Police boss offers boost to community crimebusters

* Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Ann Griffith, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police Richard Debicki,  PACT Chairman David Williams and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Arfon Jones.

A special fund which uses cash seized from crooks to help community crimebusters in North Wales is set to take its hand-outs to over £200,000 in five years.

The Your Community, Your Choice Awards are again putting up over £40,000 for local groups and North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is urging local groups to bid for the cash.

The Community Fund is again being set up jointly by Mr Jones, North Wales Police and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

Each of the region’s six counties will have £2,500 apiece for two groups with £5,000 each for two organisations that operate across North Wales.

The successful groups are chosen by public vote and entries close on Saturday, September 30, with the Your Community, Your Choice entry form available on the North Wales Police website with a link to it on the Police Commissioner’s website.

A shortlist of applicants will be chosen by a special panel and voting opens to the public on October 30 and runs until December 1 with that vote deciding the winners.

The cash for the awards comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act with the rest from the Police Commissioner’s Fund.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said: “These awards are important because they involve the community and the communities decide where the money can best be spent.

“A lot of what we fund is aimed at providing something for young people to get involved with in their spare time rather than being tempted to commit crime or indulge in anti-social behaviour.

“We want to support communities so they are able to take responsibility for their own areas.

“Smaller community groups like them can do a great deal to make communities safer, reduce crime and reduce re-offending, It also sends a good message to the communities because it shows we are listening to them.”

His message was backed by Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki who said: “This is the fifth year of the scheme and it has been a great success because it gives the public and local communities the chance to have a stake in how local issues are addressed and how we together tackle crime and disorder.

“I get particular satisfaction that part of the funding comes from the proceeds of crime, so that money is taken out of the pockets of criminals and their ill-gotten gains by the courts and is put back into community initiatives.

“It’s turning bad money into good and it’s making a real difference because it is local people who recognise and understand their local issues and how to solve them.

“This is a really positive aspect of the scheme and it helps bring us closer to those communities.”

PACT Chairman David Williams said: “I believe the scheme has been tremendously successful and I welcome the symbolism and synergy between accessing the ill-gotten gains of criminal activity in North Wales and redistributing it to communities in north Wales to support projects which will have a beneficial impact on the local population.

“I have visited some of these projects and I found the commitment and determination shown to be inspirational.

“The aims of the Your Community, Your Choice scheme support the objectives of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan so it creates a potent strategy to enhance the well-being of towns and villages across north Wales.”

PACT Manager Dave Evans added: “Applicants have to be a properly constituted community group or a registered charity and the main criterion is that the project helps to support the Police and Crime Plan by delivering safer neighbourhoods.

“It gives us the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of community groups and also importantly gives out local neighbourhood policing teams the opportunity to engage with those groups and support them with their projects.

“I would recommend that applicants considering a bid liaise with their local neighbourhood policing team to discuss it and make sure it is as comprehensive as possible.”

* Completed applications must be returned by e-mail to yourcommunityyourchoice@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by 5pm on the closing date of September 30.

Free course to help businesses beat cycber crime

A free course is being offered to protect businesses from the growing threat of cybercrime.

Denbighshire County Council is providing a workshop to businesses on Cyber Essentials, a UK Government backed, industry-supported, foundation for basic cybersecurity.

The one-day course will cover the Cyber Essentials framework, best practice to mitigate cybersecurity risks and understanding external and internal cyber threats to businesses.

Businesses in the county are being offered a free place on this course, normally £70 per person.

The course will take place at Caledfryn, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, on October 2, starting at 9.30am.

* To book or for more information visit https://goo.gl/Nxntxe

Lottery cash will help improve well-being of elderly

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) supported by Citizens Advice Denbighshire (CAD) has been awarded a grant of £349,847 over a four-year period by the Big Lottery Fund.

The cash will enable the partnership and Citizens Advice Denbighshire to work together with the communities of Corwen, Carrog, Glyndyfrdwy, Llandrillo, Cynwyd, Melin y Wig, Betws Gwerfil Goch and Bryneglwys to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and increase resilience primarily for older people and those unable to access services.

Specifically this will support existing and develop new social activities and events, improving access to welfare benefits and grants, extending our community transport to include a dial a ride and meal delivery service, whilst at the same time providing opportunities for local people to learn new skills and be involved in the design, running and delivery of services.

Michael McNamara, Chair of Trustees of SDCP, said: "Although the grant has been awarded to the
organisation, the benefit is for the whole Edeyrnion community. I would like to compliment the team from for their hard work in extensive consultation and community engagement which has enabled them to submit a comprehensive operational plan.”

Rona Aldrich, Chair of Rural programme funding decision committee, said: “This fund will help our rural communities to address those poverty related issues which they themselves have identified as important and going forward we are looking forward to seeing how they use the funding to build
their confidence and experience.”

Alert issued over scam tax refund emails

llanblogger has received a scam tax refund email from tricksters pretending to be from HM Customs & Excise.

The email, which claims that a refund of £320.51 is due to the recipient has been confirmed as fraudulent by the real HMRC.

Received on Monday morning from the email address "MH Revenue.co.uk", it prompts the recipient to follow a link it gives if they wish to claim the refund.

The payment method, it says, will be "online credit/debit card to your account."

llanblogger forwarded the email immediately to HMRC's online security team and shortly afterwards received an email from them, which said: "Thank you for letting us know about the suspicious email / text you have received. We can confirm that this is a scam, and was not issued by HMRC.

"Our specialist team will investigate and take the necessary action. Whilst we cannot inform you of the outcome of these investigations I can confirm that we do act on each submission we receive."

And it adds: "HMRC will never send notifications of a tax refund or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email or text message."

* Anyone taken in by similar scam messages by disclosing any personal information is urged to forward a report to:  security.custcon@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

HMRC publicises details of current scams on our website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phishing-and-bogus-emails-hm-revenue-and-customs-examples
 
HMRC asks for suspect emails to be forwarded to: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or texts to: 60559.

Railway volunteers reach end of the line in Corwen

* Railway volunteers at the buffer stop in Corwen.

Llangollen Railway volunteers celebrated getting to the end of the  line when the buffer stop was inserted onto a previously prepared site on the embankment at Green Lane, Corwen.

The stop completes the track bed for the laying of rail as the head shunt at the western extremity of the project for the Corwen Central station.

This will permit locomotives to detach from a train at the station platform and reverse around the loop line to attach to the rear of the train in readiness for the return journey to Llangollen. 

The buffer stop now in situ should be seen as a statement of intent that the terminal station project is on track for completion in 2018.

However, it is not the end of the project as there is much still to do to complete the new station before it is ready for use. 

Not least is the infilling of a breach in the embankment at the eastern end of the site, a former access to the Welsh Water Treatment Works, which currently allows for delivery of materials to the railway development. 

This summer the volunteer workers have created the 160 metre long wall for the arrival platform which has consumed some 3,800 concrete blocks and they are currently laying the edging flags to complete the work.

Their hours spent in building the station have been valued at £200k, without which input the project would be unaffordable. The further challenge for the autumn is to complete a shorter wall on the other side of the platform area.

Commenting on the work, the Project Leader, Richard Dixon-Gough, said: “Our photo-session with the volunteers placing the buffer stop at the end of the tracked bed was a notable occasion. It represented the culmination of all the hard work and endeavour over the past 40 years since the idea was conceived of rebuilding the railway between Llangollen and Corwen by volunteer effort.

"We all look forward to the first train arriving at the new terminus as soon as we can get the rest of the station completed and linked up with the railhead at Dwyrain Corwen East temporary station.”

Museum defies the rain to host successful fun day

* Les Davies paddles along the canal in his coracle.

A demonstration of the ancient skill of coracle sailing by expert Les Davies of one of the attractions at a fun day organised by Llangollen Museum yesterday (Saturday).

While Les paddled along the canal defying the rain, back at the museum there was a variety of stalls, games and competitions.

Also on offer was a demonstration of traditional spinning and a selection of pre-owned railway and historical or local interest books plus a paint-a-butterfly competition upstairs in the art gallery.

* Beautiful craft items on display at the museum.

* The prize stall outside the museum.

Month of art exhibitions in Llangollen

There are three places to visit in the town as part of this year's Helfa Gelf/Art Trail.  

First is Plas Newydd which has an exhibition of Wrexham Artists  in Y Caban. 

It features the work of eight artists who cover a range of media including painting, ceramics, mixed media and photography. 

Every weekend there will be one of the Artists in Y Caban for viewers to talk to and maybe see them at work.

The second Helfa Gelf venue is Llangollen History Museum on Parade Street which has six Llangollen artists exhibiting who use a range of media including drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, print making, sculpture and textiles. 

The  exhibition is open from until the end of the month and artists will be on hand there on each of the remaining weekends in September. 

Third venue is Gwalia Ceramics in Oak Street which is a gallery selling contemporary works by a variety of selected ceramic makers from Wales and beyond.

There is also  an exhibition of Artists in Y Capel in Castle Street (T.I.C.)

Helfa Gelf is funded by the Arts Council Wales, supported by the National Lottery, and is sponsored by the Welsh Government plus support from the local Authorities across North Wales has allowed the development of the Helfa Gelf Art Trail.

The Helfa Gelf Art Trail takes place in Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham counties from Friday to Sunday throughout September 2017. For further information about the event please view our website at https://helfagelf.co.uk/

Llan Museum's big event planned for tomorrow

Organiser Janet Wakefield has sent out a reminder about an event being planned by Llangollen Museum tomorrow (Saturday).

She said: "It will feature lots of lovely prizes on our stalls, there will be new jewellery in stock, a great selection of pre-owned railway and historical or local interest books plus a paint-a-butterfly competition upstairs in the art gallery.

"There will also be an artist in residence in the Helfa Gelf exhibition."

Jo confirmed as world's fastest truffle maker

* Chocolatier Jo Edwards smashes the world record making her truffles.

A top chocolatier has finally been confirmed as the fastest truffle maker on the planet - after an agonising wait.

The record set by Jo Edwards in front of a huge crowd at last year's Llangollen Food Festival has only just been ratified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

She made 49 truffles in two minutes, smashing the previous record of 47 held by TV chef Gino D'Acampo.

According to Jo, 43, who set up her successful specialist Rossett-based chocolate company, Aballu, in 2006, the wait for the record to be accepted and entered into the record books had been excruciating.

She said: “I had to supply so much evidence including photographs, video and witness statements from the time keepers, my own statement and judges. Each and every and every stage had to be authenticated.

“I even had to supply proof that the ingredients used complied with the recipe supplied by the people from Guinness. It had to be just chocolate and cream but in the right proportions.

“I must admit there were times when I thought I’d never get the world record confirmed and they might turn me down but after 10 months I finally got the news I’d been waiting for and I was indeed the world truffle making record holder.”

Jo will be back at this year’s Llangollen Food Festival that's been recognised by two national newspapers, the Daily Telegraph and the Independent, as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK.

She recalled: “It was so tough and I wasn’t really aware of what was going on around me although I knew I had a great deal of support around the demonstration kitchen which is where I went to work.

“The truffle mix was stickier than normal which made the rolling a bit harder than it should have been. And I actually made 54 in the two minutes but, very annoyingly, five were rejected as being either not the right size or the wrong shape.”

“Although I was oblivious to the atmosphere really it was wonderful setting the world record at the Llangollen Food Festival. It certainly created a real buzz around the place and being among so many friend s really made it special.

“I’ve been exhibiting at Llangollen for a long time and have got to know all the other exhibitors. We are all friends and support each other. I always look forward to seeing what new products and recipes are on offer each year.

“This year I’ll just be exhibiting and not setting any new world records. The food festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Jo is it will be another fantastic event."

She added: “The festival is so important for the region and is actually recognised as being in the UK’s top 10 food festivals and has given the local North East Wales economy an £8 million boost over the last 20 years.

“It has a fantastic reputation within the food industry and beyond and has a great many very loyal followers. It’s an event I always look forward to.

“My Aballu business continues going from strength to strength although I want to keep it quite small and personal. I still work from Rossett and employ two people on a part-time basis.

“I have stuck to my popular range of artisan chocolates but I am working on some new products which I will develop in the near future.”

This year’s festival is on October 14 and 15 and once again it will be held at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion.

Ken Skates, the Clwyd South AM, who is also the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, whose portfolio includes tourism congratulated Jo Edwards on having her world record.

He said: “Llangollen Food Festival is an incredible success and a great annual occasion for the Dee Valley. It’s wonderful to see that Jo, who runs her very successful artisan chocolate business in Rossett, has had confirmation that her new world record is official.

“It’s another success story for Llangollen and the food festival which brings so many economic benefits to the area. It all helps underline the region’s growing reputation as a go-to destination for food lovers.

“Food tourism is something I believe has huge potential for future growth and it is no wonder that North Wales has been hailed as one of the world’s top four must see places to go by The Lonely Planet travel guide.”

Committee member Phil Davies said: “We have an amazing array of fantastic food producers clustered in the area and this year the festival is going to be bigger and better than ever so we’ll be celebrating our 20th anniversary in style.

“We’re heading for a record number of around 130 stallholders with a fantastic choice of produce, along with demonstrations from the region’s finest chefs so there will be plenty to tempt the taste buds.

“I’m glad to say we’re also making a positive contribution the local economy with food lovers travelling from far and wide because the festival is now firmly and rightly established as a major highlight in the UK’s culinary calendar.”

* For more information about the food festival go to www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Road closure warning given

llanblogger reader Mike Edwards has been in touch with news about a local road closure.

Mike, who has also taken the pictures above, says: "Vicarage Road was closed to all traffic and pedestrians until the 26th of this month.

"This includes the bottom entrance to the cemetery (top two photos) meaning that less active people visiting the cemetery must access it via the top end of Fron Bach which means climbing a steep hill."

Training boost for adventure sports

Thrill-seekers can start a new career in adventure sports thanks to a unique training opportunity.

Denbighshire County Council and Cadwyn Clwyd are contributing funding to provide subsidised training sessions to increase the number of outdoor sports instructors in Denbighshire’s Dee Valley to meet rising demand.

The courses will offer training for new instructors as well as upskilling current qualifications and will focus on white-water rescue and paddle boarding.

The project was funded by the council’s Tourism Growth Plan and Cadwyn Clwyd secured funding through the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities - Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Support and advice has also been provided by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.

Sessions take place in September and October.

Providing funding for the sessions is part of the council’s work on developing the local economy by helping to increase visitor numbers to the area.

* For more information or to book, contact Ceri Lloyd on 01824 712757 or e-mail ceri.lloyd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Y Caban stages art exhibitions during September

* Plas Newydd, where art exhibitions are being staged at Y Caban. 

As part  of North Wales Helf Gelf/Art Trail, Plas Newydd is staging an exhibition of Wrexham Artists during in Y Caban during September. 

It includes work by eight artists covering a range of media including painting, ceramics, mixed media and photography. 

Every weekend one of the artists will visit Y Caban. Viewers will be able to talk to them maybe see them at work.

In Llangollen town there are two other places with artists who are part of Helfa Gelf. 

One is the History Museum in Parade Street with six Llangollen artists who use a range of media including drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, print making, sculpture and textiles.

They are  open from September 5 onwards, with artists there each of the remaining three weekends of the month.

The other is Gwalia Ceramics in Oak Street which is a gallery selling contemporary work by a variety of selected ceramic makers from Wales and beyond.

Get hot on the trail of Llangollen quiz

As part of Cadw Open Doors Heritage events in September, sponsored by Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism, the Tools of the Trade Trail quiz has started in the town.

The quiz ends on midday Sunday September 10, and a prize of £50 will be awarded to a winner.

Leaflets to take part in the quiz can be picked up in the Tourist Information Centre, and the TIC has a box for receiving completed quiz forms.

Eisteddfod puts out call for competitors

* Singer Clara Greening competes at this year's Eisteddfod.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is calling out to talented singers, dancers and instrumentalists from Wales to join others from across the globe and enter its competitions, which will take place from July 3-8 next year.

Successful entrants will compete for a range of prestigious titles including Dance Champions of the World, International Voice of the Future, International Voice of Musical Theatre and the jewel in the crown of the festival, Choir of the World.

There are cash prizes of up to £6,000, international medals and also the opportunity for aspiring musical singers to win the chance of a lifetime to perform at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod in Australia.

As well as the International Eisteddfod’s most renowned competitions, the 2018 syllabus also features a number of new categories.

These include two new solo competitions for performers under 19 years old. The programme also builds on the competition strands successfully launched in 2017 such as the Jayne Davies Award for most outstanding conductor in the Choir of the World competition and the International Acapella Group.

Entries for all choral, ensemble and dance competitions will close on Friday September 29, while solo performers will have until Friday 2nd March 2018 to apply.

Applications to follow in the footsteps of non-competitive acts and perform on one of the International Eisteddfod’s stages are also open, with the entries also closing on Friday November 24.

Chairman of the International Eisteddfod, Dr Rhys Davies, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod’s competitions offer the opportunity for performers from across the globe to compete on an international stage alongside some of the world’s most talented musicians and dancers.

“With more than 20 competitions to apply for there really is an opportunity for all types of performers, from all disciplines and of all ages to get involved.

“Every year we aim to extend our offer and both the Outstanding Conductor and International Acapella Group categories are exceptionally exciting additions to the syllabus. We’re looking forward to see this year’s applications.”

* For more information on all the competitions or to apply on the Eisteddfod competitors’ website visit: http://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/

To purchase tickets for the Llangollen International Eisteddfod or for more information visit: www.Llangollen.net

Warning over bogus tax refund texts

Denbighshire Trading Standards are urging residents to be aware of spam text messages purporting to be from HM Revenues and Customs.

Some residents in the county have received a text message stating that a tax refund is due and asking people to click on the link to complete a tax form.

The council says HMRC will never send notifications of a tax rebate by text message, or ask you to disclose personal or payment information.

It says people should never disclose personal and/or payment information in reply to a text message that may look like it’s from HMRC, as they might well be revealing their details to a fraudulent website.

Trading Standards officers are urging people never to give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails or texts if they are not completely sure they’re genuine.

* Anybody receiving an email they suspect to be fraudulent and appearing to be from the HMRC should forward it HMRC direct: phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk or send any suspicious text messages to 60599. Text messages will be charged at your network rate.

County tourism thriving research shows

* Tourist attraction: Offa's Dyke Path.

Denbighshire’s tourism industry is thriving according to recent research.

Figures have been released as part of the STEAM programme – Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, which aims to measure the impact of tourism from both staying and day visitors.

Tourism plays a vital part in Denbighshire’s economy, with a total economic impact in 2016 of over £479 million, an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous year and nearly 50% increase compared to 10 years ago.

In 2016, the total number of visits to Denbighshire – taking into account tourism day visits and staying visitors was nearly 6 million, increasing by 1.7% from 2015 and 23% compared to 10 years ago.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This is great news for Denbighshire and I’m delighted that our tourism industry is growing. Staying visitors accounted for 67% of the total economic impact last year; which highlights the importance of attracting high quality accommodation to the region.

“The latest figures reveal that Denbighshire continues to be a popular choice for day trippers and over 6,000 full time jobs were supported by tourism spend in 2016, which demonstrates the contribution the sector makes to our local economy by providing services to the community and employment opportunities for our residents.

“Capitalising on Visit Wales marketing campaigns, working with partners to deliver our Destination Management Plan and the increased popularity of North Wales as a holiday destination all play an important role in increasing awareness of the wealth of attractions, facilities and services available in the county.”

Ian Lebbon, Chair of the Denbighshire Destination Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the increase in visitor numbers to the County for both day and staying visitors. We will continue to look at innovative ways to attract more visitors especially highlighting our hidden gems and hands-on experiences that many people are seeking when choosing their breaks.

"We are currently finalising our Destination Management Plan for 2017-20 in partnership with local businesses and groups to ensure long-term sustainability for the development of tourism in the county.”

North East Wales also reported further growth in 2016 with the overall volume of visits increasing by 1.1% compared to 2015, while the amount spent has increased by 3.4%. There were 11.40 million visits made to North East Wales, with an associated spend of nearly £850 million.

STEAM reports give a month by month account of the performance of the tourism industry within an area, from which, trends can be identified and acted upon. Such research is vital to ensure the future development and success of the industry.

* For more information on Denbighshire and North East Wales please visit www.discoverdenbighshire.wales and www.northeastwales.wales

Plas Newyd events for September

Plas Newydd’s events/news for September

Saturday 2nd September   -  Friday 29th September

Art  Exhibition  in Y Caban-   Helfa Gelf,  Wrexham Open Studios

As part of the North Wales Art Trail/Helfa Gelf a group of 8 artists from Wrexham are exhibiting at Plas Newydd for the month of September. 

These artists include Ceri Wright, Sara Jane Harper, Emma-Jayne Holmes, Rachel Harris, Rosie Davies, Rob Davies, Penny Price and Pauline Jordan.

They use a range of media and techniques including Painting, Ceramics, Mixed Media and Photography.  Every weekend there will be an artist available for you to meet.  

Sunday 24th September

Make mythical Creatures   1.00  -  3.00pm

Cost :  £4.00

Make your own mythical creature and shrink yourself for a photograph with it.


MYSTERY OF THE LITTLE GIRL IN WELSH COSTUME SOLVED

If you remember last month we printed a picture of a little girl of about 5 yrs old in welsh costume outside Plas Newydd house. 

We now think we have solved the puzzle.  One of the readers of Dee Valley News Alison Corley-Rhodes saw a copy and thought she recognised the little girl. 

Alison actually lives in Mynydd Bodafon on Anglesey having moved from Llangollen 14 yrs ago and  neighbours of her mother’s, who moved a year later, have sent her Llangollen News/ Dee Valley News  ever since. 

Alison wrote to Lisa at Dee Valley News who forwarded it on to me at Plas Newydd.  She offered to investigate further and confirmed it was the lady she had thought of.  It can now be revealed that the little girl is:

LLINOS ROBERTS NOW JENKINS

Llinos’s parents were friends of Alison’s parents and they also lived near Llinos and her husband in Northwood in the early 80’s.  We are now waiting for Llinos to be in touch to claim her free tour and meal.   

Sue Hall

County seeks Shared Lives carers

Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme is currently looking for local people who would like to become carers.

The scheme provides extra support in the daily lives of people in need – they may have a complex disability, mental health problems, physical disabilities, or sensory impairment which affects their lives.

The council is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals, couples or families who live in Denbighshire and have a spare room in their home to be a Shared Lives Carer.  

Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme has dedicated staff who provide practical support, advice and guidance to Shared Lives Carers. We will also provide them with appropriate training and arrange for them to be paid a fee.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet  Lead Member for Well-being and Independence,  said: "Denbighshire’s Shared Lives Scheme aims to play a crucial link in supporting those in our community who need help the most. Experience of working in the care sector would be useful but isn’t a requirement – enthusiasm is just as important.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer or those who would like to find out more should contact Denbighshire’s Single Point of Access and ask to speak to the Shared Lives Scheme Coordinator.

* You can write to them or see them at: Single Point of Access , Denbighshire Social Services, Russell House, Churton Road, Rhyl, LL18 3DP; telephone: 0300 456 1000.  Email: spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk

Museum to host coracle and craft day

AM joins fight against criminal scammers

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has joined the Friends Against Scams campaign, an initiative that aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams by empowering communities to ‘Take a Stand Against Scams’.

Having accepted an invitation to become a ‘SCAMbassador’, Mr Isherwood (pictured) has joined the National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team (Wales), the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and others in WASP (Wales Against Scams Partnership) as part of a cross-party network to protect everyone from scams and the damage they cause, working locally and nationally to educate and support those who may be vulnerable to scams.

Each year scams cause between £5bn and £10bn worth of detriment to UK consumers. In addition to the financial impact, scams can have a severe emotional and psychological impact on victims.

Mr Isherwood said: “Scams often target the most vulnerable people in society but the reality is that anyone can become a victim of scams.

“Scams damage lives and can affect people financially and emotionally so it is with great pride that I have joined the work of the National Trading Standards Scams Team, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and others who are working together to prevent people from being victims of scams. By signing up as a ‘SCAMbassador’ I will seek to influence and drive forward changes in policy to reduce the effect of scams on people in North Wales and beyond.”

Louise Baxter, Team Manager, National Trading Standards Scams Team said: “The tactics used by scammers leave victims socially isolated and ashamed of telling their friends and families what’s really going on behind closed doors.

“It is fantastic to have such an influential figure in the community to help us tackle this problem on a local, regional and national level and I would encourage all those who are interested in showing their support to join the campaign and be part of our growing network.”

* To find out more visit https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk

Keep your dog on lead, owners advised

Don’t forget to take your lead – that is the message to dog owners intending on taking their animals out to the open Denbighshire countryside.

With a settled spell of weather and the bank holiday weekend fast approaching, more and more people are expected to venture out into the stunning Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but they are asked to be responsible and follow the Countryside Code.

The appeal follows a spate of incidents on Moel Famau over recent weeks where dogs off their lead have worried grazing sheep livestock, injuring some of them.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for the Countryside, said: “We have become increasingly concerned at the number of incidents experienced lately.

“We have been running a campaign, Take the Lead,  encouraging people to make sure they keep their dogs on leads when they are out in the open countryside. Whilst the majority of people have listened to the message and act responsibly, there are some who simply allow their dogs to roam free without thinking of the consequences. It is to those individuals that we are targeting this message.

“They really must be mindful that they are crossing valuable grazing land where there are sheep roaming. The effects of attacks on animals can be devastating, to the animal and to the landowner.

David Shiel of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “Over 300,000 visitors come to Moel Famau every year to enjoy the stunning scenery on offer. We want that to continue and for all visitors and landowners to be able to work side by side.

“Warning signs have been placed along the route to Moel Famau and we will continue publicising the Take the Lead campaign through the media and social media to encourage the minority of dog owners to change their behaviour and keep their dogs under control at all times."

Ysgol Dinas Bran students score well in GCSEs

* Jumping for joy: Sephorah Evans, Cassius Hackforth,

Olivia Eggington, Eve McSpadden, Jenna Leon, Laura McAndrew, Robyn Bourne, Sarah Gibbs, Ryan Verscheuren and Laura Gibbs.

* Twins peak: Two sets of very successful  twins - Lucy Brown, Emma Brown, Laura Gibbs and Sarah Gibbs.

Delighted Year 11 students at Ysgol Dinas Bran are celebrating their GCSE results today. 

There were particularly strong performances in Art, Biology, Chemistry and Physics where the pass-rate was 100%. 

Over 50% of grades awarded in the Separate Sciences were A* or A.

There were some fantastic individual performances including a host of students who achieved the very top grades. 

Twins Lucy and Emma Brown from Llangollen each gained an incredible ten A* grades, four grades and distinctions in Additional Maths. 

Laura and Sarah Gibbs, from Llangollen and who are also twins, performed well, Laura achieving eight A* grades, four A grades, two B grades and a Distinction in Additional Maths, while Sarah achieved four A* grades, eight A grades, two B grades and a Distinction in Additional Maths. 

There were tremendous results, too, for Zoe Nicholas (Llangollen), Laura McAndrew (Glyndyfrdwy) and  Sephorah Evans (Corwen) who all achieved nine A* grades and three A grades, together with Distinctions in Additional Maths. 

Megan Jones (Corwen) achieved six A* grades, four A grades, and a Distinction in Additional Maths and Eve Barrett (Llangollen) was awarded six A* grades, two A grades and a Distinction in Additional Maths. 

Headteacher Martyn Froggett said: "We are really pleased for all our students. 

"They have worked really hard and deserve their success.

We are looking forward to seeing many of the students back in our Sixth Form in September. 

"Great praise and thanks to the staff who have supported them and helped them achieve so well."

In a statement, the county council said: "Pupils across Denbighshire are celebrating excellent examination results this year. Early indications show that approximately 62.8% of students have achieved A* - C grades which is in line with the national average for Wales.

"Results in Welsh and English are particularly pleasing and are above the Welsh average.

"The pass rate grades A*-G was 97.1% is above the Welsh average of 96.9%.  There have been some outstanding individual results."

Police boss tackles BBC over language issue

A police boss urged the BBC's Newsnight programme not to insult the Welsh language again - and to seek the opinions of real experts if they discuss the subject in future.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) hit out after the late night programme provoked outrage when it asked whether the Welsh language was a "help or hindrance to the nation".

The BBC has since expressed its regret and conceded the programme would have "benefited from more thorough analysis and debate".

Mr Jones has written in Welsh to the programme's editor, Ian Katz, seeking an assurance the same mistake will not be repeated.

The discussion on August 9 did not have anybody who could speak the language involved, with contributions from author Julian Ruck and Ruth Dawson, Wales Editor for the independent news and analysis website The Conversation.

At the start of the programme presenter Evan Davis asked of the language: “Is it the government’s job to promote it and is it a help or a hindrance to the nation.”

He later went on to say: “We will see how people will choose to speak it and how many will have it as a hobby, and how many speak it as their main language.”

In his letter Mr Jones accused Newsnight of discussing the language in "a childish, derogatory and irresponsible way" adding they had managed to raise the hackles of a whole nation.

He went on: "There was a weak, unconvincing apology the following night that did not persuade anybody that there was any real regret on your part.

"Asking whether the language is a hindrance is totally unacceptable, and it's irrelevant in any context. The Welsh language exists. People speak it as their first language every day.

"Should we make those who speak the language feel irrelevant and a hindrance or should we do our best to safeguard the language as an integral part of the tapestry of life in our little corner of the world?

"The BBC would not dare question whether a person's religion or ethnicity was a hindrance. Think of the justifiable outrage there would be to such an insult! How therefore can a public body that we pay dearly for justify questioning whether a language, especially one that is native to these islands and has existed well before English, is a hindrance?

"You could argue that slighting someone's language is more of an insult than questioning their religion because language is an inextricable part of who each one of us is as an individual.

"I would like to convince you that the Welsh language is integral in my work and a bit more important than the "hobby" Evan Davies referred to on the programme.

“As a fluent Welsh speaker in an elected position with responsibility for £143 million in spending, I believe passionately that I need to uphold my responsibilities to those who want to receive services in Welsh or English; neither language is treated less favourably than the other.

"Every other public body in Wales has a statutory duty to ensure that the Welsh language is not treated less favourably than English. Even though the majority of people in North Wales are able to speak English, dealing with a public body in your second language is different to communicating in your first language.

"In future I therefore call on you, as somebody who works for a public body, to carry out your moral responsibilities in relation to equality and to do your homework before any such programme is broadcast.

"If you deal with Welsh again it would be good if you could show some respect to the language, and the people who speak it, by making sure it is discussed by experts and not by contributors who can't speak the language and have very little knowledge about the subject."

Plas Newydd art exhibition comes to an end soon

Plas Newydd is reminding art lovers there are only eight days left to see Maria Hayes exhibition in Y Caban.  It is open until Wednesday August 30 at 4.45pm.

Walking and cycling meeting to be held

On Wednesday August 30 Denbighshire County Council will be holding a drop-in public consultation event at County Hall between 10am and 3pm.

This is one of four events being staged across Denbighshire with the purpose of having face to face discussions with Denbighshire residents about walking and cycling issues in their communities.