Public get their first view of town's traffic blueprint

Llangollen people have been given their first look at a £2 million blueprint for the future shape of the town centre.

Consultants firm Arcadis, which has been hired to find solutions for the area’s traffic problems, hosted two briefing sessions – one outside the Town Hall yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon and the other inside the building in the evening – where it unveiled its vision for how things could look by 2020.

While this is still subject to consultation and amendment before the final version is presented at the end of next month, proposals include a new mini traffic island at the Abbey Road end of the famous bridge, the partial pedestrianisation of Market Street and the removal of parking bays along Castle Street.

While a steady stream of interested people turned up at the four-hour daytime briefing session less than 30 members of the public, including residents and business owners, attended the hour-long evening event.   

Alison Powell of Arcadis (pictured below) explained that the feasibility and scoping study being presented was a collection of ideas and suggestions which at this stage had no official status.

“We have been trying to work out what is technical and feasible in terms of solutions,” she said.
“Our aim is to create a high quality town centre environment which is attractive, safe and provides usable public space for a range of users and activities.”

Problems identified by her team around Castle Street, she said, was a conflict between pedestrians and traffic flow at the Abbey Road and A5 junctions, both of which were at or near capacity, the obstacles of parked cars, narrow pavements and general east/west traffic flows. In a bid to find solutions Arcadis looked at various forms of traffic modelling and examples of best practice in other areas of Britain.

An on-street public consultation exercise by the team in July, she revealed, had seen 300 responses submitted and Arcadis had also sounded out businesses, the Chamber of Trade and stakeholders including the Pavilion and the railway.

Chief complaints about Castle Street this had thrown up were the volume of traffic (74%), parking at the roadside (72%) and the lack of pedestrian crossings (56%).

Proposals for improvement include:

* Directional signs on the main roads into town aimed at diverting HGVs away from Llangollen.

* Pavements on the western side of Castle Street being widened.

* The creation of two pedestrian crossing points, on slightly raised sections of roadway, on the main street – one outside the library.

* The removal of street “clutter”, such as repeated signage, on the street.

* A slight reduction in the width of the carriageway on Castle Street.

* More tree planting along the street.

Major proposals include the creation of a mini roundabout at the Abbey Road end of the bridge and the stopping up of Market Street from Castle Street back to Greenfield.

This partial pedestrianisation would mean that buses coming into town will have to instead reach Parade Street via the A5 and the top end of Market Street.

Alison Powell said there would still be access to properties along Market Street but the stopping up might allow for the market to move off  the nearby car park and into the street, freeing up valuable parking spaces.

Parking spaces would also be removed from the section of Abbey Road immediately opposite the bridge to allow for the roundabout to be put in.

On the sensitive issue of parking, she said proposals were to reduce the number of long-stay spaces on the Market Street car park presently used by residents using permits therefore producing more short-stay spaces, the removal of parking spaces on Castle Street and having visiting coaches dropping off and picking up on Market Street car park while actually parking up at the Pavilion.

A limited number of disabled parking bays would be created in Bridge Street and Oak Street.

Next steps in the 2020 process before the final draft is published at the end of November, she explained, were a review of latest feedback, further research on what could be done to ease traffic problems at the Castle Street/A5 junction – a couple of options for this were in mind, she said – and estimations of the costs and economic impact of the proposals.

A question and answer session brought out a number of points, mainly on parking. These included:

* Concern by a B&B owner about her guests being able to find long-stay parking. Alison Powell said the aim was to accommodate all needs.

* Whether coaches would be put off  by not being able to park on Market Street. To this she answered that research by Arcadis had shown that was unlikely.

* Whether cars would stop to allow people to use the new crossing points.  AlisonPowell said: “In other places that have these cars do stop.”

* Why a narrower carriageway on Castle Street was necessary on top of removing parking on the street. “We need to do something additional to slow down the traffic,” she replied.

Graham Timms, one of the county councillors for Llangollen and chair of the 2020 working group, said: “The needs of businesses, residents and visitors have to be balanced to make the town centre work better for everyone.”

He said the overall cost of the 2020 scheme would be around £2 million. If eventually approved, half a million pounds of this would come from Denbighshire, between £160,000 and £200,000 from the Welsh Government with a “range of other options” being explored for the remainder.   

Cllr Timms revealed a number of other moves were being considered to alleviate the parking situation.

These included freeing up more spaces for short-term use by asking the owners of parking areas such as St Collen’s and inside the Pavilion grounds if they will allow these to be used by people working in the town centre so visitors can use the spaces they would normally occupy.

Later Cllr Timms said: “Arcadis is putting forward new and innovative solutions to some longstanding traffic problems in Llangollen.

“The Abbey Road/Castle Street junction usually operates at capacity and on busy days it simply can’t take the volume of traffic, causing tailbacks in all directions.

“This also applies to the junction at the other end of Castle Street controlled by traffic lights onto the A5, where improvements to the light sequence and improved pedestrian crossing points will also lead to the traffic flowing more freely.

“The report also suggests the creation of a pedestrian zone on Market Street banning traffic from entering or leaving the main Castle Street. The consultants say that removing traffic from this area will help with traffic flow by removing the obstructions caused by large vehicles turning at this junction. 

Llangollen’s other county councillor, Melvyn Mile, said: “Denbighshire County Council has already agreed to make an initial contribution of £½million towards the project and further funding is being actively pursued by the Llangollen 2020 group.

“Llangollen has the second highest footfall in Denbighshire during August, closely following Rhyl, whilst beating Prestatyn, Denbigh and other tourist hotspots within the county. But traffic chaos and parking misery have been an increasing problem in a town which we believe is the jewel in the crown of Denbighshire’s heartlands.”

* The Arcadis study was instigated by the Llangollen 2020 group that was formed in October 2017. The initial team comprised of Llangollen’s two county councillors, two town councillors and representatives from the Chamber of Trade.

The study has been jointly funded by a range of partners including Cadwyn Clwyd, Welsh Government, European Union, Denbighshire County Council, Llangollen Town Council and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Serious accident closes A5 in Chirk

The Leader is reporting that the A5 in Chirk has been closed in both directions this afternoon following a serious road traffic collision near Jewsons.

For the full story see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/16989760.a5-closed-in-both-directions-at-chirk-after-serious-two-vehicle-collision/

Mark Drakeford will "deliver for North Wales" say backers

* Mark Drakeford (centre) with supporters, from left, Ken Skates, Lesley Griffiths, Jack Sergeant and Hannah Blythyn.

Mark Drakeford is the Welsh Labour leadership candidate who will "deliver for North Wales".

That’s the message from four North Wales AMs backing the man they describe as a ‘21st Century socialist’.

Ahead of a hustings in Rhyl tomorrow (Thursday) Economy Secretary Ken Skates, AM for Clwyd South, said a prime reason for backing Mr Drakeford is his commitment to North Wales.

Mr Skates said: “It’s clear that Mark is the choice of – and the best candidate for – the North.

"A key consideration of mine was the future development of, and investment in, North Wales. Mark understands the need to address concerns over the divide between North and South and to ensure we have a strong voice and the ability to flex our own economic muscles.”

Launching his North Wales campaign at Coleg Cambria in Northop on Saturday, Mr Drakeford announced that – as First Minister – he would appoint a Minister for North Wales to address the ‘disconnect’ with the South.

He said: “I recognise there has always been some sense of disconnect between the North and the South. As First Minister I would appoint a Cabinet Secretary from North Wales as a Minister for North Wales and they will have the full machinery of government behind them. I will ask that person to explore what more can be done to strengthen the bonds between the North and South, by considering an idea developed by Ian Lucas, MP for Wrexham.”

Mr Drakeford said the North Wales Minister will chair a standing committee of the Cabinet, to meet regularly in North Wales.

Outlining his vision for the economy, Mr Drakeford said: “What I am describing is a reapplied radical form of 21^st Century socialism where we use the power of acting together to make the biggest difference in the lives of the greatest number, to lead and not to follow the fourth industrial revolution and to create an economy here in Wales which by sharing the fruits more fairly provides prosperity for the many, not just the few.”

Lesley Griffiths, Hannah Blythyn and Jack Sargeant are also backing Mr Drakeford, as are North Wales MPs Albert Owen, Chris Ruane and Mark Tami.

Llan chosen to explore Business Improvement District

Breaking news exclusive

Llangollen is one of 10 partnerships across the country which will share over £260,000 of Welsh Government funding to explore establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

The aim is to boost the local economy and to support regeneration efforts.

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales Once the BID is agreed via a legal ballot, each business contributes financially via a levy, which is then used to fund the agreed activities set out in their business plan.

These could include marketing, promotion and events, car parking, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving access to towns, or work to make the area more vibrant and viable.

Other towns apart from Llangollen receiving funding as part of the current programme are Mold, Brecon, Newtown, Barry, Port Talbot, Treorchy and Aberdare.

Sector BIDs across the UK are increasing in number, and Welsh Government is keen to ensure they are encouraged in Wales.

Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans said: “We are seeing BIDs make a real difference to town centres across Wales, but setting them up takes time, effort and support, which is why we provide Welsh Government funding to get them off the ground.

“We are committed to creating lasting economic change in the South Wales Valleys through our Valleys Taskforce, and I hope the BID proposals in Aberdare, Treorchy, Port Talbot and Ebbw Vale, will play a significant role in this.

“BIDs can help to revitalise our town centres and promote regeneration. We have seen existing BIDs delivering increased street cleaning initiatives, tackling antisocial behaviour, reducing crime, offering bespoke business training courses and hosting numerous events and festivals.”

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “Collectively, the eight BIDs created in the last programme have generated over £5 million private investment to support their chosen activities. This is a significant return on our investment, helping drive local economic development and supporting our Welsh high streets."

Town councillor Robyn Lovelock, a strong supporter of the BID scheme, said: "I see this as a huge opportunity for town businesses to come together, discuss and agree what actions they think would lift the town's business economy through the development of a business plan. 

" Those discussions will be exciting but no doubt tricky, and the support of an independent consultant will be invaluable helping businesses work through the options, the pros and cons. 

"It seems to me that the question of whether it is feasible or desirable for the business plan to then be funded through a Business Improvement District with the associated increase in rates, or through another mechanism, then comes later - at "the ballot" in 12-18 months - once the business plan and terms are available for all businesses to consider and discuss. 

"This is an exciting opportunity for Llangollen (and its neighbour and fellow Cittaslow town - Mold) to explore new mechanisms for boosting its economy during difficult economic times."

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New Dot to screen Oscar-winning trans drama

* A Fantastic Woman is the next screening by Llangollen's New Dot Cinema.

Coming hot on the heels of their last screening, New Dot's next film offering is being shown on Friday October 19 at Llangollen Town Hall.

A Fantastic Woman won an Oscar this year for Best Foreign Language Film.

This is a powerful tale of love and grief, from Chilean director Sebastián Lelio.

After her older lover unexpectedly dies, Marina (Daniela Vega), a young trans woman, must face questioning from her partner’s family and harassment from the police in order to prove that she had nothing to do with his death — all while trying to come to terms with her loss.

An outstanding, timely work that recalls the very best films of Pedro Almodóvar, it features luminous visuals and elegant flights of surrealism.

It's been described as a "courageous, audacious and defiant declaration of Marina’s status as

a woman – and a fantastic one, at that".

A Fantastic Woman is rated 15. Doors and bar open at 7:30pm with the film starting at 8pm.

Tickets are £8/£6 on the door and £6/£5 plus booking fee online. Tickets also available at

Llangollen Oggie Shop, Castle Street. More information can be found on Facebook, Twitter and at www.newdotcinema.org

New Dot Cinema Llangollen is a not-for-profit community cinema run entirely by volunteers, bringing you the best of independent and world cinema, with some documentary and vintage  classics into the bargain.

Jo's chocolate bar art helps people with dementia

* Chocolatier Jo Edwards.

A chocolatier is launching a new range of chocolate bars featuring paintings by her grandmother who discovered her artistic talent when she was living with dementia.

Jo Edwards will be unveiling them at the Llangollen Food Festival and will be raising money for a dementia charity in memory of her beloved “Nanan”, Pat Rayfield, who was 93 when she passed away last year.

The images of the stunning watercolour pictures have been printed on the chocolate bars and 50p from the sale of each one will go to the Dementia Friendly Wrexham organisation.

Jo, who runs her own artisan chocolate company, Aballu, is a regular at the popular food festival that’s being held on Saturday and Sunday, October 13 and 14.

Remarkably, her grandmother didn’t take up watercolour painting until she was 85 and after she was diagnosed with dementia but went on produce more than 150 stunning works of art.

Earlier this year the family put on an exhibition of Pat’s work and sold the paintings, with the proceeds going to Dementia Friendly Wrexham as a way of raising awareness of the creative potential of people living with the condition.

Jo, who set up Aballu in 2006, has now gone a step further and come up with a technique to depict the pictures on the chocolate bars.

* The late artist Pat Rayfield.

She said: “It’s quite a labour-intensive process using an edible printing system to transfer the art work onto the chocolate bar. The process is quite technical but I lay the print onto white chocolate and set it on the milk or dark chocolate bars which are all hand poured and finished. It looks amazing and I’m really pleased with how it looks. I’ve chosen just five of her paintings; one of lavender fields, toadstools, a woodland scene with sheep grazing, a window with a display of wild flowers and a bee on a flower. These were all painted after her dementia diagnosis.

“Nanan, as she was always known to us, only painted for the last eight years of her life. She painted what she saw on post cards or pictures from books.

“Her water colour paintings were just fantastic. She did some abstracts too, as well as things like meerkats, autumn scenes, anything that she liked the look of.”

“The Llangollen Food Festival is a very special event and I felt it was an appropriate place to launch the new chocolate bars dedicated to Nanan.

“The bars are 100 grams each and retail at £3 with 50p from every bar sold going to Dementia Friendly Wrexham.

“It’s a great way to remember Nanan and to raise awareness of just how devastating dementia can be. However, people living with dementia still have talent and can be creative, as Nanan proved,” added Jo, who’s based in Rossett.  

Llangollen Food Festival committee member Phil Davies is delighted Jo Edwards is launching her new product at the food festival and is raising funds for what is a very good cause.

He said: “Jo has always been a big supporter and exhibitor at the food festival.

“Two years ago Jo set a new world record at the festival for rolling and coating chocolate truffles. She made an incredible 49 on the main stage in just two minutes which beat TV chef Gino D’Acampo’s 47.”

“The festival is all about new and exciting products and Jo’s new chocolate bars are a stunning example of that philosophy and I’m sure they will sell very quickly raising a good sum for Dementia Friendly Wrexham.”   

* To find out more about the Llangollen Food Festival please visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Glyndŵr to host open day for potential students

With the new term underway at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, students considering studying at the institution in 2019 are being given the chance to find out more.

The latest Open Day, aimed at prospective 2019 entry students, is set to take place on October 13.

The event is the latest in an annual series which offer the curious a chance to find out what it's like to study at the University, and the latest developments the University’s campuses have to offer as well as being able to meet with course staff and current students.

The university has a wide range of courses available at foundation, undergraduate and post graduate level, many of which can also be studied part-time.

More than half of current Wrexham Glyndwr students study part-time and includes a wide-variety of age groups.  The University has just been judged the most socially inclusive university in the UK, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

Among new developments for students this year is an improved Students’ Union, with an upgraded bar and brand new pizza oven.

Students’ Union President, Angus Hamill-Stewart said: “We’re thrilled to launch our new venue, The Lazy Lion, at Wrexham Glyndwr University. By day the venue is designed to be a relaxing space for students to use socially and we’re serving snack foods as well as drinks – we’ve had a brand new pizza oven installed and have upgraded the existing bar area. For evening and weekend functions we can use the space for up to 200 people; it’s a really versatile space.”

Further improvements in the student experience include a new teaching space equipped with the latest AV teaching techniques, and a social learning space which has proved popular with students since its opening this Spring.

Much more is to follow as part of Glyndŵr’s Campus 2025 transformation, which puts students at the centre of the plans. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar said: “The ongoing work on Campus 2025 will provide an attractive learning environment with stimulating state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in building designs and technology to provide a sustainable and attractive future-proof campus.”

A number of talks are taking place at the Open Day, and there is also the chance to tour the Regent Street campus which houses many of Wrexham Glyndwr’s Creative Arts courses.

The university’s supporting services will also be on hand on the day to speak to prospective students, including the award-winning careers team. The team are the winners of the 2018 AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service) ‘Supporting Student/ Graduate Employability’ award for their ‘Make Summer Work For You’ extracurricular programme. This programme strengthens students’ employment prospects over several months by providing flexible careers-related support and guidance.

Open Day runs from 10am – 2pm with last entry at 1pm. Visitors are welcome to drop in throughout the day – but are advised to check the list of talks and events  to ensure they get the most out of their day.

For more information or to book to attend the Open Day visit: wgu.ac.uk/908p.

Elan Catrin sings praises of Llan Eisteddfod

Elan Catrin Parry is singing the praises of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for helping her to land a major record deal with the same label as Katherine Jenkins.

And the young Wrexham songstress is urging other performers to enter this year’s competition.

The talented 16 year-old competed in the finals at the Llangollen Eisteddfod two years ago, and along with top marks from festival judges, scored herself an audition with British record label Decca.

* Elan Catrin Parry singing at the eisteddfod.

Completely unaware that she was being watched by the label's talent scouts, she raised the roof of the Pavilion and went on to sign a dream deal with Decca.

Elan’s debut album was released in August and she will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall this month (October 13^th), as a special guest of the London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs, which is directed by Llangollen Eisteddfod Musical Director Edward-Rhys Harry - all whilst studying for her GCSEs.

She said: “Without the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod it is very unlikely that I would be in the fantastic position that I am in now, and for that I feel incredibly grateful.

"I can’t thank the eisteddfod enough for the continued support throughout my exciting journey and want to encourage as many performers as possible to enter the amazing competitions at Llangollen.

“I’ve visited the festival with my family for many years previous to competing, and you can never forget the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

“The combination of different cultures, music, dance and costumes and the warm and friendly nature of the festival provides a truly magical experience. In fact, it’s a cultural lesson to the world about international peace and harmony.”

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “We are very proud of Elan and what she has achieved. We welcome the world to our little piece of heaven here in Wales every summer and pride ourselves on showcasing young and upcoming talent from across the globe.

“After visiting the festival for many years and achieving a finalist position in various competitions here, we are delighted that her talent has been recognised by a worldwide record label and wish her the best of luck in the future, we know she will go on to do very well.”

Eisteddfod music director Edward-Rhys Harry said: "We congratulate Elan on her continued success since singing on the famous Pavilion stage and we know that the international performers and audience who will be attending the sold out performance at the Royal Albert Hall are very much looking forward to welcoming her there.”

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

Railway to end work on memorial locomotive

* The National Memorial Locomotive while under construction at Llangollen. 

Llangollen Railway  has announced "with some sadness" their decision not to undertake further work on the project to build the new National Memorial Locomotive.

Consequently  the heritage railway will not be doing any further work beyond what is currently underway on the project to build a steam locomotive to remember those who died in the First World War. 

Members of the engineering team at Llangollen have been working on the construction of The Unknown Warrior for the LMS Patriot Co. Ltd, since 2008.

Following intensive discussions with the team behind No 45551, a railway spokesperson announced: "We have taken the decision not to tender for any further work in regards to the LMS Patriot Company,  Llangollen Railway has a full order book and is therefore unable to meet with the very tight time scale requirements of the project.

"On October 29 the Patriot locomotive, No. 45551, will be leaving Llangollen for the last time and will travel to Crewe Heritage Centre to have its boiler trial fitted.

"Llangollen Railway wishes the LMS Patriot Company well in the completion of The Unknown Warrior."

Thousands expected for 2018 Christmas Festival

* Last year's Christmas lights switch-on.

* Last year's parade passes the Town Hall.

Thousands of seasonal revellers are expected to come flocking to Llangollen for the town’s annual Christmas Festival on Saturday November 24.

Kicking off at 1pm with the famous parade which sees Sion Corn - the Welsh Santa – being escorted into town over the historic bridge by a colourful cavalcade of entertainers and local groups, the event features children’s fairground rides and games, circus acts, a magician, dancing and face painting.

There will also be a chance for youngsters to visit Sion Corn in his glorious grotto and put in their early requests from what they’d like to see him bring them on Christmas morning. 

During the afternoon visitors can look forward to an eclectic mix of musical entertainment from local groups on two outdoor stages and other on-street entertainment.

The fun-packed day rounds off at 5pm with the ceremonial switching on of Llangollen’s legendary Christmas lights and a firework extravaganza. 

Llangollen Christmas Festival is organised by a group of dedicated community volunteers. It costs over £4,000 to stage each year and is self-funding.

The festival aims to provide a free family-orientated event in the safety of the town centre with surplus funds being donated to Wales Air Ambulance and local community groups.

Over the last couple of years the police have estimated that the spectacular event draws over 2,000 people into town during the course of the afternoon.

For the second year the festival has teamed up with Light Up Local Food, a project aimed at promoting Llangollen-based food and drink producers.

Chairman of the festival committee Austin ‘Chem’ Cheminais, who is also the local town crier and a member of the town council, said: “With the help of the community we manage, each year, to raise just about enough to fund the event and give a little to charity.

“Last year’s festival was particularly successful, in spite of the weather, and the feedback from those attending was very positive.

“The ‘market’ feel to the event provided by Light UP Local Food was particularly commented upon and helped to attract visitors from much further afield.

“Once again we’re expecting a bumper crowd to come along and help us to give a great early start to Christmas.” 

Lifesaving spray "should be carried by our cops"

* North Wales PCC Arfon Jones.

The nasal spray that saved the life of  multi-million selling American pop star Demi Lovato should be carried by every police officer in North Wales, according to the region’s policing boss.

The 25-year-old Grammy-nominated singer and actor, a star of X Factor USA, collapsed after a suspected overdose at her Hollywood home in July and was revived by a paramedic using a naloxone spray.

Now North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has joined the campaign to have all police officers equipped with the spray which is used as an antidote to opiate drug overdoses of substances like heroin, fentanyl and prescription painkillers.

He said: “In the past delivering an antidote to a heroin overdose involved giving an injection and I can understand the reluctance of police officers to administering what is a medical procedure.

“But naloxone can be given on the scene of a suspected opiate overdose with a simple nasal spray and in a country where there are well over 1,000 deaths a year from this kind of overdose it makes sense.

“Police officers are in the business of helping people and by allowing our officers in North Wales and elsewhere in the UK to carry naloxone sprays we would be saving lives in a country where far too many are lost to overdoses.”

Mr Jones, a former police inspector with North Wales Police, is backing the campaign by Derbyshire PCC Hardyal Dhindsa, the Association of PCC’s Alcohol and Substance Misuse Lead.

Mr Dhindsa said: “The increased threat of super-strength opiates such as Fentanyl and Carfentanyl, which can cause an accidental overdose even for those with a higher opioid resistance, further highlights how providing an effective first response to these overdoses is only going to get more important in the coming years.

“A key tool to preventing these deaths from overdose is the opioid-suppressant naloxone. This drug is used to inhibit the effects of opiates, such as heroin and morphine, and can stop an overdose in its tracks, providing a crucial window for getting medical assistance to the patient.”

Naloxone acts by preventing opiates, which affect the brain’s control of respiration, from slowing or even shutting down breathing, the most common cause of drug-related death.

It can be given with a simple nasal spray and has been listed by the World Health Organisation as an essential medicine and is recommended by health experts at the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs and Public Health England on the basis of the difference it has made and the lives it has saved both at home and abroad.

Arfon Jones added: “One third of all European drug related deaths happen in the UK and many of these are as a result of overdoes of heroin and other opiates and as police officers are often the first on the scene of such cases it makes sense that they should be able to give the simple treatment that can make a life-saving difference.

“Time is critical in these incidents and so police officers need to be given the tools to protect the public.

“Up until three years ago it could only be given by injection but now nasal sprays are available and even if the person concerned hasn’t taken an opiate naloxone won’t have an effect or cause harm.”

Humorist to guest with Llandegla music club

Humorist and performance poet Les Barker (pictured) will appear as guest of Llandegla All Styles Music Club at the Memorial Hall, Llandegla at 8pm on Monday October 15.

The evening's programme also includes singers and musicians. There is a raffle and admission is £5.                      

Hailing from Manchester but now living in Bwlchgwyn as well as touring Britain, Les has also performed in Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.

He has published 75 books to date and has released 20 albums. 

A club spokesman said: "Les has a worldwide reputation for leaving his audiences helpless with laughter, from here to the other side of the world

"With doors at 7.30 and a prompt start, at 8pm, we hope to fit in some singers as well, so bring your instruments.

"We're very sorry to report that the guests we had booked for our next event, Fiddlestone, are unable to perform, owing to the hospitalisation of one of their members. 

"We wish him well and hope to host Fiddlestone in the New Year."

Christmas card competition launched by AM and MP

* Ken Skates AM and Susan Elan Jones MP with artist Larrie Beattie from Penycae, who won the 2015 competition for artists of all ages.

Schoolchildren are being asked to show their artistic side and design a Christmas card which will be sent to hundreds of homes.

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates and MP Susan Elan Jones are inviting pupils of every infant and primary school in their constituency to enter – and there are prizes to be won.

The winning design will get pride of place on the Labour pair’s official Clwyd South Christmas card and will be sent out to constituents, businesses, schools and voluntary groups.

Ken said: “It might seem a bit early with the summer holidays only just over, but we have to set a deadline of almost six weeks before Christmas to make we have enough time to get our cards printed and posted in time – it’s a big job!
“Whenever we have run this competition the children always enter into the spirit. We’re very grateful to the teachers for encouraging them to take part and for helping them.”

Susan added: “The competition is a fun way for schoolchildren in Clwyd South to learn a little bit about who represents them. A number of local companies have generously offered to sponsor the competition, so there will be prizes and certificates too. 
“We’ve had some wonderful designs in previous years and I’m looking forward to seeing what the children come up with this year.”

* The competition closes on Friday, November 16, and children can ask their teachers or parents/guardians to send their designs to Mr Skates’ constituency office at Unit 22, The Malthouse, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL20 8HS.

Any local companies who would like to co-sponsor the competition and have their logo feature on the card can email ken.skates@assembly.wales

Museum launches its latest art competition

Thai firm stirs up food festival excitement

* Dtoi Harvey will bring her Authentic Thai Cuisine to Llangollen Food Festival.

A Thai food producer which has tripled in size in 11 years is to launch a brand new chicken satay starter to satisfy a growing appetite for its honest cooking.

Authentic Thai Cuisine, based in Llanferres, in Flintshire, will be unveiling the new appetiser at the Llangollen Food Festival which provides a showcase for the company.

The starter has been developed to add to its array of frozen curries, noodle dishes and sauces as part of a plan to encourage customers to make a banquet out of its products.

The business, which was launched by Dtoi Harvey 11 years ago while she was employed as a full-time nursery nurse in Wrexham, currently produces more than 300 curries, 80 noodle dishes and up to 50 side dishes every week which it supplies to farm shops and food outlets across North Wales – three times the amount produced in its first two years.

Its reputation has grown significantly since first exhibiting at the food festival three years ago and the firm now employs seven part-time staff while boasting a growing list of suppliers – the most recent of which is based in Chester.

Owner Dtoi, 57, said a recent grant from Denbighshire County Council had enabled the business to purchase a walk-in freezer and increase its production capacity as well as the shelf life of its dishes. It has also led to the launch of new appetiser dishes including chicken satay.

The mother-of-one is excited about launching the dish at Llangollen Food Festival which she credits as winning her business far and wide.

“The festival has been really important to my business. You have to be known to be a success. Some of my suppliers are based in the middle of a field. They would never have known about my food had it not been for the festival introducing them to me,” said the former language support worker, who has a son, Tom, aged 21.

“It’s so important to get out there and meet people as well as present my cooking. I’m really looking forward to bringing my chicken satay there and presenting it to a wider audience.

“People can now make a banquet out of our products which is really exciting. The idea is that people who are really busy can enjoy themselves and contribute to their dinner party rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

“There seems to be a growing demand for good quality Thai cuisine which can be heated at home. I have people who order meals to take to Scotland or London on holiday or on business which is a great compliment.”

Llangollen Food Festival, which will be held at the iconic Royal International Pavilion Llangollen on October  13 and 14, was founded in 1997 and has gone from strength to strength, annually attracting thousands of food lovers from far and wide.

As a result, it’s been named as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK by the Independent and Daily Telegraph newspapers, pumping almost £400,000 into the local economy every year.

Dtoi, who was born near Bangkok in southern Thailand before moving to the UK 30 years ago, worked as a nursery nurse/language support worker for 15 years, helping foreign children in the area adjust to school life and alleviate language barriers.

It was while helping GCSE home economics pupils in the school kitchens she rediscovered her love of cooking authentic Thai food and the idea for her own food label was born.

To begin with Dtoi, who lives with her husband Graham, an engineer, donated her culinary creations to friends, family and community events to gauge feedback before formally going into business.

Now, 11 years later, she’s swapped the humble setting of her home kitchen for a self-contained unit in the garden and is responsible for seven part-time employees.

What hasn’t changed is the honesty of her cooking which remains preservative and additive-free (some dishes are also gluten, wheat and dairy-free) and emphasises the therapeutic, medicinal properties of the traditional herbs and spices to reflect her Thai culture.

“I’m really excited about launching this new starter at Llangollen Food Festival. I’m really the only person in the business who can talk in-depth about my products and the detailed cooking process so it’s important I’m there.

 “All of my ingredients are helpful emotionally and physically. Turmeric, for example, is a natural antiseptic and helpful for balancing hormones in women and men. Lemon grass as well as shallot and garlic soup is great for settling tummy aches. I understand the properties of the ingredients I use which is why I love coming to festivals and talking about it to my customers.” 

She also uses local producers where possible including J Williams & Co Butchers in Denbigh and fresh vegetables from Mold.

Among her growing list of products is massaman curry, traditional Thai red curry, green curry and yellow curry, vegetable spring rolls and her popular homemade sweet chilli sauce.

Phil Davies, a member of the committee at Llangollen Food Festival, said: "Companies like Authentic Thai Cuisine are what we are all about.

"We're particularly proud that we have been able to provide a shop window for Dtoi’s fantastic culinary talents and that we have helped her company develop and grow.”

* To find out more about Llangollen Food Festival go to: www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Tourism sector event for the county

Businesses have the opportunity to boost their digital skills for free as Google brings Google Digital Garage to Denbighshire in October.

The Denbighshire Tourism Forum and Google Digital Garage takes place on October 10 at the Oriel House, St Asaph.

With a line-up of guest speakers including representatives from Visit Wales presenting on investment opportunities for businesses, Keep Tidy Wales and Surfers Against Sewage sharing their experiences of working towards plastic free status in their towns, it promises to be a key event for those involved in the tourism sector.

Three free Google Digital Garage sessions will be available during the afternoon. ‘Build a Digital Marketing Plan’ gives small businesses an introduction to the main digital marketing channels and how to use them to build a strategy.

‘Know your Business with Data’ will explore how Google Analytics can help uncover trends about customers, including how people use websites to interact with businesses online. Finally, the Social Media Strategy session will explore how to create a social media strategy based on business goals.

The event offers a great opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences, knowledge and ideas.

A variety of information stands will be present including Business Wales, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, SC2, Development Bank Wales, Clwydian Range Tourism Group and many more.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “The Tourism Forum is a great way to meet like-minded people and find out about the latest tourism developments.

“The Google Digital Garage visiting Denbighshire is a great opportunity for businesses, students and people looking to gain new skills and knowledge. It’s a great benefit for local businesses to see how they can reach more customers and increase their business potential.”

Ronan Harris, Google UK & Ireland Managing Director, said: 'In the digital age, a basic understanding of how the online world works is useful and when it comes to business, it’s essential.

"We are delighted to bring the Google Digital Garage to Denbighshire and ensure everyone has access to free digital skills workshops. We hope you'll pop in and get the skills you need to become more confident online, grow your career or business, and maybe even launch the next big idea."

In the last two years, over 200,000 people across the UK have benefitted from Google’s free face-to-face training on digital know-how.

* To book a place at the Denbighshire Tourism Forum and/or Google Digital Garage please visit https://denbighshiretourismforumandgoogledigitalgarage.eventbrite.co.uk