Latest coronavirus update from Llangollen Health Centre

COVID-19 - PATIENT UPDATE NO 1 

We will be providing our patients with a series of updates regarding the Coronavirus as the situation in the UK develops.  There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in our local area at the moment.  However, as a practice, we are taking some precautionary measures to safeguard our patients and staff against any potential spread of the virus.  We would like to assure our patients that, should the need arise, we have a robust plan in place and that the wellbeing of our patients and staff is our priority. 

Any patient who is worried that they may have Coronavirus (either because they have symptoms of fever, cough or cold, have recently travelled to an affected area or have had contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus) should self-isolate and ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. 

This is a summary of the precautionary measures we have taken so far: 

Online booking of appointments has been suspended 

This is to allow us to screen patients before they book appointments to ensure that any suspected cases of coronavirus are identified and handled appropriately. 

Repeat medication can be ordered over the telephone for the foreseeable future 

This is to limit the number of visits patients need to make to the Health Centre. 

Guidelines on making appointments 

We have introduced some guidelines for our receptionists to follow when patients are wanting to book appointments.  This means they will be asking questions regarding symptoms and travel, and offering patients pre-booked telephone consultations instead of face to face appointments if this is appropriate. 

Guidelines on attending appointments 

We are asking patients who have fever, cough or cold symptoms not to attend the Health Centre unless they have been asked to do so by a doctor.  If you have developed these symptoms in the intervening period between booking and attending your appointment, we ask that you do not attend but ring us on 01978 860625 instead. 

We are asking patients to limit the amount of time they spend at the Health Centre as much as possible.  Therefore we are advising patients not to arrive early for their appointments, or if they do, to wait in their cars if possible until their appointment time.   

We are asking patients not to bring family members or companions with them to their appointments unless they really need to (for example carers or to assist with mobility). 

Suspension of Non-Essential Activities 

We have agreed with the Friends of Llangollen Health Centre to temporarily close the Friends Café and we have suspended some of the other group activities that take place in our group room and waiting room areas. 

Latest traffic bulletin

Latest local traffic notification from one.network is:

Roadworks

A5 Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

09 March — 09 March

Delays likely - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Works location: A5 Junction of Berwyn Street with Hill Street, Llangollen

Works description: Trial hole

Responsibility for works: Welsh Government

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: PD5012059104144429

Stuart Davies has better day at Tory conference

Last year, former Llangollen county councillor and Tory activist Stuart Davies was escorted from the Welsh Conservative Conference in Llangollen for asking the then Prime Minister, Theresa May, “Prime minister, why don't you resign?”

This year he was lauded from the stage, by name, by the new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, for helping in the victory of the Tories in the general election in Clwyd South.

Things got even better for former town mayor Mr Davies when the PM left the Pavilion. 

He was wearing the original rosette he wore in the 1997 general election campaign when Boris Johnson stood for Clwyd South in his first attempt to become an MP.  

Mr Davies was his media officer then. 

The PM saw him by the doorway and immediately came across and shook his hand saying, “How are you Stuart, how are you matey!”

Mr Davies said it was a "lovely end to an uplifting day fir me."

County welcomes new council homes funding

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed a funding announcement from the Welsh Government which encourages the building of council homes.

The Welsh Government wants local authorities to build more council homes using modern methods of construction (MMC) that will allow for the building of better quality homes, faster than traditional methods allow, in order to meet the growing need for affordable housing.

Ministers are making a £45million investment in the modular housing industry in Wales, to ensure it can deliver the next generation of social housing with £20 million for MMC businesses and £25 million for round four of the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, focusing on innovative housing delivered through MMC.

As part of its Corporate Plan, Denbighshire County Council has committed to build 170 new council homes by 2022.

Planning permission has been granted for 22 new energy efficient council homes to be built in Denbigh on land above Tan y Sgubor, funded through the Innovative Housing Programme.

The frames and walls for the new houses will be made off site in North Wales by Creating Enterprise, a subsidiary of Cartrefi Conwy, utilising MMC methods.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We welcome the Welsh Government’s continued investment in council housing which supports us to deliver our challenging Corporate Plan target.

“We have already secured planning permission for homes in Denbigh and Prestatyn with further plans to be submitted for Rhyl later in the year.

“The Council recognised a need to ensure housing is available to meet the needs of Denbighshire residents. We made housing a priority in our Corporate Plan and we are delivering on our promise to provide a wide range of accommodation available to suit different needs and council homes are an important part of this.

“We are also looking further into the future and considering how we can bring our existing housing stock up to higher energy efficiency standards in response to the climate emergency and look forward to ongoing dialogue with the Welsh Government to help us achieve this for the benefit of our residents.”

The Council has pledged to support the development of 1000 new homes in Denbighshire by 2022, with 260 of those designated as affordable."

County launches schools cooking competition

Young people aged seven to 14 years have the chance to shine in the kitchen with the MasterChef-style competition, Come & Cook.

The annual Denbighshire schools cooking competition aims to encourage young cooks to discover their local food and to develop the next generation's cooking skills.

The young chefs will create a menu using as many locally produced ingredients as possible and the competition will challenge pupils to learn about where their food comes from and explore the key issues of seasonality and sustainability.

The first round will take place in the county’s schools with a closing date of Friday, 12 June and then school winners will be invited to cook dishes for a VIP panel at a live MasterChef-style final, hosted by Denbigh High School, at the end of June.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said:  “The Council is supporting this competition because it’s such an amazing way for young people to demonstrate their skills and their passion about cooking by using ingredients that are local and healthy.

“This helps pupils learn about a healthy balanced diet which has a positive impact, not only on physical health, but also on mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as school performance.

“We are encouraging schools and young people to start thinking about and road-testing the recipes immediately.”

Over the past four years the annual competition has attracted and nurtured young talent and in line with the Eatwell Guide, to promote healthy eating, Denbighshire Education and Children’s Services has rebranding the competition under the title of Come & Cook.

Fresh fish sales warning by county

Consumers across Denbighshire are being warned to beware of fish salesmen trying to persuade householders to buy fresh fish.

Both Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police have received reports in the last week of traders selling door to door in the Dee Valley area, asking residents if they would like to buy fish.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We have concerns regarding the matter, especially as to whether the fish sellers are registered as a food business operator which is a legal requirement for all food businesses, and indeed if they are adhering to all food safety and hygiene regulations which applies to such businesses, including the display of the relevant food hygiene rating for the business.

“As with any doorstep caller we would urge people not to be tempted to buy and ask them to leave. If you feel that you are being pressured into buying the fish or the trader won’t leave when asked, then contact the Police immediately.

“We would advise that you only buy fish from a reputable fishmonger at an established shop or stall or even with a trader with a regular pre-arranged round.”

Anyone wanting advice on doorstep trading, or to report an incident, can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 2231133 (08082231144 for Welsh language) which gives free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues, or the police on 101.

Date chosen for 2021 Llangollen Round Challenge

* Competitors on a previous Llangollen Round
Challenge.

Organisers say they are delighted to announce that the 4th Llangollen Round Challenge will take place on June 5 and 6 in 2121.

A spokesperson said: "Hopefully, it will be bigger and better than ever - and even surpass that £66,000 raised for Cancer Research UK last time.

"Walking 35 miles over the hills in either one or two days is a true challenge - but it's not beyond you.  

"See details on our Facebook page and get training now."

New book launch this Saturday

Former chamber chair speaks out on BID

David Davies, former chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade, has sent in the following statement about the Llangollen Business Improvement District (BID) voting for which is currently underway.

"BID facts

As past Chair, I am disappointed to see the Chamber of Trade press release of 24th February contained incorrect information. 

The impression given is that the full levy income of £440,000 will be spent on actual projects.  However out of this income, admin /operating expenses of £150,000 will be spent leaving the balance of £290,000 for actual project spending.  

The admin / operating costs expenditure of £150,000  (as shown on page 16 of the vote yes brochure) expressed as a percentage of the levy income of £440,000  is 34% - as stated on the Vote No fact sheet, not 11% as quoted by the Chamber.

Having fully evaluated the proposal, all eligible businesses are strongly encouraged to exercise their vote.

VOTE NOW – don’t miss the deadline."

Councillors' statement on Llangollen BID

Local county councillors Graham Timms and Mel Miles (pictured) have put out the following statement on the Llangollen Business Improvement District, voting for which is currently underway.

Llangollen is at a really exciting  point  in its history. Some major projects that have been planned over the last two years are now almost ready to go. We are fully engaged in obtaining funding streams from Denbighshire, Welsh Government, Visit Wales and the National Lottery to name but a few. If these projects go ahead, our town will see huge improvements to revitalise the area for residents, visitors and businesses.

The proposed Llangollen Business Improvement District (BID) is a great opportunity for business ratepayers in the middle of the town to join together to make even more good things happen; those things that will make a real difference to the prosperity and confidence of the town. Since the money raised cannot be spent on things that the county council already do, businesses will decide on the projects that matter to them the most.

A vote to accept the BID will show that businesses have confidence in the future of Llangollen and that together we want to achieve much more.

As councillors we continually raise the profile of the town in the county and across the region. We have spoken in favour of DCC voting for the BID and Denbighshire agreed to cast its votes ‘in favour’. It has 11 votes for its eligible sites within the area and will mean it will have to contribute over £6000 per year into the pot. 

Our potential funders are watching the Llangollen BID process. We believe that if the Llangollen BID is successful it will give a clear sign to these funders that a confident business community believes in a great future for the town.

Please get in touch if you would like to talk with us. graham.timms@denbighshire.gov.uk and melvyn.mile@denbighshire.gov.uk

Latest roadworks alert from Traffic Wales

 A5 Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

03 March — 04 March

Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: A5 Junction of Berwyn Street / Regent Street with Hill Street, Llangollen

Works description: Street lighting works. Works from 09:00hrs to 15:30hrs

Responsibility for works: Welsh Government

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: PD5012059141026779

---

A5 Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

04 March — 05 March

Delays likely - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Works location: A5 Junction of Berwyn Street with Hill Street, Llangollen

Works description: Tree cutting

Responsibility for works: Welsh Government

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: PD5012059104144429

Happy St David's Day from llanblogger

Eisteddfod reveals more of its 2020 line-up

* Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas. 

* Only Men Aloud.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has revealed more of its 2020 line-up.

This includes the UK première of Bobbi Fischer’s Magnificat featuring soloist Elin Manahan Thomas and a special performance by Only Men Aloud.

Fusion on Wednesday July 8 sees eclectic musical elements from different cultures sit side by side.

The first part of the evening will see a presentation of Magnificat in which this traditional choral work is fused with rhythm and harmonies of Latin America with Samba, Rhumba, Bossa Nova and Cha-Cha. 

In this setting of the hymn of praise from St Luke’s gospel Elin Manahan Thomas is the solo soprano as the voice of Mary. 

Described as one of the most exceptional sopranos of her generation, she released her debut album Eternal Light in 2017 and has performed at many of the world’s most prestigious festivals and venues and was invited to perform at the Royal Wedding in May 2018.  

Elin last appeared at the International Eisteddfod in 2017 to perform in Christopher Tin’s Calling All Nations concert.

The second part of Fusion will feature Manchester Collective with their critically-acclaimed show Sirocco in which nine players perform an electrifying fusion of music by composers such as Haydn and Mozart with traditional music of Africa.

The following evening, Thursday July 9, sees the inaugural Concert for Peace featuring a bespoke Llangollen-Special performance by Welsh Male Choir Only Men Aloud.  

Only Men Aloud have become well known for their strong vocals and their varied and eclectic repertoire. 

They have won BBC One’s Last Choir Standing, a Classical Brit Award for Best Album of the Year, performed twice at The Royal Variety Performance, and sang at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony at the very moment the Olympic Flame was lit. 

For Concert for Peace they will be performing a special programme of songs around the theme of peace. 

The concert will also feature The Parade of Nations presented by International Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, Young Instrumentalist winner 2019 George Todica (pianist), the annual Peace Message performed by local schoolchildren, the Rotary Peace Award and performances by international participants.

Fusion and Concert For Peace form part of the eisteddfod’s evening concert series, which this year also includes Back in Harmony with Aled Jones and Russell Watson, BK25 with Beverley Knight, and competition finale concert, Choir of the World.  

The week ends on Sunday with the one-day music festival Llanfest featuring co-headliners James Morrison and Will Young.

* Tickets for Fusion and Concert for Peace are available now online from Llangollen.net or from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Box Office on 01978 862 0001

Health centre's advice on Coronavirus

Message from Llangollen Health Centre regarding Covid-19

"We would like to advise patients that the latest guidance on the coronavirus outbreak, including what to do if you are a recent traveller to an affected area, can be found on the Public Health Wales website:

https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china/

If you think you may have been infected with the virus, please do not

come to the Health Centre.  Please ring NHS Direct

on 0845 46 47 who will be able to advise you."

Viewing platform plan for former rail track

* The site near the bridge 2020 has in mind for the viewing platform and public area.

llanblogger exclusive

The group aiming to streamline traffic flow in the town centre has come up with an ambitious plan to build a viewing platform and public space alongside Llangollen’s historic bridge.

Llangollen 2020 was set up to look at ways of easing traffic and parking problems for the benefit of residents, businesses and tourists.

It has now produced a scheme called The Four Great Highways Consultation which intends to bring what it calls “a new awareness” of the historical importance of the northern end of Castle Street.

The group says this could be achieved by using mainly Heritage Lottery cash to build a viewing platform and new public space alongside and downstream of the bridge, over the former track-bed of the Ruabon to Llangollen Railway.

This, it claims, would improve access to Lower Dee Mill, produce a more cohesive link between the heritage railway, the canal wharf and the medieval bridge and “recognise, explain and celebrate” the importance of the junction in the history of transport in Wales.

The junction at the centre of the proposal is that of Llangollen Canal, Llangollen Railway, Llangollen Bridge and Telford's A5.

2020 will stage a consultation exercise seeking the views of local people and businesses on the plan.

It is therefore inviting them to:

1.     See and discuss the proposals at Llangollen Library from 2.30- 5pm Wednesday March 4

2.     Attend a public meeting to hear about the proposals and ask questions at the Memorial Hall on Market Street from 5.30-6.15 pm Wednesday March 4

3.     Watch live or catch-up on Facebook.com/Llangollen 2020 and complete the on-line questionnaire

4.     E-mail comments to graham.timms@denbighshire.gov.uk

5.     Ideas will also be displayed in the library from March 5 onwards with a comment box for feedback until March 12.

2020 chair, Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms, said: “The Four Great Highways project is being developed by the Llangollen 2020 group as an attempt to improve the public realm on the north side of the town.

“This is the place where four great historical transport links meet and so we thought about ways to mark the significance of the area where space is very limited.

"In searching for a way to bring together the significance of Llangollen's railway, ancient bridge, World Heritage Site canal and Telford's A5 we decided to explore the possibility of building a platform and viewing area.

“The site over the former railway track-bed opposite the Bridge End Hotel seemed like an ideal location, particularly as it would open up new views of the river and the bridge.

"Having a grand scheme needs money so we are hoping to apply to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to become a major funder of the project.

“A feasibility study is currently being carried out and we hope that local residents and businesses will help us by responding to the consultation.

"This project would sit alongside the improvements already being planned by the Llangollen 2020 team."

Businesses invited to careers event in Llan

Businesses are being invited to a careers event for students in Llangollen.

Denbighshire County Council’s Working Denbighshire project is hosting the Ready for Work careers event in the Pavilion, Llangollen, on Tuesday, March 3, between 9.15am and 4pm.

Employers are being invited to take part in the event which will allow students to meet a range of businesses and organisations from different sectors and to help inform, inspire and motivate them about their career opportunities.

The Ready for Work programme works with local businesses to provide additional support, mentoring and careers advice to students in Denbighshire as part of the Council’s work to support young people.

Businesses will have the opportunity to build links with students and schools in Denbighshire, promote opportunities and inspire the next generation.

To book your place contact lauren.roberts@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 712 854.

Horseshoe still passable with caution

... and the view towards the castle at 10.07am. 

As light snow falls on the town this morning (Friday) the Ponderosa Cafe has posted pictures of the situation on the Horseshoe Pass.

The post, at around 9.30am, says: "We have had some light snowfall this morning, the main road is passable a present however it is still snowing so please remain cautious.

"We shall keep you updated regarding opening hours this morning."

Morecambe play brings us sunshine

Morecambe

Grove Park Theatre until March 7

Review by llanblogger

PLAYING a comedy icon and sustaining that performance throughout a pretty testing one-man show can be no easy matter.

But Dan Pedley’s uncannily accurate and masterful portrayal of Eric Morecambe, as the great man himself often said, is achieved without the audience being able to see the join.

He takes on the enormous challenge as Wrexham’s Grove Park Theatre stages Morecambe, a brilliant two-act presentation of the life and times of the comic who became a national treasure, until March 7.

And it’s all there, from the voice, complete with authentic Lancashire accent, to the mannerisms – the peering through the backcloth to deliver a stupidly simple one-liner, the wobbling glasses which indicate that something slighty risqué has been suggested, the catching of the imaginary sweet thrown into the air in a paper bag and the mock lip curling at a Des O’Connor LP.

Pedley also looks eerily like the gangly, bespectacled hero who, along with his partner Ernie Wise, joked their way onto the TV screens and into the hearts of millions during their golden heyday in the seventies and early eighties.

The action takes us right back to the earliest days when, still going by his real surname of Bartholomew, he was pushed by his mum into entertaining at any local venue she could arrange for just a few bob a time.

We follow the lad through his fateful meeting with little Ern – then already an established child star – during the Second World War, the formation of the legendary double act, their domination of the variety circuit and on to TV and film stardom.

Partner Ernie, by the way, is played by a cleverly-styled ventriloquist’s dummy voiced from the wings by another accomplished performer, Huw Sayer, who does all the men who pop up during the course of Eric’s story, deploying an impressive array of accents from London Jewish to Scouse.

The women in the tale, including his formidable mum Sadie, are all voiced from off-stage with equal skill by Sue Williams.

The massive success Eric and Ernie eventually enjoyed wasn’t always an easy journey. And the lows are honestly portrayed.

The duo’s first TV venture, for instance, ended in embarrassing critical failure and we see the long-term impression this made on the deeply sensitive Eric.

We also see the heart trouble which constantly dogged this workaholic and led to his premature death at the age of just 58 in 1984.

This is a brilliant interpretation of Tim Whitnall’s play, deftly directed by Ray Ledsham which certainly brought us sunshine on a cold winter’s night.

·       * More details from groveparktheatre.co.uk Box office: 01978 351091.

Jades' double whammy at Welsh Wedding Awards

* Sisters Sue Davies, left, and Louise Wilson celebrate their success at the Welsh Wedding Awards.

A Llangollen hair and beauty salon has fashioned a double victory at national wedding awards.

During a glittering ceremony at the 3^rd Welsh Wedding Awards in Cardiff’s Exchange Hotel the team from Jades in Oak Street first landed the regional award then went on to become national winners.

The salon is owned and run by sisters and business partners Sue Davies and Louise Wilson and is this year celebrating its 40^th anniversary.

Sue said: “We’ve been regional winners for two years in a row but to top off the evening by also becoming national winners was fantastic.

“It’s a great accolade that our business is recognised in the wedding industry for another year for its professionalism  and dedication.”

Louise said: “It’s always great to be recognised for hard work and success.

“Our team are so passionate about what we do and we are so proud of our ever-growing list of awards.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with all the well wishes and kind words from our clients past and present since we won.”