Suzuki unveils its one-size-fits-all Swace

Suzuki Swace drive by Steve Rogers

Getting a new car is exciting, deciding which one can be a headache.

Which is the best body shape, best engine; do you go for electric? Then there are the various trim levels and those pricey option packs. I'm getting stressed just writing about it.

But what if there was a 'one size fits all' car. Give a big hand folks to the Suzuki Swace, one body (estate) one engine size, so need for a spread sheet and a pack of aspirin.

Car spotters will notice a remarkable resemblance to the Toyota Touring Sports which, apart from a different front bumper and light signature, is its twin. Suzuki has teamed up with its Far Eastern friend in a quid pro quo collaboration where it gets two models in return for help in the Indian market where Suzuki rules the roost.

Against the Corolla with its three body styles, two engines and five trim levels the Swace is a bit like a pack of cards without the Ace, king and queen, but along with the big Across SUV, a carbon copy of the Toyota Rav4, it gives the brand more numbers on the road.

There is no shame in sticking a Suzuki badge on the bonnet of a Corolla because the Derby built Toyota is a damn fine car with a proven record for quality and reliability so why not fill your boots.

Suzuki has chosen to take the 1.8 litre petrol hybrid rather than the meaty 2-litre hybrid which could spoil its chances for customers wanting a bit of performance. A sprint to sixty in around 11 seconds is a tad pedestrian these days but the flip side is lower emissions than many rivals and excellent economy, in fact in town driving it is often the electric motor that does the work.

Suzuki claims an average of 64.2mpg and matching that is possible. The delivery driver topped 61mpg on his 160 mile journey, most of which was motorway, while my week's driving mix returned a credible 57mpg.

Like Corolla the gearbox is the automatic CVT transmission which isn't everyone's cup of tea with its mildly annoying whine under acceleration that becomes noisy when pushed to the rev limit. To be fair flat out acceleration is not really the name of the game, so not something to trouble  mum, dad and the children on a trip to the seaside.

And Swace is a good family car. There is room aplenty for three in the back and while boot space is not class leading it is up there with the best. The tailgate opens to a wide unobstructed flat floor with the seats down and there is an option to lower the floor for a bit more carrying capacity.

There are just two trim levels and the entry SZ-T is not left wanting with dual zone automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and rear camera among the highlights.

Moving up to SZ5 adds keyless entry, park assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot and rear cross traffic alert, auto dipping LED headlights and a wireless charging pad for a mobile. Doing without these will save £1,800.

There is no onboard navigation but this can be remedied by linking a mobile phone directions app to the eight inch touchscreen via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The screen sits high in the centre of the dashboard, is easy to see and has short cut buttons. The layout is functional rather than fancy but easy to use and heating controls are separate which is always a bonus. The quality of trim is good with a mix of spongy plastic and soft touch fabric.

Driving Swace is neither exciting nor boring, somewhere in the middle, with decent grip should you want to push on. I took a turn in the back to see how the other half live and found the suspension a little unforgiving over poorer surfaces and particularly potholes where the thump goes through the spine.

In reality Swace has a mountain to climb against its Corolla cousin let alone a host of top notch rivals, but here's the thing. If your ideal motor is a 1.8 litre hybrid estate with a good spec, space for five, low running costs, enviable reliability and with a badge less common than a Toyota, Ford or Volkswagen, then why not give this jack of all trades a whirl.

Fast facts

Swace SZ5 CVT auto

£26,299 (SZ-T £24,499)

1.8 litre + electric motor 122bhp

0-62mph 11.1secs; 112mph

64.2mpg combined

99g/km. VED £135

Boot 596-1232 litres

Insurance group 17

Collen Players invite back live audience for music hall show

* A past pre-lockdown music hall show by the Collen Players.

A live audience will be whisked back at least a century next month when Llangollen’s Collen Players stages its latest music hall and variety show.  

The group was formed a couple of years ago by the town’s vicar, Father Lee Taylor, who himself is a big music hall enthusiast, to revive the Victorian-style of entertainment. 

So far its performers have donned their period costumes to present four sell-out shows in the Community Hall which is always dressed for the occasion to recreate the atmosphere of a turn-of-the-century theatre. 

The most recent show was last November whch, due to Covid-19 rules on public gatherings, had to be pre-recorded and then live streamed on the group’s Facebook page. 

But now all restrictions have been lifted it’s time to invite back a live audience to the next lavish production which is on Friday, September 3, again in the Community Hall and starting at 6.30pm. 

Father Lee said: “It will be great to welcome back a real live audience for our latest show because there’s nothing quite like the feedback you get from them. 

“Traditional music hall is all about the audience joining in by singing along and laughing at the jokes and that’s exactly what we’ll be inviting people to do. 

“Myself and all the cast are looking forward to it immensely and can’t wait for the show to begin.” 

Once again Father Lee will chair the evening’s proceedings, introducing the acts and doling out his corny line in banter along with a couple of his own songs. 

Waiting in the wings will be a nine-strong cast – the largest so far - who will present a range of entertainment from period songs and monologues to magic and knock-about comedy. 

They include regulars Gethin Davies, Mike Connolly, Clare Wall, Shea Ferron, Phil Robinson, Neil Barratt and Dave Lyne alongside newcomers Paul Edwards ‘The Welsh Wizard’ and Louise Cielecki.

* Tickets are £15, including supper, and are available by emailing: stcollens@gmail.com

Roadworks alert for Vicarage Road

The following local roadworks alert has come from one.network:

Vicarage Road 18 August — 20 August   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: Boundary box Install 25mm Job in Footway (6mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Works location: OUTSIDE PROPERTY KNOWN AS BRYN HELYG...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Hafren Dyfrdwy.   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000060404335

Roadworks alert for local trunk routes

Forthcoming roadworks on the nearby Newbridge and Chirk bypasses and the A5 are highlighted in a story on Leaderlive. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19511970.upcoming-roadworks-need-aware-wrexham/

Air ambulance flies into Pengwern Vale

A llanblogger reader sent in this picture of the air ambulance which flew into Pengwern Vale earlier this afternoon where a mountain biking event was taking place.

It is understand the helicopter may not have been needed and that a casualty was eventually taken away in a road ambulance.

llanblogger is currently trying to get further details. 

  

 

St Collen's hosts its annual summer fayre

St Collen's Church had its annual summer fayre this afternoon.

Stalls, including home-made cakes and bric-a-brac, were set up in the church while burgers and other refreshments were available in the nearby community hall.

There was also a raffle with a host of prizes. 

Skates welcomes funding for Llangollen Railway

* Ken Skates MS, left, meets Mark Drakeford on a visit to town.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has thanked the Welsh Government for helping get Llangollen Railway back on track.  

The comments came after a recent visit to the popular tourist attraction by Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden and the news that further major funding from the Welsh Government had been confirmed.  

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “Llangollen Railway is of huge importance locally and attracts visitors from far and wide. It has had unparalleled support from the Welsh Labour Government over the years and I’m delighted and proud that they have once again stepped in with crucial funding. 

“The Trust was given a grant of £147,860 last year and I know there was a lot of clamour locally for even more funding when the railway ran into problems earlier this year.” 

Mr Skates added: “Prior to the Senedd elections in May, while visiting Llangollen, First Minister Mark Drakeford said the Welsh Government would work with local people to help get the railway back up and running if re-elected, so I had every confidence that would be borne out. I would like to thank the First Minister and the Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden for delivering for Llangollen.”  

Shortly after the election, Mr Skates says he made formal representations to the Welsh Government calling for more funding for Llangollen Railway. 

Last month, it was announced a further £143,290 grant had been rubber-stamped to help with running services and restarting operations – taking the financial package to more than £291,000 in the last 12 months alone.  

In the Deputy Minister’s response to Mr Skates, she said: “Thank you for your letter of May 24 regarding support for the Llangollen Railway. Like you, I recognise the important role of the Llangollen Railway as a key tourist attraction and as a precious piece of regional heritage. I was lucky enough to visit the railway last month when I visited north Wales.  

“Last year the Llangollen Railway Trust received a grant of £147,860 from the first round of the Cultural Recovery Fund to support its operations. 

"In the months following the sad announcement that the PLC arm had been placed into administration, officials in Cadw and Visit Wales have maintained contact with the Trustees, receiving updates regarding the progress of their plans to retake full control of the railway and restart operations.  

“On the advice of my officials, the Trustees submitted a request to Welsh Government for support from the second round of the Cultural Recovery Fund. I am pleased to say that having received confirmation from the Trust regarding their progress towards restructuring and restarting operations, we were recently able to issue a grant offer to Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd of £143,290.  

“This money will help the Trust to restart and operate trains during the summer and to help them get themselves on a sound financial footing to manage through the winter. I commend the Board of Trustees for continuing to work so hard to stabilise the organisation and wish them luck with their efforts to restart operations and secure the future of the railway.”

Police make arrest for public order offence in town

Local police have highlighted how they are maintaining public order in Llangollen.

Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Rich Evans says in a message put out earlier today (Friday) on the new Community Alert network: "We will continue to act robustly against people who engage in disorderly and abusive behaviour in our towns. 

"Last evening a female was arrested for a Public Order offence in Llangollen for being abusive to one of our Police Community Support Officers."

North Wales Community Alert is a free messaging service for people who live, work and visit North Wales.

Registration is completely free, quick and simple. 

North Wales Community Alert also gives you an opportunity to provide feedback to your local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to you.

* For more information and to register for the North Wales Community Alert

New Kia Sorento PHEV punches above its weight

Kia Sorento PHEV drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the Kia Sorento, a big SUV with an even bigger story to tell.

It has been around for 18 years often trying to overcome SUV badge snobbery but version four has smashed it with more style, more quality, more engines, more technology, more space, more everything. Oh, and more money with the entry plug-in hybrid a salty £45, 655 while the range topper is an eye popping £54,000 give or take a few hundred quid.

But is it a bargain for the big bucks?

Built on a new platform Sorento is spacious and can even rub shoulders with SUV royalty like the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. It has seven seats, not many of those around, and yes, it is a genuine seven seater with the third row able to house a couple of adults.

Even though it is four wheel drive the floor is fairly flat and not compromised by the usual transmission hump so there is no problem fitting three chunky adults across the middle row. Sorento is a little wider than the previous model, and there is a smidgen more head room. With the third row folded the boot is huge, big enough for four large suitcases, apparently, so there is obvious appeal for big families. Drop all the seats, using levers in the side walls and two people could sleep in it, it is that deep and wide.

And third row passengers are well catered for with heating controls and a USB port in each side wall. In fact there are two more cleverly built in to the backs of the front seats and another three more up front.

Entry level 2 does not get on board navigation but you can use an app from an Android Auto or Apple Carplay mobile to get directions on to the car's touchscreen. The only drawback, and it's a silly one, is that the phone, and therefore navigation directions, cannot be paired on the move. I know we are hell bent on safety but why is it necessary to stop a passenger performing the operation.

Apart from navigation and keyless entry the PHEV entry Sorento has just about everything you need and a bit more which is good for those stretching to the top of the budget.

Quality has been improved with upgraded finishes while the only areas still covered in hard plastic are the boot walls although it is easier to clean so maybe it is not such a bad idea.

Dashboard layout is a conventional affair with a clear digital driver's display and an eight inch touchscreen for audio, phone and driver aids, but good old fashioned switches for the heating controls. I am an old fella so this is my kind of dashboard although Sorento does not have the wow factor of the futuristic Peugeot 5008, but I did like the rotary gear selector.

 The sharpness of the reversing camera tells you the graphics could be better and probably are another grade up where the screen is 10.25 inches.

Performance from the turbo charged 1.6 petrol is strong and gets a hefty boost in horse power and torque from the electric motor. A 50-70mph dash takes 5.7 seconds which is impressive for such a big car.

Electric range is 35 miles, I managed a 26 mile cross country round trip and still had electric miles left so not that far off the mark. A full charge from my Podpoint wallbox took three and a half hours.

Anyone wanting to haul a caravan or horsebox is going to be disappointed with the PHEVs paltry 1500kg towing limit but unlike some key rivals Sorento still has a diesel which can pull up to 2500kg. It is also £4k cheaper than the plug-in.

Which car do you choose? Space is the key and how much you need for your family. Both the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008 are much cheaper, offer seven seats and are better to drive along twisting roads but neither can match the Sorento's living room space or offer a plug-in hybrid.

Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V plug-ins are similarly priced but also fall short of the Kia's space package.

Kia has put down a marker with Sorento which punches above its weight and is even a plausible alternative to more expensive big guns like Discovery or Volvo XC 90. It doesn't have the ultimate quality and finish of the premium SUVs but is not that far away any more.

Fast facts

Sorento 2 PHEV AWD

£46,655

1.6 litre 6sp auto; 261bhp

0-60mph 8.4secs; 119mph

176mpg electric combined

41mpg petrol only

Electric range 35 miles

38g/km. VED zero

Boot 809 litres

Insurance group 33

Railway cancels steam trains for the weekend

Llangollen Railway has made a last minute cancellation of its steam train services for this weekend.

In an announcement last night operations manager Paul Reynolds said: "The loco will not be running over the weekend as its documentation is incomplete and therefore it cannot run."

The railway has explained that scheduled steam services will be taken over by diesel multiple units.  

Steam was due to start running again from today (Friday) until Sunday.

 

MP congratulates Paul Edwards on his 971-mile charity walk

* Paul Edwards and Simon Baynes MP.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes met with Paul Edwards at the Cross Foxes in Penycae as he celebrated the completion of his sponsored walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Hope House Hospice.

During the course of his walk, Mr Edwards completed on average 25 miles a day dressed as the Marvel character Deadpool in honour of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's takeover of Wrexham AFC.

He had prepared for the solo and unsupported 971-mile hike with a gruelling 24-week training schedule. 

And his last epic trek in 2019 from Scotland to Wales, took him to the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, before arriving home in Penycae. 

Mr Edwards, who has been fundraising for various different charities for over 20 years, set a target of raising £10,000 from his walk for Hope House, but he has spectacularly exceeded this figure, raising an amazing £14,000 so far. 

Donations can still be made to Paul’s Just Giving page on: www.justgiving/fundraising/paul-edwards1000mileshike.

Paul Edwards said: “I have had some incredible experiences on this challenge, but throughout the journey, the one thing that will forever stay in my memory is the kindness, generosity and support of the British people. 

"From the Northernmost tip of the country to the southernmost, I had such a fantastic response from people I met. 

"Whether it was to ask me into their homes for a cup of coffee, stopping their cars to offer me a bottle of water and something to eat, stopping to chat about what I was doing or just beeping the horns and waving as they drove by, the people of Britain are amazing and this is reflected in the wonderful amount of money raised so far.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “Having completed many events and challenges for various charities in the past, this was the biggest by far for Paul, who pushed himself to the limit to achieve a fantastic result for Hope House Hospice. 

"I would like to join everyone else who has praised Paul for his selfless charity work – which he also self-funds so that every penny raised goes to the hospice. He is a local hero in Penycae and I know that his family, friends and neighbours will all be tremendously proud of what he has achieved. Many congratulations, Paul!”

Denbighshire congratulates pupils on GCSE results

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their GCSE results.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate all pupils getting their GCSE results.

“This last year has presented significant challenges for learners and they have made a tremendous effort to achieve their results, they have worked very hard to get here.

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year.

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

* The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has congratulated learns on their GCSE achievements.Share this page via

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• There were 328,658 summer GCSE entries this year, a rise of 8.6% compared to 2020.
• 29% of entries achieved an A* or A, with 74% receiving between A*- C.
• 98% of entries resulted in a pass between grades A*-G.

This year’s assessment and qualification process has been different to previous years, as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic. A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges, drawing on a range of assessment evidence to determine learners’ grades.

The Welsh Government provided an additional £9m to support schools and colleges in the delivery of this year’s assessments. £26m was provided to ensure students could complete their vocational qualifications and colleges could continue to deliver practical sessions this year. 

The Minister visited Ysgol Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire, where he met pupils collecting their GCSE grades.

Jeremy Miles said: "Our priority this year has been to put a system in place so that learners receive grades based on evidence of their work and enables them to progress to the next stage of their education, training or work with confidence.

"My message to this year’s GCSE students is a huge ‘well done’. You’ve had everything thrown at you over the last 18 months – periods in lockdown, time away from your friends and families, and times where you’ve missed out on many of the social activities you should be enjoying. You’ve shown tremendous resilience to overcome all of these challenges.

"I also want to congratulate learners on their vocational qualification results. Skills in priority sectors are vitally important in meeting the range of needs of the Welsh economy, now more than ever, and your hard-earned qualifications will put you in good stead for the future.

"It’s also been a remarkable achievement by all the school and college staff who’ve worked so hard to enable qualifications this year. It’s been an almighty task to put measures in place so that learners could get their results, like any other year. You should be very proud of the work you have done to help our learners progress."

Order aims to ensure owners control dogs in open spaces

 

Denbighshire County Council has today launched a Public Space Protection order (PSPO) to ensure dog owners control their pets properly whilst using county public areas.

The PSPO launched following a full consultation, will allow the council to take action against owners who allow their dogs to foul in an area of public land without cleaning up after them.

The intention of introducing the revised, county wide control of dogs PSPO is to effectively deal with particular problems and nuisances that occur across the county.

This order also prohibits owners from taking their dogs onto sports pitches across Denbighshire and also letting a dog off a lead anywhere that is not allowed.

There are also restrictions on Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches between May and 30^th September please check the signs in these areas.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We know that the majority of Denbighshire dog owners are respectful of other members of the public and they do clean up after their pets. 

"Unfortunately, the council does receive a number of complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places.

“This new PSPO will allow us to take the appropriate action against those dog owners who behave irresponsibly with their pets in public.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners to ensure that they carry appropriate dog mess bags with them when they take their dogs for a walk.”

* For further information, please click these links:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/community-and-living/community-safety-and-support/public-spaces-protection-orders.aspx

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/dog-issues/dog-issues.aspx

 

Famous Berwyn station building gets a £5k facelift

* Above and below: the work on Berwyn station building in progress.

Pictures by George Jones.

With the re-opening of Llangollen Railway, work is being carried out on what of the line's most famous landmarks.   

Scaffolding has been erected around the station house at Berwyn which dates from 1865.

A mix of volunteers and a contractor have been tackling the exterior of the mock Tudor building.

With repairs to the roof flashings, efforts are concentrated on the timberwork to prepare it for painting whilst it has been necessary to replace some of the outer layers of timber due to weather damage.

Phil Coles, deputy chair of Llangollen Railway Trust, said: "The building restoration project is costing upwards of £5,000 plus the input from volunteer labour and we hope the work will be completed by the end of August. 

"The building will then be revealed in all its black and white glory as befits Berwyn which has previously been judged as in the top ten stations in Britain for its dramatic location above the River Dee Gorge."

For the moment the station is the terminus of the interim railcar service from Llangollen and passengers arriving by train are discovering the delights of the location as viewed from the historic chain bridge and route to the Horseshoe Falls.

Glanrafon to host talk on trees this Saturday

Professor Julian Evans will be giving an illustrated presentation entitled God’s Trees on Saturday, August 14, at Glanrafon Chapel in Princess Street, Llangollen. 

Professor Evans is a forest scientist and author of God’s Trees – trees, forests and wood in the Bible. 

He is a Commissioner of the Forestry Commission (England), a past president of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and has published numerous books and scientific papers.

The illustrated talk will begin at 5:30pm and will last for approximately 45 minutes. 

A limited number of places are still available but due to ongoing Covid restrictions, it is essential to book for the event.

* Please contact coedclwyd@gmail.com for further details or to book a place. Copies of God’s Trees will be available at a 20% discount.

Funding available towards cost of installing gigabit broadband

Rural residents and businesses in Denbighshire are being remind to apply for funding towards the cost of installing gigabit broadband.

The Welsh and UK governments are working together on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme which covers part of the cost of installing new gigabit-capable internet connections.

Under the partnership £7,000 is available for small-to-medium sized businesses and up to £3,000 is available for residential premises.

Gigabit-capable broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the scheme is open to rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “The scheme has now been relaunched by the Welsh and UK governments and we are urging Denbighshire residents in rural locations without decent broadband to check to see if they are eligible for these vouchers.

“Connecting communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and improved internet connections ensure our communities have access to goods and services and help the county’s businesses provide services online.

“It is possible for residents or community groups to work together on applications and the Council is working to advise and assist them with their applications.”

As well as offering the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme, the Welsh Government funded Fibre Roll-out will see a total of 1,862 extra premises in Denbighshire enabled for Fibre To The Premises

(FTTP) connection by June 2022 and Openreach has already enabled 399 premises in the county.

If you would like to discuss the options available contact the Council’s digital officer via communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk and to check eligibility for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

Campaigner gives update on battle for recycling centre

* Plas Madoc household waste recycling site in Wrexham.

A local tip campaigner gives his latest update on the fight for an arrangement to provide access to Plas Madoc household recycling centre for residents of the Dee Valley.

A few months ago Phil Jones organised a 900-signature petition calling for an agreement between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils which would mean local people would no longer have to drive over to Ruthin use the to tip there. He now says: 

"We have a new chief executive at Denbighshire CC. Mr Graham Boase. 

"I wrote to him 14 days ago to appraise him of the long outstanding issue of getting a proper recycling service for the Dee Valley. 

"I was hoping that he would see the clear disparity in the service provision we are getting in the Dee Valley compared to the north of the county and agree to do something about it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that far.

"Mr Boase has registered my letter as an official complaint. This has the effect of ‘kicking the can down the road’ as the complaint procedure will no doubt take a few months. 

"Even assuming my complaint is upheld, the council’s response to it will be determined by the council not by the complaints procedure. 

"Of more concern is the fact that I am informed that the complaint will be dealt with by the Head of Service, Mr Tony Ward; the very person who has been obfuscating the whole process of sorting this out. I will be requesting that someone else is appointed to handle the complaint.

"Denbighshire says that the charge for a service at Plas Madoc is ‘unaffordable’, though they haven’t explained why their operating costs have been calculated to be just one seventh of those at Wrexham. 

"If we get a positive result from the complaints procedure, the best I think we can hope for is that our needs are put front and centre in the next budget round for the next financial year 2022/23.

"We want access to a modern recycling facility in the Dee Valley. It already exists and the Welsh Government and DCC are forever telling us how good they are at recycling. Why, you may wonder are they failing us so badly. 

"We live in a world where ‘spin’ counts for more the action. The saga continues. Thank-you for your continued support." 

Denbighshire congratulates pupils on A/AS Level results 2021

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their A/AS Level results.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to congratulate all Year 12 and 13 learners on their results in this difficult year.

“The hard work and dedication pupils have shown over the last year has been amazing to see and they have been supported in every way by our schools, their staff and parents.

“Seeing how our schools and communities have pulled together during the coronavirus pandemic has been fantastic and despite disruptions pupils have continued to learn and achieve throughout.

“Reaching this stage has truly been a wonderful team effort, but the pupils themselves have really gone above and beyond.

“We would like to wish all our young people the very best for the future.”

* No results have been received from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Headteacher Mark Hatch told llanblogger: "Unfortunately this year it has been a strange situation. We haven't had a 'results day'. Confirmation of results was sent to students via email. We aren't publishing school results this year due to the situation."

Education Minister Jeremy Miles has praised the achievements of students all over Wales as 2021 A, AS, VQ and Skills Challenge Certificates results are published.

The total number of A level entries in Wales this year was 35,867, an increase of 14.5% relative to 2020, reversing the decreasing A level entries since the summer of 2015, and resulting in an extra 4,500 A levels being awarded to Welsh learners this year. Results for Wales show that 99.1% of learners achieved A* - E grades, up from 97.6% in 2019, with an increase at A* with 21.3% of candidates achieving this grade. This year’s assessment and qualification process have been different to previous years as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic. A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges and put trust in them to draw together a range of assessment evidence on which to determine a learner’s grade.  Jeremy Miles said: “I hope everyone who received their grades today feels immensely proud of their remarkable achievement. “This year has been like no other and you’ve had to make many sacrifices. You have had to deal with so much disruption to your studies over the past 18 months, but have shown tremendous resilience and determination to continue your learning. You have also played an incredibly important role in keeping your classmates, teachers and communities safe. “While your experiences and the way in which you have been assessed have been different, the value of these qualifications is not. You can can be sure that your grades reflect your hard work throughout this year, and you fully deserve the qualifications you receive. “Our school and college staff have also been tremendous, working incredibly hard and under a lot of pressure to deliver and mark learners’ assessments. “The most important thing this year is that learners are able to progress to the next stage of their education, training or their work careers.   “Best of luck to you all in whatever your future holds.”

Steam trains are returning to the railway this Friday

Steam trains are coming back to Llangollen Railway.

Now rapidly recovering from the double blows of pandemic restrictions and its own financial crisis, the heritage line is set to re-introduce its highly popular steam services in a few days time.

On its Facebook page it has posted: "We are pleased to announce that this Friday (13th) will see the return of steam-hauled trains through the Dee Valley, as well as the extension of services to Glyndyfrdwy.

"As well as steam-hauled services, we will also be operating a heritage railcar.

"Trains depart Llangollen every 55 minutes from 10:30 until 15:05, and from Glyndyfrdwy every 55 minutes from 11:12 until 15:47. Trains will also stop at Berwyn. This timetable will be in operation over the weekend too.

"Tickets can be purchased on the day from our Booking Offices. For more information of times and prices, drop us a message or enquire at our Booking Offices.

"Rostered locos are GWR 3802 (Steam) and Class 109 'Wickham' (DMU)."

The railway has recently received high-level visits from Welsh Government and UK Ministers who both congratulated the operating team on the way it has fought back from its twin crises.

It swung back into action early last month and has since been successfully running heritage diesel railcar services as far as Berwyn.

But the new board had promised that steam would be back this month.

MP discusses future of key heritage building

* David Metcalfe, left, and Simon Baynes MP outside the Ebenezer in Cefn Mawr.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes visited the Ebenezer Chapel in Cefn Mawr to discuss future plans for the building to lead the economic regeneration of the area.

The Ebenezer was secured for the community at auction on May 25.

The chapel was extensively restored in 2007/8 as a part of the Article 4 Cefn Mawr Conservation Area. 

This was part of the preparatory work for UNESCO Inscription of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site in 2009.

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with David Metcalfe, project leader for the Plas Kynaston Canal (PKC) Group.

They discussed many topics relating to the future success of the Ebenezer and prosperity of the community. 

These ranged from storm damage and the B5605 landslide to the prospects of the Trevor Basin Master Plan and how the PKC Group seeks to work with Wrexham Council. 

It was stressed that the community needs to be connected to overcome the lack of footfall in Cefn Mawr and the Ebenezer in an area with one of the highest visitor counts in Wales. 

Simon Baynes said: “It was a pleasure to meet with David and to see the excellent plans underway to not only regenerate the old Ebenezer Chapel, which is at the centre of our famous Pontcysyllte World Heritage site, but also, the wider development of our local economy in Cefn Mawr. 

"The project has my full support and I look forward to checking in and keeping a close eye on how it develops going forward.”

Police execute drugs warrant in Lllangollen over weekend

The latest Neighbourhood Action alert from North Wales Police says: "The Conwy and Denbighshire Rural Neighbourhood Police team executed a positive Drugs Warrant in Llangollen over the weekend responding to community intelligence. 

"We have also been on patrol in locations that have experienced a high volume of visitors recently such as Llangollen and Betws-y-Coed as well as patrolling in locations known for illegal off--road biking. 

"Anti-social driving in Ruthin Town Centre will also continue to be a focus at weekends. 

"What else and where else do you think we can focus our attention at the moment?" 

* For details of Neighbourhood Action, go to: https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/

Paper highlights Llan woman who is Wales' strongest woman

The Denbighshire Free Press has a story about a Llangollen woman who has broken three Welsh records and earned the title of Wales' Strongest Woman.

* For the the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19497074.llangollen-woman-breaks-three-welsh-records-wins-wales-strongest-woman/

Survey launched on Gypsy and Traveller needs in county

A survey has been launched as part of work to produce an up to date needs assessment for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire County Council is assessing current accommodation need for Gypsies, Traveller and Travelling Show people and this does not include looking for locations for sites.

The process will include talking to Gypsy and Traveller families, key stakeholders and representative groups and will run until October 7.

It will include a review of local data, including the number of unauthorised encampments that have taken place in the county and a consultation with families from the Gypsy and Travelling community living in Denbighshire. 

Elected members and city, town and community councils will also be asked to promote the survey to eligible residents as well as feed in local knowledge around travelling patterns. 

The council has a legal duty to undertake a new Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) every five years as a requirement of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and it is also a requirement for the replacement Local Development Plan the Council is currently working on.

A Task and Finish group set up to support the process had a work brief and a communications plan endorsed by the council’s Scrutiny Committee on July 26.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We have now launched the consultation and will be looking to gain as much feedback from Gypsy and Traveller families as we can to help inform this process. 

“We are encouraging Gypsy and Traveller families to take part in this consultation process. The Council has a legal duty to undertake this Assessment and it is important we do it properly.

“This process is to gain a better understanding of any accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers who live in the area as well as those Gypsy and Traveller families who stay on unauthorised encampments.

“The GTAA will assess any accommodation need only and this work does not include looking for locations for sites. There will be no further work on looking for sites until we understand any potential need.”

Opinion Research Services will be undertaking the assessment on behalf of the Council and it will be carried out in conjunction with Conwy County Borough Council who are conducting a similar assessment in Conwy.

* If you are a Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Show person living in Denbighshire then contact Michael Bayliss at Opinion Research Services on 07471 267095 or email michael.bayliss@ors.org.uk