MP says yōkoso to Japanese visitors

Susan Elan Jones MP welcomed a group of young Japanese business people to her Clwyd South constituency as they stopped off to visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

The group were on a familiarisation trip to Britain to visit different destinations and meet with around 300 businesses at a flagship business event.

The Clwyd South Labour MP, who worked in Japan after leaving university, said: "I once worked in Japan so I was particularly delighted to meet with a group of young business visitors from that country.

"I am so pleased that the group got to see our wonderful World Heritage Site, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

"The visitors asked many different questions, but one that seemed to be of great interest was our membership of the EU. I suppose that isn't surprising when you think of how many jobs and how much business investment in our country is dependent on our being in the EU." 

Timothy Jenkins, Senior Tourism Affairs Executive of Visit Britain, who organised the visit said: "I am delighted that Susan Elan Jones MP was able to meet with the group of Japanese travel traders who came to North Wales. The group were very impressed and grateful that Susan welcomed them to Wales in Japanese." 

* Susan Elan Jones MP with young Japanese business visitors near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Residents prepare to monitor speeding motorists

* A volunteer using a hand-held

speed camera.

Llangollen residents are preparing to get speeding motorists in their sights.

A group of four people from the town, including local county councillor Stuart Davies, recently attended the first meeting of the Llangollen Speedwatch group and were given the statutory training in hand-held speed devices.

Cllr Davies said: "We identified the areas of concern, both school roads - Brook Street to Pengwern and Dinbren Road by Dinas Bran, near the health centre, the A5 by the Wild Pheasant, Abbey Road and Pentrefelin.

"We are only allowed to operate in 20, 30 and 40 mph areas as it's too dangerous otherwise, according to the trainer who will now risk assess the designated areas to make sure they are safe for us to operate.

"Then away we go speed monitoring. If we identify speeders, their details are passed to the police, they then receive warning letters, two strikes and then get a ticket.

"The two strikes can be anywhere in North Wales."

Twenty Club present 1930s drama with true grit

It really was grim up north in the 1930s.

Especially so if you lived in the deprivation ghetto of Hankey Park in Salford, had next to no money and few prospects of getting any because you didn’t have a job.

It was an even grimmer prospect being in love against all these odds.

* Chris Sims and Louise Bosanquet in Love on the Dole.

And that is exactly the message of Love on the Dole, the latest and very gritty drama production from Llangollen Twenty Club at the Town Hall.

Penned by Ronald Gow and Walter Greenwood, it reflects the desperation and frustration of trying to live some semblance of a normal life against the background of an economic depression that was so awful that it makes our own recent recession look like, well, a walk in Hankey Park.

The 16-strong Twenty Club cast tackle this thought-provoking piece with sensitivity and, when called for, displays of real power.

For almost half of them it was their first time on stage but all of the debutantes make a good impression, particularly Louise Bosanquet who does an excellent job with the leading female role, Sally, the real driving force behind the suffering Hardcastle family who provides the cash and the inspiration for them all to keep battling on against unemployment and despair.

Louise looks and acts the part of a stalwart Lancashire lass with a real conviction that belies her lack of stage experience.

There was plenty of support for her in the shape of old hand Chris Sims as her love interest, the somewhat hapless Larry Meath who is ultimately just too good for his own good.

Another Twenty Club favourite Arwel Tanant Jarvis takes the role of the oafish Mr Hardcastle, who can’t quite grasp the fact that economic doom has robbed him of his traditional role as head of the household, doing so with aplomb.

The part of his long-suffering wife is taken by Helen Belton, showing exactly the same flair for hard stuff like this as she did when producing the comedic tour de force of Cybil in the group’s last production of Fawlty Towers.

The interplay between these two actors in one of the final angry scenes is one of the highpoints of the night.

Further accomplished performances come from young Aron Roberts, another stage first-timer who turns in a neat portrayal of the teenage Harry Hardcastle whose formative years are marred by grinding hopelessness, and David Edgar as the flash bookie Sam Grundy whose slimy chicanery makes him odds-on favourite to be a great baddie.

All the supporting cast members are strong and completely believable, as are, thankfully, the Lancashire accents.

Sets are little short of brilliant and the attention given to creating the Hardcastles’ grim kitchen is admirable.

Love on the Dole, directed superbly by Barry Cook assisted by Mike Law who also makes a cameo stage appearance as a drunk, is another very neat piece of drama from the Twenty Club.

It’s been on since Thursday and has its final performance this evening (Saturday) at 7.30pm.   

New youth choir set for launch

TALENTED youngsters are tuning up for the launch of a new youth choir for Llangollen.

It’s been jointly orchestrated by Amanda Morgan Thomas and Elen Mair Roberts of the famous Flintshire County Junior Choir to start the group which is due to have its first vocal workshop at the town’s International Pavilion on Tuesday April 5.  

Amanda said: “I’m delighted to be working with Elen in getting Llangollen Youth Choir off the ground.

“We have some pretty talented young singers locally who regularly perform with Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, and annually with Llangollen Panto Group.

“We hope that this new choir, meeting regularly throughout the year, will only further enhance their already

“I’ve seen Elen in action with Flintshire Youth Choir.  She works the choristers hard but rehearsals are great fun too. 

“They all sing off-copy and are expected to work in between rehearsals too in order to make good progress. outstanding quality and give our kids an amazing platform to sing their socks off.

“There is a Denbighshire Youth Choir but it is based in Rhyl which is a fair distance for families based in the south of the county.

“Many small local primary schools feed into local high schools and it’s a great opportunity to get stuck into a new venture, make some outstanding sounds and most importantly make new friends along the way as they move towards their chosen secondary school.

“We’re also keen to give the kids some self-selection opportunities too. Every year, although there will be set pieces to produce a balanced programme, we’ll have a shortlist of fun stuff that the choristers can select.

“We’ll also be recruiting amongst them for some extra roles like section reps and social media officers to set up and run our Facebook Page.”

Amanda added: “We’re holding our first workshop on April 5 during the Easter break at the Llangollen International Pavilion. It’s from 10am-2pm and full details are on-line at www.llangollenyouthchoir.com.

“After that, for those that are interested in joining up, rehearsals will be monthly with breaks every August and January.

“In time we’ll probably be looking for sponsorship but for now we’re just excited to be working together voluntarily to get this off the ground. 

“This is a mixed choir so we’re looking for musical boys and girls in current school years of 5, 6, 7 and 8. Numbers will be limited so please check online for registration details and costs.

“My daughter Manon is a great singer, getting to the National Urdd finals last year in Cardiff and winning at regionals again this year, and she’ll be the first - and officially the youngest - chorister we get to sign up.

“She even designed the logo for us she’s so keen to help us get going on the project.”

MP welcomes Government's Sunday trading defeat

* Susan Elan Jones MP with Shadow Business

Secretary Angela Eagle MP backing the Keep

Sunday Special campaign on Sunday trading hours.

A local MP who last autumn urged the Prime Minister to think again about changing Sunday trading hours has said she is "delighted" with yesterday's Government defeat on the issue.
 Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on October 21, Susan Elan Jones MP quoted Government retail sector champion Kevin Hawkins who described the current laws as “a workable compromise that most people seem satisfied with most of the time”.
 The MP said: “There’s a balance to be kept here – between opening hours for big stores, the rights of small shops and the rights of shop-workers and their families to enjoy family life. The current laws are a good compromise that most people agree with. We should stick with them and keep Sunday special.”

The Clwyd South Labour MP also spoke in yesterday's debate in Parliament, saying there was an "unity" that brought together a huge range of MPs based on "support for family life, high streets and small shops; and against the exploitation of shop-workers."
 SEE BELOW FOR NATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE OF SUSAN ELAN JONES MP's QUESTION TO THE PRIME MINISTER:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11946602/Strong-case-for-extending-Sunday-trading-hours-David-Cameron-says.html
http://www.acs.org.uk/press-releases/local-shops-pm-wrong-on-sunday-trading/
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/oct/26/sainsburys-chief-attacks-sunday-trading-law-change
http://www.christian.org.uk/news/pm-backs-calls-for-more-sunday-shopping/

New Dot screens its spring offering

New Dot Cinema is celebrating the arrival of spring with its latest showing, Tulpan, this Friday, March 11.

It’s a gentle coming-of-age comedy that, although set in a strange almost alien landscape, tells a story that will be recognised by anyone, anywhere.

Asa dreams of becoming a shepherd on the remote Kazakh steppe where he lives in a yurt with his sister and her nomadic family but he must first marry.

He sets his sights on Tulpan, the only eligible woman for many miles around, who rejects him on the basis of his big ears.

Undaunted, he sets off with his best friend Boni and a photograph of Prince Charles  - as evidence that big ears are no deterrent to getting on in life - to win Tulpan’s heart.

Tickets for Tulpan are priced at £5 available at Baileys Deli in Llangollen and online at www.newdotcinema.org

This year, New Dot will be screening temporarily as Micro Dot in a smaller venue, the Town Hall Council Chamber.

With seating for around 35 people, tickets will be in high demand.

Delicious homemade cakes, fairtrade tea and 'real' coffee will be on offer. There’s no bar, but people are welcome to bring their own with them.

Despite the smaller venue, New Dot audiences might notice a much clearer picture this year, thanks to a new digital projector generously awarded to New Dot Cinema and Llangollen Town Council by the British Film Institute (BFI).

The source of the funding is National Lottery via the Neighbourhood Cinema Scheme.

The award forms a successful first step in securing improved cinema facilities at the town hall by New Dot.

* Sign up at facebook or on the New Dot website to hear the latest updates to the new season's programme : www.NewDotCinema.org, Facebook:
www.facebook.com/newdotcinema, Twitter: www.twitter.com/newdotcinema

Aled Roberts to fight Clwyd South for Lib Dems

Wrexham and Clwyd South Liberal Democrats have announced that Aled Roberts will be standing in the Assembly Elections for the Clwyd South seat.

“I am delighted that local Liberal Democrats have backed me to stand in Clwyd South for the Assembly,” said Aled Roberts.

“In my campaign I want to highlight three major issues.

“The first is the 10% pay rise for Assembly Members which I have opposed – the only AM in North Wales to do so. At a time when so many cuts are being proposed to vital services in our communities and working people have to survive on pay increases of 1%, it is not only wrong, but immoral.  If elected I will donate the pay increase I receive after paying tax to local charities – I couldn’t look my constituents in the face if I did anything less.

“The second issue I want to campaign on is the state of our health service. Too often the Welsh NHS is used as a political football – the Welsh Government highlights success but fails to get to grips with management problems. On the other hand Conservatives make unrealistic promises to increase funding in complete contradiction to the cuts they are making at Westminster. Then Plaid Cymru promise to recruit more doctors when we can’t fill existing posts while their plan to create an all-Wales Hospital Board would create yet again the sort of structural upheaval that has been so damaging in the past – not t o mention that it would probably mean North Wales hospitals being managed from South Wales.

“There have been too many reorganisations in our health service over the last 15 years. What we need to do now is work with dedicated staff on the front line to improve the way in which individual services are run. Some progress is being made but this needs to be speeded up so that waiting times start to decline and new patients are not forced to wait in ambulances outside Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor because there is no bed for them.

“The third issue I want to highlight is education. During the last five years we have managed to get the Welsh Government to agree substantial increases in funding children who receive free school meals. Also as a result of Lib Dem pressure 16-18 year olds now receive a one third discount on all their journeys by bus. In this election one of our priorities will be capping class sizes at 25. Children are our future and I don’t think that anyone will argue with the view that teachers should have the time to properly teach every child.

"I am looking forward to the campaign and hope to meet as many people as possible over the next few months to discuss the issues of AM pay, the Welsh NHS and fracking along with any others that concern Clwyd South residents."

“A former Leader of Wrexham Council between 2005 and 2011 Aled Roberts is well known as an effective campaigner who gets things done,” said local Lib Dem Chair Rob Walsh.

“Since 2011 when he was elected Liberal Democrat Regional Member for North Wales, Aled has campaigned tirelessly. With the support of local campaigners he secured the survival of the T3 bus which links Wrexham with Barmouth.

“When the Welsh Government decided against dualling all the railway line between Wrexham and Chester Aled campaigned against leaving out the section between Wrexham and Rossett – he pointed out t hat this omission would make it impossible to create commuter trains linking Wrexham with Manchester and Liverpool.

“Aled stands heads and shoulders above most politicians in North Wales with his knowledge, understanding and determination to find solutions to problems.  I am certain that, if elected, he would make bring about change for the good of everyone in Clwyd South.”

Crime tsar will not seek re-election in May

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick is standing down.

 

Mr Roddick (pictured) announced at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel today that he will not be seeking re-election in May.

 

His deputy, Julian Sandham, a former chief superintendent with North Wales Police, is expected to try for the top job.

 

There were tributes paid to Mr Roddick at the meeting and Gwynedd County Councillor Dilwyn Morgan, from Bala, said: “There were great expectations on his shoulders and people who had doubts about the role and what it meant but he has set very high standards and brought doubters around to believe in the system.

 

“Whoever comes in his place will have very difficult shoes to fill.”

 

Conwy County Councillor Julie Fallon, Deganwy, said: “He will be a very hard act to follow,” and fellow Conwy Councillor Phillip Evans, Llandudno, added: “Winston brought to the role a wealth of knowledge of government, law and justice which have all helped us here in North Wales.”

 

Mr Roddick made history when he was elected as the area's first ever police and crime commissioner in November 2012 when he stood as an independent candidate.

 

Despite massive budget cut-backs, his time in office has seen an overall reduction in crime of 11.7 per cent while victim-based crime has fallen by 10.5 per cent.

 

During the same period, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of North Wales has decreased by 17 per cent.

 

After Mr Roddick vowed to step up the fight against child sexual exploitation in North Wales, a new specialist team was set up last year.

 

As a result there has been a tenfold increase in the number of arrests of perpetrators - up from 10 last year to 107 so far this year.

 

A native of Caernarfon, Mr Roddick originally worked as a police constable in Liverpool, before studying law at University College London from where he graduated as a Master of Laws.

 

Mr Roddick went on to carve out an illustrious career as a barrister,  taking ‘silk’ as a Queen's Counsel in 1986 and later becoming the Leader of the Wales and Chester Circuit, a Recorder of the Crown Court and the first Honorary Recorder of Caernarfon.

 

In 1986, as a member of the first Welsh Language Board, he was responsible for drafting  the report which lead to the passing of the Welsh Language Act of that year. He was appointed as the first Counsel General of Wales in 1998, the most senior legal adviser to the Welsh Assembly.

 

He was also the first independent chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the first chair of the Police Reform and Transformation Board for England and Wales.

 

According to Mr Roddick, the decision to stand down was a difficult one.

 

He said: "I have come to the decision to stand down gradually after considering it very carefully with my family and others over the past two or three months.

 

"It certainly isn’t because I haven’t enjoyed the role. It’s a very exciting role despite its very high demands.

 

“Following my election, our world changed. Our two granddaughters were born.  The youngest is only one and the eldest is not yet three. They live quite far away and we don’t see enough of them and I would like to see much more of them. That’s not the only reason but it’s the main one for not seeking re-election.

 

"I’m not the young person I was but despite that I have lots of energy and lots of enthusiasm, and when I give up I shall of course renew my practicing certificate as a barrister, and I believe there are public responsibilities which I might  be asked to undertake and of course I’ll take  them, but they will be nowhere near as demanding as this role has been, enjoyable as it was.

 

"I am immensely grateful for the wonderful support I have received from my family and, of course, the exceptionally talented team in my office.

 

"The idea of police and crime commissioners was entirely new when I started so there was no precedent and therefore you have to do the best you can to plough your own furrow in a way that produces and effective and efficient police service and reduces crime.

 

"It’s been the success that it has because North Wales Police and my office have worked as one team to considerable effect. The understanding between me as a Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable, the relationship between us, and the relationship between my office and the senior officers, has been exemplary."

 

Among the commissioner's proudest achievements was setting up a pioneering centre to help victims of crime in North Wales. Demand for the services provided by  the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph, the first of its kind in the UK, has exceeded all expectations.

 

One more high point for Mr Roddick was the creation of the Rural Crime Team which has slashed crime in the countryside and is now being copied across the UK and as far afield as Australia.

 

Specialist teams were also established to combat emerging problems like child sexual exploitation and cyber-crime.

 

Another successful initiative from the commissioner, supported by North Wales Police and North Wales Police and community Trust (PACT), was the use of cash seized from criminals to reward community groups devoted to tackling anti-social behaviour and combating crime and disorder which Mr Roddick describes as "poetic justice for villains".

 

Mr Roddick also launched the Police and Crime Commissioner Community Awards to honour unsung heroes of the community who go the extra mile to make North Wales a safer place to live and work.

 

The latest crime figures show that North Wales Police is the best performing force in Wales and the only one where crime has been reduced, with a cut of three per cent.

 

Mr Roddick added: "Public confidence in the force is high and North Wales Police is doing a very good job in ensuring that people feel secure in their homes and safe in public places.

 

"These latest figures reflect well  on the force's dedicated team of officers and I am pleased that North Wales Police is in a good place. It is a good starting point for my successor.

 

"I’m not getting any younger and the burdens of this job are going to increase and therefore I think I’ve done my bit. It’s now the turn of somebody else. "  

 

Powerful working-class drama opens this week

Love on the Dole, a play by Ronald Gow and Walter Greenwood, will be performed by The Twenty Club on three nights this week at Llangollen Town Hall - Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The story of the Hardcastle family takes place in Hanky Park, a part of Salford, where playwright Greenwood grew up.

It was written as a response to the crisis of unemployment, which led to the General Strike of 1926.

The story follows the family as they are pulled apart by mass unemployment and the problems which follow. 

The play has been performed by the club once before over 25 years ago and they say they are pleased to welcome back original cast members and new faces alike for this latest production.

* Tickets are on sale from facebook.com/twentyclub or via Skiddle.com

* A scene from Love on the Dole by the Twenty Club. Photo: Dave Roberts.

New fire and ambulance HQ completed

 

* The new joint fire and ambulance centre in Croesnewyddd Road.

 

CONSTRUCTION of Wrexham’s brand new Ambulance and Fire Services Resource Centre (AFSRC) has been completed.

 

The Welsh Ambulance Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have jointly invested more than £15 million in the purpose-built facility, which includes an eight-bay fire station, a six-bay ambulance station and top-of-the-range training facilities.

 

The centre on Croesnewyddd Road will replace the existing fire station on Bradley Road in Wrexham, and the existing ambulance stations in Chirk and Wrexham.

 

Staff will begin to operate out of the AFSRC in April once kit and furniture has been moved in.

 

Sonia Thompson, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Operations in North Wales, said: “This project has been years in the pipeline, so we’re thrilled that the building is now complete.

 

“The AFSRC means crews finally get the facilities they deserve and ultimately it will mean a better service for the people of Wrexham and Chirk.

“There’s also the bonus of being co-located with emergency service colleagues with whom we already have a close working relationship and attend many incidents together.”

Gary Brandrick, Senior Professional and Service Standards Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We’re delighted that this exciting facility has been completed – the AFSRC will deliver both improved facilities for our staff and a better service for the public in the area.

“Operating from one base will allow greater co-ordination when it comes to responding to incidents and will make the best use of resources for both of our organisations.”

Permission for the two-storey facility on land near Wrexham Maelor Hospital was granted by Wrexham Council’s planning committee in May 2014, and a Full Business Case was later approved by Welsh Government.

 

The ambulance accommodation incorporates a fleet workshop, make ready facility, a six bay garage, offices for fleet staff and management, debrief room and a deployment base for response staff.

Crews will start their shift at the AFSRC then will move to strategically located deployment points across Wrexham and Chirk, where the Trust data predicts the next 999 call will come from.

 

Newly-recruited fleet assistants will clean vehicles after use, enabling clinicians to spend more time face-to-face with patients delivering better care for the area.

The fire accommodation includes a local community safety office, an eight bay garage, gymnasium, state-of-the-art training house and drill tower with a road traffic collision training area.

Facilities like the rest room, dining room, communal kitchen, main office, locker room, meeting and training rooms will be shared by both services.

Construction of the AFSRC was carried out by BAM Construction.

Ian Greener, BAM’s Construction Manager, said: “The scheme has been a long time coming but the final result is a fantastic new facility that has required a lot of ingenuity for BAM to create.

“I hope that these striking new facilities will serve the area for many years to come and be a fitting centre of operations for the personnel of the fire and ambulance services.”

County libraries highly commended in awards

Denbighshire libraries won a Highly Commended award at the Marketing Excellence Awards for libraries, museums and archives in Wales, at a ceremony held at the National Library of Wales last week.

 

* Bethan M. Hughes of Denbighshire Libraries
 receiving the award from the judge,
Prof. Jonathan Deacon

The Awards recognise the fantastic work being done by staff in museums, archives and libraries across Wales, often with very limited resources.

 

The Award was won for Denbighshire’s Reading Hack young volunteers project which created volunteering opportunities in libraries for young people to support children participating and completing the Summer Reading Challenge.

 

Receiving the award from the judge Prof. Jonathan Deacon on behalf of Denbighshire Libraries, Bethan M. Hughes said: “We are delighted that the success of this project has been recognised. 38 young volunteers gave almost 800 hours of their time in total and created an energetic and youthful buzz in the libraries.

 

"This cohort of engaged, enthusiastic young people are now out in the big wide world sharing their positive volunteering experiences with their friends and the world, projecting a positive image of libraries as places which support young people to achieve life skills and as cool places to be.”

 

Over 40 entries were submitted to this year’s Marketing Excellence Awards from libraries, museums and archive services across Wales.

 

The awards are part of the Welsh Government's ‘Attracting the Audience’ programme for museums, archives and libraries.

 

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, commented: “We want to see as many people as possible using our excellent library, museum and archive services across Wales so that they can benefit from what’s available. Marketing plays an important role in encouraging people to use these facilities and I’m pleased we are recognising the positive work being done across the sector, despite the challenges.

 

“The standard of entries in this year’s awards has been excellent; it’s pleasing to see so many examples of good practice within these sectors and some really innovative ideas.”

 

All entries were judged by Jonathan Deacon, Professor of Marketing at the University of South Wales and Trustee (former Chair) of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Cymru. Professor Deacon commented:

 

Winners received a trophy, certificate and a variety of prizes including marketing workshops and specialised equipment to enable them to further develop their skills and enhance their marketing activities.

Views of patients and staff are priority says health boss

The views of patients and staff are top priority for 2016, the woman in charge of improving grassroots health care in Conwy and Denbighshire has pledged.

Bethan Jones is Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Central Area Director, overseeing the healthcare needs of more than 200,000 people.

She is one of three area directors brought in by BCUHB as part of its new structure, with the aim to reconnect with the communities it serves across the region.

Mrs Jones (pictured) was previously Anglesey County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive,  leading on the transformation and improvement  following intervention by the Welsh Government. She has almost 30 years of experience working in the NHS and local government.

She now oversees community hospitals in Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Ruthin, Denbigh, Holywell and the Royal Alexandra in Rhyl. She is also responsible for community health services, child and adolescent mental health, children’s and GP and other primary care services.    

Mrs Jones said: “I see my role as the perfect opportunity to bring together the experience I have of working both in the NHS and local government.

“My aim is to get back to having a more local perspective for the BCUHB, to build partnerships at a local level, to listen to feedback and to develop a better understanding of the communities we serve.

“We need to understand the way people feel about things and have a conversation about how we deliver services. There has to be a better consumer focus with the aim of understanding what matters to the individuals that we care for and their families.

“I am a resident of North Wales and of Conwy county and it is therefore as important to me as it is to everyone else that we provide excellent care and services that meet the needs of local people.”

She added: “A major priority for me is developing effective communications with the people who work in our local health service.

“After all, we are the largest employer in North Wales and it is therefore extremely important for them to feel they are working for a good organisation and can influence how it operates.

“We have excellent staff and on the whole provide good care and services. However, we acknowledge that we need to rebuild confidence and relations with our communities, there are no easy solutions and it will all take a little time to achieve,” said Mrs Jones, who is married with a son, a daughter and a baby grand-daughter.        

Originally from the Llanfairfechan area, where she still lives, she went to school in Bangor before going on to Loughborough University from where she graduated with a BSc in Management Sciences and was appointed as an NHS management trainee.

Early in her health service career she worked in Cardiff and Manchester before returning to the NHS in North Wales at the end of 1991.

In 2001 she became Director of Social Services and Housing for Conwy County Borough Council, and four years later took an expanded role as the council’s Corporate Director for Improvement and Development with a brief that included the Colwyn Bay Regeneration Programme.  

She was appointed as Conwy’s Deputy Chief Executive in 2007 and then moved to Denbighshire County Council as a Corporate Director overseeing regeneration and business transformation.

In 2012 she was appointed to Anglesey County Council as Deputy Chief Executive to lead on the transformation and improvement of the council as a consequence of the intervention by the Welsh Government. 

BCUHB Interim Chief Executive Simon Dean, who is also Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Wales, said: “Our long-term engagement strategy is centred on building and strengthening relationships with partners, communities and individuals so that we become a more visible, listening organisation.

“Our recently established area teams in the east, central and west are key in helping us to deliver this.

“It is essential that we listen to what is said by the public and our staff, and act on that information so the health service reflects the needs of those who live and work in North Wales. We have already begun to do this, and we will be continuing it into 2016 and further ahead.”

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the largest health organisation in Wales, employing around 16,100 staff. It provides a full range of primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for a population of around 676,000 people across North Wales as well as some parts of mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

It runs Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor Hospital as well as 18 other acute and community hospitals and a network of over 90 health centres, clinics, community health team bases and mental health units.  The Health Board also coordinates the work of 115 GP practices and NHS services provided by North Wales dentists, opticians and pharmacies.

BCUHB’s new chief executive is Gary Doherty, currently Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and previously Deputy Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Air Ambulance gets new helicopters

* WAAC chief executive Angela Hughes and charity chairman Dave Gilbert with the H145 model at Bond Air Services.

Wales Air Ambulance is to introduce a new fleet of custom-made aircraft which will significantly enhance its operations, the charity has announced.

Three new helicopters will be launched in January 2017 after a competitive tender process which drew international interest for Wales.

Helicopter operator Bond, a Babcock International Group company, secured the winning bid to lease three Airbus H145 aircraft. The company currently supplies the charity with three EC135 models.

Wales Air Ambulance Charity will become only the third HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service) operation in the UK to use the new H145 aircraft.

Equipped for night flights, the upgrade to H145s will move the charity a step closer to its goal of providing a 24-hour air ambulance service.

The new aircraft will also have a larger cabin and more powerful engines, meaning there is extra room for treatments in-flight and the helicopters can fly for longer without refueling.

For the first time, the air ambulance crew will be able to send critical information about patients to medics waiting at hospitals via an on-board high-speed internet connection.

Angela Hughes, chief executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Our new lease of helicopters will help us continue to provide one of the most modern HEMS services in Europe.

“It is hugely exciting that the Wales Air Ambulance Charity has had such interest from around the world. It demonstrates that what we are doing is truly pioneering, and we continue to lead the way in developing an advanced air ambulance service.

“Crucially, though, it is what the people of Wales are doing which is making all the difference. It is thanks to their support that we have been able to secure such advanced aircraft for Wales, and we need their help to keep the new helicopters in the air.”

She added: “Our new contract with Bond is fantastic news for the charity and a great way to mark our 15^th year providing lifesaving emergency care.”

The new deal will see Bond provide pilots, engineers and three brand-new custom-configured aircraft.

Wales Air Ambulance Charity will continue to operate its fleet of EC135 helicopters until the new aircraft begin operating next year.

Tim Shattock, Bond managing director, said: “This new contract will allow the Wales Air Ambulance Charity to bring a truly landmark air ambulance service for everyone in Wales. As part of Babcock, and through working closely with the charity we have been able to offer a really innovative service, bringing new aircraft, new technologies and new ways of working to this critical and lifesaving service.

“I am pleased we will continue to provide the Wales Air Ambulance Charity with the vital operations that are so important for the people of Wales.”

The three aircraft will operate from Wales Air Ambulance Charity bases in Welshpool, Caernarfon and its new headquarters in Llanelli.

Founding father's son to be Eisteddfod special guest

 

* Selwyn Tudor with memorabilia from the International Eisteddfod.

THE son of the founding father of the iconic festival will be a guest of honour at the 70^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

And Selwyn Tudor has recalled the occasion when his late father, Harold, gained his initial inspiration to create the event which has become a symbol of worldwide peace and understanding.

In the late 1940s renowned Welsh journalist Harold Tudor had a vision of creating a grand cultural gathering in Llangollen to help heal the scars left by World War Two.

And, according to his youngest son Selwyn, now 81 and living in Birmingham, that dream took shape one morning when he and his father were taking a Sunday morning cycle ride in the hills near their home in Coedpoeth.

He said: “We used to love going out riding on the country lanes and one Sunday in late 1945 or 1946 we were out there when we saw a young lad of about 11 or 12 – the same age as I was then – walking towards us over the crest of a hill singing at the top of his voice.

“He carried on straight past us and we watched him until he was out of sight.

“It was seeing this lad making himself so happy by singing that gave Dad the idea to start the Eisteddfod to create something that would foster the idea of peace amongst nations through music.”

Harold Tudor was originally from Tanyfron, near Coedpoeth, and after attending Grove Park School in Wrexham started work at the Wrexham Leader and later became a sub-editor on the Post and Echo newspapers in Liverpool.

During the Second World War he also became a member of the British Council, an organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities.

This role brought him in contact with representatives of exiled foreign governments staying in Britain.

After coming up with the idea of starting an international event in the small Denbighshire tourist town of Llangollen, he won the crucial support for his brainchild from local teacher George Northing, the first chairman of the Eisteddfod, and from others including W S Gwynn Williams, a leading figure in Welsh music who lived in the town.

The scheme gathered momentum and the first Eisteddfod was staged on a field in the town in June 1947 with Harold becoming honorary director of publicity.

Over the years he became less involved with the festival after he took a job as a sub-editor with the Post and Mail in Birmingham and moved there with his family. After a full career he died at the age of 79 in 1986.

Selwyn Tudor, the second of Harold’s two sons, was born while the family was still living in Liverpool. His elder brother, Peter, who now lives in Staffordshire, is also to attend in July.

To escape the horrors of the Liverpool Blitz early in the Second World War Harold Tudor moved his family to his home area of Coedpoeth and Selwyn started secondary school at the former Grove Park Grammar in Wrexham.

His first job after leaving school was as a sales assistant at the old Lloyd Williams department store in the town for a short time before the family moved to Birmingham to follow Harold’s newspaper career.

After working for some time in retail, Selwyn eventually started his own business as a cabinet maker and antiques restorer, the role from which he retired at the age of 65.

He and his wife Ann, who live in the West Heath area of Birmingham, have two daughters, Susan and Debi and four granddaughters, aged from 15 to 25.

Selwyn said: “My dad was a very clever, kind and generous man.

“After the war ended he was searching for an idea to help promote international harmony and how to progress it, and he always said that the encounter with the young lad singing up in the hills above Llangollen is what really inspired him to start the Eisteddfod.

“I also recall that he used to take his motorcycle over the top of the hills through World’s End and down into Llangollen to speak to people about the arrangements for the first festivals.

“After a few years when we moved down to Birmingham he lost touch with the Eisteddfod but there’s no doubt that he was its founder, which is something I’ve always been very proud of.

“To some extent I think his involvement has been a little forgotten over the years but they did put up a plaque to his memory above Coedpoeth Library some years ago. There’s also a special commemorative plaque on his grave in the cemetery in Coedpoeth.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies said: “It will be wonderful to see Selwyn at the festival again this year – his father has left a wonderful and lasting legacy in this great event.

“Harold Tudor was a man of great vision and the Eisteddfod and people not just in Llangollen but all over the world have a great deal to thank him for.”

Selwyn added: “Unfortunately, I was too young to attend the first Eisteddfod in 1947 but I did start going regularly in 2004 and since then my wife and I have only missed going once, which was last year when Ann was ill.

“The first year I went to Llangollen we were invited up on stage to take part in a little celebration of the start of the Eisteddfod and I remember well Gethin Davies, who was festival chairman, tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘Your father was a wonderful man’.

“What my wife and I love about the Eisteddfod is the atmosphere as you walk through the field, meeting and having wonderful conversations with people from all over the world.

“We also love all the music and dancing and try to see as many things as we can during the course of the week.

“We’ve already arranged our accommodation and are very much looking forward to being at this year’s Eisteddfod, particularly at it’s the 70^th one.

“I will also be remembering my father whom I can never forget for all he achieved.”

This year’s Eisteddfod begins on Tuesday, July 5, and the opening concert will see superstar Katherine Jenkins get the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World.

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert.

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Hills get a covering of snow

A covering of snow could be seen on the hills above town this morning as Storm Jake swept in.

Ice, snow and high winds were affecting much of northern England and northern Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.