mattresses bear the correct labels and whether they comply with the applicable safety legislation, such as flammability requirements.

“Additionally, we are unable to confirm that this is a legitimate business.  

"Without the ability to trace the business consumers would not be able implement their cancellation rights – a seven-day cooling off period for goods bought on the doorstep where they can change their mind and cancel the contract at no charge – or, should a problem develop after purchase, it may be difficult to try and claim a refund for the price paid.”

They have urged anyone approached to purchase a mattress on their doorstep or whilst in the street to just to say no.

Anyone approached by these sellers can report the matter to police by calling 101 or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 (08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language).

This helpline offers free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues.

People are advised to try and report the vehicle registration as well as any trading name the sellers are using.

Pengwern chosen for 20mph pilot scheme

Pengwern in Llangollen is one of 11 sites across Denbighshire chosen for a pilot 20mph speed restriction scheme by the county council.

It has been included in the list following a successful application by local county councillor Stuart Davies who said he decided to do so after receiving representations from residents concerned about speeding on the estate.

In a message giving details of the scheme to him, Ben Wilcox-Jones, the county’s senior engineer for sustainable transportation, says: “Following the successful completion of a consultation exercise with members and North Wales Police, I am now able to announce that 11 sites have been selected to participate in our 20mph pilot scheme.

“The sites have been selected to encompass a variety of highway related characteristics like vehicle speeds, traffic volumes and accident statistics and also to ensure a balanced geographical spread throughout the county.

“A programme for the implementation of the scheme is now being developed and it is hoped that, subject to successful completion of the statutory consultation procedures associated with the 20mph orders, the trial will commence on site in September 2014.”

The 10 other sites included in the pilot scheme are in Prestatyn, Ruthin, Llanfair DC, Cynwyd, Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Henllan, Llandymog and Rhyl.

 

MP hits out over PIP payments

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones MP has called for Government action on the "scandal" of Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Ms Jones was leading a debate in Parliament on PIPs in Wales. 

According to official Government documentation, the purpose of PIPs "is to help towards some of the extra costs arising from a health condition or disability.”

It is the replacement for Disability Living Allowance which has been put in place by the current Government and can be used to cover transport, care and all sorts of other costs that can be vital to those who are disabled or sick.

In her speech, the MP said: "We are talking about failure – paid for by the taxpaying public – being subsidised on a massive, multi million pound basis. 

"Somehow, somewhere, someone has to carry the can for what has happened here as the result of a deal between a private company and the Government."

 

During the debate Ms Jones and other MPs gave examples of how people with cancer and other debilitating conditions are kept waiting several months before receiving assessments and payments.

 

Replying for the Government, Department for Work and Pension Minister Mike Penning MP admitted that the system was not working well.

 

after the debate, Ms Jones said: "The current system is a mess and urgently needs to be sorted out.

 

"Ordinary people do not pay their taxes for this sort of incompetence."

Julie stages musical theatre workshop for youngsters

Llangollen-based professional dance tutor Julie Thomas is running an Easter Musical Theatre Workshop in Wrexham.

It will be based on the popular Roald Dahl children’s book Matilda, which tells the story of a little girl who adores reading but whose parents actually want her to watch more TV!

Julie says there are lots of parts for boys and girls, including Miss Honey, Matilda,  Miss Trunchbull, Mrs Wormwood, Miss Phelps, Hortensia and Bruce Bogtrotter.

Songs include When I Grow Up and Revolting Children.

The two-day Workshop will be held in The Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndwr University on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15^th and 16^th, with a live performance for parents/family on the last day at 4pm.

Isherwood backs UK staying together

Speaking at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Llangollen today (Friday) North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood emphasised the importance of keeping the four nations of the United Kingdom together.

 

Mr Isherwood, Shadow Minister for North Wales, Local Government, Communities and Housing, said that Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England are better together as part of the United Kingdom.

 

He told delegates: “On the 18^th September our Scottish kin can vote positively, to keep our family of nations united, celebrating our glorious diversity together - or negatively, to destroy our United Kingdom, divide its peoples and diminish all its parts.

 

“Let us look to our cousins across the globe, from Australia to North America, who are proud unionists - but equally proud of their own individual state governments and legislatures.

 

“We love the energy and personality of our Scottish brothers and sisters  – and our heartfelt plea to them is 'Please don't go'.

 

“Although the separatists have appealed to a romantic vision of Scottish independence based upon popular entertainment rather than real history, most of the debate has focused on hard-headed economic and constitutional issues. But, this is a matter of heart as well as head for we proud, passionate Britons too.

 

“We love every part of our blessed Isles – and stand in horror at the thought of we Britons being riven apart. This is not about a snapshot of the competing policies of different parties at a moment in time. This is about whether our UK should be united or destroyed. This is about whether we should celebrate our glorious diversity as one or smash it apart.

 

“The nationalists seek to divide and diminish every component part of our United Kingdom, achieving what centuries of would be conquerors have failed to do. Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England are better together within our United Kingdom.”

Labour politicians taunt Health Secretary

Ahead of his speech at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference being held today in Llangollen, in which he's expected to criticise Labour's running of the NHS in Wales, two local Labour politicians have written an open letter to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

In the letter, Clwyd South's MP and AM, Susan Elan Jones and Ken Skates poke fun at Mr Hunt but also mount a strong defence of Labour's record.

See the full story on the ITV Wales website at: http://www.itv.com/news/wales/update/2014-04-11/labour-politicians-letter-to-jeremy-hunt/

AM ‘delighted’ with health centre progress

* Ken Skates AM on the site of the derelict River Lodge. 

CLWYD South AM Ken Skates has welcomed ‘exciting’ news about the  building of Llangollen’s new health centre.

Labour Assembly Member Mr Skates, who is based in the town, wrote to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board asking for an update on the long-awaited development after being contacted by constituents – and says ‘the wheels are very much in motion’.

The health board’s plans were approved by Denbighshire County Council in February and include new GP services, midwifery and social care at the site of the former River Lodge hotel on the A539, which was bought by the Welsh Government in 2007 before plans to lease it as martial arts centre fell through.

He said: “Work on clearing parts of the River Lodge site has already begun and surveys are being carried out, and work is expected start proper in early June. This is fantastic news for Llangollen and coincides with a number of other projects which mark the start of an exciting new chapter for the town.

“I am delighted that after a critical report from the Welsh Assembly into the proposed use of the building as a kung fu centre, the health board, local practice and Welsh Labour Government are working together to create a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare facility fit for the 21st century for the whole town. The wheels are now very much in motion.”

It is estimated that the main construction programme will take about 12 months, with the demolition of the former hotel expected to be complete by mid-August this year.

Mr Skates added: “I have repeatedly highlighted the importance of dialogue and engagement with the community with this kind of development, so I pleased that the main contractor has arranged for a letter drop to nearby residents to keep them up-to-date. The company has also promised to provide further updates of their progress over the coming weeks and months.”

Money-spinning ideas sought to save Plas Madoc

Supporters of plans to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre are being asked for ideas to help raise the money needed to realise a community takeover.

A second well-attended public meeting at Air Products Social Club in Acrefair earlier this week heard that a new legal entity, Splash Community Trust, had been formed as the campaign to retain the popular facility progresses at pace.

Now chairman Darrell Wright, from Trevor, is keen to hear the public’s fundraising ideas.

He said: “A lot of hard work has gone into getting things this far, and the creation of a charitable company to take things forward is a huge step. We have achieved so much in a relatively short space of time, but now we need people’s support more than ever.

“We need to raise a serious amount of money to give our business case for the takeover as much clout as possible when it goes in front of the council, and to do that we need members of the public to come up with ideas.

“Generating this money will be our biggest obstacle to date, but if everyone who says they want Plas Madoc to stay open is able to help us then we should have no problem. The level of support so far has been brilliant, so I see no reason why we can’t rise to the challenge.”

Darrell, 67, said another public meeting is likely to be held next month.

He also reiterated the need for users of the centre to fill in a short online survey which will help keep the public up to date with developments and could help with future funding applications.

Darrell added: “Centre users’ details are unfortunately not available to us at the moment because of data protection laws, so it’s imperative we get as many responses at possible.”

* To complete the survey visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMFUTURE and to suggest fundraising ideas email jennymiller08@hotmail.co.uk or call Jenny on 07921 6590990.

Food campaign launched at Llangollen seminar

 

 

* Alun Davies, second right, Welsh Government Minister for Natural Resources and Food, at the Food Festivals Seminar held by Hamper Llangollen with, from left, Andrew Knight, Welsh Government; Lowri Owain, of Cadwyn Clwyd; and Colin Loughlin, Chairman of Hamper Llangollen.

 

A campaign has been launched to form a new association to promote the food and tourism sector in Wales.

 

The driving force behind the new grouping is the Hamper Llangollen.food festival that's been named as one of the top ten food festivals in the UK.

 

They hosted a well-attended seminar of food festival organisers from across Wales and the success of the event has prompted them to lead the drive to set up a new association.

 

The event, at the Royal International Pavilion and supported by rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd, brought together organisers of festivals from Narberth to Newtown and from Merthyr to Menai as well as Welsh Government representatives, tourism chiefs, food producers and retailers.

 

It saw Welsh Food Minister Alun Davies give the keynote address but it was the response from the delegates that encouraged the Llangollen festival to propose the creation of the new organisation.

 

Hamper Llangollen Chairman Colin Loughlin said: “This was the first time a seminar like this had actually been organised and hosted by one of the festivals rather than by the Welsh Government.

 

“It was so successful and well received and provided such a god forum for ideas and discussion that we thought why not form an organisation that could represent us all.

 

“Welsh food festivals are great drivers of tourism and also showcase the wonderful range of food and drink that is produced here so we are important for the visitor economy and for the agricultural and food sectors.

 

“An association of food festivals would give us greater influence but it would also lead to a better exchange of ideas as well as the opportunity to save money by sharing resources and central purchasing of services like insurance.”

 

The seminar at Llangollen was attended by food festivals from throughout Wales as well as by Welsh Government officers and experts on marketing and food production and a further meeting is planned for later this month in Aberystwyth.

 

The Llangollen event was praised by Heather Myers, Chief Executive of one of Wales’s largest food festival, at Abergavenny, who said: “I thought the seminar was brilliant. It’s a long way north but I’m really pleased to have come and have found the networking very useful.

 

“As a festival organiser to come and meet other people who feel your pain and understand your difficulties has been really interesting.

 

“The Minister has a real passion for food but the difficulty for festivals is that they have a foot in both camps, they’re food and tourism and the difficulty we all have is grappling with that structure regarding funding and with different government departments.”

 

The message brought to the Seminar by food Minister Alun Davies was that the Welsh Government is targeting a massive 30 per cent growth in Welsh food production to £6.7 billion by 2020.

 

That’s a huge step up in Wales’s output of high quality beef, lamb and other foodstuffs from its current value of just over £5 billion.

 

Mr Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food in the Welsh Government, said: “We can grow the food industry and grow output by 30 per cent by the end of the decade – it’s about business growth and jobs creation.

 

The Minister also spoke about his recently launched draft action plan which aims to increase the profile and reputation of Welsh food and added: “I want to set a clear direction and specific actions so that Government and industry can work together to help the Welsh food and drinks sector reach its full potential.

 

“We have a good story to tell on food and drink, with Wales having experienced six percent growth in food and drinks sales last year and a combined turnover for agriculture, fishing and food manufacture of over £5.2 billion.

 

“I want these plans to help us build on this success.  That is why they include a particular focus on delivering green growth and creating jobs throughout the food chain.”

 

Mr Davies also addressed the issue of funding for festivals and added: “We evaluate the support we give to festivals and through that and understanding what works and what doesn’t we can understand what we need to do in the future.

 

“We seek to invest in festivals that promote Welsh food. Our funds are available to support food from Wales and I have to be very clear about that.”

 

He also paid tribute to the nation’s festivals and food producers and said: “In the USA I was recently asked about how we can guarantee the quality of our produce and I was able to hand on heart give this guarantee because we are aware and we know that what we produce is not just world class but world beating.”

 

Colin Loughlin said they had been delighted to have had such a good turnout and a very positive reaction from Food Festivals across Wales.

 

He added: “We saw the value of staging this seminar ourselves because all of us involved with food and drink in Wales face similar issues and challenges.

 

“We felt that bringing everyone together was a step towards creating an association of food festivals for Wales to give a strong voice to events which support and encourage tourism as well as our agricultural sector.

 

“One of the things we wanted to do was to mix people up so that although three people might have travelled together to get here they weren’t then sitting next to each other and so everyone had the chance to mix and meet people from festivals from different parts of Wales.”

 

The day-long event also saw workshops delivered by Welsh Government representatives from the food and tourism sectors as well as by experts on food marketing and events and producers.

llanblogger takes a short spring break

llanblogger is taking a short break.

We'll be back on Friday, April 11, with all the latest news and views from our town and the surrounding area.

See you soon!