AM demands answers over rail bridge

Network Rail has been urged to ‘get a move on’ and open a completed footbridge funded by the Welsh Government at Chirk Station.

Assembly Member Ken Skates (pictured) has demanded answers as to why the bridge – part of a £2m project to improve access – is still closed to the public.

Mr Skates, Welsh Labour AM for Clwyd South, wrote to Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne way back in June to ask what was going on, and was told the delay was because CCTV cameras needed to be in place. 

Mr Skates said: “The company said it was ‘working hard with Arriva Trains Wales to achieve this more quickly’, but no timescale has been given.

"It’s hardly surprising that people are getting fed up with waiting – this is taking far too long.

“The Welsh Labour Government has invested £2m in Chirk Station and local residents and commuters still aren’t able to utilise the improvements we’ve paid for.”

The funding was part of a project which saw £12m injected into five stations across Wales.

At Chirk, the money has delivered a ramped footbridge, providing access for disabled people on platform one (trains travelling northbound) for the first time. The work also includes creating an accessible drop-off point, disabled car park spaces and improved signage. 

Mr Skates said: “After I wrote to Network Rail over problems with the station’s car park – which was only half-open – it was quickly resolved. I would urge the company to get a move on and show the same efficiency with this matter.”

He added: “This is an excellent project and I’m delighted that the Welsh Labour Government has been able to reward those who have campaigned hard for investment and improved access, such as the brilliant Friends of Chirk Station. It’s a shame we can’t see the results.”

Businessman Graham Greasley, who runs Gateway Heritage Tours, said he recently had to help an elderly lady and her grandson haul three huge cases up the station steps to the car park because there was no alternative.

Graham said: “They had come up from South Wales and were traveling around the UK for several weeks. She commented that it was very poor, and I had to agree.

“Here we are in the peak holiday season, with lots of visitors arriving and the bridge and ramp is still not open. And what about disabled access to the Chester platform?

“It's absolutely disgusting it’s still closed – Network Rail should get sorted.”

Operatic to stage new season social

Llangollen Operatic Society has asked llanblogger to post the following notice ...

Ruby wedding party raises £1,000 for air ambulance

 

 
Llangollen's town crier has something to shout about after he raised £1,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance at his 40th wedding anniversary party.

Austin “Chem” and Jane Cheminais (pictured left) held their ruby celebration for relatives and friends in the Town Hall.

The party was a great success with bar profits and a collection raising £1,000 for the air ambulance.

Chem said: "Jane and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and for making our evening really special."

* The couple pictured below  in 1975, the year they were married.

New school wins AM’s praise

Assembly Member Ken Skates has paid tribute to a head teacher and her staff after a new school’s first Estyn report was published.

Welsh-medium Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy in Cynwyd, near Corwen, was established in 2013 following the merger of Ysgol Maes Hyfryd and Ysgol Llandrillo.

Estyn inspectors visited the school – based at the old Maes Hyfryd site – in June and published their report this week, rating both current performance and prospects for improvement as ‘good’.

Mr Skates, Labour AM for Clwyd South, (pictured left) praised the work done by head teacher Eirian Owain, who was previously head at Maes Hyfryd, and her team.

He said: “This is an extremely encouraging first report, which highlights a high standard of teaching and the school’s excellent leadership and management over the past two and a half years. It’s also very pleasing to see the inspectors note the care and support the children receive every day.

“Mrs Owain and her staff have overseen great changes and have still managed to ensure the children receive a high quality education. I’m sure the parents will be delighted with this.”

The Estyn report notes that:

* Nearly all pupils make good progress in their learning and produce work of a good standard

* The vast majority concentrate well in lessons and show interest and pride in their work

* Most pupils use language effectively and confidently 

* The children’s behaviour is praiseworthy and they are extremely respectful

* Teachers lead effective and interesting lessons that motivate pupils to learn 

* The school provides thoroughly for pupils who have additional learning needs 

Inspectors also said ‘there is a very strong feeling of teamwork among the staff’ and that ‘members of the governing body have a strong commitment to their responsibilities and contribute consistently to setting a strategic direction for the life and work of the school’.

Mr Skates added: “It’s brilliant to see so many key strengths identified by the inspectors and the future looks bright for Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy and the children of Cynwyd. It’s a fantastic report.”

Cycling vicar raises £3,500 for chosen charity

* The Rev Andrew Sully at the signpost at
John O'Groats
with his godson Ioan Hegarty and
 Ioan's mother, Liza Tercero,
who also took part in the cycling marathon. 

LLANGOLLEN’S cycling vicar has just pedalled his way to a £3,500 bonus for his chosen charity.

Over the past few years the Rev Andrew Sully of St Collen’s Church has done a number of fundraising rides for good causes.

His latest challenge was the gruelling 10-day LEJOG marathon from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of Action Duchenne, a charity which supports parents of sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well as lobbying for greater investment in research to find a genetic cure for the condition usually only affecting males.

Mr Sully took on the tough test alongside 18 other cyclist from around the country and together they raised a total of £80,000 – his share of which is £3,500 and possibly £4,000.

He said: “Starting at a very wet and blustery Land's End on Sunday July 26, the route took us west through Cornwall and  Devon then north through Somerset, Wiltshire,  Avon and Bristol, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Cheshire.

“On the fourth day we arrived in Wigan before continuing north through Lancaster, Carlisle and Penrith and then further north to Gretna Green and south Lanarkshire.

“After bypassing Glasgow, we continued up Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, then north into the highlands before reaching Thurso and John O'Groats on Tuesday August 4.”

Mr Sully added: “It was a real challenge with the first four days particularly long ones when we arrived at journey's end as late as 9.30, 8.30 and 7.45pm.

“Thereafter we learned not to 'faff about' so much at stops along the way and became more disciplined as the miles slipped away and we learned to get 50 miles in before lunch so that we had broken the back of the cycling in the morning and early afternoon.

“It was encouraging to learn of the total raised at the start , £70 000, which was increased every day by £1,000, so that by the end we had raised over £80 000.

“My own personal fundraising currently stands at £3,500.

“I'm hoping to be able to raise £4,000 before the closing date for sponsorship money at the end of September.”

* Mr Sully’s Justgiving charity page is: www.justgiving/andrew-sully1

New Dot Cinema attracts another big audience

* Cinema-goers queue for popcorn in the interval.

Llangollen's new community cinema attracted another full house for its second film-show staged at the Town Hall last night (Friday).

New Dot Cinema was set up earlier this year by a group of film buff friends to re-create the fun of the town's old Dorothy Cinema in Castle Street which screened its final movie back in 1963 before bringing down the final curtain.

New Dot - the name was chosen in homage to the original flicks - had its smash-hit debut performance with French-made 2011 Oscar-winner The Artist last month.

And it stayed with the Gallic influence to put on its latest offering, PlayTime, by French comedy master Jacques Tati and dating from 1967.

It's an enchanting piece of cinema in which Monsieur Hulot becomes increasingly perplexed by the intimidating complexity of a gadget-filled Paris.

Few who know nothing about French cinema of that era will have ever seen anything quite like it before.

* Low lighting helps create the right atmosphere.

Ahead of the main feature came a couple of shorts, one of which had legendary American newsman Walter Cronkite narrating a fascinating little piece which gave some mid-1960s impressions on how the home might develop thanks to a series of incredible gadgets by the year 2001.

But who can ever imagine being able to sit at a device which brings you the latest news, weather, TV guide and share prices at the touch of button without ever having to leave the comfort of your kitchen?

New Dot not only shows classic films but also strives to bring a touch of the 40/50s bijou cinema experience to Llan.

On top of the usual dim lights, sofas, popcorn and delicious cakes on offer there was also a definite French flavour to last night's session, with wine and cheese from the country being sold at the bar and a number of cinema-goers dressing in chic French 60s style.

Next month, on Friday September 11, sees New Dot bringing to the Town Hall's silver screen another French offering, Wonderland Special: The Science of Sleep, a 2006 Michel Gondry film celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

October 9's screening will be a Halloween special entitled Carnival of Souls, from the USA and dating from 1962.

November 13 sees Northern Soul, a 2015 British movie telling the sweat-soaked story of a youth culture said to have changed a generation.

Tickets for New Dot - £8 and £5 concessions - are available on the door on the night or from Bailey's Deli and Lottie's Bespoke Vintage in the town or online at newdotcinema.org

More details of rope swing fall drama

The Daily Post website has a story this afternoon giving more details about how quick-thinking canoeists rescued a woman who had suffered a fall from a rope swing near the Horseshoe Falls.

For the full story see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/llangollen-canoe-rescue-rope-swing--9856211

Railway's gala weekend marks three big dates

 

* Llangollen's own ex-GWR Large Prairie 2-6-2T No.5199

will be a star of the Along Branch Lines gala weekend.

 

This year sees three major anniversaries for the Llangollen Railway.

 

It's now been 150 years since the line between Llangollen and Corwen officially opened, 50 years since it closed and 40 years since the preservation society was first formed. 

 

The heritage railway’s Along Branch Lines weekend not only aims to celebrate these major milestones, but also to stir up memories of the way the region’s railways once looked by running a mixture of unusual trains, ranging from short pick-up goods trains to four and five coach passenger trains in authentic liveries.

The three-day weekend event, from September 11-13, is steam operated with an intensive timetable featuring a variety of different types of trains, including an ‘auto train’.

 

This is the train most often associated with Great Western branch line services and would usually consist of just one or two coaches worked in push-pull mode by a small steam engine.

 

Two special guest locomotives will be in attendance for the event, GWR Small Prairie' type 2-6-2T loco No.5542 visiting from the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway and LMS Jinty type 0-6-0T loco No.47406 from the Great Central Railway at Loughborough.

 

These will join the home fleet, drawn from ex-GWR Large Prairie 2-6-2T No.5199, GWR Heavy Freight 2-8-0 No.3802 and GWR Pannier Tank No.6430.

 

Another feature will be the recreation of a pick-up goods train, which were regular sights on many lines up until the 1960s.

 

These ambled along from station to station, collecting and delivering a wide variety of goods wagons as they went.   

 

A new feature for the Along Branch Lines gala will be the opening of a permanent line-side viewing area near to Berwyn Tunnel.

 

A temporary area enabling visitors and photographers to experience the sight of steam locomotives working hard up the 1 in 80 Berwyn Bank proved popular during the line's Steel, Steam & Stars IV gala earlier in the year.

 

Tickets are now on sale through the Llangollen Railway's website at discounted rates.

 

Another year of excellent A Level results at Dinas Bran

* Dinas Bran pupils jump for joy after receiving their A Level results.

It was another year of excellent results at Ygol Dinas Brân today as Year 13 students celebrated.

97% achieved the benchmark level 3 threshold, with well over half the grades awarded to students at A*-B.

Many students achieved terrific individual success.   

Among them were Joanna Stallard who was awarded one A*grade in English Literature, two A grades in RE and History and a B grade in French.  

Joanna will now go on study History at Exeter University.   

Joanna McHugh gained an A* in Mathematics and A grades in Further Maths and Spanish. 

She will now continue her studies at Bath University reading International Management and Modern Languages. 

Madeline Brown achieved three A grades in Religious Education, English Literature, History and  B grades in English Language and Drama. 

Maddy will now go on to study English at York University. 

Steven Hughes achieved three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and a B grade in Physics.   Steven will now study Chemical Physics at Bristol University in 2016.

Other students who achieved particularly highly included:

Hannah Gallimore   one A* grade one A grade one B grade

Samantha Viney   one A* grade 2 B grades

Ben Larwood   2 A grades 2 B grades

Bethan Phillips   one  A* grade 2 B grades

Will Hawkes   two A grades, one B grade, one D grade

Headteacher Martyn Froggett said:  “A big well done to all our students.  They have worked hard and deserve their success.  We wish them all the best for the future.  I would like to thank too all the staff for the support they have given the students and the parents too."

 

Groups urged to bid for seized crime cash

* Police and Crime Commissioner, Winston Rodick , PACT Chairman

David Williams, assistant chief constable of North Wales

Police Richard Debicki and Julian Sandham, the

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales.

Community groups across North Wales are being urged to bid for a pot of money seized from criminals in a move described as "poetic justice" by a crime tsar.

 

Up for grabs is a total of £42,000 for the successful organisations who pledge to run projects to tackle anti-social behaviour and combat crime and disorder.

 

Two groups from each of the region's six counties will receive £3,000 apiece and £6,000 is available for a group that operates across North Wales.

 

The winning candidates will be chosen by a public vote later this year.

 

The ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ scheme has been launched by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB QC and Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki  in partnership with the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

 

It is being jointly funded by money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash confiscated from offenders, and the Commissioner’s Fund.

 

Community groups are being urged to apply between September 1 and October 2.

 

Application packs can be found on the websites of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police.

 

A shortlist of applicants will be chosen by a special panel and from November 1 members of the public will decide which groups to support with a vote via the two websites and a dedicated email address.

 

Voting will then take place between October 26 and November 27.

 

Commissioner Roddick said: "It’s an outstanding idea. Not only does it go to worthy causes but it has the sound of justice all around it.

 

"This is poetic justice at work because we're confiscating the ill-gotten gains of villains and redistributing the money where it’s needed.

 

"It will be used by groups and organisations, all of whom will be doing something to combat crime and disorder or anti-social behaviour and that is very appropriate.

 

"The money is going where it’s going to make a difference in reducing crime and in improving the quality of the communities which suffer the crime."

 

It was a sentiment echoed by Assistant Chief Constable Debicki.

 

He said: "It is a very good thing for community groups to be able to access pots of money in order to be able to reduce crime and disorder within their communities and improve the quality of life for the community in their area.

 

"It sends a really positive message that money taken from the pockets of criminals is being recycled. This is turning bad money into good money that's being used for a constructive purpose.

 

"We really value our relationships with the public and we recognise that we can’t reduce crime and disorder on our own.  It’s a partnership and a joint effort with other agencies but absolutely crucial and critically is the public themselves.

 

"The public often are the ones who know what the things are that will work best in their area and for them to be able to bid into a pot of money is a really positive thing."

 

According to PACT chairman David Williams, it was also a very democratic process because the public will be able to decide who gets the money.

 

Mr Williams said: "One of the real pluses of the scheme is that ultimately it’s the public who has the voice and who will say which projects will go forward and are worthy of this important money.

 

"And very appropriately, one of the conditions is that the people who apply for this money have to be doing something that combats anti-social behaviour or addresses crime and disorder in some way.

 

"The aims Your Community, Your Choice scheme also coincide with the objectives of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan so it creates a virtuous circle."

 

The opening date is September 1 and completed applications must be returned via email to participatorybudgetfund@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by the closing date on October 2. For more information ring 01745 588516 or go to www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or www.north-wales.police.uk
 

Here's where the money went last year:

 

Anglesey (£3,000 each) – Bodedern Friends, sports training for children aged five-18, and Frindiau Parc Rhosybol, new play area.

 

Conwy (£3,000 each) – Llanfairfechan Town FC, community facility at football ground, and Llandudno Neighbourhood Watch Drop-in Centre, crime prevention initiative.

 

Denbighshire (£3,000 each) – Prestatyn and Meliden Community Action Group, activities for young teens and pensioners, and Dragon Riders, Rhyl, community bike riding project.

 

Flintshire (£3,000 each) - WEA Cymru in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Supported Living Project, art focused workshops for young people, and Groundwork North Wales, volunteering and learning opportunities for young people.

 

Gwynedd (£,3000 each) – Welsh Institute of Therapeutic Horsemanship, horse-based therapy for disadvantaged young people, and Gisa Mentro Mlaen Project, Caernarfon, independent living for vulnerable people.

 

Wrexham (£3,000 each) – Caia Park Partnership, outdoor pursuits courses for young people, and The Warehouse Project, help for young homeless people.

 

Pan-North Wales project (£6,000) – Dangerpoint, Talacre, Flintshire, education and life skills for young people.  

Woman hospitalised after Horseshoe Falls incident

The Daily Post in reporting this morning that a woman was hospitalised after a rope swing fall at the Horseshoe Falls yesterday.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-hospitalised-horseshoe-falls-llangollen--9836575

French film star visits new health centre

*Monsieur Hulot takes a look along the river frontage of Llangollen's new health centre. 

The next film to be shown at New Dot Cinema Llangollen stars a famous French character called Monsieur Hulot.



* ... takes a peek inside. 

A bit like Mr Bean, he doesn't say much but the humour comes from his movements and interactions
throughout the film.

"He often seems curious but bemused about his environment," explains cinema programmer Simon Proffitt.

"In PlayTime he encounters modern 1960s Paris which is shiny, new and full of high-tech gadgets.

"We wondered what he would make of our new health centre here in Llangollen."

The health centre, which is to open later in the year, had a recent preview day where locals were able to wander around and inspect the new facilities and attractive modern landscaping on the north bank of the River Dee.



Members of the New Dot team were inspired to don a Monsieur Hulot-style raincoat, trilby and bow tie, all sourced locally at one of Llangollen's vintage clothes shops, and pose for some photos.

Simon added: "The next film evening will have a 1960s, slightly French feel.



* ... and around the front.

"We're running our own bar this time, which will include a selection of good French wines accompanied by tasters of French cheese.

"The music will be a mixture of 60s jazz and interesting retro-future sounds. We're also hoping our volunteer cake-bakers will pull some tarte tatins and gateaux out of their hats!"

PlayTime (certificate PG) by celebrated French film maker Jacques Tati is considered the finest of his work.

It will be screened this Friday, August 14, at Llangollen Town Hall in Castle Street.

Doors open at 7pm, showtime is 7.30pm. Some cushions are provided, but feel free to bring your own.

The community cinema is run entirely by volunteers. Tickets are available online at http://www.newdotcinema.org or at Baileys Deli on Castle Street and Lotties Bespoke Vintage on Oak Street, Llangollen, priced at £8 (£5).

Last month's inaugural performance was completely sold out, so organisers' advice is to buy tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Police seek information on RAFA club damage

Neighbourhood Watch members in the area have been asked for any information they might have about a report of criminal damage at the RAFA Club in Llangollen.

North Wales Police say that between 1 and 3am on Tuesday August 1, six males were seen throwing items around the bowling green, which caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the club, located at the side of the Llangollen Canal, near the wharf.

Anyone with information about the incident I asked to call 101.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.

North Wales Police urges residents to always report suspicious activity to them at the earliest opportunity.

MP hits out of delay in opening station bridge

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has written to Network Rail Chief Executive Mark Carne calling for the new footbridge at Chirk railway station to be opened.

"Local residents and I are fed-up with the delay. It's totally unacceptable," she said.

"Local rail-users were delighted when the Friends of Chirk Station and representatives of Network Rail and Alun Griffiths Contractors worked together to secure this major improvement.

"However, the newly installed footbridge still hasn't been opened. It isn't fair on local residents, especially those who carry heavy cases or need it for reasons of mobility."

In her letter to the Network Rail boss, Ms Jones (pictured left) asks why the opening has been "so delayed".

She added: "There's a suggestion that the bridge hasn't been opened because of the need for extra lights. But whatever the reason - Network Rail need to clarify what is going on and how long the work will take, and then they need to get the footbridge opened. This matter needs to be sorted urgently."

Chance to meet new people at church event

Support urged for local High Street Heroes

Llangollen people are being urged to vote for a well-known local business in a competition to find Wales’s High Street Heroes.

The Welsh Government launched its Support Your High Street campaign last year to celebrate the valuable contribution our busy high streets make to the Welsh economy, as well as the vital role they play in community life.

A key action in the Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Framework, the aim is to encourage people and communities to use their local high streets.

The campaign is also running this year, with High Street Week taking place from September 19 – 26 with a new feature - the High Street Heroes Awards.

This year’s campaign and the High Street Heroes Awards were launched on June 5  by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths AM.

Mike Edwards, of Llangollen Cittaslow community group, has nominated the team at Gwyn the Butchers in Castle Street as High Street Heroes.

And Mike said: “Can I urge everyone through llanblogger to vote for Gwyn, Richard and Callum our wonderful local independent butcher.”

Voting for the High Street Heroes Awards is online via the Support Your High Street Facebook page Support Your High Street Facebook page (external link).

 

Belles on Bikes to ride in Chirk

The charity Sustrans, which is the organiser, has asked us to publicise the event below ...

Latest World Cafe event planned

* Last year's World Café event in full swing at the Town Hall.

AN event similar to the one which led to the setting up of Llangollen’s own community cinema is to be staged later this month.

At the end of last year, the Town Council arranged a World Café session in the Town Hall with the aim of achieving some of the initial targets identified by Llangollen’s newly-formed Cittaslow community organisation. 

Hosted by Cittaslow, the event sparked discussions about the possibility of setting up a community cinema.

And, following the hard work by a dedicated band of volunteers, the dream became reality when New Dot Cinema held its highly successful first film showing last month.

A follow-up World Café event will now be staged at the Town Hall on Saturday, August 29 between 11am and 3pm.


Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: “Back in 2010, under the guidance of the current Town Mayor, the Town Council conducted a survey.

“From this a series of internal meetings established criteria to judge the priority of any improvement and these were presented to the town meeting in early 2011 and a schematic plan was produced.

“The town’s designation as a Cittaslow town was a direct result of this process and many of the initial targets identified by the town plan are now encapsulated in Cittaslow Llangollen’s aims and objectives. 

“Using this designation, the Town Council are keen to drive forward a number of key projects, over the next few years, in collaboration with the local community.

“As part of this community engagement process Cittaslow headed up a World Café event, at the end of last year, in the Town Hall. 

“It was in that event that one of the discussions was had around opening of a Cinema in Llangollen.  

“From this idea a team of volunteers created New Dot Cinema, and the sell-out opening night on the 15th July in the Town Hall was a brilliant success.  All this in under six months from a casual discussion to high quality delivered product.”

He added: “This shows the benefits of collaboration and therefore the Town Council wish to build on last year’s event and are holding another World Café event this year to encourage greater community engagement on August 29 in the Town Hall with drop-in sessions between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm. 

“For this years café there will be tables manned by our local Assembly Member Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones MP, as well as county council representatives.

“Come and put your ideas and concerns on the table, have a coffee and try to find workable solutions to issues that matter to you.

“Don't miss out on your chance to help plan for the future of the town.”

Company has hot date with Hamper Llangollen

 

* The Dangerous Food Company's Llyr Jones and Dominic Haynes

with some of their fiery chillis.

 

One of the hottest companies around has almost quadrupled its business in a year - after putting on face masks and protective clothing to get it up and running.

 

The Dangerous Food Company, based in St Asaph, is now in talks with key industry player, Marks and Spencer, since unveiling its fiery chilli jams at the Hamper Llangollen food festival last year.

 

It went on to increase stockists of the breath-taking products from just 25 shops to 110 across Wales and Cheshire.

 

Company founders, friends Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones, have also been in talks with luxury foods retailers – including Marks and Spencer – in a bid to further spread the appeal of the unique relishes they developed in their home kitchens.

 

The company’s unusual name comes from the fresh chillies they use – so hot that the duo had to wear protective headgear as they went to work on developing the unique recipe.

 

Now with 12 months of red hot trading under their belt, they plan to return to Hamper Llangollen 2015 bringing with them tastier jams than ever.

 

The popular event in Llangollen’s Royal Pavilion is recognised as one of the UK's top 10 food festivals.

 

Cadwyn Clwyd has provided financial support over the past few years to ensure the festival's long term viability, this was funded through the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

 

“We started out with just one jam, the original, but now we have five, plus a sixth recipe is in the making,” said Dominic.

 

He and Llyr live with their respective families, just a few yards away from each other, in St Asaph. They worked together at a North Wales dairy before launching the Dangerous Food Company.

 

Dominic, 32, said: “At first it started as a fun idea we had in a pub. Working in the food sector we already knew of chilli relishes on the market, but thought we could do better so we set about making our own at home.

 

"It took some time – and one or two disasters – to perfect our original recipe, but once we did, our families and friends loved it.

 

"We started selling a few jars as a hobby. Then following redundancies at the dairy, we both lost our jobs at the same time. That was when we decided to go for it and produce jams full time.”

 

They are allowed to call the relishes ‘jams’ because of the fruit content, though Dominic said only the very brave would want to eat these jams on toast for breakfast!

 

He said: “They are hot, hot, hot and spicy. But there is also a delicious fruitiness to them. It’s a lovely combination. They make a great accompaniment to savoury dishes, for barbecues, with cheese or meat, added to sauces or they can even be used to spice up a tin of baked beans.”

 

The range currently includes five flavours: red chilli with a hint of lime, jalapeño with bramley apple, habanero with mango, bird’s eye with morello cherry, and best seller, ghost chilli with blueberry, which is the hottest.

 

The pair are in the process of developing a sixth ‘secret recipe’ which they're

hoping to unveil at Hamper Llangollen 2015.

 

Dominic is responsible for marketing, packaging and sales while Llyr concentrates on the production side.

 

“We used to make all the jams ourselves but now we have an agreement with Patchwork Foods in Ruthin to use one of their units, which means we can meet strict production criteria, and still stick to our special recipes,” said Dominic.

 

“After a year in business we’re just glad that we’re able to keep ourselves employed and support our families, but without a doubt the pipe dream is that one day people will be able to see our jams sitting beside big luxury brands at the likes of Marks and Spencer.”

 

Hamper Llangollen chair Colin Loughlin believes this year's festival is going to be one of the best ever.

 

He said: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality cuisine.

 

“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of our rural economy.

 

"The location of the Pavilion is absolutely spectacular - I can't imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting."

 

Information and tasty recipes can be found at www.dangerousfoodco.co.uk

and for more details about Hamper Llangollen 2015 visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

New Dot's latest film inspires photoshoot

Fans of vintage fashion staged a photo shoot recently in Llangollen inspired by the next film to be shown at the town's new community cinema.

Photographer Keiron Preston and model Lottie Griffiths, owner of the local Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, were invited by cinema organiser Jen Sandiford to respond to 1967's PlayTime, which will be shown on Friday August 15 at Llangollen Town Hall.

"The film is set in super-modern 1960s Paris, with lots of geometric concrete and glass buildings," explained volunteer Jen Sandiford.

"As it's chic Paris, rather than swinging Carnaby Street in London, the characters are dressed quite formally with knee length skirts, pointed heels and beehives. That's what this fun photo shoot was inspired by."

She added: "Llangollen is a magnet for vintage lovers, with several good vintage clothes shops, antiques and rummage emporiums. We're encouraging people to come to the next cinema event dressed in any sixties-style clothing, and wanted to highlight where people can find the perfect
outfit."

New Dot Cinema Llangollen opened last month with a sell-out event show centred on contemporary silent film The Artist.

Audience members had the option of dressing in 1920's clothing, with many coming as flapper
girls or Bugsy Malone-style gangsters.

They aim to have the same success with visual comedy PlayTime by Jacques Tati, starring Monsieur Hulot.

As well as short films and the main feature, there'll be vintage music, quality refreshments and a licensed bar. The community cinema is run entirely by volunteers.

Tickets priced at £8 (£5 concession) are available at Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, Baileys Delicatessen (both Llangollen) and online at www.newdotcinema.org



















* Clothes in pictures from Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, Oak Street, Llangollen.

Art Club's open evening

Health centre opening faces likely delay

* Residents at last week's preview event for the new health centre. 

llanblogger exclusive

HEALTH chiefs have admitted that the opening of Llangollen’s £5 million new health centre is likely to delayed by about three weeks.

The centre, built on the site of the former River Lodge in Mill Street, replaces the town’s former Cottage Hospital, which closed in March 2013, and aims to build on its facilities.

Following a preview event last week for local residents there were rumours that the official opening, planned for August 24, might have to be delayed because of problems with the new telephone system.

And this has now been confirmed by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which has been in charge of the development project and says it now looks likely the centre will not now open until September 14 - three weeks later than originally planned.

A spokesperson for the board said: “Unfortunately, while setting up the telephone and data systems in the new health centre, it has become apparent that the telephone cabling that has been installed to the building does not meet the design specification and will not be able to support the number of telephone extensions and IT systems that the new building requires. 

“The developers are trying to establish how this has happened and how quickly the problem can be rectified.

“We will not be able to move into the new building until we are confident that all its systems are operating correctly and so it is likely that the opening will have to be delayed. 

“If this is the case it is likely that the move will then take place on 14th September to allow sufficient time to re-schedule the works that need to take place at the time of the move (including the physical movement of furnishings and equipment and the switch-over of IT systems), to give patients adequate notice of the new date and to avoid the bank holiday week.

“Clearly, an unexpected delay at this late stage this is frustrating for everyone who has worked so hard on this project and we look forward to announcing the confirmed date for the move as soon as this has been agreed.”

Major race planned for tomorrow

Road blocked near Bryneglwys

Breaking news ...

The Daily Post's website has posted the following item within the past half hour (now 19.38) ...

7.20pm: ROAD BLOCKED: The A5104 in Denbighshire is blocked in both directions near Bryneglwys following a crash between three vehicles.

 

Police unable to give further detail but the Welsh Ambulance Service had confirmed they are in attendance.

Police seek help to trace missing girl

Police in Llangollen are calling on the help of the public to trace Bethanie Summerscales who is missing.

The 15-year-old (pictured right), who is described as 5ft 3’ tall, of stocky build and has long brown coloured hair was last seen on Friday evening, (July 31st) in the Llandegla area.

She was last seen wearing a green coloured jacket which has a fluffy hood, a  black and pink coloured Adidas top, jeans and trainers.

PC 1295 Andy Williams, who is based in Llangollen said: “It is possible that Bethanie may still be in the North Wales area. However, the teenager also has links to the Oldham and Manchester areas.

"We are appealing for help in tracing her and anyone with information, who believes they may have seen Bethanie or knows of her current whereabouts to please get in touch with us. Similarly, we are appealing for Bethanie herself to please contact us and let us know she is safe and well.

“Inquiries to locate Bethanie are continuing and anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 101 reference S114812.”