Chocolatier Jo aims to put bite on world record in Llan

* Aiming for a world record...chocolatier Jo Edwards.

A top chocolatier is aiming to snatch a world record from TV chef Gino D'Acampo and become the fastest truffle maker on the planet.

Jo Edwards, who set up her successful artisan chocolate company, Aballu, in 2006 will be going all out for the new benchmark in front of thousands of discerning chocoholics at the Hamper Llangollen food festival.

Jo aims to celebrate her decade in business by smashing the world two-minute record for chocolate truffle making set by the celebrity chef on his TV programme four years ago.

And she reckons that, given the right conditions, she can not only better his formidable tally of 47 but go on to smash it to pieces by rustling up over 50 truffles within the allotted 120 seconds. 

  

Jo, 42, who lives in Bradley, will bring many years of creating specialist chocs to bear on her record attempt, which will come in front of the public on the first day of Hamper Llangollen.

The crowd-pulling festival will see the Denbighshire tourist town become the culinary capital of Wales over the weekend of October 15 and 16.

After growing up in a village pub in Brymbo near Wrexham, Jo went off to Cardiff University from where she graduated with a degree in Language and Communication in 1997.

After a spell working as a publicity officer at the Welsh Office she moved back home to North Wales to join a large pub chain and later became a night manager at a supermarket in Wrexham.

At one stage Jo had little cash to spare for Christmas presents and came up with the idea of making chocolates for her family and friends.

Her creations were such a big hit that in 2005 she decided to resign from the supermarket and set up her own business.

A year later she had started Aballu, which is based at the Cocoa Rooms in Station Road, Rossett.

She and her two assistant, trainee chocolatiers Robyn Johns and James Rayfield, now lovingly produce a wide range of truffles in exotic flavours like Balckcurrant and Rosemary and chilli, ginger and lime along with chocolate animals in lamb and mint, duck and orange and pork and apple.

This year will be Jo’s 10^th time of exhibiting at Hamper Llangollen and to mark the anniversary of Aballu she decided to do something to make a big impact at the festival.

She said: “I wanted to do something to celebrate and when one of my friends started joking about going for a world record I decided that’s exactly what I’d do.

“It had to be something achievable at the show, so I did some research and came up with the idea of an attempt on the one for making the most chocolate truffles in two minutes.

“It was set by Gino D’Acampo on his show Gino and Mel in December 2012 when he made 47 truffles and won himself a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

“I’ll be making my attempt on the Saturday of Hamper in front of quite a large crowd on the main demonstration stage.

“What I have to do is use a mixture of cream and chocolate to roll out each truffle and then add three coatings.

“According to the rules, I must have two official timekeepers and two witnesses – one of whom is from the food industry – present to ensure everything is done properly.

“The truffles must all be of the correct shape and one of the witnesses has to taste them make sure they’re actually edible.

“A video will be made of the attempt which will then be sent off to the Guinness Book of Records to be verified, and that will take about eight weeks, I’m told.”

Jo added: “It’s obviously going to be nail biting waiting to hear if I’ve managed it but I’m confident I can beat Gino’s record.

“I reckon I can do more than 47 truffles and I’m actually aiming for 50 or 55 within the two minutes.

“I see it as a personal challenge which is down to just me and my skills.

“I’m delighted to be doing it at Hamper Llangollen where I’ve been exhibiting every year since I started my business.

“It has such a fantastic atmosphere, with some really nice food and drink producers and great crowds.” 

If she’s lucky enough to set a new world record Jo won’t be toasting the success of her achievement back at her Rossett base.

She explained: “The building we’re in, which in the past has been all sorts of things like a hairdressers, a greengrocers and a post office, and the building next door, which was once a bank, used to be part of cocoa rooms set up in Victorian times as part of the temperance movement to keep the young men of Rossett away from the demon drink.

“That means it still has a covenant on it that I can’t buy, sell or serve alcohol on the premises.

“As I use very small amounts of rum and Welsh whiskey in some of my truffles I had to get special permission from the landlord to use alcohol and that is now written into my contract.”

Hamper Llangollen chair Colin Loughlin is delighted the food festival has played a part in Aballu's success story.

He said: "Jo is a very talented chocolatier and is a very welcome regular at Hamper Llangollen.

"She has come up with a really novel way of celebrating her 10th anniversary and I'd like to wish her all the best in her world record attempt.

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

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

* For more information about Hamper Llangollen go to www.llangollenfoodfestival.com and for more information about Aballu go to www.aballu.co.uk

Food Assembly celebrates milestone with tasting session

A local food group will celebrate passing a major milestone with a special party at a town pub.

The Taster Extravaganza will be hosted by the Llangollen Food Assembly at the Ponsonby Arms on Wednesday (August 17).

The event has been arranged to mark the fact that the assembly recently signed up its 400th member.

The assembly has been running for nine months since its launch in November 2015 by Robyn Lovelock and her son Harris.

She said: "We now have over 400 registered customers with many people shopping almost weekly.

"Customers are mostly based in Llangollen or nearby, but quite a few come along from Chirk, Corwen, Ruabon and even the edges of Wrexham and Oswestry. 

"Orders are all placed online, and then collected weekly at the Ponsonby Arms between 6pm and 7.30pm on a Wednesday evening, or Thursday by arrangement."

She added: "We're expanding our range all the time, but you can be sure to have a wide choice of meat, veg, cheese, bread, eggs, cakes, coffee, chutneys, sauces and preserves - we're hoping to add pates, pies and more cheese over the coming weeks.

"Of every £1 spent, 92p stays local, supporting farmers and food producers and their families.

"The collections themselves are family-friendly affairs, outside if the weather cooperates, and a chance to chat with the people producing the food themselves - so customers can make dietary-specific requests, or give feedback on previous orders.

"No purchase from the Ponsonby Arms is required, but they have a wide selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and many customers arrange to meet friends for a drink and chat as they pick up their shopping.

"It's free to join and as a member, you're sent weekly emails with recipe ideas to inspire your cooking with local food.

"At the Taster Extravaganza at the Ponsonby Arms on Wednesday samples of the food produced by all our local farmers and food producers will be available, including meat from Abbey Farm and Pen Y Lan Pork, super fresh locally grown vegetables from Babbinswood Farm, cakes from the Cabin Kitchen, specialist bread created just for the event and quiches from Bar Llaeth Bakery and possibly some wild-caught venison butchered locally by the Wild Bushcraft Company.

"All food is grown, raised or produced within 12 miles of Llangollen."

* For more information, please visit www.foodassembly.com or contact Robyn at llangollenFA@gmail.com

Display house numbers says ambulance service

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing for people to display their house name or number prominently in order to help save lives.

In Wales there are still many properties that don’t have door numbers or names, which could mean that precious time is wasted by blue light services searching for the property in an emergency.

Now, the Trust is urging householders to help further reduce response times by ensuring that their properties are clearly and prominently identified, and that there is nothing obstructing them.

Head of Operations Richard Lee said: “We need to get to 999 calls as quickly as possible. Sometimes if a house does not have its name or number clearly displayed there is a delay in us reaching the patient.

“It's vital that all properties display their name or number clearly and that it is visible from the road.

“Our control rooms have digital mapping systems to find addresses but in a life threatening emergency it's a good idea to send somebody outside to flag the ambulance or response car down. In these cases sometimes seconds save lives.”

The Trust is also encouraging anyone visiting Wales on holiday this summer to take steps to make sure they are prepared in the event of an emergency.

That means making sure you know the full address you’re staying at and checking what medical facilities are in the local area.

Richard added: “The NHS Direct Wales website has a useful search facility to help you find the nearest Pharmacy, Minor Injury Unit or Emergency Department.

“Also, if you are taking any medication, it’s important to make sure you have enough to last you the whole holiday.

“Please remember only to use 999 in the case of a genuine life-threatening emergency.”

What can you do? Follow these simple steps:
* Ensure that your house number or name is visible from the road.
* Ideally, house numbers should be the same size as the figures on a number plate.
* Help the numbers stand out – choose white numbers and place on a black background or vice versa.
* Encourage your neighbour(s) and local shopkeepers to follow suit.

Skates welcomes £1.25m health commitment to Corwen

Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed a commitment that £1.25m will be spent to improve NHS facilities in Corwen.

Plans for enhanced health and social care services took a major step forward earlier this year when the Clwyd South AM secured an assurance that Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board had ‘prioritised the development of improved facilities’ in the town.

Mr Skates has since continued to push for investment and recently wrote again to BCUHB chief executive Gary Doherty to ask for an update.

“Having been involved in the successful campaigns for new health centres in Llangollen and Chirk, I’m pleased to have been able to secure a promise of investment in Corwen too,” said Mr Skates, who had pledged to deliver continued spending on health if re-elected in May.

“I’m delighted that the health board has earmarked £1.25m for improvements to the existing premises in Corwen, and I’m pleased it is also exploring potential new sites.”

Mr Doherty said BCUHB had met representatives of the town’s GP practice and its patient participation group on May 19 and held a follow-up meeting on July 14 – which also included Denbighshire County Council – to ‘explore opportunities for joint working between the health board and local authority’.

Mr Doherty explained that Denbighshire County Council said it does not have any suitable buildings in the Corwen area, so the recent discussion had ‘focused on original plans to for the refurbishment of the existing site’. 

AM receives word on delayed rail scheme

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has received confirmation from Network Rail that work on a delayed rail scheme to improve train times between Wrexham and Chester will start in March next year.

The scheme includes doubling the rail track between Rossett and Saltney junction, and has been continually delayed in recent months, much to the frustration of passengers.

Network Rail have indicated that they will carry out the final commissioning work during late March and early April 2017.

Concerns were raised with Mr Isherwood by local rail users wanting to know when the new track layout will be brought into use.

Mr Isherwood (pictured) received confirmation of the dates after pursuing the matter with Network Rail

Mr Isherwood said: “I am delighted that a date has now been given, although it is disappointing it has taken so long. Last October the project appeared nearly complete, with two lines of track in place and a lot of infrastructure done. Local rail users told me that at that time the Network Rail Project Engineer was saying that the work would be completed on time and on budget and passengers had expected trains to be using the two tracks during last winter.

“They further told me that work came to a stop when it was discovered that signalling cable needed replacement - something outside of the Network Rail budget for the job despite the £44m allocated by the  Welsh Government . The delays have been incredibly frustrating for passengers who travel between Wrexham and Chester.

“Whilst the new track might only allow one extra train per hour between Wrexham and Chester, it will provide extra rail capacity to handle trains when there is delay on the line.  Conclusion of the project will reduce inconvenience for passengers who otherwise have to wait at Wrexham for a train to clear the long section before the next one proceeds.

“Rail users have told me that the continuing delays are causing frustration and they are concerned that the benefits from this commissioning are unlikely to be released until later in 2017.

“I will be keeping a close eye on progress, ensuring that my constituents aren’t further let down.”  

The commissioning dates for the work are:

Package 1 – March 2017 - To connect the new signalling infrastructure into the existing systems at Chester and Wrexham. Network Rail will be taking full possession of the railway between Friday 24 March 2017 and Saturday 1 April 2017.

Package 2 – April 2017 - To enable line speed increases of 90mph, as well as connecting some additional new signalling infrastructure. Network Rail will be taking full possession of the railway between Shrewsbury and Gobowen from the early hours of Sunday 9 April 2017 until the early hours of Monday 10 April 2017. 

Llan goes for gold in Great British High Street competition

Llangollen is in the running to win up to £10,000 in prize money as part of the search for Britain’s best high streets.

Although there is still a month to go until applications close, the town is one of the first areas off the starting block to challenge for honours in the small market town category.

Now in its third year, the competition celebrates the great work that is being done to revive, adapt and diversify the nation’s high streets and is an opportunity for councils, businesses, community groups and volunteers to learn from the very best.

Last year’s competition saw a record-breaking 230 entries and attracted over 200,000 public votes, with Bishy Road in York, a former finalist, crowned Britain’s best.

Entries from the Wales were strong, with Prestatyn shortlisted to go through to 2015’s public vote for the coastal community category.

Welsh Assembly Member and Minister for Infrastructure, Ken Skates, is supporting Llangollen’s entry for the Great British High streets competition 2016.

He said: “Powering the retail sector and supporting thousands of jobs, high streets are a vital part of the fabric of Britain.

“That’s why I want to celebrate the hard work being done across Wales and support Llangollen’s application.

“I’m confident that Llangollen should thrive in this competition and  the local community should seize the opportunity to win up to £10,000 for the high street.”

Michael Edwards from Keep Llangollen Special said: “As an inland tourist destination in an AONB and UNESCO World Heritage Site we have a vibrant High Street with many independent convenience stores.

“Fingers crossed our entry will be successful so Llangollen will get recognised as a great place to live, shop and work.”

New to 2016, the competition is also looking for individuals to win a ‘high street hero’ award.

With categories for store managers and employees from national or independent retailers to under 25s and market traders, high streets are able to enter the individuals who are making a difference to their local community.

Nominations for both places and individuals are now open across England, Wales and Scotland.

The top three shortlisted in each category will be announced in October. 

They will then go through to a public online vote and be visited by the Future High Streets Forum judging panel made up of industry leaders from across retail, property and business.

The Great British High Street competition is run by the Department for Communities and Local Government and sponsored by Boots, the British Council of Shopping Centres, Ellandi, Holland and Barratt, Marks and Spencer, the Post Office and Wilko.

Details about the competition can be found at: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk
 
The deadline for entries is Friday, September 9.

The public can support their local area on twitter by following @TheGBHighSt or using the hashtag #GBHighSt.

Police warn of quarry pool swimming danger

A campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers of swimming in quarry pools has been launched by North Wales Police.

Working in partnership with construction materials company Hanson, which operates five quarries in North Wales, the campaign warns children and young people to stay away from water-filled quarries as schools close for the summer.



The warning comes after North Wales Police were recently requested to carry out a safety audit at one of Hanson UK’s quarries in the Mold area due to concerns of people trespassing.

Superintendent Jane Banham, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Police said: “Sadly over recent years there have been tragedies in the region whereby people have gotten into difficulty after entering quarry pools.

“The water is extremely cold and the hidden dangers are immense which can quickly lead to something altogether more serious.

“Although it can be very tempting to jump into the nearest pool or lake to cool down on a hot day, or to swim in the water at disused quarries, the water depths are huge – up to 60 metres – and it can be very difficult to get out due to the steep faces.

“As well as the dangers associated with swimming at unsupervised and often remote places, jumping from the rocks also puts people in danger.

“Swimming at disused quarries is a very dangerous practice and I would appeal to all youngsters and anyone else to please stay away.”

Members of the public are also being reminded that quarries are private properties and anybody found swimming or on the rocks would be trespassing.

Supt Banham added: “We want people to enjoy themselves over the summer but to keep safe. Not only is the water temperature freezing but it can also contain hidden hazards such as debris, weeds and reeds that you may not be able to see from the surface.

“The water can also be very deep and swimmers can easily find themselves out of their depth. If you are thinking about going swimming in such places please think again, consider the dangers and don’t trespass.”

Hanson Communications Manager David Weeks added: “We work very hard to ensure our sites are secure and carry out regular patrols of the boundaries to check and repair fencing. The fences and warning signs are there for a reason – please respect them.”

Hanson are also planning to add dye to the water at its site near Mold to act as a further deterrent to swimmers.

PC Hazel Goss, from the Eastern Community Safety Department said: “We’ve been working closely with Hanson UK to try and deter people from trespassing on their land to access the quarry pools.

“Over the years we’ve even had reports of families ignoring the dangers to spend the day at these quarries, even taking picnics with them. Clearly this is unacceptable and this is why we have launched this awareness campaign to highlight the dangers.

“We are also urging parents to educate their children about the dangers of trespassing and to avoid swimming in any pools or lakes and to also be aware of where their children are and what they are doing this summer.”

Balloons come floating back into Llan

Llangollen will once again be the home to the only hot air balloon festival in Wales, creating a spectacular sight over the stunning Dee Valley and beyond over the weekend 17/18 September.

The town has been a mecca for balloons of all shapes and sizes since 1997 although this year will see a number of new attractions.

There's the inaugural Wales International Balloon Festival Great Balloon Race, which is guaranteed to generate a spectacular site as pilots set off in pursuit of the 'hare.'

The Red Devils parachute display team will also be making a controlled jump for the first time at a major ballooning event.

With plenty of other activities taking place on the festival field, it promises to be a fantastic couple of days for the whole family.

For more information go to: http://walesinternationalballoonfestival.co.uk/

Your views on cycling facilities sought

Cyclists and pedestrians are being asked to give their views on facilities and routes available within the county of Denbighshire.

There isn’t long left for the public to have their say as the current consultation closes on Friday, August 19.

Denbighshire County Council uses consultations to hear what their residents think of the areas that they live, work or visit in the county.

The Active Travel Wales Act 2013 commenced during September 2014 requires local authorities to continuously improve facilities and routes for pedestrians and cyclists. It also requires them to prepare maps identifying current and potential future routes for their use.

The Act also requires new road schemes (including road improvement schemes) to consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists at design stage.

To have your say on the facilities available for pedestrians and cyclists in Denbighshire, head over to the Denbighshire County Council website and view the current consultations where you can complete the online questionnaire.

You also have the opportunity to download a map of travel routes currently being used in your local area.

Red Arrows fly over town

Graham Timms took this fantastic picture of the famous Red arrows aerial display team overflying Llangollen Pavilion this lunchtime en route to an air show.

Zorro cuts a fine dash at Plas Newydd

* A slice of action from last night's production of Zorro at Plas Newydd.

The wit flew as fast as the flashing blades in last night's open-air production of Zorro at Plas Newydd.

As a large audience munched on their picnics and sipped their chilled wine, 17 members of the Off the Ground theatre group thrilled with this touring tale of old New Meckicko, which was a little heavier on the comedy than the high drama.

On the brink of Mexican Independence, the Viceroy of New Spain, aided by the evil Ramón family, has turned New Mexico into a tyrannical, poverty-stricken wasteland for the townspeople.

Their legendary hero, Zorro, is their only hope of relief and resolution.

* Zorro (Felipe Pachero) dashes to

the aid of his lady-love Esmerelda

(Billy Czajkowska) 

As the rebel group, The Alliance, attempt to fight back, Zorro must be smarter than he has ever been to keep the Ramóns from turning his beloved people against him.

Can he change his ways to stop them? Well, of course he can.

With the aid of his trusty rapier and cunning our hero, played nicely by the aptly named Felipe Pachero, rights all wrongs and in a couple of brisk acts vanquishes all the sneering baddies - male and female.

Unfortunately, one thing he couldn't deal with were the midges but, heck, we were in the great outdoors.

Along the way there were plenty of laughs, not least of which came from the direction of Esteban the second-hand mule salesman played by Eric J Blakemore, a particular audience favourite.

But the entire company were stars and it was a great night's theatre.

Let's see more al fresco entertainment in this wonderful local setting.  

Treat for those who dig archeology

There's a treat in store this weekend for anyone interested in archaeology and heritage.

Excavations are taking place at Penycloddiau hillfort in the northern part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Liverpool University Archaeology Students alongside students from America are taking part in a training excavation directed by Dr Rachel Pope and Richard Mason on an area of the hillfort ramparts and on an area where a house was built.

There is the opportunity to visit the site organised by Fiona Gale, County Archaeologist for Denbighshire, who said: "It's a great opportunity for us to learn more about what life was like in these enigmatic places when people built them around 2,500 years ago, the spotlight is really on sites in our area, with archaeologists from across the UK waiting to see what is found."

When can you visit the excavations?

Today (Saturday August 6) there is an open morning at Penycloddiau and Fiona will lead a walk up from the Llangwyfan car park (SJ13896663), leaving at 10am.

At the site will be Dr Rachel Pope of Liverpool University who will talk about what they have found so far.

If you have any queries please contact the Loggerheads Information Centre on 01352 810614 or email loggerheads.countrypark@denbighshire.gov.uk

Davies calls for help for Wild Pheasant staff

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies (pictured) says everything possible should be done to help the staff affected by the closure of the town's Wild Pheasant Hotel earlier this week.

He said: "I feel for the people involved in the closure of the Wild Pheasant.

"I am calling on the Economic Unit of DCC to get in touch with the administrators to see what we can do to ensure that the hotel is opened again as soon as possible.

"When the Dobsons and Crowther printworks closed we worked with the administrators and the now owners to help them as much as we could to re open the facility."

He added: "The Welsh Government has its part to play as well and I hope that the Minister, who is the local AM, is working as hard as possible to ensure that any possible help by them is instigated as soon as possible.

"Hotel spaces are important to the town, without them we cannot continue to offer a premium tourism product."

Wild Pheasant Hotel closes, says report

The Daily Post is reporting that the Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen has closed.

For the full story see: - http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollens-wild-pheasant-hotel-closes-11701301 

Council chiefs discuss bus services after GHA failure

Council leaders say a "positive" meeting took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon between the three North East Wales local authorities of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham and Welsh Government to respond to the failure of GHA Coaches Ltd. 

In a statement the group said it was are committed to working together to ensure services are maintained as far as possible with a particular priority given to statutory school transport to be in place for September.

Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, said that Welsh Government is committed to examining possible funding solutions in the interim. 

The group discussed options for a collaboration for transport to look at the wider strategic issues. 

While the replacement service will not be exactly the same, it is anticipated that a reasonable level of service will be provided within the available resources, added the statement.

 

Appeal over missing man last seen in Llan

North Wales Police are appealing for help tracing a 51-year-old man from the Mold/Buckley area.

Paul Nickson has not been seen since leaving a friend’s home in Regent Street,  Llangollen at about 7.30pm yesterday (Monday August 1).  

* Missing: Paul Nickson.

All enquiries to trace him have thus far proved fruitless and family and friends are becoming increasingly concerned. 

Mr Nickson’s grey Ford Transit van was discovered today (Tuesday) north of Coed Nercwys and police we are appealing to anyone who may have seen him to make contact.

Sergeant Mavis Evans at Mold Police Station said:  “Paul is about 5’6 tall of medium build with brown hair and blue eyes.  

"The area of Coed Nercwys is a popular with dog walkers and mountain bikers and we are appealing for witnesses in that area.  If you have seen Paul, or know of his whereabouts, please contact Police as we are concerned for his welfare."

* If you can assist with this investigation please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote Missing Person Ref 16117.  Alternatively, contact the control room direct via the new web live chat /contact/chat-support.aspx

Police appeal follows Sunday's A5 collision

North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision on the A5 in Chirk on Sunday, July 31.

Shortly after 4pm officers were called to a report of a two-vehicle collision by the Halton roundabout involving a Volvo car and a motorcycle.

The emergency services were called and the woman, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was taken to hospital in Stoke with serious leg injuries which are believed to be life changing.

The road was closed whilst the initial investigation was carried out and was re-opened shortly before 8.30am.

Anybody who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting reference number U113298.

Zorro swashbuckles into Plas Newydd this Friday

Off the Ground theatre group swashbuckles its way back to New Mexico in 1821 with an open-air production of the play Zorro at Plas Newydd this Friday evening.

On the brink of Mexican Independence, the Viceroy of New Spain, aided by the evil Ramón family, has turned New Mexico into a tyrannical, poverty-stricken wasteland for the townspeople.

Their legendary hero, Zorro, is their only hope of relief and resolution.

As the rebel group, The Alliance, attempt to fight back, Zorro must be smarter than he has ever been to keep the Ramóns from turning his beloved people against him.

Can he change his ways to stop them? 

Find out at Plas Newydd and bring a chair and a brolly just in case.

The performance begins at 7.30pm. Adults £12, concessions £8 and under-21 £5.

Tickets from www.offtheground.co.uk  or at Plas Newydd on the night

Why not let our chef Steve cook you a pre-show meal at 6pm in the stable-block tea rooms? Prices are from £4.95 and pre-booking is essential on 01978 862834, or plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Counterfeit goods handed over to charity

* From left: Tex Sampson and Carol Sampson from

Sports Traider, Councillor David Smith, Ian Millington,

Public Protection business manager, and Nicola Sutton,

public protection officer.

Over £200,000 worth of counterfeit products seized in raids across the county are being donated to charity by Denbighshire Trading Standards.

The haul includes clothing, sunglasses, trainers, handbags, DVDs, money boxes, ash trays and mugs. 

There is a range of brands including Nike, Ray-Ban, Fred Perry, Prada and a variety of different football clubs.

Ordinarily, the goods would be destroyed or securely disposed of following a forfeiture in the court.  Instead, the goods will be donated to a charity called Sports Traider.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Realm, who also has responsibility for Trading Standards, said: “Sports Traider is a youth-focused charity offering youngsters the kit and the support they need to discover and fulfil their sporting ambiti n and potential, whatever their background, ability or disability. 

“Sports Traider have established the first chain of charity shops in the UK that specialise in sports kit and equipment. The aim is to make clothing and sports equipment affordable to all, and at the same time generate a sustainable source of funding to help disadvantaged young people participate in sport.”

After a court case councils can often be left with masses of counterfeit products to be disposed of, storage of such goods can incur costs, and so can the disposal of these goods. Donating them to charity eliminates these costs and donations are often gratefully received. 

Councillor David Smith added: “Trading Standards regularly make seizures of goods that are counterfeit, and it is good to see that these products can be donated to a worthy cause, and used to support youngsters wanting to become involved with sports.

“Removing counterfeit products from the market helps support local businesses who are trading legitimately and protects consumers from buying poor quality and unsafe items.

“As well as being brought to justice through their prosecution, all defendants have unknowingly helped children from all over the UK who are in need, rather than ripping them off.”

For hygiene/safety reasons it is inevitable that some of the seized goods will need to be destroyed, however all other items will be recycled by Sports Traider.

* If you know of anywhere selling counterfeit goods or illegal tobacco, reports can be made by in confidence by contacting Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 (Welsh language line) the service is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.  Alternatively reports can be submitted online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk

This service works in partnership with Trading Standards.  Reports can be made anonymously, this will then be sent to the relevant Trading Standards department for consideration and possible further investigation.

Calls to support £1 billion rail improvements package

Residents and businesses in Denbighshire are being encouraged to show their support for a campaign to secure £1bn of rail improvements to transform the North Wales and Cheshire regional economy and deliver 70,000 new jobs over 20 years.

The campaign is being driven by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force (NW&MD) and has the backing of the region’s eight local authorities, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the Mersey Dee Alliance, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the North Wales Business Council and the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The Growth Track 360 campaign is calling for:

* Electrification of the line from Crewe to North Wales so the region can connect with HS2 services at Crewe, and fast London trains can continue to Bangor and Holyhead

* The doubling of frequency of trains between North Wales and Manchester

* Investment in new, modern, better equipped rolling stock

* New direct services between North Wales and central Liverpool over the Halton Curve via south Liverpool, which will open up a connection to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

* Doubling of services on the Borderlands line between Wrexham and Bidston, through Shotton and Deeside.

Denbighshire County Council is asking its county residents and businesses to show their support for the project and complete a short questionnaire.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “This is a prime example of how councils, business and public sector leaders are all working together for the benefit of the local economy, linking communities with the planned HS2 line between London and the North of England.

“If successful, the Growthtrack360 campaign would lead to a massive boost to the North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral economies.

“This project would result in quality jobs across the region, with far better rail links and greater opportunities for business development.  We really need the public’s help in showing the strength of support for the campaign.”

To show your support, please visit www.growthtrack360.com and answer six very quick questions.

llanblogger strides out to fight dementia

I’m putting my best foot forward to raise money for vital research into dementia.


A couple of people in my family who were very close to me both suffered from dementia and it was heartbreaking to see how they deteriorated.

Every year in the UK a staggering 225,000 people develop dementia – that’s equivalent to one person every three minutes.

* llanblogger Phil Robinson is striding

out in the 2016 Memory Walk.

So I’ve decided to do my bit to help by taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society 2016 Memory Walk which sees thousands of people raising money for a world without dementia across Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

People of all ages and abilities join in, from grandparents to grandchildren, and even furry four-legged friends.


They all walk together to celebrate loved ones affected by dementia, and raise money to reclaim the future.


As it’s the closest to Llangollen, I’ll be joining the Cheshire Memory Walk at Delamere Forest, which takes places on Saturday September 24.


There’s a choice of two routes - 3.5km or 6k.


I’m doing the 6k route through the forest's woodland paths and around Blakemere Lake.


Just £50 can help a PhD researcher to continue research into the causes of dementia, how it can be treated and, ultimately, to find a cure. 


I’m aiming to raise at least £150 for this very good cause, so I’m hoping that as many people as possible will sponsor me on the walk.


You can go online to pledge the odd pound or two on my Justgiving  page, which can be found at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Philip-Robinson8

Please be generous as we never know who or when dementia will strike.

Language school celebrates re-launch with Eisteddfod link

* Toasting the success of the newly-branded Mulberry School of English are, from left, Llangollen town crier Austin Cheminais, Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Vice Chairman Nick Jenkins, Sharon Thomas and Vincent Iannucci, of Mulberry, and Huan Japes of English UK, the language schools trade association.

ONE lucky overseas competitor at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod stands to benefit from an all-expenses paid English course courtesy of the town’s newly relaunched language school.

After successfully trading under the name of ECTARC from its base in Parade Street for a number of years, the school has now been re-branded as The Mulberry School of English.

And at its fanfare official opening, its executive director, Vincent Iannucci, gave details of the Mulberry Prize launched at this year’s 70^th Eisteddfod.

He said: “Each year the Eisteddfod attracts many international competitors and this year alone there are some 4,000 taking part in the festival.

“For the first time the new prize has been offered to all these performers by way of celebrating the Eisteddfod’s milestone year.

“To enter all they had to do was say what they’d enjoyed most about their stay in Llangollen and, after judging, the winners’ details will be posted on our Mulberry Facebook page by August 31.

“First prize is a £1,000 scholarship which includes two weeks’ tuition, accommodation and all airport transfers. All they have to do is pay their own air fares.

“Second and third prizes were one year’s access to our online learning programme, including tutorials with one of our teachers via Skype.

“I’m delighted to say the prize will be offered each year to Eisteddfod competitors.”

He added: “At the ceremony we were celebrating the re-launch of our organisation as a fully-fledged international language school in line with Llangollen’s history of internationalism fostered by the Eisteddfod.

“It’s certainly true that this town is where Wales welcomes the world.”

Over the course of the week TMSE has played host to a number of special performances by Eisteddfod competitors, including the Musica Oeconnomica Pragensis from the Czech Republic and the Pangudi Luhu Choir from Indonesia.

TMSE also sponsored the traditional parade of competitors from the Eisteddfod field into the heart of Llangollen on the Friday afternoon.

Eisteddfod Vice Chairman Nick Jenkins, who was amongst VIP guests at the language school’s re-launch, said: “We are delighted to have worked closely with The Mulberry School of English when it was known as ECTARC and very much welcome their on-going support in terms of the new prize for competitors and sponsorship of our parade.

“I hope the great relationship we have with them can continue for many years to come.”

School pupils go bats about visiting new homes site

* Ysgol y Gwernant pupils are shown the special building put up for the bats by Bryn Davies, development manager for Grŵp Cynefin.

Children from a Llangollen primary school have visited an affordable homes development to see how a housing association is working around a colony of bats.

Pupils at Ysgol y Gwernant were at the site of the old Cottage Hospital in Abbey Road to learn more about the ecological nature of building homes for local people with wildlife present.

“Sometimes building homes brings with it some additional challenges, and Llangollen has been an example of that,” explains Bryn Davies, development manager for Grŵp Cynefin.

“We knew before we purchased the site that we had a colony of soprano pipistrelle bats to deal with, so our environmental expertise kicks in from the outset.”

The design and build planning for the site, which will become home to six three and four bedroom houses, and six two bedroom flats, has to take into consideration the bats breeding season.

Mr Davies added: “Bats are a Protected Species, so we had to prepare our building plans around the bats and obtain the licence from Welsh Government. The initial surveys that were carried out registered 656 soprano pipistrelle bats around the site during one particular evening.

“Our building period was therefore delayed as we had to wait for the bats to leave the old building once their breeding season finished at the end of the summer. We then set about the task of constructing a new home for them.

"We had to work within the winter months to build their new home, which will also serve as a bin store, as they would soon return to the site ready for the next year’s breeding season.

“We built a new stand-alone building, cedar clad with plenty of access points for the bats - which mimics the old hospital structure where the bats had been living and breeding successfully since the 1990s.

“The bats lived in the cavity of the building, so it was important that we replicated the environment that encouraged them to move into the new building once the roosting period began in May.

"In the former hospital building the bats were using a section of the building because of its aspect to the sun. It heated the structure during the day carrying and retaining the stored heat in the evening making it an ideal breeding ground. The females left the young at night to forage whilst the young were left safe in a warm environment.

“We’ve replicated these conditions in the new building, and are delighted to say that the bats have returned in their droves. The pupils of Ysgol Gwernant visited the site recently and we shared with them how complex it can be to build new homes, especially here in Llangollen.”

The school's Eleri Jones, who visited the site with the years three and four youngsters, said: “The pupils enjoyed their visit to the former hospital site.

"It was interesting to hear about the bats and how Grŵp Cynefin had to build a new home especially for them.

"It formed part of our recent Eco Council Platinum Banner Award which tied in with their local environment here in Llangollen. We also saw the houses themselves under construction on site, and of course, the big machines were a big hit with the pupils.”

The development on site is said to be progressing well with an estimated completion date of spring 2017.

Search is on for Britain's high street heroes

* Could Castle Street be in the running for a high street award?

Denbighshire County Council is encouraging people to nominate in this year’s Great British High Street Awards to recognise  the efforts of the business community across the county.

The Great British High Street Awards 2015 were a huge success, with over 230 high streets entering and nearly 200,000 votes cast for the 21 finalists.

Last year, Prestatyn High Street came second in the Coastal Community category after a fiercely contested public vote.

Now, organisers of the campaign are calling for entries for the 2016 competition.  As well as the Great British High Street categories, there are two other main categories.

The  competition categories for places are:

• Best Town Centre High Street
• Best Market Town High Street (small)
• Best Market Town High Street (large)
• Best Coastal Community High Street
• Best Village High Street
• Best Local Centre - precinct or parade of shops
• Rising Star - to recognise towns who are turning fortunes around

The four competition categories for individuals are:

• Best Store Manager or Employee from a National Retailer / Organisation
• Best Store Manager or Employee from an Independent / Small Business
• Best Market Manager, Operator, Farmer or Trader
• Best under 25 year old, manager or employee from a high street business

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE said: “All of our town centres are important to us in Denbighshire and town centre growth has been identified as a priority in our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy.

“We want our local high streets and business people to be recognised for their efforts, to help celebrate all that is good about our high streets. With competition from large retail parks and the internet, we want people to visit and use our high streets and the wide array of goods and services they have to offer.

“Only recently the council launched its  #lovelivelocal campaign, in a bid to encourage greater use of the High Street and for people to share their shopping experiences.

“Getting involved in the Great British High Street also helps raise the profile of a high street through its associated publicity and marketing opportunities, so we would encourage people to get nominating, as the deadline is fast approaching."

The deadline for nominations is September 8. For further information, visit: www.thegreatbritishhighstreet.co.uk

Police appeal follows fatal Nant y Garth collision

Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in the Denbighshire area during the early hours of this morning (Tuesday, July 26^th).

Shortly after 2am police were called by the Ambulance Service to a report of a one vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the Nant y Garth Pass.

Sadly, the male motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anybody who may have witnessed the collision, or anybody who may have been travelling along the road prior to the collision is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting reference number U110055.