Friendship Room benefits from community fund

* Buddug Williams of Grŵp Cynefin with Jan and Don Ware outside the Outhouse Friendship Room. 

A Llangollen couple who run a welcoming drop-in centre have benefitted from financial support from a housing association.

Grŵp Cynefin has shared out nearly £12,000 between 54 North Wales community groups and organisations to fund a variety of different projects and activities during 2018-2019.

The community fund is part of Grŵp Cynefin’s commitment to support local communities where they work and offer more than housing to people living in North Wales and north Powys.

Among them are Jan and Don Ware who work on a voluntary basis at Tŷ Allan’s Outhouse Friendship Room in Llangollen. They have twice been successful in their application for support from Grŵp Cynefin.

The Friendship Room is situated in Castle Street at the corner of Market Street car park and usual opening hours are from 10am-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Jan said: “We offer a warm room to stop during the day, a cup of tea or coffee, where people of all ages can pop in, chat and share any concerns they may have. It’s a safe and warm environment for local people, with some looking for support during a troublesome period in their lives.

“The people who stop by and visit us vary from young mothers with prams, wanting a five minute break in between shopping in town and the school pick up; young people struggling to find work to older people killing time before the bus arrives and people who are in dire need of support.

“It’s a voluntary project, but we are able to signpost people with more pressing needs to different agencies and organisations. We’ve been known to arrange birthday parties for families who are struggling, feed a family with no food in their cupboards, and Christmas is a special time where we open our doors for the festive period, and offer refreshments to people who may be on their own.

“We are wholly dependent on donations, so receiving support from Grŵp Cynefin has been fantastic. This year we’ve been able to buy new heaters and smaller tables that are more manageable for us to adapt the space we have for arts and craft activities. We’re also keen to develop our informal Welsh learning sessions, as working bilingually is very important to us.”

Community, voluntary and tenant groups are encouraged to bid for up to £500 to help them make a difference to local people’s lives and the environment they live in. The application process is a straightforward, says Grŵp Cynefin.

Community gardens, festivals, well-being sessions, family camping, conservation days, PA systems, play areas, investing in village halls, arts and science projects, first aid sessions and sporting events are just some of the activities people will benefit from.

“We are delighted that so many applications come through to us each year,” explains Mair Edwards, Community Initiatives Manager at Grŵp Cynefin.

“There are so many people across North Wales and north Powys working hard within their communities to support, care for and make a real difference to people’s lives. The variety of applications we have seen is inspiring.

“We have four application windows where we accept people’s proposals, and then our grants panel, made up of our tenants, meet to discuss each application based on a number of different criteria.”

* For more information regarding Grŵp Cynefin’s Community Grant, contact the Community Initiatives Team on 0300 111 2122 or email communityinitatives@grwpcynefin.org

MP questions RAF pilot shortage

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) has called on the Government to take urgent steps to tackle the RAF's pilot shortage.

Speaking in the House of Commons Chamber she questioned Defence Ministers on a National Audit Office Report citing RAF concerns that it would be 20 years on current rates until the force has enough pilots.

After her exchange, Ms Jones said: "Everyone agrees the current system needs to be reviewed, but I don't think the Government is taking the sort of urgent steps we need. 

"I've spoken about defence cuts and shortages in our armed personnel before and I will do so again. We cannot be running down our armed forces at this time of global change and insecurity, and we must take on board the very real concerns of the RAF and our other armed services."     

Moves to improve valley's mobile signal unveiled

* Ken Skates, right, with local resident Mike Rutt, left, and Cllr Trevor Bates.

Plans to improve mobile phone coverage in the Ceiriog Valley have been welcomed by the area’s Assembly Member and MP.

Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones have made repeated representations to mobile operators and the UK Government over the years in a bid to boost reception in the area, culminating in a petition signed by more than 1,000 people.

Mr Skates met with local councillor Trevor Bates and resident Mike Rutt, who organised the petition, in November, with the AM saying: “It is essential that residents and visitors to the Ceiriog Valley have mobile reception. I applaud the way Mike has gathered such a strong petition to urge UK Government to ensure there is better mobile connectivity.”

An email sent to Cllr Bates by BT last week said: “In order to deliver the coverage needed for the emergency services, EE is deploying hundreds of additional sites across rural Wales, England and Scotland.  The coverage provided by these sites will also be available to our commercial customers.

“In addition to these sites, the Home Office is also building nearly 300 further masts, many in Wales, to provide ‘Extended Area Services’ (EAS) coverage. It is currently planned that the Llanarmon Dyffrn Ceiriog area will be served by an EAS site. EE will put its equipment on these sites and will deliver commercial coverage as well as a blue lights service, subject to the site providing the necessary capacity to provide a good quality experience to our customers.”

Mr Skates said: “I have made numerous representations to the UK Government on this issue on behalf of my constituents in the Ceiriog Valley, which – like many parts of Clwyd South – continues to suffer from weak, intermittent and, in some cases, completely non-existent mobile phone coverage.

“I am extremely keen to ensure these plans materialise and have written to the Home Office to ask for more detail and timescales. People have waited far too long already and we need a firm commitment that action will be taken.”

Ms Jones said: “In addition to the problems poor mobile coverage causes on a daily basis for residents and visitors to the area, as well as local businesses, my constituents feel the issue could have far more serious consequences should there be another incident like there was recently when a local man suffered a serious fall, breaking several ribs.

“Rescuers had to drive some distance before a mobile signal was available to phone 999 and residents rallied to get two-way radio sets to relay the patient's condition to the emergency services while he passed in and out of consciousness. The incident happened around a mile from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog and police had to run to the Hand Hotel in the village to call the Air Ambulance. Fortunately, the gentleman is now recovering.”

The incident spurred Mr Rutt and Cllr Bates into action and they subsequently collected a petition of 1,039 names urging the UK Government to act.

Bang-up-to-date Beemer ... at a price

* The new BMW X3 on the road.

* The cabin of the new Beemer.

BMW X3 road test by Steve Rogers

My BMW loving friend has got himself into a fix.

David has been driving his 420d for nearly a year and although he loves it he struggles to get in and out.

I should say David is nudging 80 and has had a new hip - 60 years prancing around a badminton court has taken its toll on his joints - so having to drop into and climb out of a low slung 420 is becoming a painful stretch. And he is taking stick from his wife who would have preferred an SUV this time round but you know what boys and their toys are like.

David always thought SUVs, even BMWs, had shabby handling, made for people who just want to get from A to B and couldn't care less about a car with street cred.

Then he and his good wife Margaret had their heads turned by my X3 test car. We went through the usual 'what's this, what do you think of it' questions and things got more serious when I took them for spin. They slid effortlessly and painlessly into the seats, were impressed with the quality finish, noting the dashboard looked virtually the same as their 420.

Even before we drove off Margaret was convinced they had made a mistake and should have had an X3, and David was veering to the same conclusion when he experienced the none too shabby performance and surprisingly good body control when I negotiated a roundabout a little quicker than normal.

They are not alone of course. The shift to crossovers-cum-SUVs, call them what you will, has been like a runaway train in the last few years. You may remember it all started in 2007 when Nissan came up with a new take on the family hatchback. Qashqai captured the imagination and raised the bar so high it started a trend that just keeps on rising.

But X3 was around in the days when it was easy for the premium set. Back in 2003 there was very little choice and the then newcomer was able to ride on the back of the impressive X5, not that it was in the same league.

Fifteen years on and we are living in a different world - SUV world. One in three cars leaving the BMW production line is an SUV and with so much quality opposition the German marque has really turned up the wick for the third generation X3.

It has become a big family car - the same size as the original X5 - and those who can afford to shell out nearly 40 grand are in for a real treat. You know what to expect from BMW, quality, precision and attention to detail is here in spades. The cabin is beautifully appointed putting X3 right up there as a contender for best in class.

I'm a huge fan of the new Volvos with their switch free minimalist cabin designs yet I was more comfortable tackling everyday tasks in the Beemer. It is bang up to date with a digital binnacle display, which includes the excellent head up display for speed and navigation directions, but the centre console has a more familiar look and is backed up by an infotainment centre that no longer needs a brain like Einstein to fathom.

Functions like radio, mobile phone, and navigation are behind a 10in screen with selections made via a rotary controller in a panel between the front seats. It is one of the easiest systems to work in any car.

The biggest difference over the previous X3 is how it drives. It sits on a new chassis and with modern construction technologies is lighter than the old car. Don't be thinking this drives like  a 3 or 4 Series BMW because it doesn't. It is still a fairly heavy all wheel drive car yet is surprisingly agile through twists and turns.

Granted my test car was the 8-speed M sport but I was quite happy driving in comfort mode which coped well with poor road surfaces.

You get a choice of two and three litre diesels and a new 2-litre petrol although the smaller diesel would be my pick because of its generous spread of torque, strong performance and economy.

So a big step up for X3, a technical tour de force with its driving dynamics and safety systems, but no longer having the luxury of very little opposition. It is now a case of circling the wagons with Audi, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz  even Alfa Romeo presenting formidable challenges.

To come up with the perfect SUV would need elements from all of these but for now my money would still go on the Jaguar F-Pace... if only it could have the BMW 2-litre diesel!

Fast Facts

X3 xDrive M Sport

£41,990 (Tested £48,745 with options)

2-litre TD; 190bhp

0-62mph 8secs; 132mph

56.5 mpg combined

This test: 39mpg

144g/km. 1st road tax £515

Insurance group 29

Sun shines on railway's new season

* The Class 104 heritage diesel railcar at Carrog Station. Picture by George Jones. 

Llangollen Railway started the new season with the sun is shining.

The first train left Llangollen at 10.40am with the Class 104 heritage diesel railcar carrying families enjoying half-term for a ride through the lovely Dee Valley to Carrog.

The railcar offers best views of the line at this time of the year with its front and rear window positions so passengers can see where they are going - or where they have been.

The late winter sunshine enhanced the views of the valley with some trees and bushes showing the first signs of spring.

After some winter management of the lineside vegetation improved views of the valley and its remoter areas have been opened up for passengers to enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty.

At Carrog a 40-minute stop over allowed time for a hot drink in the station tearooms or a walk down the lane to Carrog bridge over the River Dee before joining the train back.

Others stayed until a later train taking the opportunity to walk a section of the Dee Valley Way.

A railway spokesman said: "The passenger numbers on the first train were encouraging with several families travelling to take advantage of the half-term offer when first child goes free and second half fare when with a full fare paying adult.

"Trains in the second part of the week and at weekends will be with a steam engine."

Food bank gets £250 boost from Christmas Festival

* Austin Cheminais, left, hands over the £250 cheque to Pastor Brian Smith in the food bank storeroom. Flanking them are Pat Smith and Christmas Festival Committee members Ian Parry and John Palmer.

Members of the committee which organises the annual Llangollen Christmas Festival went along to Matt’s Food Bank in the town to hand over a cheque for £250.

The money was part of the proceeds from last year’s festival the remainder of which - £1,000 – was recently donated to the Welsh Air Ambulance Service.

The food bank has been operating in Llangollen for the past eight years and currently distributes basic supplies to around 400 people a year.

Vouchers for the bank are available from a variety of places in the town, such as the One Stop Shop in Llangollen Library, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the health centre and all three schools.

Donations of food are always welcome at drop-off points including the Co-op in Regent Street and a typical shopping list includes everything from breakfast cereal and biscuits to tinned meat and fish to sugar and dried pasta and rice.

Handing over the cheque to Pastor Brian Smith and his wife Pam, who run the food bank, Christmas Festival chair and town councillor Austin Cheminais said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile local cause which does so much good in the community.

“When it came to deciding which local charity to help with proceeds from the festival the food bank was the overwhelming choice of the committee.”

Pat Smith said: “We’re very grateful to the committee for this very generous donation.

“Their support also helps to give us a higher profile in the area.

“Once people have their vouchers for the food bank they can either come along to collect their supplies or we can arrange to have them delivered to a local pick-up point if that’s better for them.” 

Two Operatic productions up for amateur stage Oscars

* A scene from last year's production of My Fair Lady.

* The cast of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on stage.

Llangollen Operatic Society has been nominated for more amateur stage "Oscars".

In this year's Wales and Ireland Regional Annual NODA Awards the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, is line for Best Youth Group Musical for Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was produced by Pamela Williams.

Shea Ferron gets a nod for Best Supporting Actor for his appearance in the same show. He played the Pharoah interpreted as a bequiffed, hip-swivelling Elvis.     

Young 'Uns is also nominated for Best Youth Performer 21 and Under - Cassius Hackforth and

Best Supporting Youth Performer 21 and Under - Celyn Orton-Jones and Erin Roberts.

The society itself is nominated in the Best Show category for its 2018 production of My Fair Lady.

Further nods for the My Fair Lady team are for Best Stage Management and Technical and Best Performers - Bill Hughes (Alfie Doolittle) and Alison Ravenscroft (Supporting Role as Mrs Pearce).

Jo Lloyd, who directed both Joseph and My Fair Lady, said: "It was an honour to cut my teeth in the director's chair for two productions last year.

"I am very proud to say that both productions have been nominated for the NODA awards.

"Congratulations to the production team, cast , crew and all involved - fingers crossed!"

Helen Belton, producer for My Fair Lady, said: "Having been on stage a number of times I decided to try my hand at producing, and what a show to choose for my first.

"There was so much to do, to oversee and to co-ordinate but I'm grateful to everyone for the way in which the volunteers and cast get involved with Llangollen Operatic Society with the utmost commitment and professionalism. A massive team effort.

"My Fair Lady will be very special to me for a long time to come. An award would be a wonderful bonus for everyone."

Shea Ferron, who has just finished appearing in the Young 'Uns' latest production, Grease, said: "I am very privileged to have been nominated for the NODA of Best Supporting Actor. It’s great news to find out after just finishing Grease."

Last year, after being nominated in a number of categories, Young 'Uns landed NODA's Best Musical award for its production of Bugsy Malone.

North Wales still safe place to live, says AM

An Assembly Member says North Wales still one of the safest places to live.

Speaking in a recent assembly debate on Wales’ Final Police Settlement for 2019/20, Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government Mark Isherwood (pictured) referred to the increase in funding for police forces in Wales - up by 5.3% in North Wales.

He said the 7% council tax police precept increase in North Wales - or 38p per week for the average household - would enable the recruitment of 34 additional officers and six staff.

Mr Isherwood also spoke of the issues highlighted at last month’s North Wales Police briefing.

He said: “We heard that North Wales is still one of the safest places to live, that they were focussed on prevention, but that crime is evolving to cyber, child sexual exploitation , modern slavery and domestic violence. 

“They told us that they were having to detain too many people under the Mental Health Act because other agencies were not there for the people concerned and that ambulance availability and response times were resulting in them being used as the first point of triage, despite not being efficient paramedics.

“There is also continuing concern about the Welsh  Government’s handling of the Apprenticeship Levy, with Welsh Police Forces denied access to £2 million they contribute annually for training. 

“Despite receiving more Treasury net funding than previously for this, an extra £600,000 Home Office funding for Police Training in 2018/19 – and £400,000 promised for Police training, the Welsh Government still has missing cash from previous years contributions which should be addressing this gap.”   

He added: “The UK Government has, since 2015, raised its contribution to overall police funding in line with inflation, including specific areas such as cybercrime, counter-terrorism and tackling child sexual exploitation. 

“Prior to then, it also had to contend with £545m worth of cuts to the police inherited from Labour’s final budget in 2010, to be made by 2014."

Mr Isherwood added: “The latest ONS release on Crime in England and Wales states that over recent decades we’ve seen continued falls in overall levels of crime but in the last year there has been no change.

“As this states, the Crime Survey is the most reliable indicator for long-term trends and police recorded crime statistics do not always provide a reliable measure of levels and trends. There has been no change in commonly occurring types of violent crime. Although assault admissions increased, they were still 33% lower than in 2008.”

North Wales growth deal to be discussed at conference

Companies in Denbighshire are invited to attend an event focused on how they can benefit from the North Wales Growth Deal, as part of Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month.

The North Wales Economic Ambition Board – which consists of representatives from all six local authorities, colleges, universities, and the private sector – has secured a £240m commitment from the UK and Welsh governments for the deal and will push for further investment over the coming months.

The conference and networking day will be held at the OpTIC Centre in St Asaph between 12pm and 2.30pm on Wednesday, March 6, where organisations from across the county can find out more.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: "The deal could enable investment of up to £1billion in North Wales and more than 5,000 jobs could be created.

"As a Council we are supporting businesses in the county and we want to work closely with them and part of this is to make sure they are as informed as possible about the Growth Deal, so they can share in the benefits this investment will bring.

"We will continue to work closely with the county's businesses to ensure they are involved as much as possible in the Growth Deal for North Wales.

“This event, like all of our March for Business programme, has been designed to meet the needs of businesses in the county.”

March for Business includes 25 events offering more than 100 hours of business support at venues across the county.

Ashley Rogers, chair of the North Wales Business Council and member of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said: "This is arguably the biggest investment across North Wales for decades and it has some direct benefits for our local businesses.

"We are all working together to create high value jobs for the region, improve skills and training, enhance digital and transport infrastructure and develop North Wales as a world leader in low carbon energy, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.

"Our ultimate aim is to increase the economy to £20bn a year by 2035 and bring the area's gross value added figures in line with the rest of the UK.

"This event will offer a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Denbighshire to make the most of this Growth Deal."

Those attending will find out how the deal could benefit businesses in Denbighshire across a wide range of projects including digital connectivity, land and property development, smart local energy networks and major investments in our universities and colleges.

For more information and to book your place visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

How former councillor became a Portuguese citizen

* Stuart Davies skippering his boat off Gibraltar.

* His Portuguese paperwork all in order.

Former Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies untangles a piece of the Brexit maze as he tells how he became a temporary Portuguese citizen ...

My Beneteau 381 boat is based in Albufeira Marina in Portugal and there is a good cohort of live-aboards based there as well.

Beer o'clock conversation has started to turn to what happens to us after Brexit.

Will we be treated the same as non-Europeans etc who are not in the Schengen Area? Will we have to abide by the rule that says we will not be able to stay longer than three months cumulative in any six-month period or will special dispensations be put in place as part of any deal?

Similarly, what will happen to our boats?

In Portugal it is quite straightforward, there is a rule whereby their presence is ok as long as they leave the country every six months in a fiscal year, otherwise a circulation tax is due.

As we long-term berthers understand it, as long as the boat leaves the country in June for a couple of days then all is well, the clock is reset and the circulation tax is not due.

So a quick trip to Ayamonte on the Spanish border about 40 miles away at least once a year solves that issue.

The Schengen Rule thing is a bit different. Basically all EU countries except us and Norway belong to a group which allows free movement across the EU.

We have a dispensation, that’s why there isn't much difference when we visit other EU countries. As it stands after March 29 it looks as if we will have to comply with the rules and will have to have a visa if we stay for more than three months cumulative within a six-month period.

However, a solution has come forward.

Portugal likes us, don't forget. We are both the oldest allies of each other and they value our tourism custom.

We have found out that it is quite easy to get temporary residence for five years and if you want to you can actually apply for Portuguese citizenship afterwards.

All the rules can be found here  https://tinyurl.com/y29w7vsk

So basically myself and my wife took ourselves off to the Camara in Albufeira which is the local council offices. We took with us, passports, driving licences and, most important, the invoice for our mooring in Albufeira Marina.

First stop was the finance office where half an hour, including the ticketed wait, got us a fiscal number, this is something that is unique to Europe where they carry identity cards. The best way I suppose to look at it is that it is similar to our NI number (something that is asked for when ever you do a marina contract in Portugal).

Next stop was across the road in the main council offices where you take another ticket number. We sat down and waited. The numbers are called out quite quickly and soon we were sitting in front of a very helpful Portuguese council officer who knew exactly what to do when we asked for a temporary residence certificate. They are good for five years and cost 15 euros

We presented passports, driving licences, the new fiscal number document and the marina invoice as proof of our residence. The Marina had put on the document our berth number as well so we had an official address in the Marina.

Fifteen minutes and 15 euros later we were proud owners of temporary residence documents which basically allow us to stay in Portugal after Brexit for as long as we like up to five years.

Reading the notes in the link it is interesting that we can now import a car without paying big import taxes and access the health service as well!

As a side note, I learned to speak Portuguese when I worked in Angola. I enjoy speaking it and it certainly helps by showing willing when doing things like this. The two officers spoke some English but they appreciated me being able to speak to them in their language which I am sure smoothed the path.

Bureaucracy used to be very big in Portugal, it is still there but not as much as when I used to crew change through Lisbon back in the 80s. Portugal is a vibrant country and modernizing fast. I said this to the officer and he said he still thought it was bureaucratic but as I said, trying to do what we did in three hours would have taken weeks back here in the UK!

I told this story to some of our friends and they went and did the same, what was also interesting was that in the waiting area there were four British Camper Van applicants, they were doing the same thing but they were being allowed to use their campsite address as the permanent address.

So, combined with the T2L document to show our EU VAT status for the boat, it looks as if we are in as good a position as we can be for March 29. And my advice to anyone going to Portugal for more than three months cumulative in a six-month period is to do what we have done.

Young 'Uns' Grease really is a class act

 * The cast of Grease by the Young 'Uns.

Grease is the word for the Young ‘Uns at Llangollen Town Hall until tomorrow night.

But their packed audiences have come up with another word for the performance of the smash-hit musical about teen life in the States over 50 years ago – fabulous!

An enormous cast from the Operatic Society’s junior section act, sing and dance their way through the evergreen piece in fantastic style and are drawing in maximum crowds for their efforts.

Grease is a snapshot of life for seniors at Rydell High at a time when new girl Sandy joins their ranks and of her blossoming love affair with the young buck she’s met on the recently-ended vacation who turns out to be leader of the school’s resident pack of hard-nosed greasers, the T-Birds. 

She teams up with their equivalent female gang, the Pink Ladies, and it’s fun all the way from here.

We all know the story from the famous late 70s film but this crowd of performers are much nearer in age to their characters than those who portrayed them in the flick.

Sophie Roberts can belt out the songs and hand-jive with the best of them as Sandy and her professionalism in every department is matched by Ethan Le-Cheminant who shines as her well-quiffed beau Danny.

Celyn Orton-Jones punches above her weight as the overly-mature girls’ gang leader Rizzo and Connie Richardson shines as her pink-haired pack mate Frenchy.

There’s a nice comedy turn from Young ‘Uns favourite Aled Morris as Roger, the clown of the T-Birds, and Megan Edwards really does come up with a Strictly-standard performance as Cha-Cha, the best dancer at rival school St Bernadette’s in the prom scene.

On his farewell appearance with Young ‘Uns before moving on to study for a professional stage career is Cassius Hackforth. He hands down a nifty cameo portrayal of Frenchy’s Guardian Angel and unleashes the strong voice and presence that has been pleasing the drama group’s audiences for the past eight years.

But Young ‘Uns fans needn’t worry because another of their stars, Shea Ferron, is still available for future shows. In Grease he’s as accomplished as ever, this time as Vince Fontaine the oily teen radio DJ.

The show moves along at a cracking pace keeping up the momentum with stand-out numbers such as Greased Lightning, Beauty School Dropout and, of course, You’re the One that I Want in which Sandy and Danny finally team up. A live band helps tremendously with all this.

Backing the leads is a huge and talented cast who take the stage as high school students, cheerleaders and wannabe Pink Ladies and T-Birds.

As usual an equally vast behind-the-scenes crew - spearheaded by producer Pamela Williams, artistic directors Jo Lloyd and Robin Crowley and musical director Julian Cattley - has made a superb job of staging, costumes, including some great wigs, and settings.

The Young ‘Uns’ Grease, which hits the stage again tonight (Friday) and again twice tomorrow including an afternoon matinee, really is a class act.

Ken Skates opens new-look gym at Plas Madoc

* From left, Splash Community Trust chair Stella Matthews; Splash director John Roberts; gym supervisor John Edwards (behind Ken); assistant gym supervisor Connor Roberts; sales, marketing and admin officer Callum Edwards and general manager Denise Chadwick.

Assembly Member Ken Skates was invited to officially open the new-look gym at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The Clwyd South AM was a member of the volunteer trust which saved the popular facility from demolition after Wrexham Council planned close it down in 2013.

Plas Madoc received a £500,000 grant from the Welsh Labour Government in 2016 and was last year named Welsh Social Enterprise of the Year.

“I was delighted to officially open the new gym – it looks fantastic,” said Mr Skates.

“And it was great to catch up with the staff and volunteers at the best social enterprise in Wales! I learned to swim at Plas Madoc, so as a long-term user and supporter I’m proud to see the centre going from strength to strength.”

The state-of-the-art equipment from Life Fitness includes large touchscreen monitors providing access to Netflix and other online streaming services. As part of the refurbishment the gym has also been redecorated and had a new floor laid.

“We are very proud of the investment we have been able to make. The new equipment puts us at the forefront of gym technology,” said Stella Matthews, chair of the Splash Community Trust which runs the centre.

“I’m grateful to everyone for their ongoing support in our efforts to continue investing for the future.”

General manager Denise Chadwick added: “This major investment by the Splash Community Trust is a real statement as to our commitment to the long-term future of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre. The new kit will provide a real bonus to our current membership and hopefully attract new members.”

Wrexham Council closed Plas Madoc in 2014, but a band of dedicated supporters worked tirelessly to reopen it as a social enterprise. The centre, praised by First Minister Mark Drakeford following a recent visit, now employs more than 40 people.

Rail talk planned for Llangollen Museum

New season ready to steam ahead at railway

* Peppa Pig is heading for Llangollen Railway on March 23 and 24. 

* A 1940s themed weekend is planned for April 13 and 14.

The first trains for the new season at Llangollen railway begin running during the half term break.

The programme starts next Monday, February 18 when a diesel railcar will initially operate three services a day from Llangollen to Carrog which will be the interim terminus pending an opening through to Corwen.

Steam trains will operate during the latter part of the week and at weekends.

For the half term weeks in February and March a special offer is being made for family groups with the first child going free and second child at half-fare accompanied by a fare paying adult.

Travelling on the Llangollen Railway will allow a younger generation to see how grandparents once went everywhere by train.

A mid-week diesel railcar service (Tuesdays – Fridays) will operate throughout March to allow visitors to access the Dee Valley via the stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog from where different sections of the Dee Valley Way can be followed as part of a day out during the early spring.

Llangollen Railway's business manager Liz McGuinness said: “Whilst we are eagerly anticipating the opening through to the new terminus at Corwen on a date to be announced, there is still much to do to complete this new station and prepare it for an official inspection.

“However, in the early part of the railway’s season some notable attractions lined up.  The popular Peppa Pig will visit March 23/24 and Paddington Bear will make a return visit on May 25. A three-day Thomas the Tank event is scheduled for April 26-28.

“The weekend of April 13/14 will have a 1940s theme and alongside the steam trains, many attractions are being lined up to appear at stations with re-enactments, a military and civilian vehicle display, music and food of the era and fancy dress for those who choose to come in uniform or civilian clothes of the wartime and post war periods.”

* More details at: www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Search for world's most talented young singers begins

* Soprano Charlotte Hoather.

A “supremely talented soprano” has launched a search to find the world’s most talented young singers.

According to Charlotte Hoather, 24, winning the prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod last year catapulted her career to a new level on the global stage.

Organisers say entries are already flooding in for the prestigious competition this year which has a first prize of £5,000, along with a £2,000 cheque for the runner up.

Every year the picturesque town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley welcomes around 4,000 international performers and around 50,000 visitors to the week-long festival of music and dance.

Among the highlights of the week is the prestigious Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, which showcases young talent alongside other gifted global performers.

Once again this year the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, is contributing  £5,000 to the prize fund and a beautiful silver salver via the Pendine Arts and Community Trust, with the balance coming from Sir Bryn’s Terfel’s foundation and Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Following her “life-changing” experience last year, Charlotte, from Winsford, in Cheshire, is urging other young soloists not to miss the deadline for entries on March 1.

The format will be slightly different this year, with the preliminary rounds being held at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday, July 2.

The semi-final will then be held on the pavilion stage the following day with two

two finalists going head to head during the live televised concert in the evening.

Charlotte, who trained at the Royal College of Music, said: “The competition gave me a massive boost. It’s been huge for my confidence and helped me push the boundaries of where I could go and what I can do. And the prize money gave me such a massive opportunity to further my career.

“Having the money available meant I could fly to New York to audition for Pittsburgh Opera and attend an event at the Metropolitan Opera House and I’m also jetting off to Seoul, South Korea at the end of March for another competition which is very exciting.”

Charlotte, who previously gained a First Class Honours Degree in Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, added: “I’d encourage any young singer to give it a go.

“Winning the competition is life-changing. It’s helped me to take more risks and travel internationally for opportunities as a professional singer.”

“The year has been amazing. I toured the role of Uccelina in Paris organised by the Théâtre du Châtelet, and appeared at the Metropolitan Opera House in the same role latter touring the Scottish Highlands performing in Bambino for Scottish Opera.

“I also performed at the inaugural Waterperry Opera Festival whose Patron is Jonathan Dove, the composer of Mansfield Park and I will reprising the role again this coming July.

“I was also guest soloist at Tideswell Remembrance concert and sang in the Rachmaninov recital at Pushkin House in Bloomsbury, London. More recently I reached the quarter finals of an International Singing competition in Dublin, It was certainly a busy year!”

Charlotte’s success was music to the years of Pendine Park proprietors Mario Kreft MBE and his wife, Gill.

Mr Kreft said: “This is the third year of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition and the standard just seems to go up and up. Last year’s winner, Charlotte Hoather, was exceptional and a very deserving winner.

“She is a supremely talented soprano and the competition has helped unlock the door to a hugely bright future.

“Our aim in supporting the competition in conjunction with the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation is to provide a springboard for brilliant young singers from around the world to achieve their dreams of establishing a career on the global stage.

“Sir Bryn is living proof that supreme talent can take you a long way and we are delighted to doing our bit to help gifted young singers attain new heights.

“The competition chimes perfectly with our ethos at Pendine Park because the arts in general and music in particular provide the golden thread running through everything we do to enrich the lives of our residents and staff alike.”

The festival’s musical director, Edward-Rhys Harry, said: “We are so grateful to Pendine Arts and Community Trust for their continued support for this truly international competition.

“I know how much the competition has accelerated the career of Charlotte Hoather, last year’s winner and how she used her prize money to help further her career.

“It’s a massive opportunity to perform before a big live audience and live on TV. My advice is very simple, if you are a young singer aged between 19 and 28 and think you may be good enough, then go for it.

“Approach the competition with courage and conviction and even if you don’t make the final it will still be an invaluable lesson and a wonderful experience.”

“This major competition is something that we need to nurture and thanks to the support of Pendine Arts and Community Trust young artists are getting an opportunity to further their careers.

“It’s certainly a competition I’m really looking forward to and it promises to be one of the major highlights of this year’s International Music Eisteddfod. And another new aspect of the competition is that the winner will be offered additional performances at other venues. The competition really is going on to another level.

* To find out more about the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod and for competition details please visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Ponderosa boss gives reason for temporary closure

The owner of the Ponderosa Café on the Horseshoe Pass has spoken to the Denbighshire Free Press about the reason for its temporary closure last weekend.

For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/17425772.storm-erik-blamed-for-temporary-closure-of-ponderosa-cafe-on-horseshoe-pass

Council warns over potential phone scams

Denbighshire and Conwy Councils are warning the public to beware of potential phone scams from individuals reportedly selling telecare equipment.

A number of complaints have been received by both councils with some residents reporting they have received cold-calls from individuals selling telecare equipment, but also requesting personal bank details over the phone.

Both Councils are urging residents never to provide bank details to anyone, unless you are completely satisfied that the individual requesting the information is genuine and works for a legitimate, bona fide organisation.

A trustworthy company will not mind having their credentials checked

The councils are also reminding people about the North Wales Buy with Confidence scheme, set up in response to concerns about rogue traders.

The scheme provides consumers with a list of local businesses, which have given their commitment to trading fairly. Every business listed has undergone a series of detailed checks before being approved as a member of the scheme.

Buy with Confidence is the largest scheme of its kind nationally and continues to expand its geographical coverage.

* For further information, please visit your local council website.  

Galw Gofal / Care Connect, the North Wales Regional Call Monitoring Service, does not sell telecare equipment and therefore does not cold call to sell equipment.

Llan Male Voice faces uncertain future, says BBC

* Llangollen Male Voice appears on the BBC to say it faces  a membership crisis. 

A story on BBC News this morning says Llangollen Male Voice Choir could have to disband if it doesn't attract new members.

Its chairman David Smith says in the story, carried on air and online, that numbers have dwindled over the past few years.

But he adds: "My hope is in one way or another, the choir will continue. It would be a shame for Llangollen Male Voice Choir to disappear."

For the full story, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47192153

Events and news from Llangollen Railway