ORB team sees red to highlight their pandemic losses

* The OEB team lights up Llangollen's Royal International Pavilion. 

As a follow on from last month's Light It In Red campaign, the team from Llangollen's ORB Sound and Lighting Ltd were out again yesterday evening highlighting the struggle the Events Industry is still facing due to the pandemic.

Over the last four evenings they have visited 15 venues in which they were booked to work in this year before COVID-19 struck. 

Each venue was lit up in Emergency Red to try to highlight the worsening situation of their industry.

Since March Orb have lost 37 separate events which equates to over 100 days of work. 

Eleven of these events were festivals, nine were fundraising events for local charities and eight were projects involving talented youngsters.

To conclude their efforts in obtaining more support from the government, last evening they teamed up with all their local colleagues to light up the Royal international Pavilion in Llangollen.

* Here is a link to Orb's montage video of the other venues lit up https://youtu.be/ux0IjHaeBK8

Town Council seeks funds for mobile sharing shed scheme

Llangollen Town Council has led a three-town submission to the Welsh Government for funding to support a mobile Library of Things.

The idea is for an electric van that would travel between Llangollen, Mold and Ruthin offering households the chance to borrow rarely used household and garden equipment, rather than needing to buy it. 

The application for funding falls under the Circular Economy Strategy that was launched in Llangollen last year in recognition of the town’s commitments to a sustainable future through its Cittaslow status and Plastic Free Town award.

The Library of Things would contain items such as pressure washers, lawnmowers, electric drills, tents, strimmers, ladders, travel cots, a projector and more. 

It is also hoped it could include new technology items that would help promote a circular economy such as plastic recycling granulators and possibly a 3D printer so interested residents in the three towns can build expertise using such items.

If the Welsh Government funding is approved and matched funds are secured, the aim is for the project to help Llangollen households reduce spending on rarely-used items, try equipment for new hobbies or sports before purchase, and build valuable skills for the 21^st century economy. 

It also hopes to link with repair cafes operating or being developed in each town, loaning tools to trainee “fixperts” to help repair and reuse broken equipment.

The Library of Things idea was initially raised with the Town Council during the Cittaslow Networking events last year, attended by over 50 town groups, and is said to have seemed a good fit when the Welsh Government funding was announced. 

Making the library mobile and sharing it across the three towns is said to reduce overheads such as rent and rates, maximises items available and hopefully supports a growing network of “fixperts” across the region. 

The idea builds on a similar approach piloted in Devon and represents an opportunity for Llangollen to show further leadership in the Circular Economy by piloting the idea for Wales,p according to Councillor Robyn Lovelock, chair of the Cittaslow Committee of the Town Council.

She said:  “The project is clearly in line with our Cittaslow status, which aims for a more sustainable future, by reducing the need for people to buy items they could instead borrow, saving money and storage space in their homes – as well as reducing the environmental impact of making and transporting those items.”

Cllr Lovelock says she will work over the coming months with Llangollen Town Council and local community groups to submit matched funding applications to ensure the project can proceed if offered the capital funds by Welsh Government.

Warren Davies, co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Llangollen, said: “The scheme will overcome some of the barriers faced by our group when looking to continue our very popular repair cafe events.

"The localbenefits to sharing and repairing are significant [with] increased resilience through skill sharing, less reliance on imported goods and financial savings through not needing to buy new items."

Heulwen Wright, chair of Friends of Pengwern, said: "The group would be happy to consider hosting the van at Pengwern Community Centre in the future.

"The idea could work well alongside our plans for a community workshop at the Pengwern Centre."

Tara Dumas, waste and recycling officer for Denbighshire County Council, said: “This is exactly the type of initiative that will help to reduce waste through increasing reuse-the first two steps in the waste hierarchy. 

"It will also support in getting people to think differently about their consumption and purchasing habits.

"Denbighshire County Council endorse the application and can confirm it is complementary with our current waste strategy goals and objectives.”

Llangollen Town Council will hear in October if it has been successful in its application. 

Cllr Lovelock said the cost to the town council hasn’t been decided yet as discussions are on-going with the county council and other town councils.

In the meantime, the Cittaslow Committee are asking for ideas of items people would like to see available for hire and also for people interested in donating items to get in touch.  

* Click hereto suggest an item for hire and contact CllrLovelock@LlangollenTownCouncil.gov.uk if you would like to discuss donating items.

Rescue team called to help find lost mum and daughter

Leader live was reporting this evening that a rescue team was called to help find a mother and daughter lost on the hills near Llangollen.

* For the full story, see:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18644164.rescue-team-called-help-police-find-lost-mother-daughter-near-llangollen/

Well-known businessman congratulated by MP on award

* Owner Reza Noori, left, and Simon Baynes MP outside Castle Bistro in Chirk.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to Castle Bistro in Chirk to meet owner Reza Noori and congratulate him and his staff on receiving the Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori is well known in Llangollen and runs businesses in the town.

He established Castle Bistro in 2016 and received the award for consistently earning great reviews from travellers and for being ranked within the top 10% of hospitality businesses on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori said: “We’ve been incredibly proud to receive this award. And it’s great recognition of how hard all our staff have worked to make Castle Bistro an excellent place to come and enjoy a meal. 

"I was very glad to catch up with Simon and tell him about some of our exciting plans going forward. And I want to thank all of our incredibly loyal customers for helping us get where we are.”

Simon Baynes said: “Reza and the whole team at Castle Bistro do an incredible job welcoming visitors to Chirk and making amazing meals. 

"This award is very well deserved. And it’s great to see one of our local Chirk businesses doing so well. I look forward to returning soon for a meal with my family.”

Legion set to mark VJ Day on Saturday morning

* The traditional poppy wreath will be laid on the war memorial. 

Llangollen Royal British Legion has given details of how it will be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ - Victory over Japan - Day next Saturday, August 15.

The ceremony to commemorate the end of the Secon World War in the Far East will be curtailed due to the coronavirus situation and there will be not be the usual march through town led by a band. 

Branch chair Phil Stroud said: "We will form up at the war memorial in Centenary Square for 10,50am and will be joined by 15 of the Legion's riders.

"The Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55am. 

"There are likely to be approximately 30 people on parade and, wearing masks, we will be arm's distance to meet the two-metre rule.

"There will be no march nor a band but the traditional Last Post and Reveille will be played through the PA system.

"A poppy wreath will be laid at the war memorial."

The tenor bell (the heaviest of the eight bells) at St. Collen's will be tolled 75 times at 11.10 a.m.on VJ Day 75 to mark the 75 years since VJ Day 1945.

As a matter of interest, the bell weighs over 16cwt.

* The war memorial inside St Collen's Church.

Reminder to take part in Test, Trace, Protect strategy

Denbighshire County Council is reminding customers and businesses about the importance of the Test, Trace, Protect strategy.

It says the strategy is key in controlling the spread of new outbreaks, particularly as public spaces start to re-open and customers are being assured it is safe to provide contact information and it is vital to help isolate an outbreak.

The strategy applies to hospitality businesses including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes as well as tourism and leisure facilities, including theme parks, museums and cinemas, and close contact services including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Certain businesses should now be collecting names and contact details of all their customers and this is really important. 

"We are asking customers to co-operate with the request. Along with social distancing and good hygiene, the Test, Trace, Protect strategy is key to helping to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.

“Businesses have been working hard to ensure they are re-opening safely and we urge them to ensure these regulations are adhered to.”

Businesses are required to take the names of customers or visitors, or if it is a group of people, the name of one member of the group – the ‘lead member’ as well as a contact telephone number for each customer or visitor, or for the lead member of a group of people and the date of visit and arrival and departure time.

If you have recently been to one of these businesses and have not been asked for your contact name and number then the council would like to know. Please email envhealth@denbighshire.gov.uk with the name of that business.

County should monitor removal of parking bays, says MP

* Simon Baynes MP, left, on a socially-distanced picture with Hwyn Davies of the butcher's shop.

* ... and with Jan Deeprose of Lily Rose Interiors.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says he hopes the county council will monitor the effects of the planned temporary parking suspension in Castle Street and reinstate it or modify their plans if necessary.

Mr Baynes made the comment after visiting a number of businesses along Llangollen's busy main street on Saturday.

The county council has been consulting on its controversial plan to temporarily remove parking bays along the street as part of its planned measures to allow better social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the idea has met with opposition from some traders and local residents.

After his Saturday visit, Mr Baynes posted on his Facebook page: "Very good to visit some shops and hospitality businesses yesterday on Castle Street in Llangollen and hear about the recovery since lockdown and also their concerns about Denbighshire County Council’s plans to suspend the parking bays on Castle Street in order to benefit social distancing and improve traffic, cyclist and pedestrian flows."While I understand and respect the council’s objectives, the businesses I met said the short stay parking is very important for quick purchases by customers, takeaways and stock deliveries.
"Having had a town centre second-hand bookshop myself some years ago, I fully understand the importance of a judicious mix of long and short term parking in town centres.
"I hope very much that Denbighshire County Council will carefully monitor the effects of the planned parking suspension during the temporary period and reinstate it or modify their plans in the future if local businesses in Castle Street are badly affected given that the prosperity of the shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants is vital for the long term future of Llangollen, particularly in terms of ensuring a diversity of independent shops and hospitality businesses."

Helicopter rescue drama near Sun Bank

SEE UPDATE AT FOOT OF STORY

More than one helicopter is thought to have was involved in the rescue of what is believed to have been a walker from the Panorama near Sun Bank earlier today.

This picture is taken from a short video film posted on Facebook by local dance instructor Julie Kirk Thomas who lives nearby.

Julie, who runs the weekly Strictly Fun Dancing sessions in Centenary Square at 10.30am on Mondays, told llanblogger: "It's been very busy here with helicopters and I was filming from our garden.

"We noticed climbers on the old quarry behind us this morning whilst dog walking.

"It all went quiet just after 3pm today."

The Daily Post online reported later this afternoon:

"A woman has been flown to hospital after falling at a former quarry now used by climbers.

"Emergency services were called to the Trevor Quarry site at Panorama Walk near Llangollen just after 12.30pm on Saturday after reports that a woman had fallen.

"The Wales Air Ambulance and coastguard helicopter were both required to attend."

Isherwood raises concerns over care home funding during pandemic

Shadow Minister for North Wales Mark Isherwood has expressed concern over the £22.7 million support package announced recently by the Welsh Government for local authorities to help adult social care providers meet the additional costs associated with the pandemic.  

Although it is now August, this funding covers the period from July 1^st, and leading figures in the care sector have claimed it discriminates against care providers in North Wales in favour of those in the south of the country.

Mr Isherwood has been calling for more support for care homes in North Wales since June and has challenged the Health Minister over the matter on a number of occasions during virtual Plenary meetings of the Welsh Parliament in recent months.  

Therefore, whilst welcoming the additional support package, he is disappointed that care home providers in North Wales will receive substantially less than those in South Wales.  

He said: “Once again, care home providers in the North are the poor relations. 

"As Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales has stated: 'Funding is allocated via local councils and health boards which means we essentially have 29 variations on a theme which is an absolute nonsense. The vast majority of care home residents are publicly funded and providers have been forced to dance to the varying tunes of local councils for a generation. The absurdity of the situation was recently highlighted by the Cheapskate Awards handed out by Care Forum Wales which illustrated the unfair post code lottery plaguing the sector in Wales.'

“Five North Wales Local Authorities were presented with Cheapskate Awards for paying amongst the lowest care home fees in Wales amid the coronavirus crisis, with an inbuilt North-South divide.

“Sadly, care homes in North Wales are being left behind when it comes to funding, despite calls from myself, other politicians and the sector, for North Wales to be treated fairly.  

“As Care Forum Wales have said, the overwhelming priority now must be ‘to devise a national action plan to implement long-term structural change to mend a system that’s broken and fragmented’.”

Mr Isherwood added: “Aside from the unfairness of the system, Care Forum Wales have also warned that this additional funding will serve only as a ‘temporary sticking plaster’. 

"The Health Minister has said he will review the situation in September, but the majority of care home providers cannot wait until then. They need action now from the Minister to balance the system and alleviate as far as possible the likely impacts of any second wave of Covid-19 infections, and the routine seasonal flus and other pressures that the latter part of the year will bring, so that care homes and nursing homes can support NHS Wales through this coming winter.”

County explains why car park can't be used by permit holders

The county council has explained why a sign which has appeared outside the East Street car park in Llangollen saying it can no longer be used by parking permit holders.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The sign relates to the free two-hour parking offer in six of the county’s car parks which runs up until December 31. 

The car parks chosen for this offer are predominantly short stay car parks where permits are not valid. This is to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, generating a higher turnover of visits to help support our town centre businesses.

“However, in Llangollen because permits are valid in the town’s short stay and long stay car parks, we chose East Street Car Park for the offer to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, while still allowing permit holders to use Market Street, Mill Street or Hall Street car parks.”

Stay safe this weekend, says Wales's tourism minister

* Weekend traffic queues 

on the A5 into Llangollen.

As the first weekend since indoor hospitality has been open begins and with good weather forecast Wales's Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Dafydd Elis Thomas is reminding residents and visitors alike to enjoy what Wales has to offer safely.

He said: “We are now at the height of summer and with hospitality businesses able to open again, many people will be taking advantage of the good weather to visit Wales or explore their local area.  After the difficulties for the tourism industry this will be welcome for many. "If you are planning to explore and enjoy what Wales has to offer this weekend remember to do so safely.   "There are a few things which we can all do to help keep ourselves, our families and communities safe. “Plan ahead and check local arrangements such as parking facilities. If where you want to go is very busy think about an alternative which is quieter – there are plenty of places to choose from.  You might discover something new. “Remember to maintain social distance, and keep two metres apart from others, including when outdoors and on the streets. “It’s great to see that most tourist businesses are now open and we all have a part to play in keeping everyone safe, and ensuring our restaurants, pubs, cafes and attractions can remain open. “We can enjoy the wonderful countryside and attractions here in Wales over the summer.  Let’s all do so safely.” * Visit Wales is encouraging visitors to make a pledge to care for each other and the place we call home. To sign the pledge visit: https://www.visitwales.com/promise

St Collen's to re-open for services on August 30

St Collen's Church is to re-open following the lockdown later this month.

On its Facebook site, the Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches, it says: "We are pleased to announce, that as part of the Amber Phase of re-opening churches for public worship, we are able to open the doors of St Collen’s church on Sunday 30th August.
"As previously mentioned, this will be a staged process for our group of churches as is the case across the Church in Wales and other Mission Areas.
"There will be one celebration of the Mass at 11am at St Collen’s each Sunday from the 30th. At this stage, we do not know when our other churches will be able to re-open.
"The service on the 30th, ‘Re-Opening the Doors’, will reflect on the mixed feelings of grief, loss, thanksgiving and renewal that many have experienced during the start of the Covid pandemic. If you would like to share your lockdown story during the service, please contact Fr Lee. The service will begin with a short liturgy outdoors (weather permitting) and then it will proceed with a joyful entry into the church.
"As we are not allowed to sing, we can, however, shake a tambourine or ring a handbell! If you have these, please bring them with you.
"There will be clear instructions given at the start of the service and there will be hand-santizing stations and signage around the church to guide your movements and indicate where you are able to sit.
"Please bring a face-covering/mask with you. Someone will be available to take a temperature check before you enter the building. If you have a temperature then you will be advised to go home. This measure is for the safety of everyone.
"Communion will be received in one kind (bread only). You are advised to sanitize your hands before receiving the host. It might be a good idea to bring a pocket-size hand sanitizer with you. You will be invited to receive communion from the front step of the Chancel in front of the iron screen (the chancel will be out-of-bounds). You must form a single line down the central nave aisle whilst observing the 2-metre physical distancing rule. Please return to your seats via the side aisles.
"There will be no sharing the Peace in the traditional way and, as I mentioned above, there will be no singing. Refreshments will not be served after the service.
"Services will continue to be live-streamed via Facebook for those who do not feel they are ready or well enough to gather together with others. Please remember that you do not need to be signed up to Facebook to watch these services. It just means that, if you do not have a Facebook profile, you cannot watch the services ‘live’ but you can watch them once the service has ended and been saved on the page."

Trains picking up the pace at Llangollen Railway

* Pictures by George Jones.

Train services are now back in action at Llangollen Railway following its emergence from lockdown.

Yesterday's service was steam-hauled with No.3802 up front.

In the top picture it is seen passing Berwyn and, below, later arriving at Carrog.

Steam runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday supplemented by diesel trains at the weekend to cater for social distancing requirements.

Pub raises thousands for good causes with its quiz nights

* Online quizzers zoom into action to help good causes.

A local pub has been raising thousands of pounds for good causes over the past few months.

Since March, the Sun Trevor has been running its weekly Wednesday night quiz online and over £2,000 has been raised mostly for Nightingale House Hospice but also including £160 for Chester Zoo when it was in plunged into crisis when it closed due to the pandemic.

This Wednesday night was the 21st online quiz and for the first time since lockdown began some of the regular teams took part from the beer garden, whilst others continued on zoom.

Many team members also took advantage of The Eat Out to Help Out meal deals the pub has available.

* The pub's beer garden where some of

the quizzers took part from on Wednesday.

Railway's new film highlights its virus safety measures

* Railway general manager Liz McGuinness introduces the short film.

Llangollen Railway has premiered a short film giving travellers details of what to expect following its re-opening after months of coronavirus lockdown.

Introduced by general manager Liz McGuinness and shot by local firm Orb Sound & Lighting, the two-minute video describes how there have been lots of changes at the heritage attraction to comply with social distancing regulations.

These include passengers being asked to form an orderly queue as they enter the station and then wait until they are shown to their numbered seat on the train by a member of staff.

They will then be asked to use the provided hand santizer before boarding.

The manager describes how the cafe and toilets are open at Llangollen station and down the line at Carrog station, although closed on the trains.

Last instruction for travellers is to leave the train as quickly as possible at the end of their journey so it can be thoroughly cleaned before the next group of passengers comes aboard.

·       * See the film at: https://youtu.be/i1IpyHw-MVs

On Facebook more local organisations have been outlining details of their emergence from lockdown.

Tenovus Cancer Care charity shop in Castle Street says it will be re-opening today (Thursday) at 10 am.

Its post says: “We welcome your donations but due to limited space and the 48 hour quarantine procedure, we would ask that you kindly phone the store on either 01978 860941 or text me on 07850581641 to book in your donations.

“I’m afraid we are unable to accept donations unless they have been booked in.

“We thank you for your support, generosity and patience and look forward to seeing you soon.”

The Wild Pheasant Hotel and Spa posted: “WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN!!!

“RECEIVE 50% OFF FOOD & SOFT DRINKS INCLUDING AFTERNOON TEAS!

“We are delighted to announce, we are taking part in the fantastic 'Eat Out To Help Out' campaign from August 3rd to August 31st 2020.”

“To arrange your reservation, please contact us direct: T: 01978 860629, E: reception@wildpheasanthotelandspa.com.”

Social distancing signs to go up in town this week

* Signs urging people to observe social distancing
will go up this week, says the area's Senedd Member.

Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South Ken Skates says signs urging people in Llangollen to adhere to social distancing will be put up in the town centre this week.  

Mr Skates contacted Denbighshire County Council’s chief executive on Monday after receiving emails from concerned local residents over the weekend. 

This week Llangollen councillors Austin Cheminais and Mel Mile have also been out in the town centre encouraging people to sign a petition urging the council to urgently put in place social distancing measures along Castle Street. 

Mr Skates said: “I had a number of emails over the weekend from residents who are concerned about the number of people not distancing and acting as if the rules put in place to keep us all safe don’t apply to them. 

"I know there are a lot of other people who share their concerns and I applaud what our local councillors have been doing this week. I’d also like to thank Cllr Graham Timms, who I know has raised this issue a number of times with Denbighshire. 

“I raised this urgently with the chief executive of Denbighshire County Council first thing on Monday morning and asked for more signs to be placed in and around the town to remind people of their responsibilities.

"I’m pleased that these will now be installed this week and I’m grateful to the chief executive for responding to me so quickly and positively.” 

Cllr Austin Cheminais said: “We’ve had more than 100 people sign letters to the council in three mornings, so I’m glad Denbighshire is now going to do something.

“The Welsh Government, scientists and health experts have repeatedly said how important social distancing is in preventing the spread of coronavirus. I’m pleased we have been able to make a difference and look forward to the signs going up as soon as possible followed by widening of the pavements to make the town centre safer.”

Mr Skates added: “It’s important to remember that coronavirus hasn’t gone away. The pandemic remains first and foremost a public health crisis and the Welsh Government’s priority from the outset has been to preserve lives. We have been cautiously reopening businesses and towns, but we can only continue to do so if everyone does their bit and follows the rules.” 

In response to Mr Skates, county council chief executive Judith Greenhalgh said: “Social distancing signage is due to be introduced in Llangollen town centre at the end of this week. 

  

“Please note that we also have proposals to temporarily widen the pavement on Castle Street through the removal of the on-street parking. 

"This proposal is being funded by the WG Covid 19 Sustainable Transport grant and has recently been consulted upon. We are currently reviewing the consultation responses before a final decision on whether to proceed with the project is made. 

  

“Over recent weeks we have been deploying officers in each of our towns to help provide guidance for businesses and to keep an eye on social distancing problems on pavements, with a view to developing solutions where problems are occurring. Understandably the start of the school summer holidays has seen a big increase in visitor numbers. 

  

“We will speak to our colleagues at North Wales Police to raise concerns about the issues of members of the public not adhering to social distancing and not practising good hygiene.” 

Steve plans spine-tingling challenge to support eisteddfod

* Steve Price contemplates his Zipworld challenge later this month.

A long-standing volunteer with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is planning a hair-raising challenge in aid of overseas competitors – despite being as old as the festival itself.

Steve Price, who lives in Johnstown, has been helping out at the eisteddfod for the past quarter of a century.

And identifying a growing problem with attracting competitors from overseas he has decided to take the heart-stopping high ride at Zipworld in Bethesda at noon on Thursday August 27.

Steve, who is manager at Sharps Bedrooms at Island Green in Wrexham, said: “I am the same age as the eisteddfod, 73 this year.

“I have been a volunteer with them for the past 25 years.

“Over that time it has become increasingly difficult for overseas and UK competitors to take part in this fantastic event due to the ever-increasing costs of travel, accommodation and visa applications.

“The money I raise from my Zipworld challenge will go to support all competitors and the continued success of the eisteddfod.”

He added: “I am getting on a little now and am absolutely terrified of heights.

“I am not a thrill-seeker and the thought of jumping off a mountaintop some 500ft in the air and travelling at speeds approaching 100mph above a quarry and a lake is not something that I would under normal circumstances consider. But this is my challenge.

“I don't have a target figure for either charity, but if I can get some donations it will be more than they had before any donations are made.”

Apart from the eisteddfod, Steve is also doing the challenge in aid of Hope House Hospice.

* Donations for the eisteddfod can be made on his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-price24?fbclid=IwAR1i4rRJR9Vvlo7m_Ba3uEUUM9xZBD3jYEWb8gH9rEvnKpwuDTKyP3EnFQU&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=Steve-Price24&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebook&utm_term=w5XeEajZJ

If anyone wishes to donate to Hope House they should go direct to the hospice’s website and follow the links there.