Eisteddfod offers volunteering opportunities

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has a number of volunteering opportunities on its Grounds Team.

These are for a Field Warden, Bussing Stewards and Communications volunteers.

Field Warden 

The principal role of the Field Warden is to provide immediate help and support to the wide range of people visiting the Eisteddfod.

From helping people to find their way around the site to handling lost property, the Field Wardens are there to help the public enjoy their experience of the Eisteddfod. In addition, in the event of an emergency, the Field Wardens have a responsibility to assist and direct the public to safe areas.

Being sought are people who are happy to help and assist others and interact with the diverse audience attending the Eisteddfod. Most of the time Field Wardens are up and about the site and so the days are broken up into two-hour shifts and you can volunteer onto the rota depending on your availability.

An eisteddfod spokesperson said: "This is a new, exciting and enjoyable role and we are looking to establish a core team of people to take this role forward."

Bussing Stewards 

This role is responsible for stewarding school parties on and off the Eisteddfod field on the Tuesday and Thursday of Eisteddfod week and on additional days if required. It involves meeting and greeting the school parties on the coach park and directing them up and onto the field. On departure, the bussing stewards escort them safely from the field to their coach. Shifts are: 8.15 am to 11 am and 1.15pm to 3.30pm.

Communications Volunteers 

Communications volunteers are a vital part of the Eisteddfod. They provide essential communication support to ensure the smooth running of the event, passing key information across the various committees to keep the music flowing and liaising with the emergency services in the event of minor/ major incidents and accidents.

Commitment varies, but it would be usual for a volunteer to offer around 10 hours over the course of the six-day event, in the form of two-five hour sessions in the Grounds Communications Radio Centre which operates from 8am to around 11pm daily. Training will be provided on the job whilst assisting an experienced communications volunteer.

Typical tasks include:
* Working within the communication protocols to ensure the right people get the right information at the right time.
* Receiving, recording and passing of messages to the relevant person(s). Either via the telephone network or monitoring the two-way radio base station.
* Issuing and logging radio allocations, and maintaining charged battery supplies.

* If you are interested in the above roles or know someone who would be, please complete the volunteer application form here or for more information, contact Mikala Nash on info@llangollen.net

Details announced for Malcolm Twigg's funeral

Details have been announced by his family for the funeral of well-known Llangollen resident Malcolm Twigg who died recently.

It is to take place at 1.30pm next Thursday, February 14, at Pentrebychan Crematorium.

His family have said that any musicians or singers are welcome to bring instruments to the Hand Hotel later that afternoon, from 2pm, should anyone wish to play or sing in memory of Malcolm who was a prominent member of Llangollen Male Voice Choir which was based there.

Church to host St David's Day eisteddfod event

The Eisteddfod is hosting an international themed St David’s Day Event on Friday March 1 at St Collen’s Church to raise money to help fund overseas competitors to the festival. T

The traditional format of the Cymanfa Ganu – the congregational singing of hymns, will be conducted by Leigh Mason of Côr Meibion Froncysyllte, and will have an extra international dimension as well as musical items from Llangollen Silver Band and the James Lambert Singers.

Tickets are available from the Eisteddfod box office by calling 01978 862001, or from the Tourist Information Centre.

Tickets are priced at £5, which includes entry, a programme and a wide range of refreshments.

MP calls for inquiry into offshore helicopter safety

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) has backed parliamentary calls for a Government inquiry into offshore helicopter safety.

Speaking at a debate in Parliament, she said: “There are more than 18,000 people in this country who work in the offshore oil and gas industry, on North Sea rigs and so forth.

"This includes people from my home area and most other constituencies across the country. It is vital therefore that helicopter safety is paramount to protect those workers.”

Ms Jones also noted that since 2009, there have been six offshore helicopter accidents around the North Sea which have led to 33 deaths and the need for 65 other people to be rescued.

Volunteers clear vegetation for beside railway tracks

A team of Llangollen Railway volunteers have been busy clearing away vegetation from the sides of the track.

Over recent weekends they've worked on Green Lane Cutting, Pentrefellin and Deeside Halt.

One of the team, Rich Smith, said: "The amount of work that has been achieved is great to see. Deeside Halt will continue to be worked on for the next two weekends.

"It's amazing how a bunch of people from different departments of the railway most of whom have never met can come together to achieve the same goal.

"To make the railway we work so hard to keep running and looking as it should is a thing to behold.

"I'm glad to be a part of it to make the paying public appreciate the views it opens up.

"Well done to Robin for organising the whole thing and working every day on the veg cutting and to the volunteers for turning out to help."

* The pictures, showing the three sites worked on, were taken by volunteers Tom and Robin.

Charlie's cash challenges are inspired by little cousin

* In training: Charlie Reoch.

* Lilly Day, nine.

A bakery worker from Llangollen has been inspired to embark on a series of fund-raising challenges by her nine year old cousin who suffers from a rare life-limiting condition.

Quality assurance manager Charlie Reoch, 25, is kicking off her quest with the Village Bakery Half Marathon in Wrexham which is sponsored by her employers and takes place in Wrexham on Sunday, February 17.

Her brave little cousin, Lilly Day, who lives in Deal, in East Kent, is one of fewer than 30 people in the world who have been diagnosed an uncommon variant of the already rare condition, Ataxia-Telangiectasia or A-T.

It’s a degenerative multi-system disorder that affects the brain, immune system and increases the risk of cancers.

The cruel condition causes increasingly severe disability for which there is no cure or treatment.

Charlie, who joined the Village Bakery nine months ago, is in training for the popular race which will be her first ever half marathon.

It’s  attracting a record number of runners, with more than 2,700 signed up already and just a few places left.

As well as sponsoring the event, this year the Village Bakery is also providing the race headquarters at their new gluten-free bakery on Wrexham Industrial Estate.

After the half marathon, Charlie is looking for ideas for more fund-raising physical challenges.

The proceeds will be split equally between the A-T Society and Lilly’s family so they can go on a holiday of a lifetime touring Europe in a camper van.

Charlie said: “It is a very cruel condition and sadly Lilly will die young. She won't make it to her 20s - she'll make it through her teens if we're lucky.

 “Lilly is losing the ability to walk, she can't talk and she can't chew food properly. It's horrible. It gets progressively worse.

“But she'll stay compos mentis mentally, so she'll know what's happening, but her body will fail her.

“She's of an age now where she is starting to understand more. She used to say to her dad ‘Daddy next year when I'm better, can we do this and that?’. They had to sit her down and say ‘this is the best you're going to be’.

"But she's a very positive young girl and she's quite energetic and excited. She's gorgeous. She's cheeky. She's ever so funny. She's full of life, a really happy little girl. She loves playing and baking and doing everything else when she can.

“The fact she has A-AT is terribly sad. It's heart-breaking.

"Half the money I raise will go to the AT Society who fund research into treatment and hopefully a cure. They've given great support and my family during this awful time.

“The rest of the money I would like to give directly to the Day family because, while Lilly can still move and enjoy life, they want to take her on the road trip of a lifetime this summer.

“She's got an older sister, Melissa, and an older brother, Hayden, so they want to go and make memories while they still can.

"Lily is inspiring me to do this now. I don't have a plan for the other challenges but I’d welcome suggestions from people for what they'd like to see me do.

"I used to run about two years ago but this will be my first half marathon. I am in training now, the farthest I have run so far is 8k.

“If it didn't have a time limit I'd be fine but you've got to do it in 2 hours 45 minutes, so  there is just a little bit of pressure then. I need to finish. I hope it will be fine.

Village Bakery managing director Robin Jones said: “I take off my hat to Charlie because this will be her very first half marathon but she’s doing it  for a very good cause.

“This year’s race is shaping up to be the best ever and they have already got a record number of runners taking part.

"”We're now in our 24th year and we hope and pray that the weather is good for us because it's a lovely course.

“Although the race starts and finishes on the industrial estate, the course takes you through some beautiful countryside. It’s going to be fantastic event.”

* Charlie has set up a Just Giving page for anyone who would like to make a donation https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lillys-story and for anybody wanting more information should go to the website of the race organisers  www.cutefruitevents.com

Youth Parliament member wins AM's support

A teenager recently chosen as her area’s first ever Welsh Youth Parliament Member has been backed by her local AM Ken Skates.

Talulah Thomas, 17, (pictured) will represent Clwyd South after being elected as one of the 60 inaugural members of the newly formed national body in November.

The Welsh Youth Parliament aims to empower young people to identify, raise awareness of and debate the important issues to them, and will work directly with the National Assembly to make young people’s voices heard by those with the power to make change.

“The political future of Wales rests with our youth, and our nation's young people must be engaged to ensure progression,” said Talulah, who lives in Llangollen and attends Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham.

“I would encourage discussions within schools by starting an all-inclusive committee that will highlight the issues that are important to young voters, as their views are most important to me. I hope that this will reflect politics as an essential element of everyday life and create a bridge between the voices of young people and the Senedd.”

Talulah added: “I’m studying through the medium of Welsh, therefore will also be focusing on the importance of keeping the Welsh language going amongst the youth of Clwyd South.”

Assembly Member Ken Skates contacted Talulah after her election and the pair met last week to discuss their shared priorities for the area, which include increasing youth participation in politics and improving mental health education in schools.

Mr Skates said: “Mental health is a subject close to my heart, and I’m pleased to hear it’s high up on Talulah’s agenda. Good mental health so important, particularly for our young people, which is why I was delighted this week to see the Welsh Government commit an additional £7.1m to help protect, improve and support the mental health of young people in Wales.”

The Welsh Labour AM added: “Having met Talulah I’m confident she’ll do a fabulous job. I’m looking forward to working with her and helping her however I can.”

Plas Madoc gets major gym facility upgrade

Plas Madoc Leisure Centre in Acrefair has refurbished its large gym facility.

The centre, which is operated by Splash Community Trust, was reopened in December 2014 thanks to the actions of local people after the council closed the site as a cost-saving measures.

During this time the charitable trust has secured major upgrades to the site to boost it’s long-term viability, such as new boilers and a new roof as well as improvements to the café and sports hall.

The gym will be repainted and have a new floor laid in preparation for all new CV equipment to be installed.

The kit will be state of the art provided by Life Fitness and will provide users with the very best experience in fitness with access to large 21” touch screen monitors, providing access to Netflix and other online streaming services.

Denise Chadwick, general manager, said: “This major investment by the Splash Community Trust is a real statement about our commitment to the long term future of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

"Tthe new kit will provide a real bonus to our current membership and hopefully attract new members to the facility."

The gym will reopen on Saturday February 9.

* Anyone interested in  joining can contact the centre on 01978 821600, or visit its website at: www.plas-madoc.com

Twenty Club prepares to stage poignant new play

Llangollen Twenty Club Amateur Players are well into rehearsal for a world premiere play, Dinner with Otto, written by Tom George and directed by Lyn Aston. 

After it's initial showing at Llangollen Town Hall,  the play will be going on professional tour.

Dinner with Otto is set in March 1919 after the conclusion of the bloodiest conflict in history.

It tells the story of a young soldier Ben,  returning  home to his mother and friends after witnessing the atrocities of war, and now having to live with a deep sense guilt, and hopelessness for his future. 

Otto Schultz, whom he killed during the fierce battle, died slowly, on the end of Ben’s bayonet and during the time that Otto was dying the two young men realised that in other circumstances they could have been friends.

Otto asked Ben to write to his mother and told him that he will keep a seat for him at the dinner table in Hell, as that is surely where they will both end up.

Ben had promised to protect his friend, Aled, but Aled was killed, further adding to Ben’s sense of guilt.

Aled’s mother forgives him, which leaves Ben feeling even more wretched.  

His mother realises that he has many other secrets that will affect the future course of his life.

The play has a very dramatic, and to some, surprising end, but, according to director Lyn Aston, is sure to keep the audience on the edge of their seat, "willing this sad and haunted young man to survive and deal with the trauma that impact of any war has on the returning soldier. A must see piece of exceptional writing, brought  to life by a very talented cast."

* Tickets are available from:

Mair Bowen Tel:01978 822759

Courtyard Books Tel: 01978 869394

Gwyn Davies Butchers, Llangollen

Jenni's Llangollen

Online: www.skiddle.com

Llan-written novel gets its release

_{A Llangollen-based author has produced a new novel set in Lincolnshire – although he says that it was largely written at a popular café in town.}

_{Eamonn Griffin (pictured) says he penned most of the book, entitled East of England, in M'Eating Point on Berwyn Street, although it doesn’t mention Llan at all.} 

_{The noir-ish thriller was published last week by an organisation specialising in crowd-funding called Unbound.}

The book's available from Amazon, Waterstones, Hive and all other book retailers (online and offline) in paperback and ebook format, and locally may be ordered via Courtyard Books in Llangollen (an online purchase via Hive may be configured to support that shop too). 

A synopsis of the story says:

Dan Matlock is out of jail. He’s got a choice. Stay or leave. Go back to where it all went wrong, or simply get out of the county. Disappear. Start again as someone else. But it’s not as simple as that. 

There’s the matter of the man he killed. It wasn’t murder, but even so. You tell that to the family. Especially when that family is the Mintons, who own half that’s profitable and two-thirds of what’s crooked between the Wolds and the coast. And who could have got to Matlock as easy as you like in prison, but who haven’t touched him. Not yet.


And like Matlock found out in prison, there’s no getting away from yourself, so what would the point be in not facing up to other people?


It’s time to go home.


East of England blends a rural take on the noir thriller with a fascination with the British industrialised countryside that lies east of the Wolds, between the Humber and the Wash. Unlit byways rather than the neon-bright and rain-slicked city. A world of caravan parks, slot machines, and low-rise battery farms.


The flatlands of the east coast; decaying market towns and run-down resorts, and the distant throb of offshore windfarms. Where the smell you’re trying to get out of your clothes is the cigarette taint of old phone boxes and bus shelters, and where redemption, like life, is either hard-earned or fought for, one way or another.   


Author Eamonn Griffin was born and raised in Lincolnshire. 

He's worked as a stonemason, a strawberry picker, in plastics factories (everything from packing those little bags for loose change you get from banks to production planning via transport manager via fork-lift driving), in agricultural and industrial laboratories, in a computer games shop, and latterly in further and higher education.


He’s taught and lectured in subjects as diverse as leisure and tourism, uniformed public services, English Studies, creative writing, film studies, TV and film production, and media theory. He doesn’t do any of that anymore. Instead he writes fulltime, either as a freelancer, or else on fiction. 


Eamonn has a PhD in creative writing with the University of Lancaster, specialising in historical fiction, having previously completed both an MA in popular film and a BSc in sociology and politics via the Open University. He really likes biltong, and has recently returned to learning to play piano, something he abandoned when he was about seven and has regretted since.

East of England is published by Unbound Digital. ISBN: 978-1789650143

Review copies are available via Netgalley at: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/155755

For details of the book, go to: https://unbound.com/books/east-of-england/

County asks people to complete online transport survey

The county council is urging Llangollen residents to take part in its latest online fact-finding exercise.

The Denbighshire Transport Survey, developed in partnership with Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), aims to gauge the interest and feasibility of the development of an integrated community transport hub in the county, and how to most effectively provide a range of transport options across the region.

People can complete the survey online over the next month. 

Here’s the link for the English - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XWKYQX3

... and for the Welsh - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/D37JTN8

Kia ProCeed: Silly name but a real looker

* The new Kia ProCeed - from the side and (below) rear. 

Kia ProCeed launch report by Steve Rogers

KIA has opened its 2019 campaign with a real bobby dazzler.

Meet the new ProCeed, the range topper that has taken Ceed in a whole new direction with a bold shooting brake design.

Until now ProCeed - yes it still has the silly name - has been a three-door hatch. That market is virtually dead but rather than scrap the hatch it has been reinvented and the result is stunning.

This is essentially an estate car, a rival even to the Ceed Sportwagon, but it is lower and longer than its sibling with a swooping coupe style roof and steeply raked tailgate.

No-one in the sector which is bossed by Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf has anything like it so watching how Proceed develops is going to be interesting.

Only the bonnet and front wings have been carried over from Ceed while improved dynamics have spiced up the handling which becomes evident when driving the GT model with its 201bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine, but more on that later.

There are three trim levels GT Line, GT Line S and GT powered either by a 1.4 litre turbo charged petrol or a 1.6 diesel for all but the GT which gets the 1.6 litre petrol.

Inside it's standard Ceed fair with the range topping 8-inch touchscreen controlling the majority of the functions although Kia prefers switches for the radio and heating controls which are ranged clearly across the central console which is just the way I like it.

Although Proceed has a definite sporting edge it is no flaming hot hatch so there is a good compromise between ride comfort and out and out handling.

Make no mistake the car will fly around bends faster than will ever be needed on public roads but at the same time bumps are well cushioned so this is very much a car the family can enjoy.

Cabin space is good and a six footer sat comfortably behind my driver's seat, and in spite of the dipping roofline the 594 litres of boot space is not far behind the 625 litres for the Sportwagon.

Kias have always been generously equipped and that is the case here. Even the 6-speed manual GT Line which opens the range at £23,835 has navigation, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, auto dipping headlights, electronic parking brake and that is just a snapshot. Add an S and there is even more with heated outer rear seats, power adjustment and memory setting for the driver's seat and a powered tailgate.

If the bank balance allows it is worth splashing out £1,100 for the seven speed automatic which is smooth and slick and can be used as a manual either via the gear lever or steering wheel paddles.

Safety features have become the norm and there is no shortage here with crash avoidance braking that includes pedestrians, steering the car within the lane, blind spot collision warning ... I could go on.

In spite of the lack of interest in diesel power Kia is offering the 1.6 litre with its fairly modest 134bhp.

The ProCeed deserves more and you will get it from the more punchy 138bhp 1.4 turbo charged petrol which is nearly a second quicker to sixty (9.1secs) but you will lose out heavily on economy - 42.8mpg versus 56.5mpg for the diesel.

Which brings us to the jewel in the ProCeed crown, the 1.6 T-GDi. For me this is the engine for this car. There is a spiky rawness to it, growling under acceleration and eager to respond at low revs. It is the only model where the performance matches the car's matcho looks. A sprint to sixty takes 7.2 seconds, not as quick as the hottest Golf or Focus.

The folk at Kia say, they are unlikely to go for anything bigger on the engine front so they will not be asking parent company Hyundai for the dazzling 2-litre powering the i30N let alone the i30N Performance.

At least the 1.6 T-GDi has given an added buzz to the Ceed hatch which has identical performance to ProCeed GT and handling to match the hike in power. The new Ceed GT model has hit the showrooms and costs £25,535.

My guess is all eyes will be on its pretty new sister. Aside from Stinger this is the best looking Kia ever. It has a feel good factor and looks the business particularly in profile or from the back. I don't see how it can fail.

* Prices: £23,835 (GT Line petrol manual) to £28,138 (GT auto). GT Line S £28,685.

County approves 6.35% council tax rise

Councillors in Denbighshire have agreed the budget for the next financial year.

At a meeting in County Hall, Ruthin, members were asked to formalise the budget and agreed that council tax levels should increase by 6.35% in the next financial year.  This will address current financial pressures in Children’s and Education Services, social care, highways and environment.

The 6.35% equates to an additional £72.24 a year for a Band D property, or £1.52 a week.

Savings of £5.6 million were identified by services directly and these have been found through a wide range of cuts and efficiencies in functions that support the Council, with the services offered directly to the public being protected as much as possible.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, said: “It is our duty as councillors to make sure that the budget balances at the end of the financial year and the uncertainty over the levels of settlements in recent years has made our jobs a lot harder.

“Significant real terms funding reductions to local councils in Wales have continued whilst costs continue to grow. Schools and social care represent the most significant elements of the Council’s budget and the costs of these is growing beyond the resources available.

“While the council will always endeavour to be more efficient to save money, given savings of over £35m have been made in the last six years, it is no longer possible to address the funding gap through efficiency savings alone and a careful balance between service savings and local taxation has to be struck.

“The Council also expects to need to find £7 million in savings in 2020 and £4.5 million the following year.  That means that tough decisions are needing to be made and further cuts are predicted over the coming years. However, we are making a commitment to continue to provide the best services possible for the residents of Denbighshire.

Information about council tax, how the money is allocated and the benefits available to Denbighshire residents will be included in the Your Money booklet, which will be available on the Council’s website 

Brewery and builders to sponsor Llanfest 2019

Picture by Mike Jones.

Two Wrexham businesses will sponsor this year’s Llanfest which will wind up this year's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Sunday July 7.

Wrexham-based housing developer SG Estates and Wrexham Lager have been named joint backers of the event which will this year star The Fratellis, The Coral, The Pigeon Detectives and nineties power pop rock trio Dodgy.

It is the first year SG Estates has sponsored the festival and the company says it is committed to preserving its Welsh heritage and supporting the eisteddfod.

Managing director Steve Griffin said: “It is at the heart of our local community in Llangollen. As a company dedicated to sustaining and developing the area, we are keen to support this local event and we see this year’s sponsorship as the start of a long-term partnership.”

Wrexham Lager’s involvement in the event goes back over 70 years, shown by the fact that festival organisers have found an advert for the brewery in the first official International Eisteddfod programme from 1947 (pictured below).

Mark Roberts from Wrexham Lager said: “The festival is without doubt one of the highlights of our calendar and we are proud to be one of its longest standing sponsors.

“We have been supporting the ethos of the festival from its inception all those years ago, bringing diverse communities together to enjoy and celebrate as one.”

Llanfest was launched in 2011 as the eisteddfod’s finale party to introduce the event to new, younger audiences and attract festival-goers from across the country.

The announcement of The Fratellis and The Coral’s appearance follows the success of Indie pop legends Kaiser Chiefs in 2018 and legendary Welsh band Manic Street Preachers in 2017.

Tickets start at just £39 and go on general sale today (February 1).

 

Organisers have introduced a new layout for 2019, freeing up extra space in the Pavilion, with additional premium standing available at the front of the stage.

This will see capacity increase to more than 5,200. As well as this, a tiered seating area will also be available in the middle of the arena.

There will be live performances from a range of local artists from 2pm on the outside stages and the support acts Dodgy and The Pigeon Detectives will run from 6.15pm in the Pavilion, before The Fratellis and The Coral take to the stage.

* For more information and to buy tickets go to www.llangollen.net or contact the Box Office on 01978 862001.

Chamber to host special session on business rates

Representatives from the Welsh Government will be attending a special meeting to unravel the complexities of business rates and how Llangollen traders could benefit to the tune of up to £2.5k.

The meeting will held at the Hand Hotel, Llangollen next Tuesday, February 5 at 6pm and has been arranged between Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates and  Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

The aims to give retailers in Llangollen the opportunity to find out more about business rate relief and how it could help them.

Last month, Wales's then Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford announced that retailers  with a rateable value of up to £50,000 will receive a £2,500 cut to their business rates for 2019/2020. Some could see a zero rates bill for properties with a rateable value of up to £9,100.

At the meeting chamber members will have the chance to hear more about the benefits of business rates relief and question Welsh Government representatives Adam Evans, Business Wales Senior Manager, and Julie Questa, Senior Policy Manager: Local Taxation.

Chamber chair David Davies said: “We are grateful to the Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates for making this meeting happen.

"Our high streets are having a tough time at the moment  and Llangollen is no exception.

"It is therefore important that our members maximise every opportunity to boost their businesses and take advantage of any economic development assistance that come their way.

"We would encourage as many business people as possible to come and hear what the Welsh Government has to say on the matter on how it can benefit their business.”

If you have a retail business in Llangollen and want to know more about the implications of the new business rate relief then join the Chamber of Trade and Tourism for networking at 5.30pm. The meeting, which starts promptly at 6pm, is free to members and first-time visitors. 

March for Business returns for 2019

An annual month-long series of events to support businesses returns this March.

Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month returns with 25 events offering more than 100 hours of business support at venues across the county.

The business month, held throughout March, includes social media and retail skills training, networking events with the Federation of Small Businesses and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce as well as events with Superfast Business Wales and the Development Bank of Wales.

A chance for food buyers to sample local food and drink produce to secure more contracts for local businesses will also be held.

Blas Lleol - Meet the Producer is being organised in conjunction with the Clwydian Range Food & Drink Group and the Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club.

Other events include a session for businesses to make the most of the Urdd Eisteddford when it is held in Denbigh in 2020 as well as an event to help businesses who export.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “Our March for Business programme has been designed to meet the needs of businesses in the county.

“March for Business offers firms the chance to network and get expert advice around issues that matter to them.

“They can then take this knowledge forward and help grow their business, making a real difference to the county’s economy.

“There is also a focus on helping young people with the transition from education into business, something the Council believes will help the county’s young people develop the skills they need.

“The focus of March for Business was devised following feedback from our annual business survey and shows the Council is listening to businesses and offering them support to suit their needs.”

March for Business is part of the Council’s work on developing the local economy to make sure the county’s communities are resilient and residents have access to good and services.

For more information or to book visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness