Slumbering giant to awake in Corwen

A visual art extravaganza will be taking place at Corwen this Saturday when the local community awakes one of the sleeping giants of the area. 

Drewyn the giant will wake up and walk invisibly (but loudly) through the landscape leaving gigantic footprints as he travels.

He’ll then fall back to sleep - leaving an impression in the ground where he lies. 

Members of the community and visitors will have the opportunity to experience it all.

Waking Corwen’s Giant has been created by artist Gordon Rogers of Structure & Agency and is led by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB in partnership with Addo and the local community and has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Celebrating the Year of Discovery the aim is to provide the opportunity to explore the folk lore and mythology of giants in Wales and bringing to life the story of local giant Drewyn.

Throughout the event visitors will find out more about Drewyn as a figure of kindness and his defining act of creating Caer Drewyn hill fort as a gift for his sweetheart - a milk maid - as a place for her to keep her cattle.

On his way down from Caer Drewyn, as well a leaving a trail of footprints he’ll drop a variety of personal belongings - it turns out he has a hole in his pocket -  and visitors will be able to follow this trail of clues which reveal his interactions with neighbouring giants and hint at his ongoing relationship with the mysterious sweetheart.

The concept behind Waking Corwen’s Giant was developed and designed by artist Gordon Rogers of Structure and Agency who developed the process with engineer John Kettles.

Ceri Lloyd, AONB Sustainable Development Officer, said: "Waking Corwen’s Giant is an opportunity to celebrate the myths and legends of the area while bringing a lesser-known local story to the forefront. 

"Working with the local community and businesses to promote the town of Corwen and conserving our environment, the aim is to link in with other organisations and businesses and encourage people to visit throughout the year and enjoy the natural beauty of the area."

Making Corwen’s Giant will be open to the local community and visitors to attend (limited number of tickets) and anyone wishing to attend and experience it all on March 23 will need to register their place at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/waking-corwens-giant-deffro-cawr-corwen-tickets-58280687104.

Illness means new date for Twenty Club's latest play

Llangollen Twenty Club Players are well into rehearsal for their forthcoming world premiere production of Dinner with Otto.

The play, written by Tom George and directed by Lyn Aston, was due to open mid March but due to an unfortunate illness had to be postponed. 

However, the cast, crew and members of Twenty Club were determined to show what they say is a  remarkable piece of writing, so decided to re-schedule the play to show at Llangollen Town Hall on May 30th, 31st and June 1st.

The play 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 of guilt, and hopelessness for his future. 

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

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

On his return Ben’s mother sadly realises that he is not the same boy she waved goodbye to. 

Ben shares some of what he witnesssed but his mother realises he has many other secrets that may affect the future course of his life.

With real footage of  World War One transporting you into a very dramatic, and to some, surprising end, it is sure to  keep you on the edge of your seat.  

This is Ben’s story,  a sad and haunted young man trying to come to terms and live with the trauma that impact of any war has on the returning soldier. 

* Tickets are available from Courtyard Books, Gwyn Davies Butchers and Jenni's Llangollen, or

online: www.skiddle.com

Body found near aqueduct

The Leader is reporting this afternoon that a woman's body has been disovered near to the aqueduct

For the full story see:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17508479.womans-body-discovered-at-pontcysyllte-aqueduct/

Llantysilio fires go under the spotlight this week

A special scrutiny meeting looking at the circumstances around the mountainside fires at Llantysilio Mountain last summer is being held this week.

The session, being arranged by Denbighshire County Council at Llangollen Pavilion on Wednesday, March 20, will hear evidence from a range of organisations, including North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police, Denbighshire County Council, Natural Resources Wales, as well as representatives of the local community.

As well as the operational response to the fire, the county's scrutiny committee will also hear about how the moorland is currently managed.

Councillor Huw Williams, chair of the committee, said: “This is a special meeting with the aim of understanding all the circumstances and issues around the fire and the response of the various agencies. 

“We feel that the fire was significant in terms of size and the length of time it was active, as well as the impact on the local community, and warranted a special scrutiny meeting to debate these issues.

“Due to the nature of the terrain and the special site of scientific interest designation, there were a number of agencies involved in the response to the fires.   

"Organisations will have considered their own responses but this is about bringing people together for a wider debate. Discussions will provide a clear picture of how each organisation responded, what worked well and what did not work as well.  It will also help us learn any lessons and whether we need to amend existing response protocols. 

“We recognise that the fire had an impact on local residents and motorists using the Horseshoe Pass and we will be discussing the concerns and issues raised by local people at the meeting."

A report will be drawn up after the meeting and will be presented at a later date.

Llan rafters help rescue flood horses

Wrexham.com is reporting how rafters from Llangollen helped to rescue 18 horses from floods in Bangor-on-Dee yesterday (Sunday) afternoon. For the full story, see:

http://www.wrexham.com/news/stranded-horses-rescued-from-bangor-on-dee-floods-as-llangollen-rafters-come-to-their-aid-165425.html?fbclid=IwAR1mgJG2hXXInoUirDPr_w-cxxM960-wIRNFgA6iWyhbL9R1TVR6bQKIP6Q

MP meets charity retail boss in Parliament

* Susan Elan Jones MP meets Robin Osterley in Westminster Hall. 

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has met Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, in Parliament.

Mr Osterley said: “It was great to meet Susan to discuss the many social benefits of the charity retail sector. 

"The sector generates more than £270 m in profit for its parent charities each year, with 220,000 volunteers working in 11,500 charity shops, the largest group of volunteers in the UK.”

Ms Jones said: “I think we’ve seen real improvements in many charity shops locally and nationally over the last decade and I want to see that continue. 

"As well as raising a huge amount of money for charities and good causes, the stores are also great at providing low-cost clothing, furniture and other items. 

"Charity shops offer excellent work experience and volunteering opportunities, and paid retail jobs.

"They also offer free collection and the furniture recycling service that so many of us use is fantastic.

"It was good to meet in Parliament with Mr Osterley to discuss a whole range of issues relating to the charity retail sector.”

Changes to bulky household item collection charges

Denbighshire County Council is set to change the way it charges for the collection of bulky items of household waste.

As of 1^st April 2019, the change will see the existing £5 per item charge reduced to a lower charge of £3 per item, with a new administration charge of £8 added to all requests.

This means that a request to collect a single bulky item, currently costing £5 will increase to  £11.  

A collection of the maximum of five items will cost £23, instead of costing £25 as at present.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Planning and Sustainable Travel, said: “The change in the charging structure is not aimed at increasing the revenues generated by the service but to ensure costs are covered on all collections and to make vehicle routing more efficient.

“The current flat charge means that the majority of collection requests are for single items which means that costs are not being covered on these collections.

“Historically we have had a number of repeat calls to properties requesting the collection of one item at a time. We  hope people will arrange to have items collected in one visit, rather than individual visits. This will help save them money and reduce the number of journeys we make and having a positive impact on the environment through less vehicle emissions.

“We believe the service continues to provide excellent value for money for residents.  Residents who are arranging house clearances to dispose of lots of items at the same time are encouraged to contact charities who are always seeking good quality furniture  to sell in their re-use shops in Denbighshire and can offer home collections.  Using Re-Use charities provides low cost goods for local people, extends the use of the furniture which helps the environment, but also raises money for great causes. It’s a win, win , win!”

He added: "There are many private waste collectors working in the area offering waste disposal services at a charge. We do urge that householders check the credentials of any waste collection firm before employing them.  

"They must be a registered waste carrier, which means they have to be able to prove where they take your waste.  This makes sure that the waste is disposed of responsibly.  Sometimes residents are offered a very low price by unscrupulous operators to take all their waste away and later find out it has been dumped illegally.  Householder’s have a legal “Waste Duty of Care” to ensure this doesn’t happen and can be fined if their waste is discovered fly tipped.  Initially, you can check if a business has a waste carriers licence by visiting the Natural Resources Wales website.”

For customers who use the service to have sacks of excess refuse collected the £8 administration charge will be made, then a rate of £1 per standard refuse sack will apply (up to a maximum of 12 sacks).

In the case of cancelled collections, whilst the £3 per item charge will be refundable the £8 administration fee will not. This is because of the cost of staff time of taking and processing orders and then the cost of making a refund.

Later in 2019, the Council plans to make it possible for residents to arrange and pay for household bulky waste collections online. More details of this service will be announced once the launch date is confirmed.

Skates praises re-opened Corwen museum

Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised the hard work of volunteers after visiting a museum which showcases a town’s ‘rich heritage’.

Corwen Museum reopened last month following after a winter break with a number of new displays celebrating the history of the town and wider area.

Mr Skates met Jim Ritchie, chairman of Edeyrnion Heritage and Cultural Society – which runs the museum – to take a look around.

Clwyd South AM said: “Volunteers have worked tirelessly to set up the new exhibits showcasing Corwen as an Eisteddfod town, the history of Corwen Pavilion and the rich cultural heritage of the wider Edeyrnion area.

“The upstairs exhibition has also been extended to cover the town as an emerging transfer hub, which is in no small part down to the fantastic work of the South Denbighshire Community Partnership.

Mr Skates added: “The museum had another record year in 2018, with increased visitor numbers. It’s clear that this is a labour of love for the volunteers and I would anyone with an interest in the area’s history to pop in.”

Corwen Museum, which is open every day (except Tuesday and Thursday) from 11am-4pm, now also has two replica Anderson shelters and exhibits from both world wars.

Edeyrnion Heritage and Cultural Society is also inviting residents to send postcards describing their own memories of Corwen Pavilion and the events staged there, which will form part of a dedicated display later this year.

Put the Brexit decision back to the people, says local MP

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones has written this piece on the current Brexit debacle specially for llanblogger.

"I am very concerned at how the Brexit debate has polarised our country. I'm also concerned that we are set to make a decision on the future of our country that excludes people below the age of 21 from having their say.

The younger generation will have to face the consequences of the Brexit decision more than anyone else, yet as things stand they are not being asked about what they think. I think that's terrible. 

My extensive mailbox from constituents reflects a very wide range of views held by local people. These range from young people angry that they have not been given a say on such a major issue as this; 2016 Leave voters whose support is linked to referendum promises of a Deal; 2016 Remain voters who support the Prime Minister’s Deal; 2016 Leave voters who are conscious they voted in the expectation of a Deal but are angry with what they see as an inadequate Deal and as a last resort, feel the UK should if need be pull out without any deal; 2016 Remain supporters who feel the Government has not listened to their opinions and who will not back an inadequate deal; those on both sides of the arguments who have revised their opinions.

This week, I have voted against the Prime Minister's Deal and against No Deal (I was a signatory to the amendment on this). I am writing this piece for Llanblogger before today's votes but plan to vote to extend Article 50. There are a lot of technicalities being discussed today (Thursday) in that supporting certain amendments may lead to others being negated. However with the Prime Minister basically ignoring the views of Parliament and pressing on regardless, I believe today we must ensure that the Government is compelled to hold a series of indicative votes which become binding in law.  

I have long expressed the view that a divided Parliament must put the Brexit decision back to the people. I think my party is right to call for both a General Election and a confirmatory referendum.

Even the Treasury's own figures show that every version of Brexit is economically worse for our country than staying in the EU. In May 2016, Nigel Farage said that a 52-48 referendum result would be "unfinished business by a long way". I agree and believe we should trust the people of our great but currently divided country. That's why I support extending Article 50 and facilitating a Final Say vote."

Nominations sought for eisteddfod peace prize

* Last year's winner Last year's prize winner

Dr Waheed Arian receives the peace prize.

Individuals or groups committed to peace are being encouraged to put their names forward

to be honoured at this summer's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Rotary International will make the Peace Prize supported by sponsors Westminster Stone.

Rotary International is one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world and shares its commitment to peace with the eisteddfod.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to a presentation ceremony at the Pavilion on Thursday July 4 which will be part of an evening of international celebration.

Last year's prize winner Dr Waheed Arian will join the 2019 judging panel.

Dr Arian and The Arian Foundation was acknowledged for the pioneering scheme Arian Teleheal which connects volunteer doctors in the UK, US and other countries with their peers using their smartphones and Skype or WhatsApp, enabling real-time discussions on the best available care for patients.

This year’s judges also include Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Peace Centre and Rotary Peace Project founder Jean Best who was recognised as a peace honoree at the United Nations in 2018.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Following on from the inspiring work and astounding success of the last three year’s celebrations, we’re delighted once again to recognise the individuals and organisations that work so hard to make a difference, promoting peace here in the UK and across the world.

“The initial idea of creating the Rotary International Peace Prize was born at the Llangollen Eisteddfod five years ago and with the festival’s initiative of spreading peace, friendship and goodwill across all nations more important than ever, it’s with great pride that we’re able to highlight peace advocates in an international celebration."

* For more information about the eisteddfod and the Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net

Llan railway starts midweek running

Take the railcar for a ramble in the Dee Valley - use the intermediate stations to alight and re-join the train after a walk in the countryside or visit to a local pub.

Enjoy the delights of the Station Cafe at Carrog or Llangollen take a walk along the canal and catch the train at Berwyn or get off at Berwyn and walk gently back to Llangollen along the beautiful canal path.

Site survey for 'pocket park' near Llan goes ahead

* Activity on the site near the former civic amenity site spotted last week.

A site survey is being carried out on land which is the subject of a planning application for a "pocket park" on one of the main gateways to Llangollen.

The county council-owned land off the A539 was the area's civic amenity site until its closure in the late 1990s.

In 2017 the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team on behalf of the Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership applied for permission to create the park.

According to the original application, which is still under consideration, this would see paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars.

Late last week activity was spotted on the site by llanblogger. A small digger was operating and a man in high-viz jacket appeared to be taking land samples. A car was parked nearby.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: "We are in the process of carrying out a topographical survey and soil sampling to get a better understanding of the site.

"The planning application for the site is still being considered."

According to the original development brief, the park plan includes landscaping, tree planting, wildflower meadows and hedgerow planting with the aim of increasing the biodiversity and ecological value of the site.

Work was also to be done to eradicate the small stand of Japanese knotweed said to be present on site.

Paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars would be landscaped and screened to minimise any visual impact on the surrounding landscape and immediate site neighbours.

Improved site access/egress was a key part of the proposals. Adjacent landowners and the county’s highways department had been consulted.

Access to the site would be available for pedestrians and cyclists along pavement from Llangollen to the west and the canal to the east, a bus stop is also located adjacent to the site, providing easy access to the site to users by an alternative means to the car.

The planning brief said: “The proposed new park would be developed along with community groups and other interested parties over a number of years and as this will take time, the ethos for this initial phase was to create a welcoming site for people to enjoy both in its own right but also as a gateway to the wider area.

“The plan has been developed as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund – Landscape Partnership Scheme bid and as part of this process consultation with stakeholders and communities has been ongoing.

“The site is seen as a key gateway into Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley, it will provide a new access point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, promoting wider exploration of the area and a longer stay.”

X-Trail comes fourth in gladiatorial SUV contest

* The facelifted Nissan X-Trail.

Nissan X-Trail road test by Steve Rogers

First thought when I looked at the front of the Nissan X-Trail was the film Gladiator.

Yes, strange one that but the facelifted X-Trail has got that aggressive, ready for combat look about it. It was the thick, gleaming chrome draped across its nose which brought to mind Russell Crowe kitted out in his shiny battle armour before leading his Roman legion against the barbarians.

Probably best to move on, this is getting a bit too deep.

X-Trail is a proper, rugged SUV and has been around longer than the majority of its rivals. Nissan has done its best to keep pace with the hordes of newcomers and it is the changes to the front that have made the most impact. The dominant V grille and spikey new headlights make this a mean machine.

All of which has turned X-Trail into a longer Qashqai but able to offer seven seats and that is no bad thing.

To be honest my expectations were not that high having driven three of its closest competitors in as many months. They are all new so bang up to date on design and everything else that goes in making a top SUV. Kia Sorento is the most practical seven seater, Skoda Kodiaq the best to drive, and the Peugeot 5008 is just brilliant at everything. Could the Nissan get close?

It is a big ask, too big actually, but that doesn't put X-Trail out of the running. As I have said before margins are fine when choosing a car and a lot of people are happy with the Nissan. It is damn good value against those mentioned and the one I would choose for serious off roading.

It is set up for a comfortable ride which means the suspension will protect occupants against our many poor road surfaces. The downside is body control becomes a tad ragged when pushed through bends, but if that is your bag buy a sports car.

X-Trail is a big SUV and that means lots of space for legs and luggage. Mine was the five seater so the boot is sizeable and very practical with out of site storage in a section used for a third row of seats, and reversible rubber/fabric floor mat.

The facelift brought some interior upgrades but a full makeover is needed to bring it up to the standard of the front runners. Compared to Kodiaq and 5008 the X-Trail's cabin is looking dated but the fittings are solid and there were no rattles or creaks.

There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines and my guess is the majority would favour the 173bhp 2-litre turbo diesel. Good choice if refinement and extra grunt is needed but for me the 1.6 diesel does the job admirably. There is nothing to fear here when it comes to performance and its economy will raise eyebrows.

Okay, the power band is narrow and it sounds harsh as the revs mount, but I never felt short changed when overtaking and noise levels are perfectly acceptable when cruising. The best bit is a smidgen over 50mpg after a week and 470 miles. That is a terrific return for such a big four wheel drive car.

My N Connecta is near the top of the range and is well equipped with substantial safety and comfort packages. My favourite: the 360deg camera, great for parking in tight spots. And I liked the double USB socket for the second row. A small detail may be but very useful these days.

All in all X-Trail was much better than I expected and is good value. But I am afraid it still comes fourth behind the three mentioned at the start.

Fast facts

Nissan X-Trail N Connecta 4WD

£32,445 (starts £25,590)

1.6 litre dCi 130

0-62mph 11secs; 115mph

52.3mpg combined

143g/km. 1st year road tax £515

Insurance group 16

Hundreds say farewell to Colin Loughlin

* The late Colin Loughlin whose funeral was held at Pentrebychan crematorium.

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their last respects to the saviour of Llangollen Food Festival – and heard it had just been named as one of the best eight events of its type in the UK.

There was standing room only at the Pentrebychan crematorium near Wrexham for the funeral of Colin Loughlin who died aged 76 from a suspected heart attack.

The service was conducted by the Rev Andrew Sully who served as the Vicar of Llangollen, Trevor and Llantysilio for more than a decade until moving to Llandudno last summer.

Appropriately, donations in lieu of flowers were accepted to pay for a defibrillator for a new boat being launched by the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust which Colin supported for many years.

In 2011 Colin came to rescue when the previous organisers of the festival pulled the plug and he was elected chairman of a committee of volunteers who revived the event which has gone from strength.

After being named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK by the Independent and Daily Telegraph newspapers, it’s now been hailed as one of the best eight in the UK by the Redonline website.

Colin’s contribution as the chair of the festival committee has been celebrated with a painting of him in a mural on the side of the Llangollen pavilion where the event is held every October.

A native of Wrexham, Colin ran a wine distribution company called Whitehouse Wines in Coedpoeth before going into business with Lorraine Hughes.

They bought an existing company called Megan’s Kitchen which makes Welsh Cakes.
Lorraine continued to run the business after Colin retired five years ago, before stepping down as festival committee chair in 2016.

She said: “Colin was a force of nature and an irreplaceable character but his legacy will live on in the form of Llangollen Food Festival which he was instrumental in saving and ensuring that it thrived and prospered.

“So much so, that the festival has now received another accolade from the Redonline website and been hailed as one of the best eight food festivals in the UK.”

The eulogy at the funeral was delivered by long-time friend Bob Jaques who is also the treasurer of the food festival committee.

Bob said: “After Colin moved to Llangollen he quickly became a well-loved member of the community and, when the organiser of the Llangollen Festival withdrew, Colin formed a committee of friends to continue the event.

“He became Chairman and the committee successfully took over the running of this annual event for many years, which very soon became one of the top ten Food Festivals in the UK.

“He eventually resigned as Chair but very soon was persuaded to return to the committee in order that his vast knowledge and experience should not be lost.

“Away from work Colin enjoyed all types of sport including rugby, motor racing and sailing.  He was a member and played for Wrexham Rugby Club and made many lifelong friends. 

“Colin was an enthusiastic member of Llangollen Round Table and willingly took part in fund raising events, Father Christmas float, raft races, jazz evenings, barbeques, trips on the river and French wine runs.

“He joined some colleagues from Table who had started a project to build a canal boat specially adapted for people with disabilities which became the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust.

“This first boat, Myfanwy, was built by apprentices at Camel Lairds shipyard and provided memorable days out for thousands.

“Many years and three boats later the Trust is currently building a new boat which will be launched in the Summer and today, donations in memory of Colin will go towards buying a defibrillator for this new boat.

“We will all, I know, have many memories of Col, his love of wine, his love of cars, particularly his Triumph Vitesse which is parked outside this afternoon thanks to its proud new owner Brian Owen.

After the service, fellow committee member Pip Gale, of Gales Wine Bar and Hotel, added: “Colin was hugely popular and so well respected so his passing came as a huge shock to us all.

“Quite simply, the food festival would not exist today were it not for the enthusiasm and leadership shown by Colin.

“He is a massive loss to the town of Llangollen in general and the food festival in particular but he will always be remembered with great fondness.”

Wind turbine deliveries progessing well, says contractor

* One of the massive wind turbine components is driven along Regent Street.

The delivery of 27 wind turbines to a renewable energy development in Denbighshire, through Llangollen, is progressing well and on schedule, says the contractor.

For the full story see Business News Wales at: https://businessnewswales.com/27-wind-turbines-set-for-renewable-development-in-denbighshire/

Llan gets overnight dusting of snow

* Snow on the hillside leading up to the castle. 

People in Llangollen woke up this morning (Sunday) to find it had snowed on the hills surrounding the town.

A yellow warning of the snowfall across North Wales was given by forecasters yesterday.

Later this morning the snow turned again to rain.

County increases annual garden waste charge

From April 1 Denbighshire County Council is increasing the standard garden waste service charge from £24 to £27.

New customers can opt for the standard service consisting of one 140 litre wheelie bin or three re-usable sacks, or an enhanced service using two wheelie bins or six sacks. The cost of the enhanced service will increase from £36 to £39.

For online customers, and those who pay for their service by Direct Debit, the standard service charge will increase from £22 to £24 and the enhanced service will increase from £34 to £36.

The increase in costs is the first increase of its kind since the Council started charging for the garden waste collections five years ago.

The price increase will take effect on all transactions completed after midnight on March 31.

Existing Denbighshire garden waste customers with subscriptions due to expire in the spring should bear in mind that they are able to renew their subscriptions up to 12 weeks before they expire.

Over 17,000 Denbighshire residents subscribe to the fortnightly garden waste collection service. The service is provided for 52 weeks a year and residents can sign-up at any time of the year and receive a full 12 months of service.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Planning and Sustainable Travel, said: “In the current climate, there are difficult decisions that need to be made and every service has been asked to find cuts and new ways of working as we look at re-shaping the Council.

“We have great feedback about our garden waste collections and  we want to keep this valuable service going. To do so, we are in the position where we are needing to increase the cost marginally.   We understand this is not ideal, however we hope people understand our reasoning behind the increase in charges and continue to use this valuable service.”

* For further information about garden waste collections, please visit: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling

Local produce on menu at culinary event

Food producers are being given the chance to show off their delicious produce at a special event.

As part of Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month, food producers from across Denbighshire are inviting hoteliers, chefs, food stores and those in the hospitality industry to find out about all the local produce on their doorsteps.

Taste Local - Meet the Producer 2019 is being organised by Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club and the Clwydian Range Food & Drink group, in collaboration with Denbighshire and Flintshire county councils.

The event on Tuesday, March 12 at Ruthin Castle will offer food buyers the chance to sample food and drink products from across the region.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “This event offers food businesses such as hotels, B&Bs, cafes and shops a fantastic opportunity to meet local suppliers and source new products for their menus and shelves.

“We have amazing food producers in Denbighshire and we want to help them promote themselves and expand their businesses.

“Research shows that in Wales more than 80 per cent of consumers want more Welsh food and drink available in shops while more than 44 per cent would be prepared to pay more for Welsh produce.

“We are pleased to be working with Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club and Clwydian Range Food & Drink on this event to support the great work both groups do promoting their members.”

There will also be business support stands at the event.

Blas Lleol - Meet the Producer is part of March for Business, Denbighshire County Council’s annual business month with 25 varied events offering almost 100 hours of content at venues across the county.

* Food buyers and users such as cafés, shops, pubs, B&Bs and restaurants can register to attend by booking via www.denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

Llan man's cancer battle debated by AMs

* Stuart Davies spearheaded the prostate cancer campaign. 

A campaign by a Llangollen man for equal prostate cancer treatment to be available across the country has been debated in the Welsh Assembly.

Former county councillor Stuart Davies paid Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) nearly £900 for a multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan when a cancer that he'd beaten several years ago returned 18 months ago.

The mpMRI is a specific type of MRI scan that can give more detailed images of the prostate than a regular MRI scan.

The scan was recommended to Mr Davies by the health board as a way of specifically deciding upon the correct treatment for his cancer. After receiving the scan in 2017 he was shocked to learn that it is offered for free by other health boards in Wales.

Mr Davies started a petition to have the free scans rolled out across all of Wales and received over 6,345 signatures, warranting its discussion in the Senedd in Cardiff and last month Mr Davies marched on the capital, joined by fellow campaigners.

Before the petition was launched, just three of the seven health boards in Wales, offered mpMRI before biopsy and only one board provided to a standard high enough to safely rule men out of biopsy. This meant men in four health boards did not have access to mpMRI as a diagnostic test, unless they paid to have it done privately.
Yesterday Assembly Members debated the petition and North Wales AM  Mark Isherwood urged the Welsh Government to act on the campaigners' calls.

Wrexham Maelor Hospital's urology unit is one of 11 units across England and Wales that took part in the prostate MRI imaging study ‘PROMIS’ trial to discover improved ways of diagnosing prostate cancer.

Although the results showed that 93 per cent of aggressive cancers were detected by using the mpMRI scan to guide the biopsy compared with just 48 per cent where only a Transrectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) biopsy was carried out, men in North Wales have had to fund the scans themselves because they were not provided or funded by the health board in North Wales. 

Speaking in the debate, Mr Isherwood said that last March's announcement by NHS England that it was launching a one-stop service using MRI techniques to revolutionise prostate cancer treatment and slash the time taken for a diagnosis there was a game changer, that men’s lives here are being put at risk and that patients across Wales should not be left behind.

He said: ”Last December, NICE issued new draft guidance recommending pre-biopsy mpMRI for suspected Prostate Cancer, with final guidance expected next month.

“In January, the Health Minister wrote to members stating that he had asked all Health Boards to work with the Welsh Urology Board to ensure that they have full implementation plans within one month of this.

“In the same letter he stated that “Health Boards have confirmed that at present they deliver care in line with current NICE Guidance”.

“North Wales patients subsequently reiterated that care was not delivered in line with current NICE Guidance in their cases.

“North Wales Community Health Council stated that the Health Board have consistently declined to produce proof that they did any scans for men with rising PSA following a negative biopsy – and that they are co-ordinating refunds to all of their clients who did not receive scans in line with the 2014 guidance.

“They also state that their correspondence with the Health Minister gives them no comfort that he will intervene if they make the same decision on the pre-biopsy mpMRI guidance."

Mr Isherwood added: “This petition’s sponsor, Stuart Davies, states that interim arrangements should be put in place now so that men do not put their lives at risk, that although patients pay approximately £900, the cost to the NHS at Wrexham’s Spire Hospital is only £365 – and that men contacting the campaign say that they are either waiting for it to become free or are taking out loans to pay for their scan. 

“Last December, I attended a meeting with Mr Davies, the Health Board and Community Health Council, at which the Health Board apologised and offered to refund the money men had paid for scans.

“However, only this week, a constituent received a letter from the Health Board stating that “although current clinical advice suggests that the use of full diagnostic mpMRI may be beneficial … this has not yet been supported by NICE.

“Noting, however, that NICE has now backed mpMRI scans as a cost effective first-line investigation, Tenovus Cancer Care have called on the Welsh Government to ensure that mpMRI is available across Wales, stating that it is not available at Betsi Cadwaladr, Hywel Dda or Swansea Bay, and not available at PROMIS standards in Cardiff and Vale.

“As Prostate Cancer UK states, mpMRI revolutionises Prostate Cancer diagnosis, so let's listen to the experts with lived experience. These men have been telling the truth from the very beginning."

Lenten lunch at Holy Cross Church