Hero cop encourages others to join police

 

* Inspector Gavin Gilmore. 

A hero police officer who’s talked down countless suicidal men and women from a world-famous bridge is calling on others to make a difference by joining the police.

Inspector Gavin Gilmore, a nationally trained hostage and crisis negotiator, is on course to become one of the most senior ethnic minority police officers in North Wales Police if he successfully completes his Chief Inspector promotion process later this year.

The multi award-winning cop, who was once honoured for his bravery after stepping in to apprehend a machete-wielding offender following a serious assault, said he could not have picked out a more challenging or rewarding career for himself.

Insp Gilmore was speaking as North Wales Police launched  its latest drive to recruit more officers.

The window for applications is open from August 18 to August 29 and details can be found on the North Wales Police website www.northwales.police.uk 

The dad-of-one, who is currently Wrexham Rural District Inspector, joined the force in 2007 at the age of 24 following a three-year stint as a chemical engineer.

The 40-year-old studied for a degree at Manchester Metropolitan University  but said the idea of a policing career had always appealed to him.

Despite strong disapproval from his father who was keen for him to become a doctor, Insp Gilmore signed up and said it was the best decision he has ever made.

“For me it was the right time. I had reached the age of 24 and had a lifetime of experiences already, coming from a background of divorced parents. It does make you grow up pretty quickly,” he said.

“I also come from a mixed-race background. My dad was Mauritian and of Hindu faith and my mother is white.

“My father never wanted me to join the police. He preferred engineering or a career in the NHS and had aspirations of me becoming a doctor. When I joined, I had the added complication of going against my father’s wishes.

“When I told him my plans, he was quite against it. I was born in the early 80s and it was very much a different world. It was difficult to change the views of someone who had lived through the Brixton riots in 1981. Even when I got promoted my dad was still concerned for me and asked if I was sure that policing was for me.

“I’m now 15 years into my career and going for my promotion to Chief Inspector. If I pass, I will be the most senior minority ethnic police officer in the force which just shows how quickly you can go through the ranks if you give it your best.

“If you want to implement change in the police, you have to get yourself in a position where you implement the change. Policing is evolving and while there is still a way to go, the Chief Constable is really pushing to make a difference.”

After completing his initial training, Insp Gilmore joined Wrexham North and undertook a variety of roles before completing his initial sergeant qualifications and moving to Mold, Flintshire, as part of the response team.

After 18 months, he passed his inspector exams and moved into an acting inspector role at Flintshire South and Flintshire North where he continued to build his evidence for the rank before returning to Wrexham in charge of Wrexham Rural District. 

During the past 15 years, Insp Gilmore has amassed a wealth of qualifications including high-level national training as a crisis and hostage negotiator.

It is these specific skills that has seen him deal with multiple incidents involving suicidal people on the Menai Bridge on Anglesey in addition to resolving dangerous hostage situations.

He has also trained as a firearms officer, public safety commander and advanced driver and is currently completing a Master’s Degree in Policing and Law Enforcement Leadership at Liverpool’s John Moores University.

“I’ve talked lots of people off bridges including Menai Bridge, I’ve talked people off roofs when they’re threatening officers or other people. I’ve dealt with situations where people have committed crimes and have threatened to burn down buildings and large scale public disorder incidents,” he said.

“I’ve investigated gangs bringing drugs into North Wales and was involved in breaking up an operation involving the supply of drugs from Merseyside into North Wales.

“This is a really complex job. You’re taking people’s liberty away and need to fully understand your legislative powers. You’re given great responsibility as a police officer and you need to fully appreciate the powers warranted to you.

“You’re not only dealing with victims of crime but communities as well and your own officers’ welfare. Police officers deal with death all day long and their welfare is paramount.

“There are so many career paths in the police, it’s so varied. If you have an affinity for investigations, you can go into CID, if you have an affinity for driving you can go into roads policing.

“I’ve not looked back since 2007, it has really opened my eyes. You have to remain fit and agile, of course, and as society evolves so do you. Every day is a school day.”

Insp Gilmore, whose wife is a serving North Wales police officer, now uses his personal experiences to help other minority ethnic officers and staff coming through the ranks as deputy chair of North Wales Police’s Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA).

“We support ethnic minority staff and officers who join us, especially when they are suffering periods of stress-related illnesses. We also use a buddy system for new officers so they don’t feel isolated,” he said. 

“For me as an Inspector going on to become a Chief Inspector and becoming the most senior minority ethnic officer in the force, this shows other people from a similar background you can go up the ranks and that you shouldn’t view ethnicity as a barrier because it’s not.

“There are support networks within the police to help you through, we are not isolated and on our own. We have a welfare team in place offering whatever support is needed. There really is no better time to join.”

* For more details about how to apply go to www.northwales.police.uk

Notice given of temporary traffic restriction on the Geraint

* The area affected by the traffic order on the Geraint shown in red.

Denbighshire County Council has given notice of a temporary order prohibiting traffic on the length of unclassified road known as the Geraint in Llangollen to allow BT to reroute existing cables next month.

The order extends north westwards from a point 280 metres north west of the junction with the A5 for a distance of approximately 720 metres.

It is effective from September 5 and the work is expected to last until September 19.

The order says pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of the closure and that there is no other route available. 

The Cornmill makes list of UK's top 20 riverside pubs

* Llangollen's Cornmill on the River Dee.

A landmark Llangollen hostelry features in a list of the UK's 20 best waterside pubs which appears in the Guardian newspaper. 

The description of the Cornmill, whose popular decking dining area is suspended over the River Dee, says: "Watch the white-water rafters from this pub perched over the rapids. 

"Enjoy a glass of wine, or two, as the mill’s water wheel turns behind the bar, and the steam trains puff away on the opposite side of the riverbank." 

The Cornmill, which is run by the Brunning and Price chain, shares the top 20 list with places such as the picturesque Swan Inn, Oxfordshire, which is described as the "perfect Cotswold pub", The Pandora Inn, Cornwall, a thatched 13th-century inn on the edge of Restronguet Creek, and 17th century The Waterman’s Arms, Devon, set on a reed-fringed bank of the Harbourne near Totnes.

Genesis is a real showstopper - but only down south for now

Genesis G80 drive by Steve Rogers

If looks alone sold cars this would be a best seller.

People are often interested in cars I drive but the Genesis G80 stole the show. May be they were looking at the badge and wondering ‘what the heck is that’?

More likely they were wowed by its stunning design, bold in your face grille and stylish wafer thin headlight signature. Make no mistake G80 is eye candy.

So why don’t we see Genesis models flooding our roads? Here’s the story (briefly).

Genesis is a new premium brand funded by Hyundai and launched during the pandemic in 2021. Not a great start. Oh, and there are no flashy showrooms, the cars are sold online, the customer getting a virtual tour of the models, buys one and gets a personal assistant who looks after you for the duration. Any problems and the car is collected and the customer left with a courtesy car.

Initially marketing was concentrated in London and south east but the message has spread quicker than expected and test drives are now being arranged nationwide.

G80 is the flagship saloon and has a job on its hands because the opposition is the dominant German trio, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, with Jaguar XF, Volvo S90 and Lexus ES providing another hurdle.

So does it measure up to the opposition, and is it value for money? Hyundai is too savvy to do things by half measures and have ploughed money and expertise into its premium brand. G80 does not look good just on the outside, the cabin has a true luxury look and feel with high quality materials and finish and can match the big names. My passengers were stunned by what they saw.

It comes in three trim levels, rear wheel or all wheel drive, with a starting price of £41,650, is well equipped although to be really pampered go to the Luxury model which has just about everything you would expect on a premium car and more.

Major functions are power assisted, even for adjusting the steering wheel, front seats have 12-way adjustment, are ventilated or heated, there is a belting sound system, 360 degree camera, and you are protected by an impressive list of safety features.

G80 has bucked the trend for the wide screen style dashboard display opting for a more conventional twin digital dial binnacle and a central 8in screen for navigation, radio, general information, mobile phone connections et cetera. Thankfully heating related functions are dealt with in a digital display which can be affected by sun glare but let’s not make too much of that because it is looks classy.

And let’s hand out bonus points for a rotary controller for the screen functions which is far safer than leaning forward and dabbing through touchscreen menus.

Bucket shaped rear seats mean the car is best suited as a four seater, it takes five but the middle passenger sits perched up and has to contend with a wide transmission tunnel.

Performance from the petrol 2.5 litre turbo is brisk via an eight speed automatic box but economy is not a strong point and you will be lucky to get more than 30mpg.

So everything in the garden is generally rosy but there is always a but and in the case of G80 it is the ride. Premium saloon buyers expect a magic carpet ride which you get it in an Audi A6 or Mercedes E-Class but you will not get it in the G80. This is not an Achilles heal, more a sprained ankle because it is comfortable enough on motorways and  good A-road tarmac but a tad choppy on lesser roads.

The Genesis brand is no half hearted attempt to put a spoke into the German juggernaut and G80 is a fine first effort and good value with a five year warranty and five years free servicing.

Backer Hyundai is in no rush and will iron out any niggles down the line but it is going to take time so do not expect to be seeing a mass of Genesis models on our roads just yet.

Fast facts

Genesis G80 Luxury Line

£47,950 (£54,280 with extras)

2.5 litre turbo, 8-speed auto AWD

0-62mph 6secs; 155mph

31.2mpg combined

210g/km. 1st tax £1,420

Insurance group 43

Boot 424 litres

List of latest local roadworks

Latest local roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 22/08/2022 24/08/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN.

 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN.

 JUNCTION REGENT STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET HALL STREET 22/08/2022 24/08/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN.

JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET HALL STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN.

A539 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO ADJACENT WESTOE, ABBEY ROAD ABBEY ROAD 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights.

JUNCTION OF DINBREN ROAD TO JUNCTION OF MILL STREET, WHARF HILL WHARF HILL 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights.

A539 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF BISHOPS WALK MILL STREET 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN  LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights.

Group to showcase underused natural asset at counties show

* Sheep ready for shearing at Pentredwr.

A community group is to showcase a special project to make better use of a valuable natural asset at this year’s Flint and Denbigh Show. 

Pentredwr and District Community Association applied for Lottery funding for the Hwb project which is now half way through its two-year life. 

The association has numerous community aims centred around rural isolation and depravation and one aspect members are looking at is local Welsh Mountain grade fleece, an underused, undervalued and sustainable, fibre. 

* Wool sacks in storage on the farm.

And to help raise public awareness of this natural fibre, they are showcasing some alternative uses for hill grade fleece at the show, accompanied by Gill Britten of Gwlângollen. 

A spokesperson said: “Hwb Pentredŵr is a project delivered jointly by Pentredŵr and District Community Association and Glwângollen. 

“We are working towards securing community prosperity by developing rural skills and enterprise, addressing rural isolation, supporting digital inclusion and access to services thereby strengthening the community. 

“Sheep production is central to farming in the valley and surrounding area, and shearing is essential to ensure the wellbeing and health of our local flocks. 

“Exploring the wider uses of locally produced Welsh Mountain fleece is a key element of the work we are doing. 

“In total, there are almost 120 different grades of wool in Britain.  Within each style of wool, fleeces are graded by quality with judgements made across a range of characteristics.  

“Our Welsh Mountain sheep must survive in sometimes harsh conditions on the hills, so the wool tends to be much coarser than many other grades of fleece. Consequently, due to its coarser nature, hill grade fleece is generally used in the manufacture of carpets.” 

The spokesperson added: “Our local wool is a totally natural, durable, sustainable, biodegradable fibre which is remarkably deemed as next to worthless in the current market. 

“Prices per kilo for wool have been steadily falling for many years whereas years ago the annual wool cheque would have covered rental for a farm, today, hill grade fleece in our area achieves on average 13p a kilo, meaning a whole fleece is worth only 26-30p. 

“Each sheep costs at least £1 to shear. Shearing is a very skilled job and extremely hard work. In addition, many man hours are required to gather and sort the sheep during the shearing season. 

“HwbPentredŵr and Gwlângollen, with the support of a group of local farmers, are driving forward ideas which may eventually lead to development of a small local wool processing plant, thereby giving this brilliant fibre the respect and recognition it so deserves.” 

Representatives from Hwb Pentredŵr and Gwlângollen will be manning two separate stands at the Flint and Denbigh Show on Thursday August 18, showcasing Welsh Mountain Fleece, some stages of its preparation and also ideas of possible alternative uses. 

They are inviting visitors to call and see them on stand K39. Gill from Gwlângollen will be in the Farmers Union of Wales tent. 

There are numerous, varied events and workshops going on at Pentredŵr. For further details of these follow Hwb Pentredŵr, Pentredŵr and District Community Association and Gwlângollen Facebook pages. 

Hwb Pentredŵr is also on Instagram. Websites: hwb.Pentredwr.co.uk; Pentredwr.co.uk and gwlangollen.wixsite.com

Emergency services search ends in sad discovery

The Leader is reporting this morning (Sunday) that the body of a man has been recovered following a 'concern for safety' incident yesterday (August 13). 

The story say that North Wales Police confirmed they, alongside other emergency services were dealing with a safety incident in Pontcysyllte during the afternoon. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/20642369.wrexham-body-found-incident-river-pontcysyllte/

Plans in place for summer visits to Horseshoe Falls

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of its plans to accommodate visits to Llangollen’s Horseshoe Falls.

With a busy weekend expected, the council is working to manage the increase in visitors and has made a number of preparations.

Extra countryside rangers are being deployed at Horseshoe Falls, to provide information, support for visitors and help deal with any issues.

The council says it is aware also aware of parking issues at the tourist spot and will be deploying civil enforcement officers to manage the site.

Residents and visitors are reminded parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces.

Motorists not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

The council is asking visitors to park responsibly in designated areas and to respect the countryside, this includes keeping dogs on a lead and to bring picnics rather than disposable barbeques.

Those wishing to visit Horseshoe Falls on Saturday can also use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus Service which is available to pick up from Llangollen Parade Street from 8.35am. The service will stop at the falls and more information can be found here - https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/projects/the-picturesque-bus/

Visitors are being reminded to be respectful to those working to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors and residents.

Llan firefighters stop blaze within feet of heatherland

* Above and below: Firefighters at the scene of yesterday's blaze.

Llangollen firefighters have revealed how they put out a forest blaze within feet of heatherland at Nantyr yesterday afternoon.

On their Facebook page, the fire station says: "16:20 32M1 called out to a fire in the open in Nantyr.

"It travelled up a hard standing track up into the forest. The high pressure lance was used to extinguish the deep seated fire.

"The fire was 20 foot away from the start of the Berwyn range which stretches 52,000 acres of heather and gorse from Llangollen to Bala.

"What 3 Words came into its own again and helped locate the fire which was spotted by a hiker.

"Thanks to his quick thinking and the use of the app, this potentially stopped this fire creeping into the start of the 52,000 acres."

In July 2018 firefighters from Llangollen and across North Wales spent days tackling a massive fire which ripped through many acres of heather and gorse on the moorlands near Llantysilio and the Horseshoe Pass.

Police 'hopeful' of catching those responsible for town's grafitti

Police say they are hopeful of catching those responsible for the graffiti which has appeared in parts of Llangollen.

In a message on the North Wales Police Community Alerts system earlier this week, officer Geraint Jones said the Dee Valley Neighbourhood Policing (NPT) was appealing for information following an increase in graffiti around Llangollen town and by Riverside Park. 

He added that a distinct signature that was appearing on the grafitti was the word 'bizz'.

In a new message on the NPT, PCSO 3684 Peter Jones says: "We are currently aware of some graffiti that has appeared in Llangollen.

"We want to reassure you that an investigation into the matter is well underway, we are hopeful that the offenders will be identified and dealt with.

"If you have any information about the incidents please contact 101 or speak to your local Police Community Support Officer."

Live music with a difference at venue near Llangollen

This Saturday evening Black Park Chapel – just down the road from Llangollen – is hosting something different for those who enjoy live music.

It’s a performance by acclaimed professional jazz musicians Faith Brackenbury and Toni Bianco.

Their touring project, entitled Visio Improvisus, is an exploration of the music of St. Hildegard von Bingen, fusing it with their contemporary jazz and improvisation backgrounds.

Layers of violin/viola lines and drones create a base to ethereal Latin vocal monophonic scores, accompanied by rolling drums and percussion.

This tour is promoting their double album of the music, Wayward Mystic, and is aiming to encourage communities to re-engage with live music performance after these years of social isolation and loneliness. 

Bridget Drukker of Black Park said: “I went to the Anoushka Shankar concert at the Llangollen Eisteddfod - incredible, full house and standing ovation. One of the best concerts that I have ever been to.

“Faith Brackenbury is influenced by Anoushka's father, the famous Ravi Shankar, and I think some of those who went to the Eisteddfod would enjoy this on Saturday.”

* Tickets are available on the door or from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/visio-improvisus/visio-improvisus-improvisations-on-the-music-of-st-hildegard-von-bingen/e-pyvgod

Food firm offers cash aid to community groups

* Harlech Foodservice Managing Director David Cattrall. Picture by Rick Matthews.

Community groups and local clubs across North Wales are being urged to bid for a slice of a new £5,000 charity fund.

Leading food wholesaler Harlech Foodservice, which has bases in Criccieth in Gwynedd and Chester, has launched a community foundation as part of the company’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.

The family firm was founded in 1972 as a holiday season supplier to pubs, hotels and campsites in North West Wales and has grown into a £30 million turnover business serving Wales, the North West and West Midlands.

Now Managing Director David Cattrall is inviting community groups, projects, associations and locally based charities to pitch for some cash.

He said: “We have grown from small beginnings into a major North Wales company with bases in Criccieth and Chester and we couldn’t have done that without the support of our loyal customers across the region.

“They have helped us grow into a business employing over 200 staff which supplies not just the tourism and hospitality industry but also schools, colleges, hospitals and care homes so we want to celebrate the success we’ve had by putting something back into the communities which have supported us

“We are asking local groups across North Wales who benefit the community in some way to come forward and pitch for funding which could provide them with some vital cash for something really important to them.

“It could be a mini bus fund for a local dance troupe or maybe some gardening equipment for a primary school, a new pool table for a youth club or art and craft equipment for a pensioners’ group which prevents older people feeling isolated and lonely.

“We are open to suggestions and the main criteria is that people need to show us how they are fundraising and how much they are aiming to raise.

“We are looking to give a helping hand to projects right across the region so we want to hear from the people involved and we’ll be looking to hand over up to £1,000 to the chosen deserving causes.”

Harlech Foodservices has a track record of helping out in the communities it serves and stepped up in the pandemic to make donations to food banks across Wales and into Cheshire and Shropshire.

When their delivery lorries were unable to carry stock to their usual customers they were diverted to charities from Conwy to Newport in Gwent and from their own doorstep in Pwllheli to Northwich and Telford across the English border.

Now as business reaches a peak in the busy holiday season they are looking to hear from deserving causes who can bid for a share of the £5,000 charity by sending a brief description of their organisation, what they are raising money for and what they are looking to achieve along with daytime contact details including a phone number. Bid descriptions should be sent to sales@harlech.lls.com

The business founded by Colin and Gill Foskett above a shop in Harlech in 1972 now delivers up to 5,000 product lines to cafés, restaurants, pubs and public sector customers across North and Mid-Wales, Shropshire, the Midlands and the North West from its modern bases in Criccieth and Chester.

Colin and Gill’s sons and daughter are still on the board and the third generation of the Foskett family are now among a workforce which has grown steadily as the business has expanded to include NHS Wales, care homes and schools, colleges and universities.

For more on Harlech Foodservices go to https://www.harlech.co.uk/ 

New history of Llangollen has some interesting little nuggets

It’s now more than 30 years since the last history of Llangollen was published.

Now there is a fascinating new version written by Peter Jones, a trustee of the town’s museum.

Its 48 pages are packed with basic historical information about almost every important aspect of local life, liberally interspersed with some marvellous nuggets that are probably less well known.

For instance, while detailing the rich past of Valle Crucis Abbey the author notes that back in 1535 many monasteries had become so corrupt that their inhabitants had been forced to turn to crime, including Robert Salisbury, Abbot of Valle Crucis, who was arrested for having been part of a highway robbery.

Another iconic landmark highlighted in the booklet, Castell Dinas Bran, has its own interesting little tale which centres on one of its medieval occupants, Myfanwy, daughter of tenant Iorwerth Ddu ap Ednyfed Gam.

Her unrequited love for a man named Hywel ap Einion is celebrated in a famous poem penned by John Ceiriog Hughes. Published in 1858 and entitled Myfanwy Fychan, the work was later set to music and became a staple of Welsh male voice choirs.

The booklet, produced thanks to the extensive use of the resources of Llangollen Museum with suggestions from David Crane, has compact and easily digestible sections on the town’s pre-historic beginnings, the bridge – one of the Seven Wonders of Wales – the canal, the Chain Bridge and the steam railway which Dr Beeching failed to kill off in the 1960s.

We also learn about the gradual development of the town centre, illustrated by some absorbing maps, and the area’s transition from a rural to an industrial economy facilitated by the building of the canal, the railway and Telford’s new road now the A5.

On the local industrial front, how many knew that the Llangollen Hide & Skin Company once based in Church Street from 1885 had during the Second World War produced leather jerkins for the army and, earlier, bindings for the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

It’s also interesting to note that the opening by a Manchester company of the Lower Dee Mill as a spinning and weaving factory in 1805 met with some local resistance.

However, its opponents did grudgingly concede that it was, at least, “a source of employment to local children who otherwise would have been a burden to the parish”.

* The Ladies of Llangollen.

That opposition to the new mill, we are told, was actually led by the legendary Ladies of Llangollen who get their own dedicated section of the booklet, which reveals that, although they were by far the most famous inhabitants of Plas Newydd they were not actually the only two ladies to occupy the town’s mini stately home.  

When the property was sold in 1832 following the deaths of both Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler, the buyers were two ladies who had long lived in Llangollen.

Amelia Lolly, had been born Liverpool 1783, the daughter of Walter Lolly a distiller, and Charlotte Andrew who was born in Harpurhey, Manchester in 1791, the daughter of Robert Andrew, a dyer. They were mockingly referred to by Eleanor Butler as the “Lollies and Trollies” because they had long tried to emulate the life style of the Ladies, but with little success.

Having bought the house for £1,400 they proceeded to embellish it, although one visitor of the time commented that “the whole place had a vulgar and commonplace appearance”.

And just as he shows that the much more famous duo weren’t the only ladies of Plas Newydd the author also describes how the international event staged since 1947 wasn’t the only eisteddfod to be sited in Llangollen.  

Back in 1858 a large eisteddfod was held in the town which was a precursor of what was to become the National Eisteddfod.

Some of the competitions were a little bizarre, such as “The day labourer whose weekly wage does not exceed £1 with the greatest number of children present at the Eisteddfod able to read and write in Welsh”.

The Flannel Mill generously provided a woollen tent on the bowling green of the Ponsonby Arms. Unfortunately, there was heavy rain before the event, which caused the tent to collapse.

The National Eisteddfod was held here in 1908 at a site off Vicarage Road and was attended by both David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill.

* A Brief History of Llangollen by Peter Jones is available from Llangollen Museum in Parade Street for £4.50. 

Welsh Blood's next local donation session

Welsh Blood are back in Llangollen this summer and are looking for blood donors.

They are at Llangollen Pavilion August 30 and remind people that one blood donation can save the lives of six babies.

* Click here to book: https://wbs.wales/LlangollenandDistrict

Mae’r Gwasanaeth Gwaed yn ôl yn LlPangollen yr Haf yma ac yn edrych am roddwyr gwaed!  

Pafiliwn Llangollen 30/08/22

Gall un rhodd o waed achub bywydau chwech o fabanod!

* Dewch yn achubwr bywyd! Cliciwch yma i gofrestru: https://wbs.wales/LlangollenandDistrict

Police launch campaign to recruit more officers

* Chief Superintendent Sian Beck.

A major campaign has been launched to recruit more police officers in North Wales.

The drive is being spearheaded by Chief Superintendent Sian Beck who has just started a new role in charge of local policing across the region.

She is keen to get the message out that being a police officer is a great career with  “amazing job satisfaction”.

The window for applications is open from August 18 to August 29 and details can be found on the North Wales Police website www.northwales.police.uk

Chief Supt Beck, a mother-of-one, said: “It’s a fantastic job with a whole range of career options”.

“We are a 24/7 service and there are times when you have to put the hours in but we are very much welfare-focused and supportive of a good work-life balance which is helpful in terms of recruitment and retaining officers.

“I know from my own experience that I benefited greatly from a lot of support from the force when I was doing a master’s degree which was incredibly important.

“Diversity and inclusion has come on massively especially with the support of our Chief Constable who’s the national lead for diversity, equality and inclusion.

“Policing has moved into the 21^st century in North Wales in terms of how we recruit and how we understand the challenges that people face from under-represented communities or different genders.

“We’re always striving to do things better but policing is a more inclusive family these days.”

Ironically, becoming a police officer was not part of Sian Beck’s original plan – even though she was a big fan of TV crime dramas, particularly the long-running hit show, The Bill.

Growing up she was also mad about horses and went to the University of the West of England in Bristol to do a degree in equine science.

But she had a “eureka moment” when a friend showed her a policing recruitment brochure.

She said:  “I’d never thought of being a police officer until I saw the brochure, did some more research about the role and realised that was what I wanted to do.

“I’m a people person so I love working in teams and I am quite practical and outdoorsy so the thought of doing a job helping people and the unpredictability of every day being totally different really appealed to me.

“The other attraction was that you have the security of one career but a load of different opportunities within the job.

“I joined North Wales Police in March 2000 and I knew immediately that I had made the right decision.

“The police family is full of like-minded people with honesty and integrity who want to do good in their communities.”

Although it was a hugely rewarding job, Chief Supt Beck stressed that being a police officer was not an easy option.

She added: “You have got to come into it understanding that it is a 24 hour service and it’s shift work, so we don’t work 9 to 5. You don’t always go home when you want to and you’re not always at home when your family are celebrating bank holidays.

“You do see people when they are at their most vulnerable and in the worst time of their lives and that can be upsetting.

“However, on the flip side, being a police officer is the most amazing career with a host of different opportunities.

“You can have a really long and successful career as a patrol officer, building up a wealth of and knowledge of the communities they serve.

“If you prefer you can go for a whole range of specialisms. The opportunities are endless and you can have a whole range of careers within the police.

“Whichever route you choose, you’ll be working with some incredible colleagues and making a real difference to people’s lives on a daily basis, whether you’re a chief constable or a PC on patrol in our communities.

“It’s a massive responsibility but also a great privilege.”

* For more details about how to apply go to www.northwales.police.uk

Plans to improve land around cemetery to be unveiled

Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches is to host a special event at St John's Church in Abbey Road on Friday August 26.

Between 10am and 1pm people can hear about plans developed in partnership between the Mission Area of Valle Crucis and Llangollen Tidy Town Team to improve the cemetery and adjoining woodland for bio-diversity and access for the community. 

The event will feature a guided talk, a walk and free refreshments. 

Injured mountain biker rescued near Llangollen

* The Coastguard helicopter hovers over the scene of the rescue. Pictures from NEWSAR.

* The casualty is examined at the scene.

A mountain biker was airlifted to hospital after suffering "serious injuries" in an incident near Llangollen. 

North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) said it was called to the incident on Sunday afternoon. 

A spokesperson said: "He had sustained what appears to be serious injuries and after initial treatment by the team he was evacuated by Coastguard helicopter to hospital due to the urgency of the situation.

"Thanks to passing members of the public who helped by looking after the casualty until we arrived." 

More details given of local electric vehicle charging points

* Market Street car park is due to have two EV chargers installed.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has obtained more details about the electric vehicle charging points due to be installed in the town.

Denbighshire County Council officers have told her that:

* Market Street car park will have two 22 KW AC machines able to charge four vehicles. 

* The Pavilion car park will have two 22 KW AC machines able to charge four vehicles .

Cllr Edwards has been told it is hoped to install the chargers later in the year.

* The Pavilion car park is due to have two chargers.

Police appeal after grafitti appears in town centre

* Llangollen's Riverside Park.

Police are seeking information about graffiti which they say has appeared in parts of Llangollen.

In a message on the North Wales Police Community Alerts system, officer Geraint Jones says: "Dee Valley Neighbourhood Policing (NPT) are appealing for information following an increase in graffiti around Llangollen town and by the riverside park. 

“A distinct signature that is appearing is the word 'bizz'.

“If anyone has any information please contact 101 quoting reference B098814.”

Local roadworks alerts from the county council

Denbighshire County Council has notified the following local roadworks: 

JUNCTION OF DINBREN ROAD TO JUNCTION OF MILL STREET, WHARF HILL WHARF HILL 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN Temp Traffic Lights.

JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET ABBEY ROAD 08/08/2022 16/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) Stop Go.

TOWER ROAD TOWER ROAD 08/08/2022 16/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) Stop Go.

AROSFA CRESCENT AROSFA CRESCENT 06/08/2022 10/08/2022 Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT Road Closure.

 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF BISHOPS WALK MILL STREET 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN Temp Traffic Lights.

A539 JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET HALL STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

Near Bryn Howel Hotel A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 08/09/2022 10/09/2022 BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) Temp Traffic Lights.

Tyn y Celyn Drive Llangollen TYN Y CELYN DRIVE 06/08/2022 10/08/2022 Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT Road Closure.

JUNCTION OF DINBREN ROAD TO JUNCTION OF MILL STREET, WHARF HILL WHARF HILL 08/08/2022 10/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

JUNCTION OF ABBEY ROAD TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, CASTLE STREET CASTLE STREET 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

A539 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 22/08/2022 24/08/2022 BT Works.

OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO, OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF BISHOPS WA MILL STREET 08/08/2022 10/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET TO ADJACENT WESTOE, ABBEY ROAD ABBEY ROAD 15/08/2022 19/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN  Temp Traffic Lights.

A542 JUNCTION REGENT STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET HALL STREET 22/08/2022 24/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREET, TO ADJACENT WESTOE, ABBEY ROAD ABBEY ROAD 08/08/2022 10/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN.

A542 JUNCTION OF ABBEY ROAD TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, CASTLE STREET CASTLE STREET 08/08/2022 10/08/2022 BT Works MJ QUINN  Temp Traffic Lights.

St Collen's hosts its sunshine summer fair

St Collen's held its annual summer fair in the church grounds this afternoon.

The successful event featured stalls selling a range of hand-made goods out in the sunshine and inside the building and there was also a raffle with an array of prizes.

Refreshments were served in the nearby Community Hall.