Eisteddfod means £1.5m boost for the area

* The iconic eisteddfod parade through the town centre. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will boost the local economy to the tune of £1.5 million.

That’s what the great annual event means to the south Denbighshire area and the town of Llangollen which has been hosting the festival since 1947 and which will again welcome the world this July.

 

The famous event that helped launch the career of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti is again expected to attract nearly 40,000 visitors.

 

The arrival of so many people from outside North East Wales means a cash injection that ripples out across businesses within a 20-mile radius of Llangollen.

 

Last year 36,000 people came to the Eisteddfod and with an average daily visitor spend of £42 that added up to a massive £1.5 million cash injection for the local economy.

 

This year’s Eisteddfod starts on Tuesday, July 7, and runs until Sunday, July 12, and already one of the biggest draws is proving to be the Thursday night concert when Alfie Boe will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Antoine.

Other musical highlights include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach (pictured left), the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright, choirmaster Gareth Malone and former Royal harpist Catrin Finch.

Another big draw will be and Ali Campbell, the voice of UB40 who sold 70 million records, who'll be reunited on the eisteddfod stage with two other founding members of the group, percussionist, trumpet player and vocalist Astro and keyboard player Mickey.

 

Meanwhile, members of Jonathan Antoine's fan club, the Fantoines, are gearing up to travel to Llangollen from far and wide, from all over the UK and from Europe too and even from Dubai.

 

Musical Director of the Eisteddfod, Eilir Owen Griffiths, says reaction to the news the Britain’s Got Talent star would be appearing at Llangollen has been amazing.

 

He said: “Jonathan Antoine is a real talent and has a huge career ahead of him; there is no doubt about it. I’m really not surprised at the sheer numbers of fans that have expressed an interest and booked tickets for the concert.

 

“And the huge distances fans are travelling is amazing and with most booking accommodation in and around Llangollen its clear the festival has a massive and positive impact on the regional economy.

 

“It really is going to be a special evening of music and I’m looking forward to greeting some of Jonathan’s ‘Fantoines’ to Llangollen.”

 

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who is also the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, is a big fan of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

 

He said: "I love the International Eisteddfod and was honoured to become a Vice President of the festival last year. It is a fantastic event and one of the jewels in the Welsh cultural crown.

 

 “The Eisteddfod gives Llangollen another opportunity to showcase itself and provides a massive boost to the local economy, but it also helps to promote Wales on an international stage, which is hugely important as we strive to further strengthen our burgeoning tourism industry.”

 

News of the Eisteddfod's £1.5 million economic contribution to the area was music to the ears of the festival's Chairman, Gethin Davies.

 

He said: "Llangollen has long been known as the town where Wales welcomes the world.

"The Eisteddfod has always been lauded for the cultural enrichment it brings to the area and I am delighted the event is also being recognised for the economic riches it generates."

 

Among this year's visitors will be retired teacher Jan Smith, 62, of Andover, Hampshire, who describes herself as ‘Head Fantoine’ and she block books concert tickets so fans can sit together, hands out merchandise promoting Jonathan Antoine’s website and keeps runs a dedicated website.

 

She said: “I’m driving up on Thursday to visit the Eisteddfod before the show. I’m coming with a friend and we have booked accommodation in Wrexham.

 

“I have block booked tickets for the Fantoines and we have people coming from all over the UK, from Denmark and Germany for the concert with one fan who coming from Dubai.”

 

Jan was spellbound when she first saw Jonathan on Britain’s Got Talent stage and said: “I was channel hopping that night and saw Jonathan and his then singing partner Charlotte Jaconelli walk out on stage. I have to admit I was intrigued. He looked so out of place.

 

“But then he began to sing. He has a voice that just has an effect on you. There is just this feeling you get that he’s singing to you and you alone. I’ve been reduced to tears on more than one occasion.”

 

Pam Rose, 71, is driving up to Llangollen in a campervan from her home in Hemel Hempstead for the concert and is staying three days.

 

She said: “I just adore Jonathan. I don’t like Britain’s Got Talent but happened to drop on his audition with Charlotte Jaconelli by accident.

 

“There was this overweight and clearly very nervous 17-year-old dressed in a shabby T-shirt. And then he started to sing and I was hooked. I have now seen him several times including in a concert with Russell Watson at the Royal Festival Hall.”

 

NHS admin officer Liz Whelan, 60, is travelling to Llangollen for the concert from her Glasgow home along with her sister Janice Leleux, 57, and their 79-year-old mum, Elizabeth Wortman.

 

Liz said: “We are staying in Wrexham and have booked into a hotel for a few nights. I watched Jonathan and Charlotte’s Britain’s Got Talent audition and when he began to sing, wow!

 

“I don’t know what it was about Jonathan but his voice is so powerful and so incredible. I just fell in love.

 

“I bought his album and played it in the car. I had to pull over as I was crying so much I couldn’t see properly. His voice is such a joy.”

 

Sally Anne Adams is travelling to Llangollen from Essex and said: “I have travelled all over the UK to see Jonathan perform. I first saw him at St Pancras Station and I plucked up the courage to ask for a picture with him and not only did he oblige but his mum knew who I was from a comment I’d put on his page. She actually knew my name.”

 

The Eisteddfod will also feature Children’s Day and the Parade of Nations on the Tuesday, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite before the evening Heart of Llangollen concert featuring a galaxy of international talent.

 

Highlights of Wednesday will include the debut of the International Young Musician of the Year and the Children’s Choir of the World while Thursday’s competitions will see another first, the International Voice of Musical Theatre Trophy.

 

Friday’s Open Category for choirs will showcase styles like gospel, barbershop, jazz, pop and glee styles and will also see the International Voice of the Future decided with the prize including the chance to sing at one of the evening concerts the future.

 

The Blue Riband event, the Choir of the World for the Pavarotti Trophy, is decided on Saturday night as well as the Lucile Armstrong Dance Final and Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert with Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey.

 

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Story highlights town's traffic "chaos"

The Denbighshire Free Press has a story today (Thursday) saying that the long-running roadworks on the A5 in Llangollen caused traffic chaos over the Easter weekend.

For the full story see: http://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/146400/llangollen-lane-closure-causes-easter-weekend-traffic-chaos.aspx

Time to act on climate change, say Friends of the Earth

 

* Members of Llangollen Friends of the Earth at their gathering.

 

Members of Llangollen Friends of the Earth (FoE) gathered together to let the Government know it’s "Time to Act on climate change".

 

This local event tied in with a national march in London which saw over 20,000 people converge. 

 

The aim was to ensure climate change is high on the agenda ahead of the General Election. 

 

A broad coalition of organisations are calling for investment in renewable energy, energy savings through insulating and adapting buildings, and greatly improved public transport. 

 

It is estimated that these measures would together create one million jobs, says FoE. 

 

The campaigners are also calling for the UK to support a global agreement to cut warming emissions of all kinds.

 

Warren Davies, chair of Llangollen Friends of the Earth, said: “We want to ensure parliamentary candidates of all parties know that time is running out to take action. 

 

"We are already seeing the devastating effects of climate change, and unfortunately the poor are being hit the hardest. 

 

"It’s imperative that our government takes action now through these measures, which would also create a million new jobs for the UK.”

 

Some members of the Llangollen group also travelled down to London to take part in the national march.  

 

Pauline Smout, from Llangollen Friends of the Earth, said “The march was absolutely fantastic, the diversity of groups taking part shows how much energy and passion there is for action on climate change.”

 

* See http://www.timetoact2015.org/ for more information on the Time to Act campaign.       

New rules come in for cycling races

New safety regulations on the organising of cycle races on Welsh highways have come into force.

 

This should be of interest to people in Llangollen, an area which a number of these races pass close to. 

 

orth Wales South East Wales South West Wales The Cycle Racing on Highways (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2015 provide an update to the previous regulations made in 1960, bringing them up to date with current road conditions and modern approaches to public and competitor safety.

 

Working with Welsh Cycling, the Welsh Government has developed the new regulations to shift the emphasis from the imposition of prescribed conditions to a more flexible approach based on risk assessment.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: “Cycling is an increasingly popular sport in Wales with a number of races taking place each year.

"Races can boost the economy and tourism and inspire more people to take up cycling. These new regulations will create more opportunities for on-road races, and bring the legal requirements for arranging cycle races in line with modern health and safety standards.”

Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer of Welsh Cycling said: “Welsh Cycling welcomes the simplification and modernisation of these regulations, which will make it easier for race organisers to design courses and run safer events.”

Factory demolition now in final stages

Demolition work on the former Dobson & Crowther factory off the A5 in Llangollen now appears to be in its final stages, as this picture shows.

With the riverside site now all but cleared llanblogger contacted Sainsbury's about the next stage of the project, and a spokesman replied: "J Ross have to construct the store before handing it over to us for fit out.

 

"They do not have a confirmed date for this but I believe it will be later in the year."

 

 

Woman injured in fall near Llangollen

The BBC news website is reporting that a woman was seriously injured after a fall from Offa's Dyke near Llangollen yesterday (Easter Monday).

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-32194146

Small shops must now cover up tobacco displays

It is now illegal for small shops and retailers in Wales to display cigarettes and tobacco in public.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales The change in the law, which covers newsagents, pubs, clubs and small shops, means failure to cover up cigarette displays is now a criminal offence.

Large businesses have had to cover their tobacco displays since 2012, but small businesses have been given extra time to prepare for the change in the law.

 

The new rules will also change the way in which tobacco products must be priced – only three types of price lists and labels for tobacco products are allowed.

 

The display ban is aimed at reducing the uptake of smoking among young people in particular by removing eye-catching tobacco displays. Smokers will still be able to buy their cigarettes and tobacco from small shops and the new rules will not limit availability.

 

Retailers can contact their local trading standards office for advice to ensure they comply with the new law.

Surveys have consistently shown strong public support for a ban on the display of tobacco products. A 2010 survey by Cancer Research UK found 73% of people asked supported for the removal of point-of-sale displays.  

 

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We have come a long way in our efforts to tackle the damage tobacco can do to our heath – from regulating advertising and sales, to banning smoking in public places. We have made progress in reducing smoking rates, with the Welsh Health Survey showing 21% of Welsh adults saying they currently smoke. However, we need to take further action.

“The ban on displaying cigarettes and tobacco is the next step to help us limit the attraction of cigarettes, especially among young people, and further raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. Evidence from Cancer Research UK shows that despite the success of the ban on tobacco advertising, prominent displays remain a key factor in encouraging young people to take up smoking.

“Although fewer people smoke than ever, it still causes around 5,450 deaths in Wales each year. Around half of all regular smokers will die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses – that’s why we will continue to work tirelessly to reduce smoking levels to 16% by 2020.”

New dementia help plan unveiled

A new £1m to plan to recruit new primary care support workers to help people diagnosed with dementia has been unveiled as part of a new Welsh Government drive to tackle the disease.

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford also said he wants health boards to work towards a 50% diagnosis rate by 2016. The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that 57% of people with dementia in Wales have not yet had it clinically confirmed.

Residential and nursing homes will be provided with additional support to train staff and make their buildings more dementia-friendly.

The policies are part of the Welsh Government’s ambition to make Wales a truly dementia-friendly nation and builds on progress to improve care and support for dementia sufferers and their families.
In 2014, there were an estimated 43,477 people in Wales living with dementia - that number is expected to increase to more than 55,000 by 2021.

The new plan for dementia in Wales includes:

• A new target for health boards to improve dementia diagnosis rate to at least 50% by 2016.
• Funding for 32 new primary care support workers, who will provide face-to-face support, information and advice on accessing the right care and services for people diagnosed with dementia. They will also work in their local communities to raise awareness of dementia and help people with the disease to live longer in their communities;
• New funding for four additional primary care link nurses who will visit the 675 residential and nursing homes in Wales to provide training for staff about how to identify dementia, provide post-diagnosis support, link up with local GP services and advise how to make buildings more dementia-friendly;
• Increasing the number of people in Wales trained as dementia friends who are able to spot signs of the illness and help sufferers and create more dementia supportive communities. There are currently more than 9,800 dementia friends in Wales and 400 champions. The Welsh Government will provide funding for the next three years for the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia friends campaign;
• Publishing a new guide on the steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing dementia;
• Encouraging more GP surgeries to take up Welsh Government-funded dementia training - to date 30% of GP practices in Wales have already completed the training, with virtually all of them subsequently agreeing a dementia lead and action plan.

Ministers are providing an extra £1m to support the new dementia policies, with £800,000 to fund the new primary care support workers.

This is in addition to the £130m invested in new elderly mental health facilities across Wales; funding for the Alzheimer’s Society to provide special patient information packs; supporting a free, 24-hour Wales Dementia Helpline and providing books on prescription about dementia in every public library.

Professor Drakeford said: "Our aim is to improve dementia diagnosis rates across the country and better support people who have been diagnosed with the illness. We must make sure both they and their families have access to the best information and care available.

“Currently one in five people over 80 have dementia but in the next six years the number of people in Wales with dementia is set to increase by almost a third.

“Our society will need to change to meet this demand, becoming more aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia. All those who work in our health service will need to become more aware of the disease and know what care, advice and support they can offer to improve people’s lives.”

Gareth Malone showcases new choir at Llangollen

* Choirmaster Gareth Malone.

Britain’s favourite choirmaster will showcase his new choir at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Gareth Malone OBE, who masterminded the meteoric rise to fame of the Military Wives choir, is looking forward to playing a part in the climactic Choir of the World event when choirs will compete for the prestigious Pavarotti Trophy.

 

And Gareth’s new Voices choir will perform at the glittering event while he also has ambitious plans to recruit some members from the international choirs to put on a very special joint performance.

 

He said: “I’m really excited about visiting Llangollen and soaking up the festival’s unique atmosphere. Llangollen has such history, I can’t think of any English festival that compares or comes even close.

 

“I have visited the Eisteddfod once before but we were filming for The Choir: Sing While You Work and it was so chaotically busy filming, that I didn’t get the chance to see as much of the festival as I’d have liked.

 

“This will be one of the first performances of my new Voices choir. We begin a UK tour in November and I have auditioned and put together a whole new choir for this year, although some of last year’s vocalists are still with me.”

 

The Eisteddfod’s Musical Director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, says he’s looking forward to welcoming Gareth Malone.

 

He said: “Gareth has quickly become a national institution and rightly so. He has done so much to bring choral music to the fore and I’m looking forward to listening to his Voices choir.

 

“The Eisteddfod’s Saturday evening Choir of the World event and concert is the climax of a week of competition and it’s always a concert and an evening I particularly enjoy.

 

“The standard is always extremely high, which is what you would expect from one of the world’s leading choir competitions.

 

“Having someone of Gareth’s undoubted talent and calibre on the Llangollen stage is fantastic for the event and the festival as a whole and I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful evening.”

 

Gareth says he wanted to change his choir for this year to include an element of gospel but the ability to sing isn’t the only thing he looks for.

 

He aded: “I look for three elements, firstly the ability to sing, the voice. Secondly it’s skill. Yes, many people can sing but haven’t the skill to harmonise, to adapt. Thirdly it’s personality.

 

“All my work is about bringing people together. And in terms of live performance I find 16 voices, eight male and eight female, all working together toward a common goal, incredible.

 

“There is something so beautiful about it and I love it. It’s endlessly entertaining. And music goes before all, when diplomacy fails music often still brings people together.”

 

Gareth, a Royal College of Music vocal student, was honoured with an OBE in 2012 for his services to music, and is perhaps best known for TV shows such as The Choir and The Choir: Military Wives, an ensemble of wives and partners of military personnel serving in Afghanistan.

 

Their song, Wherever You Are, a love poem compiled from letters between the women and their husbands and partners, was set to music by St Asaph-born composer Paul Mealor, and was the 2011 Christmas number one.

 

In November 2014 Gareth was back at the top of the charts with a group of celebrities he mentored with the Children in Need charity single, Wake Me Up, a cover of a song originally recorded by a Swedish dance act.

 

He said: “I hope to spring a few surprises at Llangollen and treat the audience to something special.

 

“They can expect anything from William Byrd to Queen and U2 or Dire Straits to choral composers like Eric Whitacre.

 

“We are working on developing a wide repertoire and there are some surprise choices which I think audiences will enjoy. And I’m particularly looking forward to putting something together with my own Voices choir and some of the singers from the competing choirs.

 

“It’s going to be something special, a fabulous evening and I and my Voices choir members are really excited about Llangollen. It’s going to be a very special evening.”

 

Among the other highlights at this year's Eisteddfod will be the Thursday night concert when heart-throb tenor Alfie Boe will be joined on stage by Britain’s Got Talent star Jonathan Antoine.

 

Other big draws include Oscar-winning music legend Burt Bacharach, the immensely popular Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright and former royal harpist Catrin Finch.

 

For the final concert on Sunday, July 12, Ali Campbell, the voice of UB40 who sold 70 million records, will be reunited on the eisteddfod stage with two other founding members of the group, percussionist, trumpet player and vocalist Astro and keyboard player Mickey.

 

Children’s Day and the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite will take place on the Tuesday afternoon before the evening Heart of Llangollen concert.

 

Wednesday’s programme will include a new competition for the International Young Musician of the Year as well as the Children’s Choir of the World while Thursday’s competitions will see another first, the International Voice of Musical Theatre Trophy.

 

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

 

Canal couple tie up in Llan to tie knot

* Ian and Sue hand over the charity donations from their

wedding gift cash to Llangollen town crier Austin Cheminais.

A COUPLE of narrowboat enthusiasts who met on the canal in Llangollen decided to return to the town to get spliced.

Sue and Ian Goodwin were married at St Collen’s Church last Saturday and handed over £120 of their wedding gift cash to Austin Cheminais, Llangollen’s town crier, to pass on to the North Wales Air Ambulance.

They also donated money to Llangollen’s Prostrate Cancer Support Group and Samaritans Liverpool.

Ian, known locally as `Spadger’ which is also the name of his narrowboat,  has been spending the winter in Llangollen for over 10 years.

A few years ago he lost his wife to illness whilst moored at Llangollen wharf, but continued to return each winter.

Sue, a fellow narrowboater,  also lost her husband to illness.

“It’s hard to explain, but us both losing our partners is one of the things that bought me and Ian together,”  said Sue.

Ian and Sue met whilst moored in town a couple of years ago, fell in love and decided to get married.

Added Sue: “We were overjoyed to be able to get married in Llangollen.  We had so much support and help from local people with our wedding.

“We shopped in Llangollen to support local business, used the Town Hall for our reception and booked around 30 hotel rooms. Our thanks go to everybody who helped make our day special.”

Ian said: “We travel all over the UK in our narrowboat but Llangollen is truly special and we will continue to return here each winter.

“We look forward to November when we know will get a warm welcome as we renew old friendships and once again become part of a great community.”

The newlyweds, who live on their narrowboat,  have just left Llangollen heading for the Shropshire Union Canal.

They plan to travel all summer on their boat and will return to Llangollen in November to spend the winter.

Health help available over bank holiday weekend

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is reminding the public about the alternative help that is available across Wales before calling 999, ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday.

NHS Direct Wales, Pharmacies, GPs and Minor Injury Units are just some of the alternatives that are being highlighted to the public during the Easter break, at a time when the Welsh Ambulance Service can normally experience a higher demand in calls to its service.

NHS Direct Wales is both an online website service and 24hr telephone advice line.

Health advisors are able to advise callers or visitors on the best pathway to suitable treatment for medical conditions, give information on local NHS service opening times and help you make sure you can get your repeat prescriptions over the holiday.

A NHS Direct Wales spokesperson said: “Over the bank holiday some pharmacies may be open for limited periods or closed completely so if you take any prescribed medication it is important you order repeat prescriptions in advance. If you are going away, remember to pack enough medication for the length of your holiday.”

If you run out of your medication and need a repeat prescription, you may be able to get an emergency supply from a pharmacy that is open, which will cover your medication needs for five days if -

• It is impossible to see a doctor

• It is a genuine emergency

• It is not a controlled drug (e.g. morphine, methadone)

It is always a good idea to keep your GP Out of Hours service number to hand. If you are going to be away from home make sure you find out what health services (including GP out of hours) are available in the area.

You can also purchase over the counter remedies from your pharmacy for minor ailments after seeking advice from a pharmacist rather than making an appointment with your GP for a prescription. Before you dial 999 for an ambulance, we would ask that you remember:

• If you are feeling unwell and you are not sure what to do, please call the NHS Direct Wales service on 0845 46 47 and speak to a nurse adviser for information and advice, available 24 hours a day, every day.

• If you are deaf or hard of hearing call the NHS Direct Wales textphone number on 0845 606 46 47.

• If you have a medical emergency such as loss of consciousness, difficulty in breathing, suspected heart attack, heavy blood loss, serious injury or severe burns call 999.

• Sending an ambulance to a call that is not an emergency could delay the response to a seriously ill or injured patient.

• Patients with minor illnesses or injuries who arrive at hospital by ambulance do not receive faster treatment.

Tall tales day at aqueduct a towering success

* The canal World Heritage site which hosted the family fun day.

Tall tales were told when Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site hosted a family fun day on Tuesday.

Ruth Moore-Williams, folk singer and story teller, enthralled visitors with her canal ditties and wild words of the waterways. She also played her antique instruments.

A range of community craft and food stalls sold their wares and Explorers, the children’s education arm of the Trust, staged activities for youngsters of all ages.

Amongst VIP guests were the mayor and mayoress of Llangollen, Bob and Margaret Lube.

Visitors became amongst the first to see the newly-refurbished grade II listed twin dry docks, which have been restored as part of an £88,000 project funded by the European Rural Development Programme, Wrexham County Borough Council and public donations to the Canal & River Trust.

Dating back to the early 19^th century, the docks were in need of vital repair work to seal leaks in the chamber walls, remove vegetation, replace and repair posts and fences.

The project has included improvements to public access, painting and masonry repairs, and new paved pathways near the visitor centre. The covered dock is currently leased by boat hire company Anglo Welsh and is still used for boat repairs.

Lynda Slater, visitor centre manager at Trevor Basin, said: “The fun day was a fantastic celebration to mark the end of the refurbishment and landscaping work and the start of the main summer season.

“Each year the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct attracts more than 200,000 visitors as word spreads of this stunning engineering masterpiece. Opened in 1805 and designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, it is the highest, longest aqueduct in the UK.”

* The mayoress of Llangollen, Margaret Lube, at the event.

 

* The ladies from Trevor and Garth Community had a successful day selling cakes and local produce. 

Work on Sainsbury's store starts "within days" says report

The Daily Post is reporting today (Wednesday) that work is due to start in the next few days on the planned new Sainsbury's store for Llangollen.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollen-sainsburys-could-open-christmas-8957787

AM welcomes help for water customers

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has welcomed Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s innovative new social tariff, ‘HelpU’, aimed at helping the company’s most disadvantaged customers.

 

From  April 1 it will be offering annual savings of up to £250 or 55% on the average household bill.



* Mark Isherwood AM.

Average household incomes in the area served by Welsh Water are almost 13% lower than the rest of England and Wales with some substantive areas being 20% below the average. 

 

To help combat this, Welsh Water’s new ‘HelpU’ tariff, which will benefit those on total household income of less than £12,500, has been developed with support from the independent consumer watchdog CCWater, the Welsh Government and Community Housing Cymru.

 

It is aimed at helping more customers than ever before who genuinely struggle to pay their water bills, with independent research showing that over 75% of the company’s customers support the new tariff.
 

Mr Isherwood, who attended Welsh Water’s briefing session on the new tariff in the Assembly last week, said: “We often speak to constituents who are struggling to make ends meet. As a result, I welcome this latest initiative by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water which is aimed at helping even more of its customers who struggle to pay their water bills.

 

"I’d urge anyone who is worried about their water bills or wants to know what help is available to contact the company so that they can get the help they need as soon as possible.”

 

* Customers wishing to apply for help to pay their water and sewerage bills can visit dwrcymru.com or phone Welsh Water on 0800 052 0145. More details on who is eligible and other sources of support are available on the company’s website. 

 

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water Chief Executive, Chris Jones, said: “As a company owned on behalf of its customers, we are proud to be leading the way by launching a new social tariff that will, for the first time ever, help over 100,000 households on the lowest incomes so that they are able to pay their water bills.

 

"This is also a win-win for all our other customers as it will help us to keep down the level of costs as a whole, and so if customers are genuinely struggling with their water bills, we’d urge them to contact us to see if we can help.”

 

Operatic seeking Sister Act sponsors

* Operatic members recently staged a Nun Run to raise money for their

production of Sister Act.

Llangollen Operatic Society has put out the call for businesses to sponsor its forthcoming production of the smash-hit musical Sister Act.

The show will be given its North Wales premiere by the society at the Town Hall between April 21 and 25.

Operatic spokeswoman Louisa Jones said:  “Sponsorship of a performance costs £125 and includes four prime viewing seats, four drinks of your choice from the bar, four programmes and the opportunity to advertise and distribute marketing material in Llangollen Town Hall.

“We currently have openings on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and the Saturday matinee performance.”

She added:  “Ticket sales are looking good and we have group bookings from as far afield as Shipley in West Yorkshire, so this is a great opportunity for a local business to promote themselves whilst enjoying an evening of great entertainment. “

* Anyone who is interested can contact Louisa on 07989 985644, or e-mail louisa.jones@live.com

Major Ruabon development approved

A multi-million pound development scheme for Ruabon has been given the go-ahead by Wrexham planners.

For the full story, see the Daily Post at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/multi-million-pound-ruabon-development-given-8951048

Road closure sparks message to traffic chiefs

* The road closure on the A5.

Mike Edwards, of Llangollen Cittaslow group, has written to Wales traffic chiefs about the long-running road closure on the A5 on the eastern approach to Llangollen.

In the emailed letter, copies of which he has sent to Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones and AM Ken Skates, he says:

"I understand that you have recently distributed an information leaflet to `certain"residents' in the vicinity of the A5 closure in Llangollen.

I feel it is disrespectful to all residents of Llangollen and the Dee Valley that the carriageway on this section of road has been closed since November, 2014 and only now have you given selected people information on why this action was taken.

You will no doubt have appreciated that this is a tourist and commuter route through Llangollen and used by residents travelling South towards Shropshire and the motorway network beyond Shrewsbury. The closure is causing unacceptable delays for residents which will be compounded next weekend when the holiday traffic intensifies coming to and through Llangollen, now we are in British Summertime.

It is further difficult for residents because the A539 Mill Street which provides access and egress to town from the other side of the valley has been and will be subject to temporary traffic control where BCHUB are constructing a new Medical Centre(I appreciate that this highway is under the control of Denbighshire CC). Minor routes through the Pengwern Vale are also subject to closures denying access to and from The Ceiriog Valley.

My main complaint is that you have taken actions to close a Public Highway without consulting nor advising residents in our Community why this action has been taken causing immense disruption for residents many who work outside the valley.

I fully expect a jargon riddled reply, but would be pleased to hear your explanation in the hope that it will be helpful to the people of Llangollen and the Dee Valley. I hope that your reply will provide useful information particularly how long this issue is likely to take to resolve bearing in mind that the International Eisteddfod is only  three months away. These issues must be causing great difficulties for the Emergency Services!"

Police warn over A483 collision

North Wales Police tweeted just before 12 noon today (Monday) ....

North Wales Police ‏@NWPolice 3m3 minutes ago

Please be aware of a road traffic collision on the #A483 near the McDonald's r'about #Chirk. Road not blocked but traffic getting busier.

 

 

New school governors sought

Denbighshire is seeking more school governors to come on board and register to be a community volunteer and help make a positive impact in our schools.

A council spokesperson said: "Governors have a vital role to play in supporting schools to provide the best possible learning experience for all pupils and are accountable for the conduct and standards of schools in Wales.

"We want to hear from people who are keen to make a positive difference in their local communities and who are interested in being part of a team and bringing their own expertise, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

"In return, all new governors are provided with training and are fully supported through a mentoring programme."

* For more information and to register your interest, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/governors

Easter egg hunt planned for the abbey

 

Why not hop along to Valle Crucis Abbey this Easter Sunday and participate in an Easter Egg Hunt.
 

Make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment.

The first 30 children that take part in one of our trails will be rewarded with an Easter prize for taking part.

Dates, times and prices

Dates
05 Apr 2015
Times
11.00pm - 4.00pm
Prices
Adult - £3.50
Family - £10.50*
Senior citizens, students and children under 16 - £2.65
Member - Am Ddim/Free
Disabled and companion - Am Ddim/Free
*Admits 2 adults and all children under 16

More "difficult decisions ahead" for county

Denbighshire councillors are faced with more difficult decisions about the county’s budget, despite having already steered through “choppy waters”.

That’s the message from council chief executive Mohammed Mehmet writing in the first electronic edition of the County Voice magazine.

Mr Mehmet (pictured left) says the new `e-communication' is just one example of the many changes in Denbighshire arising from the budget setting process.

For this financial year, Denbighshire had to meet a savings target of £8.8m in order to set a legal budget.

The electronic version means the council has been able to save up to £20,000 annually in this one area alone.

The chief executive says: “As with every single cut we have made, we have had to weigh up the pros and cons and look for innovative ways to ensure we still have a suitable way to provide a service, in this case, how we highlight what is happening within the county council.

“Of course, we cannot assume everyone has internet access and so to mitigate this, print-outs will be available to read in our libraries and One Stop Shops.”

Dealing with budget cuts, Mr Mehmet says: “Councils across the UK have been absorbing cuts to budgets for the last five years.

“In Denbighshire, we have now set our budget for 2015/16 but it has certainly not been an easy process with some really difficult choices to be made by councillors.

“These have included cutting budgets in some important areas and also to popular services as well as having to introduce charges for others.

“We are at the stage where we seriously have to consider which non-statutory services we can continue and at any one time, our officers are working hard to ensure that, even when a budget is cut the service can continue to be delivered where at all possible.

“This is a very difficult task which requires expert knowledge in their field and can require us taking a very different, at times radical approach to the challenges we face.”

The chief executive says cuts have been made in order to protect more important priorities, such as:

* Setting the lowest Council Tax increase in North Wales and the second lowest increase in Wales at 2.75%.

* A £90m investment programme for building new schools and improving existing ones has also been protected.

* Protecting Social Services.

* All leisure, libraries and youth facilities remaining open next year.

* Keeping roads maintenance, public protection, building control and planning, and housing services at a level that is at least as good as the Welsh average standards.

Mr Mehmet adds: “I'm hopeful that, subject to no in-year changes from Welsh Government, we will be able to develop further proposals for minimising the impact of the cuts to our residents but I say this with the proviso that cuts are predicted to last for several years to come and, although we have steered our way through choppy waters so far - there is no doubt that our councillors will be faced with more difficult decisions ahead and work is already underway to this end.”

* To sign up for the electronic edition of County Voice, go to www.denbighshire.gov.uk/countyvoice

Leaflet gives details of A5 road closure

Nearby residents have today (Friday) had leaflets pushed through their doors giving latest details of  the long-running road closure on the A5 in Llangollen.

The leaflet says:

Tall tales to be told at the aqueduct

* Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Tall tales will be told when Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site hosts a family fun day.

Next Tuesday March 31, Ruth Moore-Williams, folk singer and story teller, will be enthralling children and adults with her canal ditties and wild words of the waterways.

A range of community craft and food stalls will be selling their wares and Explorers, the children’s education arm of the Trust, will be hosting activities for children of all ages.

Visitors to the event will also be the first to see the newly-refurbished grade II listed twin dry docks, which have been restored as part of an £88,000 project funded by the European Rural Development Programme, Wrexham County Borough Council and public donations to the Canal & River Trust.

Dating back to the early 19^th century, the docks were in need of vital repair work to seal leaks in the chamber walls, remove vegetation, replace and repair posts and fences.

The project has included improvements to public access, painting and masonry repairs, and new paved pathways near the visitor centre. The covered dock is currently leased by boat hire company Anglo Welsh and is still used for boat repairs.

Lynda Slater, visitor centre manager at Trevor Basin, said: “The fun day will be a fantastic celebration to mark the end of the refurbishment and landscaping work and the start of the main summer season.

“Each year the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct attracts more than 200,000 visitors as word spreads of this stunning engineering masterpiece. Opened in 1805 and designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, it is the highest, longest aqueduct in the UK.”

Part of Cynwyd closed by police, says BBC

The BBC reported around 8.30am today (Thursday) that part of the village of Cynwyd near Corwen had been closed by police.

For more on the story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-32064302

* The Daily Post is reporting on the same incident: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/police-close-denbighshire-village-due-8922169

Nun Run makes heavenly £1,500 so far

* Nun Runners line up at the start line.

THEIR prayers for good weather were answered when devout members of Llangollen Operatic set off on their charity Nun Run on Sunday in brilliant spring sunshine.

And with offerings now almost complete, it looks like their efforts raised a heavenly £1,500.

The sponsorship cash they made  by running or walking the 10k course in the countryside close to the town dressed as nuns or priests will go to help pay for their forthcoming production of the musical Sister Act and also to the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Society member Louisa Jones, who was on the run, said: "We were under starters orders from Christine Dukes at Llangollen Sports Club and then headed up Dinbren Road and along the Panorama before dropping down Sun Bank and joining the canal towpath for the final stretch back into town.

"A good number of the 23 participants were dressed in ecclesiastical costume and this was a source of great amusement to passing walkers and cyclists, many of whom couldn't believe what they were seeing at first.

"Everyone successfully completed the course at varying paces but congratulations must go to Ross Wilson and Louise Decourt who took first and second place respectively with some excellent times.

"Money raised through sponsorship and donations is currently around £1500 and there is still more to come in.

"Needless to say we are extremely happy with this result and would like to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event and helped to make it happen."

* Pictures by Barrie Potter.

* Marcus Ansloos under holy starter's orders.

 

* Ross Wilson powers his way around the course.

 

 

* Runners celebrate their celestial achievement at Llangollen Sports Club.

County notifies of bus service changes

Denbighshire is informing bus users of a number of changes to bus services from April 7 and passengers are strongly advised to check timetables carefully.

All Denbighshire timetables are currently available online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/travel and we expect the new printed timetables will be available from March 30.

Denbighshire's Director of Community and Economic Ambition, Rebecca Maxwell, said: "Earlier this year, Denbighshire set the final budget for the next financial year which included the need to make savings of around £10m across Council services. As a result, some bus routes will see fewer or altered journeys.

"We have worked with bus operators to ensure we continue to provide as comprehensive a service as possible for passengers."

* Should passengers have specific questions, they can either telephone their operator or the County Council on 01824 706964

New measures help GPs to work in Wales

A new package of measures being announced today will make it easier for GPs to work in Wales, Health and Social Services Minister, Mark Drakeford has said.

 

These arrangements will make it easier for GPs who have previously worked in Wales to return to practice following a career break or a period of working outside the UK.

 

It will also support doctors who have qualified outside the UK and choose to work in Wales.

 

The package of measures includes a more targeted assessment of an individual’s skills, to identify those who can safely enter the workforce with minimum support or who require greater assistance.

Arrangements will also be put in place for overseas applicants to undertake their initial interview and assessment before they arrive in Wales, enabling tailored support for their return to practice to be agreed in advance.

It is also intended that the Medical Performers Lists in Wales be amended to provide GPs who wish to work outside the UK the opportunity to remain on the list for a maximum of five years.

This would remove the current obligation for all GPs who previously practiced within the Welsh health system to undertake the induction and refresher scheme on their return.

This approach will be underpinned by a requirement for the doctor to provide evidence of continuous professional development, clinical work and reflective practice.

Prospective returners to the GP workforce will continue to receive financial support for up to six months, depending on the clinical support required.

The Welsh Government will work with key stakeholders in Wales to take forward these changes.

Mark Drakeford said: “The changes I’m announcing today will make it easier to recruit new doctors to work in Wales and for GPs who want to return to work in Wales to do so. It also has the potential to reduce costs for those seeking to return.

“GPs, like many others, may decide to take career breaks for a number of reasons. Making it as easy as possible for them to return to work in Wales, while ensuring there are safeguards in place to ensure patient safety, is one of the ways we can increase the numbers of GPs required to provide care for patients in Wales.

“I recognise there are challenges in GP recruitment and retention in some parts of Wales, as there are elsewhere. We continue to work closely with NHS organisations to attract the best medical talent but we are operating in an extremely tough global market where many countries across Europe are experiencing shortages.

“The reforms we are making to Wales’ primary care service will help ensure that young GPs coming into practice have a wider range of options available to them, including opportunities to become involved in research and teaching in Wales.”