Army helps ambulance service cope with Covid work

The Welsh Ambulance Service has re-enlisted the support of the military as it contends with a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 90 soldiers will once again assist the Trust’s Covid-19 effort by driving ambulance vehicles from tomorrow (Wednesday).

Among them will be soldiers from 9 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.

On Sunday, Chief Executive Jason Killens visited their headquarters in Chippenham, where soldiers were undergoing training ahead of deployment.

He said: “The extreme pressure on our ambulance service in the last couple of weeks has been well documented, and it’s why we’ve taken the decision to re-enlist the military, who did a superb job of assisting us earlier in the year.

“Winter is our busiest period, and with the second wave of a global pandemic also to contend with, this is about bolstering our capacity as far we can and putting us in the best possible position to provide a safe service to the people of Wales.

“We’re proud and grateful once again to be working alongside the military in the collective effort against Covid-19, and I know colleagues will extend the same warm welcome as they did the first time around.”

More than 20,000 military personnel have been supporting public services across the UK during the pandemic as part of a ‘COVID Support Force’.

Their support of the Welsh Ambulance Service forms part of the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) arrangement.

Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said: “With coronavirus case rates at high levels in many areas of Wales, it’s welcome and reassuring that our Armed Forces will help our ambulance and NHS services during what is set to be a very busy winter period. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the military has stepped up to support health services across Wales with the distribution of PPE, construction of a temporary hospital in Cardiff, assisting community testing in the South Wales Valleys and will help roll out community vaccine in the coming months. 

“The use of the Armed Forces to help with this vital work demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to meet the needs of the whole of the United Kingdom as we continue to tackle the pandemic.”

Minister of the Armed Forces, James Heappey, added: “The whole of the United Kingdom must pull together if we are to overcome coronavirus and get back to the way of life we know and value.

“Our Armed Forces will do this again in Wales by joining the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust for the second time this year.

 

“Ninety four military personnel, including medics and drivers, will support the ambulance service as they care for the most vulnerable during these challenging times.”

Residents thanked for efforts during pandemic

* Cllr Hugh Evans.

Denbighshire County Council has thanked residents for their efforts to battle the spread of coronavirus this year and is urging people to follow Welsh Government regulations at Christmas.

It comes as the Welsh Government moved the country into alert Level 4 on December 20.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “I would like, on behalf of the council, to thank our residents for everything they have done this year to keep the most vulnerable members of our communities and frontline workers safe. Our communities have pulled together and this has had a real impact.

“I know the tightening of regulations over Christmas has been hugely disappointing after what has already been a very difficult year, many families will be making sacrifices and will experience a very different Christmas this year.

“With news the new strain of the virus is more infectious, spreads more quickly, and the number of cases is rising we have to act now to stop it, that means it is more important than ever to follow Welsh Government regulations.

“People should continue to practice social distancing and stringent hygiene measures and self-isolate for the full period if you have been contacted by Test, Trace and Protect.

“I want to wish our residents a Merry Christmas and encourage them to enjoy themselves in a responsible way so we can all play our part to continue to help protect our local communities.”

Welsh Government restrictions came into force on December 20 and include limiting household mixing to two households on Christmas Day only.

Throughout alert level 4 rules on household mixing have been tightened, there is a focus on staying-at-home with only essential travel permitted while all non-essential retail, including close contact services, leisure and fitness centres as well as hospitality premises have closed.

During alert level 4:

• Household Waste Recycling Centres will remain open during alert level 4, continuing with the booking system currently in place. Residents are advised to only visit your recycling centre if it is essential, not to go if anyone in your household has symptoms or is self-isolating  and to observe social distancing if you do attend. You must only visit a Denbighshire recycling centre if you have a prearranged appointment. For Christmas opening hours and to book a slot visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling

• Denbighshire libraries will be closed during alert level 4, but are offering an order and collect service and a home library service delivering books to your home. Contact your local library to order books and we will call you back to arrange a time to collect them once they are ready, or arrange to deliver them. You can also order books online and the digital library service for downloading e-books, e-magazines, e-audiobooks and newspapers, continues to operate. For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

• The Council’s country parks, including Loggerheads and Moel Famau, green spaces, other countryside sites and grounds will remain open. However, facilities including the visitor centre and café at Loggerheads Country Park as well as the cafe at Plas Newydd will close.

• The Ruthin branch of the North East Wales Archives closed on December 18 and will not re-open in the New Year. This will be reviewed later in January once further guidance is released. In the meantime the enquiry service will operate from December 28.

St Collen's hosts first carols by candlelight service

* Father Lee Taylor leads the worship.

* All carols were sung by the choir.

St Collen's held the first of three Carols by Candlelight services earlier this evening.

In a candle-lit but socially-distanced church, a series of favourite carols was interspersed by readings from people representing various local organisations, such as the eisteddfod.

While members of the congregation remained masked all carols were sung by the choir as communal singing is not permitted under Covid restrictions.

Worship was led by the vicar, Father Lee Taylor.

The church is hosting two further ticket-only carol services at 6.30pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday.  

Minor changes in waste collection and recycling for Christmas

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents on some minor changes to waste and recycling collection services over the Christmas and New Year period.

There will be no changes to collections due on Monday to Thursday over the period.  

Those due to have waste or recycling collections on Christmas Day will see collections take place on Sunday, December 27th.  Collections due on New Year’s Day will take place on Sunday, January 3rd.

Meanwhile, the council’s recycling parks at Marsh Road, (Rhyl), Colomendy Industrial Estate (Denbigh) and Lon Parcwr (Ruthin) will be open every day, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. To book an appointment to visit these sites, click here.

The Saturday recycling services at Green Lane car-park, Corwen took place as normal last Saturday. There will be no Saturday morning services on either 26 December or 2 January 2020.

 

County encourages residents to be "Mighty Recyclers" this Christmas

As Wales’ recycling rate reaches an all-time high Denbighshire County Council is calling on residents to keep up their "mighty" efforts this Christmas. 

Denbighshire has pledged to support Wales Recycles’ Be Mighty. Recycle campaign, funded by Welsh Government, to encourage everyone to be Mighty Recyclers this Christmas. 

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Residents in Denbighshire and across Wales are showing that they’re MIGHTY when it comes to recycling and we should all be proud of our efforts, but there is still more we can do. We’re calling on our residents to keep up the good work over Christmas to help us reach the top spot!”

“We know people in Wales care about protecting our beautiful country and recycling plays an essential role in tackling climate change. It’s a simple thing that everyone can do to help make a real difference."

The council has set out some "top tips" to follow at Christmas, which are:

• Eat, recycle, be merry. Every Council in Wales provides a weekly food waste recycling collection service. Please use it. You can recycle turkey bones, veg peelings and any leftovers from your Christmas dinner (that can’t be safely eaten later)! And keep recycling other waste over the Christmas period too, such as tea bags and coffee grounds, eggshells, peelings and cores from fruit, and stale bread.
• Conquer your card this Christmas. You can recycle all cardboard from online deliveries. Please remove all sticky tape first and flatten any boxes. And once Christmas is over, please recycle all your cards, just remove any bows and ribbons first, and any parts with glitter.
• Most plastic from around the home can be recycled; drinks bottles, cleaning products and toiletry bottles, such as shampoo and shower gel. Don't forget to empty, crush and replace the lids before recycling. And remove any pump dispensers or trigger sprays first as these can’t be recycled. You can also recycle the big plastic tubs of chocolate and sweets we have around the house at Christmas!
• Don’t overlook foil this Christmas. Please recycle foil cases from mince pies and any clean or unstained foil used in your Christmas cooking. Please empty and rinse foil trays and containers before putting them out to be recycled.
• Metal drinks cans and food tins as well as empty aerosols, such as deodorant, shaving gel and hairspray, can all be recycled.
• If you’re ever unsure what you can and can’t recycle, visit Wales Recycles’ Recycling Locator.

To learn more about the Mighty Mission and Wales Recycles’ ‘12 days of Christmas’ recycling facts and tips, visit www.bemightyrecycle.org.uk, look out for the ads on TV, listen to the radio ad, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #BeMightyRecycle

ORB's live-streamed New Year show aims to lift spirits

On New Year's Eve Llangollen-based ORB Sound and Lighting are teaming up with party band Rhythm Train to stage a live stream event which aims to raise the spirits of the community after a tough year by showcasing local talent.

The action-packed three and a half hour show, which runs from 9pm until 12.30am next morning, will be produced from one of the venues in Denbighshire the company usually works closely with but the exact location is being kept secret due to Covid regulations. 

An ORB spokesperson said: "The stream will include three live 45-minute sets from the band, interspersed with some pre-recorded content and adverts from local sponsors and local community groups

"We will also encourage people to send in messages to friends and family using a hashtag which can be moderated and shown on the bottom of the stream.

"The event will be shared across our own website, YouTube and Facebook sites, as well as shared on the evening by other groups such as Ty Pawb in Wrexham.

"We aim to reach as many people as possible as we realise New Year's Eve can be a hard and lonely time for many people - this year more so than before. 

"We want to bring people together virtually, lift spirits as we enter the new year, and to give back to the community."

ORB Sound and Lighting provides staging, equipment and technicians for the outside stages of the International Musical Eisteddfod and Llangollen Fringe Festival each July.

They also support Llangollen Operatic Society, Young 'Uns and the pantomime group with all their equipment alongside technicians, who installed all of the new upgraded equipment for the Ysgol Dinas Bran ‘Curtains Up’ appeal, and who most recently gave up their time and equipment weekly during lockdown to beam a ‘Thank You’ message across the town during the Clap For Carers campaign.

The spokesperson added: "We have chosen a venue which we can adhere to Covid regulations and will have a number of measures in place including strict social distancing between all persons present.

"All equipment will be thoroughly sanitised before and after use, face coverings will be worn by the production team, and sanitiser will be provided throughout. 

"The building will also be locked during the entire evening to ensure we can remain safe inside, and that no members of the public can enter.

"Although the event is free we are asking for people to buy tickets for it to help us cover the costs. 

"We are asking them to pay what they can and the link is on the event's Facebook page at: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-year-eve-live-stream-featuring-rhythm-train-tickets-133473720491?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

"We are still appealing to local businesses to help sponsor the event, and we will have a page set up to take donations on the night. 

"We are estimating the total cost of the event to be in the region of £2,000, and are offering sponsors publicity on the night from adverts on the stream. Company logos will be included on all our publicity posters and page shares on social media sites."

Stricter Covid rules apply in Wales from midnight

* Announcement: First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The whole of Wales will be placed under level four restrictions from midnight with festive plans cancelled for all but Christmas Day.

First Minister Mark Drakeford made the announcement after urgent talks with fellow ministers over a new strain of coronavirus.

From 23 to 28 December rules had been due to be relaxed to allow people to celebrate the holidays with loved-ones.

But now this is limited to just Christmas Day.

In a statement issued just minutes ago Mr Drakeford said: "Today, I met the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Michael Gove, from the UK Government, to discuss the very latest information on a new strain of coronavirus.

"We now know that this new strain is significantly more infectious and spreads more quickly than the original one. 

"Many of you will have heard the Prime Minister this afternoon setting out the pattern of transmission in London and the South East of England, which has been linked to this new variant of coronavirus.

"This is remarkably consistent with the rapid acceleration of transmission in Wales and the high rates of cases we have seen in recent weeks.

"The latest evidence suggests this new strain is present throughout Wales.

"Throughout the public health emergency, we have had to respond quickly to the rapid changes, which have been so typical of coronavirus.

"Today has been one of those days when new information has required an immediate response.

"This afternoon, the Cabinet met to discuss this worrying new development in the pandemic and to hear the latest advice from our senior medical and scientific advisers, including the impact on our NHS.

"The situation is incredibly serious. I cannot overstate this.

"We have therefore reached the difficult decision to bring forward the alert level four restrictions for Wales, in line with the action being taken in London and the South East of England.

"These new restrictions will come into effect from midnight tonight instead of during the Christmas period."

He added: "This will mean non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres and hospitality will close at the end of trading today.

"Stay-at-home restrictions will also come into effect from midnight.

"Unfortunately, we must also look again at the arrangements for Christmas – we cannot expose people to the risk of this new, more virulent strain of coronavirus.

"We will therefore change the current rules, which allow two households to come together to form a Christmas bubble over a five-day period, so that they will apply on Christmas Day only.

"Throughout the alert level four period, a single person household will be able to join with one other household.

"While we all want to avoid further disruption to businesses and plans for Christmas, our overriding duty is to protect lives here in Wales.

"We know that 2021 will be a different and a better year.

"Our economy will recover.

"Christmas will come again.

"But lives which are lost, are lost for ever.

"This new strain of the virus is another dreadful surprise in this long-running pandemic.

"We now have a pandemic within a pandemic, a crisis within a crisis.

"It is another challenge we must overcome. But one we will overcome together.

"We will continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and, together, we will keep Wales safe." 

Government earmarks extra £110m for covid-hit businesses

The Welsh Government is making an extra £110m available to support businesses affected by the alert level four restrictions which will come into force from the end of trading on Christmas Eve.

The new restrictions will mean all non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres, will close from end of trading on Christmas Eve, with hospitality businesses following at 6pm on Christmas Day.

The new support package – which is addition to the £340 million already available to businesses under alert level three – will help 35,500 firms.

Businesses in the hospitality and non-essential retail sector, which are impacted by the new restrictions, receive small business rates relief and have a rateable value of £12,000 or less will be eligible for a £3,000 payment.

Hospitality and non-essential retail businesses with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £150,000 will be eligible for a £5,000 payment.

Tourism, leisure, retail and supply chain businesses in the same rateable value bracket will also be eligible for this support if their turnover has fallen by 40% or more during the restriction period.

Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan made the announcement at today’s Welsh Government press conference. 

She said: "We are making incredibly difficult but necessary decisions to protect the health and lives of our people.

"We recognise these decisions have a knock-on effect on our economy and this will be another blow to many businesses who have had to deal with so much during this incredibly challenging year.

"To support businesses affected by these latest restrictions we are making a further £110 million available. We expect around 35,500 businesses in Wales will benefit from this support.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: "This latest package is in addition to the £340 million for businesses we announced at the end of November, taking our total package of business support during this pandemic to more than £2 billion.

"Our financial assistance has already helped protect thousands of companies and safeguarded 125,000 jobs. We are working hard to get funds out to businesses quickly as possible and in the last two weeks alone, almost £20 million has landed in the bank accounts of our businesses.

"The vital additional support being announced today will be administered by local authorities and the Welsh Local Government Association and I want to thank them for their ongoing hard work and efforts to ensure money reaches businesses quickly.

"Sadly rising coronavirus cases mean we must take action now to drive the virus down. We recognise this is hugely challenging for businesses, but as a government, we will continue to do all that we can to protect them, our people and our communities through these difficult days.

"Eligible hospitality and non-essential retail businesses, which registered for non-domestic rate support during the firebreak will be paid directly through their local authority. All other eligible businesses and those businesses, which did not register during the firebreak, will need to do so with their local authority in January with payment following soon after.

"Businesses not eligible for non-domestic rates will be able to continue to apply to local authorities for a Lockdown Discretionary Grant of up to £2,000."

* More information about the package of business support is available on the Business Wales website.

Latest Toyota Rav4 is an impressive all-rounder

Toyota Rav4 road test by Steve Rogers

The hybrid story part two.

In the first episode the little Yaris popped in a driving score of 86 so what could the Rav4, its much bigger SUV brother do? I don't want to brag but I reached the dizzy height of 90 after a 70 mile drive and even hit 93 for a good part of the trip.

If it sounds that I was puddling around at 40mph just to boost the score I was not. This is driving to the speed limits, so that is up to 70mph occasionally, but doing everything gently so that the batteries can be recharged on the move and give as much electric driving power as possible.

The average for the trip was 47.3mpg but the most telling figure is 46.2mpg at the end of a week's driving which is impressive for a petrol SUV.

In fact fifth generation Rav4 was impressive all round which came as a bit of a surprise. Not a car I have ever taken to, dull to look at, dull to drive, although am clearly in the minority because it is the world's best selling SUV.

Like Yaris the Toyota designers have gone back to the drawing board and with the help of a spanking new platform have created a totally different animal. And this one is roaring!

We shouldn't be surprised by the dynamic styling of Rav4. For years Toyota design has been far too cautious but everything changed with the daring CH-R crossover and things have been on the up ever since.

The new platform has boosted two important elements: space and handling. New Rav is a tad shorter than its predecessor but has more cabin space with loads of rear legroom and a big boot. And with a lower centre of gravity the car's handling has been transformed.

Not that you can go rallying. The car has been set up for comfort but because its sits closer to the tarmac there is far less body roll. Some will prefer rivals with even sharper handling but I think the compromise between comfort and driving dynamics is spot on.

The cabin has been designed to make another powerful statement with better quality trim and typical bullish SUV design. Compared to the minimalist look of a Volvo XC60 or Peugeot 3008 the Rav is far busier. It has a large central touch screen where you can see navigation directions, radio stations and the like, but heating controls are conventional with a couple of oversized switches which are easy to see and easy to use so eyes are fixed firmly on the road and not searching for the fan or temperature control.

Move to the driver's binnacle and things are a bit too busy with the focus on everything hybrid, so much so that I didn't spot the digital speedo for a while because it is stuck at the top like an afterthought.  I spent a while pressing buttons in the hope of changing the display but without success. I suppose the readouts are important because hybrid is the only Rav4 on offer although that does not phase me.

The encouraging mix of performance, economy and low emissions is becoming a real tonic. Stab the fast pedal and Rav4 is off the line in a flash. There is no worry about balancing the clutch and getting the right revs for a quick getaway, it is handed to you on a plate and the power surge goes on and on. Be warned, too much of that will seriously hurt economy but it is good to have a blast now and again.

The all wheel drive Dynamic model comes with all the bells and whistles, which is reflected in the price, but one piece of good news is that this is a hybrid with a reasonable towing capacity.  The Rav will pull 1650kg which is a family sized single axle caravan.

So a lot going for the new Toyota whether you want a big family car, a tow car, or a company motor because here it is like living in a tax haven with a very low benefit in kind penalty.

There is just one irritation that Toyota should sort out and that is the painfully slow and noisy powered tailgate... but it was still difficult giving this car back.

Need to know

RAV4 Dynamic AWD

£37,555

2.5 litre petrol; 219bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 112mph

47.8mpg combined

Transmission: Electric CVT

101g/km. 1st tax £140

Insurance group 30

Boot: 580 litres

Schools to provide remote learning for first week of new term

Pupils in Denbighshire are set to return to face-to-face learning after the Christmas break on Monday, January 11.

Following guidance from the Welsh Government and discussions with schools, Denbighshire County Council is informing parents that remote learning will be in place during the first week of the new term, the week beginning January 4.  

All Denbighshire schools have a pre-arranged INSET day on January 4 and many schools have a second INSET day on January 5.

However, in circumstances where there is a clear public health and safety reason, individual schools may continue with remote learning for one extra week.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “There is an expectation from the Welsh Government that cases of coronavirus will increase over the Christmas period.

“Despite confirmed cases associated with Denbighshire schools being low they are increasing and we have taken the difficult decision to follow Welsh Government guidance for schools to provide remote learning at the start of term, with the expectation that face-to-face learning will resume on Monday, January 11.

“Any children who test positive for coronavirus or are asked to self-isolate through the Test, Trace and Protect system must complete their self-isolation period before returning to school.

“We take any change to pupils’ education very seriously and have not taken this decision lightly. We have acted now to provide clarity to parents and guardians as early as possible as well as allowing us to manage the return to education after the Christmas period as safely as possible.

“I would again like to thank pupils, parents and staff for their support during what has been a hugely challenging term for all of our schools and the communities they support and work in.”

Face to face learning will be offered to the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils and schools will inform parents and guardians with their individual arrangements. 

Reminder of Free After Three parking for festive period

* Market Street is one of those offering Free After Three parking until December 31.

Residents are being reminded that Denbighshire County Council’s festive free parking scheme continues until December 31.

To encourage more people to use their local high street for shopping in the run up to Christmas, free parking is available in council-run town centre car parks from 3pm every day.

The Free After Three initiative will be available in the following car parks:

Llangollen: Hall Street; Market Street; Mill Street

Corwen: Green Lane

Denbigh: Multi-Storey; Crown Lane; Factory Ward; Post Office Lane,

Prestatyn: Lower High Street; Railway station

Rhuddlan: Parliament Street

Rhyl: Central; Morley Road; Queen Street; Sky Tower; West Kinmel Street, Rhyl Railway; Rhyl Library (disabled bays only)

Ruthin: Crispin Yard; Dog Lane; Park Road; Rhos Street; St Peter's Square; Troed y Rhiw

Morfa Hall private car park, Rhyl, is not included in the initiative.

As well as the Free After Three scheme, the council continues to offer two hours free parking at any time during the day until December 31 at the following car parks:

East Street Llangollen; Vale Street, Denbigh; King’s Avenue, Prestatyn; Market Street, Ruthin; Bowling Green, St Asaph and Town Hall Car Park, Rhyl.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said, said: “The Free After Three parking initiative has been established now for a number of years and complements our #LoveLiveLocal campaign to encourage more people to use our high streets for their festive shopping. 

"We understand it has been a difficult time for businesses and we are encouraging shoppers to use this opportunity. There are a wealth of independent shops and businesses county-wide that offer a wide range of goods and services.

“We also want to remind residents of the two hour free parking scheme we introduced in the summer to help businesses struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. With our two free parking initiatives, we hope more people will come into our towns to see what they have to offer. I’m sure they won’t be disappointed.”

Terry Waite stands down as eisteddfod president

* Terry Waite at the official opening of Llangollen's Centenary Square in summer 2018. He is flanked by the then-mayor and deputy mayor Jon Haddy and Issy Richards.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s long-time president Terry Waite has stood down from the position. 

The news comes in an update on the past year’s tumultuous events, which included the cancellation of this year’s festival due to the pandemic, by eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies. 

The famous human rights campaigner, who was held hostage in the Lebanon from 1987-91, became the festival’s popular ceremonial head a number of years ago. 

Dr Davies says in his message to the network of eisteddfod volunteers: “Terry Waite has stood down as our President after many years of support. 

“Terry had originally indicated he would be retiring in 2020 and unfortunately events over the summer deprived us of an opportunity to share a final eisteddfod with him. 

“We will be inviting him back to a future eisteddfod when we can thank him publicly and possibly hold a concert in his honour.

“His commitment to the Eisteddfod has been exemplary forever promoting our festival and extending the hand of friendship.”

Elsewhere in the update Dr Davies talks of plans for the next eisteddfod.

He says: “When the Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to postpone Llangollen 2020 little did we know then about the impact that Covid-19 would have on our communities – locally, nationally and internationally.

“Months later and we are now fortunately able to start looking to the future, whilst considering carefully how the public health situation may unfold.

“It is currently uncertain whether mass events will be able to be held in Wales by the summer 2021 and the Board is working on flexible scenarios that will ensure that the Eisteddfod has a presence next year that is fitting for the profile and ethos of the event that we all know and love.”

Dr Davies goes on refer to the financial help the eisteddfod has received during the year.

He explains: “Having received vital financial support from Welsh Government in the immediate aftermath of the postponement decision, I am pleased to advise that we have also been successful in our application to the Cultural Recovery Fund.

“These funds will help to sustain the organisation over the next three months as we plan for 2021. 

“We have also secured funding for a new community engagement programme from the Arts Council of Wales, under their Connect and Flourish funding strand.” 

Referring to the running of the eisteddfod, Dr Davies details changes in the board and says that Betsan Moses has joined as interim CEO “providing valuable management assistance as we navigate this challenging time”. 

The chairman has a special word of thanks for the volunteers, adding: “Throughout this period volunteers have shown their commitment and enthusiasm for our event, and a determination that we will continue and return from this even bigger and better.” 

Terry Waite, who is known and revered by many people around Llangollen, has been awarded the MBE and CBE for his humanitarian work.

He was serving as special international peace envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury when in 1987 he journeyed to Lebanon – then one of the world’s most dangerous place – in a bid to secure the release of four hostages, including the journalist John McCarthy, being held by an Islamic jihad organisation.

During the tense negotiations he was himself taken hostage on January 20, which was the start of his journey into the hell of four years of captivity in a Beirut dungeon.

For most of the time Terry was kept in solitary confinement in a room without any natural light, chained to the wall and forced to sleep on the floor. He was beaten and subjected to mock executions.

He recalls of how every day he did his best to hold himself together spiritually, mentally and physically.

In the final stage of his captivity, his robust health began to deteriorate when he contracted a severe lung infection.

His torment eventually ended in November 1991 after 1,763 days as a hostage.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I want to take advantage of the deals coming up this Black Friday, but as we’re in lockdown the shops are closed. I’m a bit concerned about buying goods without seeing them first. What happens if something goes wrong, or if I change my mind after seeing something in reality? I don’t have money to lose right now. 

A: You’re not alone being cautious about shopping online. Over the last year Citizens Advice Consumer Service has dealt with just under 123,000 cases in relation to online shopping.   

Most of the time, when you buy something online you automatically get a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ which starts the day after you receive your order. There doesn’t need to be anything wrong with the item for you to get a refund. Many online sellers may offer more time, so make sure you check the terms and conditions before purchasing. 

There are some exceptions, like buying something bespoke or perishable, like flowers or chocolates. There are also exceptions if the product is sealed, like face masks or CDs. 

If you do decide to return your item, you need to tell the seller you don’t want the item within 14 days of receiving it. Once you’ve told the seller, you’ve got 14 days to send it back. The seller has to pay you the refund within 14 days from when they receive the item. 

You may have to pay the cost of posting something back to the seller but you don't have to return the item in its original packaging as long as you’ve wrapped it safely. If you don’t wrap it safely and the item gets damaged, the seller can reduce your refund. 

It’s a good idea to get a certificate of posting from Royal Mail when you post the item. You can use this to prove to the seller that you posted the item. 

If you buy something online and the product is faulty (i.e. it’s broken, unusable or doesn’t match what was advertised), you have 30 days to ask for a refund from when you receive it. However, you can choose to accept a replacement or repair. After 30 days (and before six months) the seller must offer you a repair within a reasonable timeframe. If this isn’t possible, they must offer you a replacement or a refund. Ask the seller for the easiest way to send the item back. You shouldn’t have to pay. 

If you order something and it doesn’t arrive, it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. If the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier to find out what’s happened to your order - it’s not your responsibility. 

Check the delivery address you gave the seller. Then contact them and ask where your order is. If the seller claims they've delivered it or don't know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. You might also be able to get a refund in some circumstances. 

* Check out the Citizens Advice website or contact the Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help.

A5 blocked by "serious collision"

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this afternoon that the main road between Llangollen and Corwen has been blocked in both directions following a "serious collision".

The story says: "Traffic Wales says the A5 is currently closed in directions closed between Llidiart-y-Parc and Glyndyfrdwy due to what it describes as a serious collision.

"The traffic reports state that it's a two vehicle collision." 

A further report in the Daily Post says that two air ambulances are in attendance.

Denbighshire Free Press has just added: "North Wales Police says the collision occurred shortly before 2.30pm and involves a Mini Cooper and Vauxhall. 

"A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at approximately 2.32pm  this afternoon, Thursday, December 17 to Glyndyfrdy, Denbighshire, to reports of a road traffic accident.

"We sent one urgent care doctor, three emergency ambulances, one rapid response vehicle with advanced paramedic practitioner and the Wales Air Ambulance. We remain on scene.

"One patient was taken by air to University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool and a further patient to Wrexham's Maelor Hospital by road.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that crews from Wrexham and Chirk were called to the scene of the collision. 

Local testing centre reminder from county council

* The Covid testing centre on Market Street car park.

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents in Llangollen and surrounding areas that a Covid-19 testing centre opened in the town last Saturday.

The centre based at County Hall, Ruthin, has now closed and has moved to the Market Street car park in Llangollen and is open between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

No appointments are necessary but the walk in/drive through session is open to those with symptoms that need a test.

The centres have been operated in partnership between Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “These testing centres are extremely important facilities in the fight against coronavirus in the county.  They are so convenient and will provide some peace of mind to residents that they can access treatment if necessary.

“The centres at Rhyl and Ruthin have worked extremely well, with many residents taking the opportunity to come and have a test.  We look forward to working with our partners on the new centre in Llangollen and would encourage anyone displaying symptoms to come and take advantage of the services offered at the testing centre.”

Residents who are displaying symptoms and have been given self-isolation advice are asked to stay at home until the end of the self-isolation period.

MP becomes ambassador for small business

* Simon Baynes MP meets Siân Glyn-Jones from Courtyard Books. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been appointed Small Business Ambassador for Wales by Conservative Party Chairman Amanda Milling.

In every region of the UK, a Conservative representative has been chosen to champion local firms. 

And on Small Business Saturday 12 Conservative MPs were chosen to as voices to represent businesses and help shape crucial government policy.

Mr Baynes said he was honoured and delighted to take on the new role. 

He said: "Since being elected in December last year, I’ve tried my very best to champion our small businesses in Clwyd South, and, along with my team, have been supporting many of them through the ongoing pandemic.

"This new role will enable me to better stand up for our local business leaders in Clwyd South and the rest of Wales, and to represent their voices to the UK Government as we rebuild our high streets and local economies post-Covid.”

Former Llan resident Peter Lingard dies in Thailand

 

* Peter Lingard, second from left, with members of his family.

A well-known character in Llangollen for many years, Peter Lingard, has died in Thailand at the age of 69.

Peter came to live in Llangollen over 30 years ago and soon developed many ties to local stage organisations, including the Operatic Society and the society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, of which he was a founder and director.

He was perhaps best known as the director and star of the St Collen’s annual pantomime.

For a number of years he ran the Welsh Love Spoon Centre gift shop at the corner of Market Street and East Street.

He moved from Llangollen and eventually went to live in Thailand where latterly he had been running a country club in Pattaya.

Peter leaves a family in this country.

Paying tribute to him, one of his sons, Nick Lingard, said: “He was a man of great character and had the power to light up the room within seconds! I’m sure a lot of you hold many happy memories with him from his many ventures down the years! He is going to be truly missed all over the world.”