Health chiefs reject calls for beds at new health centre

The latest edition of the Denbighshire Free Press carries a story that the local health board has rejected calls for beds to be included in Llangollen's health centre.

For the full story see:
http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/134690/health-board-rejects-plea-for-beds-at-new-llangollen-medical-centre.aspx

Views sought on Horseshoe Pass speed limit proposal

* Speed limit proposal: the Horseshoe Pass.

A LLANGOLLEN county councillor is sounding out public opinion on a proposal he has learned of to consider imposing a 40mph speed limit on the Horseshoe Pass.

Official figures show that over the past five years the busy main A542 route from Llangollen towards Llandegla and Ruthin, which currently has a 60mph limit, has been the scene of 22 collisions involving slight injuries, 10 rated as serious and two which were fatal.

 

County Cllr Stuart Davies said: “I understand that Denbighshire County Council has had a request to from traffic officers at NWP to impose a 40mph limit on the whole of the Horseshoe Pass, from the Britannia to the cattle grid at Pentre Isaf.

 

“I’m also told that this ties in with the Welsh Government forcing local authorities to do a review of all speed limits.

 

“I’m asking for people’s thoughts on this. Do they think it will hinder people going to work over the pass? Do they think it will slow down traffic?

 

“Do they think it will save lives? Do they think it is a money-making scheme on the part of North Wales Police or the government?

 

“Do they think it is fair that our council tax should pay - this scheme will cost thousands - for something demanded by North Wales Police and the Welsh Government when we haven't got the budget to revamp our brown tourism signs in Llangollen?”

 

Cllr Davies added: “There have been a number of accidents in that area over the last five years with two fatalities.

 

“I am of the view that better enforcement of our existing laws and better education of drivers at the hotspots would slow down traffic and safeguard lives rather than the blunt use of a blanket speed limit over the whole of the pass.”

 

Cllr Davies has asked for people to send their views to him at: stuart.a.davies@denbighshire.gov.uk

Musical tribute to Nelson Mandela premieres at Eisteddfod

* Paul Maelor has collaborated on a special tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Royal composer Paul Mealor has teamed up with a top poet from North Wales for a special tribute to Nelson Mandela.

The European premiere of the new work, Spirit of Hope, will be at the Llangollen International Music Festival at a concert on Friday, July 11.

Professor Mealor, who was brought up in Connah's Quay, collaborated with poet Dr Grahame Davies, who hails from Coedpoeth, near Wrexham.

The piece will be performed by the Wales Millennium Centre’s Only Kids Aloud Chorus alongside the independent professional orchestra, British Sinfonietta.

The special night will also see a performance by top African opera company Cape Town Opera, Cardiff Singer of the World representative Gary Griffiths, Bloemfontein Men’s Choir and the winner of last year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod Voice of the Future competition, Pontypridd’s lyric soprano Menna Cazel Davies.

According to Paul Mealor, who was commissioned by Prince William to compose some of the music performed during his and Catherine Middleton’s wedding ceremony, the Only Kids Aloud Chorus will bring the Llangollen house down.

He said: “Spirit of Hope is a three movement piece for orchestra and choir. The first movement is the setting for a poem by Wales’ Grahame Davies. He is, in my opinion, one of the nation’s best poets. His wonderful poem, Good Hope, draws its inspiration from South African landmarks.

“It so beautifully describes the mountains, plains and rugged shoreline of what is a stunning country.

"I worked with Grahame  when I composed A Welsh Prayer to mark the 65^th birthday of HRH the Prince of Wales which was performed for the first time at St Asaph Cathedral during the North Wales Music Festival.

“Grahame, who is a wonderful poet, writer and novelist, wrote the words for that piece too and they were just as emotive and joyful.”

He added: “The second movement is based around the words of Tagore, an Indian mystic poet, and is about the power of music and how music can take us home.

“The third movement is from the poem Invictus by William Henley and contains the line, I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul. Nelson Mandela had this on his cell wall at Robben Island during his long years of imprisonment and we know it was a favourite poem of his.

“The whole evening will be dedicated to the memory Nelson Mandela, his legacy and the power of hope.”

“It goes to show that Llangollen truly is an eisteddfod that has peace and unity right at the very top of its agenda.

“The whole evening will be a celebration of South Africa and Wales extending the hand of friendship. And the fact that friendship will endure across the vast expanses of water that separate our two nations.

“Spirit of Hope was commissioned by Only Kids Aloud Chorus as they wanted a brand new piece they could perform on a spring tour of South Africa.

“The chorus are to perform two concerts in Cape Town with Bryn Terfel to mark the 20^th anniversary of the end of apartheid. Then, in July, they will be on stage at Llangollen for what will be a wonderful concert.

“Having listened to Only Kids Aloud rehearsing Spirit of Hope I have to say it is just beautiful and I guarantee it will be one of the absolute highlights of the 2014 Llangollen International Eisteddfod.”

Prof Mealor, who also wrote the music for Wherever You Are, the Military Wives’ 2011 Christmas number one hit, says he wrote Spirit of Hope on a Christmas break on Anglesey. 

He said: “I’ve been a Professor of Music at Aberdeen University since 2003 but have always kept a home on Anglesey. I like to get back to Wales whenever I can as that’s where I think I compose my best work.”

Paul Mealor studied composition before reading music at the University of York and Copenhagen with the Royal Danish Academy of Music.

Now 38 he lectures in music at the University of Aberdeen but remains fiercely loyal to his Welsh roots.

He said: “I head back to North Wales whenever I can. There is nothing better than sitting at my piano at my Anglesey home and composing music.

“The three poems that make up each movement in Spirit of Hope are so special and awe-inspiring. I just sat at the piano and looked for the music within the words of the poems.

“I hope the audience believes my music does justice to the beautiful words of Grahame Davies, Tagore and William Henley and the wonderful voices of the Only Kids Aloud Chorus. It really will be a magical Llangollen evening.”

The curtain raiser for this year's Eisteddfod will mark the return of opera superstar Bryn Terfel to Llangollen.

 

The acclaimed bass baritone will be playing the lead in a special English-language production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  He will be joined by the supremely talented tenor Wynne Evans aka Gio Compario in the Go Compare TV ads.

 

This year's Eisteddfod will also feature concerts by Dutch jazz sensation Caro Emerald and veteran British rockers Status Quo as well as a world premiere of a new work, Adiemus Colores, by top composer Karl Jenkins.

 

He will conduct his Latin American themed work with American tenor Noah Stewart, Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores and Latvian accordion player Ksenija Sidorova to the accompaniment of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Orchestra.

 

The Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy on the Saturday night is the blue riband event of the week-long festival which will close with a Sunday night concert by Status Quo.

 

To book tickets and for more details about the urban dance competition go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

 

Father's Day fundraiser by Plas Madoc campaigners

A pub will play host to a Father’s Day fundraiser to help the ongoing campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The music-themed afternoon organised by the Splash Community Trust will be held at The Duke of Wellington in nearby Acrefair on Sunday (June 15), when local band The New Foos will be playing from 3pm.

Trust director Greg Ogden said there will also be an array of ‘fantastic’ prizes on offer during the event, which is the latest money-spinner to be held as volunteer-run group aims to reopen the popular facility later this summer.

Greg, who lives in Trevor, said: “I’d like to thank the pub’s landlady, Shauny, who as well as hosting the event is supplying a bottle of whiskey for the raffle. There are plenty more fantastic prizes to be won, including a meal for two at The Cornmill in Llangollen.

“Our top prize is a night for two at the Wild Pheasant in Llangollen in a suite with its own hot-tub, which also includes a three-course dinner and breakfast the following morning.”

Greg added: “There will also be a bouncy castle and face-painting for the children – and the adults too – as well as a hog roast and barbecue, hot dogs and and a sweets stall. Throw in the music and there will be something for everyone.

“The weather’s looking good too, so it promises to be a great afternoon for a brilliant cause.”
The Splash Community Trust is also holding a race night at the Old Black Horse in Rhostyllen on Friday, June 27, from 8pm. To sponsor a race or buy a horse for the night, contact Jenny Miller on 07921 659099.

The Trust now has a PayPal account through which donations can be made. If you want to contribute, visit https://t.co/VlqCYUVROU or contact Jenny direct.

The group’s website, which will include a ‘donate’ button, is coming soon.

Referral to treatment figures rise in Wales

This month’s referral to treatment times have shown a large increase in the number of patients waiting over 36 weeks to start their treatment.

 

Referral to treatment time is the period of time from referral by a GP or other medical practitioner to hospital for treatment in the NHS in Wales.

 

The figures show that in April 12,795 Welsh patients had been waiting for 36 weeks, up over 2,000 on figures for March (10,586). This is an increase of over 20%.

 

Commenting Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “These figures are very worrying. The Welsh Government has a target that not a single patient should wait over 36 weeks to start their treatment, yet this huge increase shows things seem to be getting worse not better.

 

“The Welsh Labour Government should think of the patients behind these figures, many of which will be in a lot of pain and discomfort. For those people, 36 weeks must feel like a lifetime."

Campaigners' concern over rural bus services

 

* Mabon ap Gwynfor with Jane Ballinger.

 

A hospital worker says council cuts to bus services have put her job at risk.

 

Now campaigners and Plaid Cymru are calling for Wrexham Council to reinstate the bus services in rural areas.

 

Jane Ballinger, of Glyn Ceiriog, works at the orthopaedic hospital and used to catch the Number 60 bus service.

 

This was cut in April and, as she cannot drive due to being partially sighted, she faced losing her livelihood.

 

Fortunately she has been able to get a lift from friends because the reduced bus service will not get her there and back in time for work.

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Clwyd South, warned that losing the number 60 bus service could threaten the livelihoods of many people in the same situation as Jane.

 

He said: "The number 60 bus was a lifeline to Jane and others like her. For the sake of saving a few thousand pounds peoples lives are being impacted upon, with some having to consider leaving their communities in order to keep their jobs.

 

"Providing public transport that is accessible for all is a key public service which both the Government and Council should ensure is available. By cutting these service not only are they denying people their independence, but it will have a damaging impact on the local economy and will contribute to the slow death of our villages."

Jane Ballinger said:  “I have used the bus number 60 for many years now.  I currently work at the Oswestry Orthopaedic hospital and have done for over five years.  I am partially sighted so will never be able to drive.    

“I used to catch the 60 in Glyn Ceiriog at 07:50 to take me via Chirk, via Gobowen and stopping at the Orthopaedic before going on to Osewstry.  In the evenings I stay a little late in work catching the No 60 home at 17:46 at the hospital, back through Gobowen, Chirk and back to Glyn Ceiriog.

“The Number 60 was discontinued and these are the alternatives.  I currently start work at 8:20/08:25 when I arrive and usually finish at 17:00 but I stay a little later to catch the bus so work til 17:30.

"So basically, I cannot get home. Even if I left my office at 5 o'clock I couldn't get to the bus stop by two minutes passed: without cutting my hours at work I cannot use public transport and contin ue to work as I do. 

"I could potentially lose my job and my home because of this.  Subsidised bus services surely were for exactly this purpose so people in rural areas had as much chance as anyone else of being able to get to work to pay their taxes and contribute to the economy.    

"I am heartbroken by this news.  I am lucky to have friends who will help ferry me back and to, however, it shouldn't be like this, I should have the opportunity to get to work myself.    

"The No 60 only did these two journeys to Oswestry 6 days a week, surely stopping this can't be saving a huge amount.  I am willing to see the posts of Mayor and Mayoress cut....  they don't get me to work and I am sure this would generate a large saving for the council.

"I would be very sorry to leave the orthopaedic, I love my job and have a fantastic set of colleagues.  Similarly, I cannot just leave the job as bills, mortgage etc still have to be paid."

Lovebird takes refuge with town's taxidermist

The Leader is reporting today how a lovebird took refuge with Llangollen's taxidermist.

For the full story see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/134585/lovebird-takes-refuge-in-llangollen-taxidermy-shop.aspx

Residents warned over World Cup lottery scam

Trading Standards teams across North Wales are aware that some residents have received a letter claiming they have won a large sum of money e.g. £750,000 from ‘Euro Millions FIFA World Cup Super Lottery.’

They are warning people that if they receive a letter like this, not to respond and instead to report it to Action Fraud immediately.

Kevin Jones, Wrexham's Principal Manager for Trading Standards and Chair of the North Wales Heads of Trading Standards group, said: “This type of scam isn’t new, there have been many similar examples. However, when someone receives a letter through the door which claims to be linked to the World Cup it can be very convincing.

"The letter includes many logos which attempt to give the letter some validity and asks the recipient to make contact with the Foreign Service Manager.  It is likely that people who do ring the number will be asked to provide personal and banking details.  I would advise very strongly that residents do not provide this information because of the danger of their bank accounts being emptied of cash.”

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager and part of the North Wales' Heads of Public Protection Group, said: “We have a duty to protect our residents from such scams and we will take all necessary action to warn the community and liaise with various other enforcement agencies because this type of scam is often based abroad." P

People should remember these points to protect themselves against lottery fraud:

·        Never respond to any such communication.  If you haven’t entered a lottery then you can’t have won it.

·        Official lotteries in other countries operate in much the same way as the UK’s National Lotto.  No official lotteries that we know of contact people to tell them of their win.

·        We don’t know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings. Any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is trying to defraud you.

·        Never, ever disclose your bank details or pay fees in advance.

·        If the contact details include  email addresses such as @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com, or numbers beginning with 07, then be very suspicious because these are free to get hold of.

·        Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity.  If they ask you to keep your win a secret it’s likely to be a fraud.

·        Many fraudulent lotteries have bad spelling and grammar – see this as a warning that fraudsters are at work.

·        Do some research – if you have access to the internet then use search engines to check other people’s experiences.  Check with friends and family.

* Residents wanting advice and guidance on any consumer issue should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for the Welsh language service (www.adviceguide.org.uk ). Potential scams should be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (www.actionfraud.police.uk)

Man airlifted to hospital after quarry fall

The BBC news website is reporting today (Wednesday) that a man was airlifted to hospital after falling in a flooded quarry near Llangollen.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 7.31pm last night, Tuesday June 10, to reports a man had fallen at the Blue Lagoon quarry, near Horseshoe Pass.

"A Community First Responder attended together with paramedics in two rapid response cars, a crew in an emergency ambulance and an RAF helicopter, and a man in his 30s was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in a serious condition.”

See the BBC story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-27790758

This update from the Daily Post came earlier this afternoon:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/mans-fight-life-after-200ft-7250154

Care home residents tune up for the Eisteddfod

 

 * Pendine Park residents will collaborate with the Halle on a musical workshop.

 

A group of talented care home residents are teaming up with a world class orchestra to perform at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

The melodious group from Pendine Park care organisation, Wrexham, will be collaborating in a musical workshop with the renowned Hallé at the festival on Tuesday, July 8.

 

The night before Pendine Park is sponsoring a special performance at the Eisteddfod pavilion of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street starring opera superstar Bryn Terfel.

 

Bryn, who earned rave reviews when he did Sweeney Todd on Broadway with Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson, will be sharing the Llangollen stage with top tenor Wynne Evans, the star of the Go Compare TV ads.

 

Preparations for the workshop are well underway as Pendine Park artist in residence Sarah Edwards explained: “Each of the homes will get a country as a theme, and they will then produce artwork, poetry, musical pieces, to tie that theme together.

 

“I’m really excited about the workshop at the Llangollen Eisteddfod. We can’t wait and feel privileged to be a part of such a renowned festival.

 

"The work we do with the Hallé is an integral part of our enrichment programme and also has a key role in our personal training and staff development.

 

"Unlocking the creativity within our staff can also help them do the same with our residents."

 

Marian Williams, 93, a resident at Gwern Alyn care home, said: “I’ve been getting involved and by conducting and moving my arms a lot. The musicians from the Halle are very talented. They come here often and I like that. I enjoy the conducting and getting involved with the music.”

 

Steve Pickett, Education Director of the Hallé,  said: “We’ve worked with the residents at Pendine Park for a number of years and having the opportunity to then showcase that activity to the public and to show what these people can do, not to concentrate on what they can’t do, I think is a really brilliant.

 

“The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is renowned worldwide and for Pendine to have its spot on that is an opportunity not to be missed so we are going to be putting as much into that as we possibly can. It’s a very exciting prospect.”

 

The three Hallé maestros working with the residents were violinist, Caroline Abbott, oboe/keyboard player Hugh McKenna, a former army man who is also an Ironman Triathlon athlete who has competed in New Zealand, and cellist, David Petri.

 

David, a regular visitor to Pendine Park, said: “Pendine Park has helped buy some instruments for the residents to use in the sessions. Music is a very powerful memory tool.

 

Someone who cannot talk can still express themselves through music, even if it is just moving their hands or fingers.

 

“This is one of the best things we do, it’s very rewarding.”

 

Sarah added: “The Hallé are amazing. They’re world class musicians and they treat our residents with dignity and respect. They’ve got such brilliant manners and we just couldn’t ask for better.

 

“It makes a huge difference to residents to be able to enjoy such fantastic music.

 

“You can see a visible difference in them. Some of them respond when they haven’t previously responded to anything because it helps evoke memories.

 

“It helps to relax them and it’s invaluable to our enrichment programme at Pendine where we would like to make a difference to people’s lives and this is a way of doing that.

 

“We’re able to see and note changes in people and you can’t quantify that really. Changes like lifts in moods, people get more responsive, they’re generally happier, they engage more, and that’s invaluable to a person’s quality of life.

 

“What we are keen to work to is provide the best quality of life for our residents, and the Hallé project exactly fits in with that ethos.”

 

The curtain raiser for this year's Eisteddfod will mark the return of opera superstar Bryn Terfel to Llangollen.

 

The acclaimed bass baritone will be playing the lead in a special English-language production of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.  The show will also star top tenor Wynne Evans, otherwise known as Gio Compario in the Go Compare TV ads.

 

This year's will also feature concerts by Dutch jazz sensation Caro Emerald and veteran British rockers Status Quo as well as a world premiere of a new work, Adiemus Colores, by top composer Karl Jenkins.

 

He will conduct his Latin American themed work with American tenor Noah Stewart, Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores and Latvian accordion player Ksenija Sidorova to the accompaniment of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Orchestra.

 

The Friday night concert, Spirit of Unity, will feature the Cape Town Opera, Africa’s premiere opera company, famed for their "vibrant vocalism and high-octane stage performances".

 

Appearing with them will be Wales’ representative in Cardiff Singer of the World, Gary Griffiths, the Wales Millennium Centre Only Kids Aloud Chorus under the baton of celebrity conductor Tim Rhys Evans and British Sinfonietta, one of the UK's leading independent professional orchestras.

 

The Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy on the Saturday night is the blue riband event of the week-long festival which will close with a Sunday night concert by Status Quo.

 

To book tickets and for more details about the urban dance competition go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

 

Skates becomes Rhos Choir vice-president

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates declared himself ‘delighted and honoured’ after being named the newest vice-president of one of Wales’ leading male vocal groups.

Labour AM Mr Skates was voted into the honorary role with Rhos Male Voice Choir on Monday June 2 after being approached by the committee last month.

He said: “I was delighted and honoured to receive the email asking me to consider becoming a vice-president of the fantastic Rhos Male Voice Choir. The answer was, of course, yes. I’d like to thank the committee for thinking of me and for then voting in favour of accepting me into the role.

“Music, and particularly choral singing, has always played a huge role in Rhos. I have long been a supporter of the choir as well as a fan, and I look forward to continuing to promoting its work in a more formal role in any way I can.”

The choir rehearses at 7.15pm on Monday evenings at the Hafod Social Club and in the Stiwt Theatre at 7.15pm on Thursdays.

Its upcoming dates include shows at St Asaph Cathedral in aid of Arthritis UK on Friday, June 20; an Armed Forces Day event in Queens Square, Wrexham, the following lunchtime and a performance to mark the 80th anniversary of the Gresford Disaster at Wrexham Museum on Saturday, September 20.

Appeal for witnesses to Llandegla collision

Officers investigating a serious collision involving a motorbike on the A5104 on Sunday, June 8, are appealing for witnesses and information.

 

Two people sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident which occurred before 5.53pm and involved one motorbike – a green coloured Kawasaki on the A5104 Llandegla.

 

The rider of the bike, a man, and a female pillion passenger both sustained serious injuries. 

 

Both were taken by Ambulance to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

 

The rider, a man in his 20s, was later transferred to Stoke Hospital with injuries which are described as life threatening. 

 

The injuries sustained by the pillion passenger are not believed to be life threatening.

 

The road was closed for a time and re-opened at around 10.10pm.

 

* Anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information is urged to contact Sgt 1633 Davies or his colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit based at Deeside on 101 quoting reference number R085730.

Call goes out to young entrepreneurs

* Susan Elan Jones MP and Ken Skates AM.

YOUNG entrepreneurs are being encouraged to bid for a chance to bring their ideas to life by their Assembly Member and MP.

Clwyd South Labour politicians Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones are urging students and recent graduates to enter a competition launched by Lloyds Bank.

The company’s 2014 Enterprise Awards aim to search for Britain’s young entrepreneurial talent and ‘celebrate and recognise the top businesses of tomorrow’.

AM Mr Skates said: “The Enterprise Awards are open to entrepreneurs currently studying at universities across Britain or those who have graduated within the past five years and have been trading for more than 12 months.

“This is a great chance for young business brains with big ideas, with some fantastic prizes and help from experts on offer. I would encourage anyone who fits the bill in Clwyd South to enter and seize this fantastic opportunity.”

The winners of the heats in the Best Start-up, Best Digital and Best Enterprise categories will get one-to-one business mentoring as well as prizes of up to £5,000, while there will be awards of up to £50,000 and time with leading industry experts on offer at the grand final on October 15.

MP Ms Elan Jones said: “Small businesses and business innovation are so important to an area like ours, and this is a great opportunity for young people to really make their mark.

“The average start-up owner in our area is 40 years of age, but there are students and graduates who are bringing forward real innovation and flying the flag for North East Wales. I hope some will take this opportunity to put themselves forward, and I wish them the very best of luck.”
Applications close on July 23.  Visit www.lloydsbank.com/enterpriseawards. 

Few places left on free first aid course

There are only a handful of places left on a free first aid course organised by Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates.

Labour AM Mr Skates is teaming up with St John Wales so 15 people can attend a two-hour session which could help them save a life.

The event will be held in a private room at the Wynnstay Arms pub in Ruabon from 1.30pm-3.30pm on Friday, June 27, and places – which must be booked in advance – can be reserved now, though there are less than five left.

Mr Skates said: “St John Wales approached me about putting on the training, and I think it’s fantastic idea which I’m happy to be able to extend to my constituents. There will be a fully qualified first aid trainer present and it’s a great opportunity.

“The session is open to anyone aged over 18. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had no first aid training before or you’re just looking to brush up – everyone is welcome. It should be a fun afternoon, and more importantly you will go away with the knowledge and skills that could save someone’s life one day.”

If you would like to take part, email ken.skates@wales.gov.uk or call his constituency office on 01978 869058.

Real Deal is coming to town

* David Dickinson is bringing The Real Deal to

Llangollen on June 21.

 

Dickinson’s Real Deal is coming to Llangollen.

ITV1’s Antiques Show, which is presented by David Dickinson, will be filmed at the town’s Pavilion on Saturday, June 21.

As usual the “Duke” will be keeping an eye on the deals and giving advice about whether to take the dealers’ cash or gamble at auction. But the final decision lies with contributors and it’s up to them to decide which option is the “real deal”.

David Dickinson said: “It’s great to bring the show to Llangollen.

“I’m very much looking forward to visiting Denbighshire, an area of the country I love bringing the show to.

“I remember visiting the area several years ago. The items brought in were fantastic – great quality – with fabulous history and stories attached.  

“Last time we were in the area, a man called Terry sold a gold bracelet to one of our dealers for £290, Vicky’s chess set reached £2800 at auction, and Mary walked away with £900 for her clock. This could be you!”

Dickinson’s Real Deal is currently one of the most popular daytime show on ITV and is regularly watched by over a million people.

Back for an eleventh series, David Dickinson and the dealers are travelling around the country looking for some more bobby dazzlers brought in by members of the public.

A spokesperson for the show said: “Members of the public should bring their antiques and collectables along – our team of independent valuers will be offering free advice on all items brought along on the day. 

“Admission is free and you do not need to book a place or a ticket, however, we do ask that you bring along ID on the day.

“Doors will be open between 9am and 5pm and David and the team look forward to seeing you there.”

You can contact the Dickinson’s Real Deal team with any queries regarding the event or the programme on the DRD hotline: 0117 970 7618.

Or write to the team at: The Dickinson’s Real Deal Team, RDF Television West,

Regent House, Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4HG. Email: dickinsonsrealdeal@rdftelevision.com

 

The show is also on social media:  Facebook – ITVReadlDeal and Twitter - @ITVRealDeal.

Sun shines on Plas Newydd fete

Rain clouds blew away and the sun came out just in time to make the annual summer fete staged by Llangollen Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs in the grounds of Plas Newydd a big success yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

It was an event for all the family and attractions included a Punch and Judy and Magic Show and a children’s roundabout.

There were plenty of stalls offering plants, cakes, toys and bric-a-brac and prizes could be won on the sideshows and in the grand raffle draw.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was a special ceremony when  King Ben from Ysgol Bryn Collen and Queen Angharad from Ysgol Y Gwernant were crowned by the Mayoress, Mrs Lube.

Following the crowning all children in fancy dress were invited to form a parade led by Chem, Llangollen’s town crier.

All proceeds of the fete are to be shared between Macmillan Cancer Care, Wales Air Ambulance and local charities.

* Llangollen Silver Band sets the musical tempo.

* Youngsters have fun on the roundabout.

* One of the many side-shows at the fete.

* The plant stall stays busy.

Weather moves Pentecost Service to St Collen's

Vicar, Andrew Sully, has asked llanblogger to let people know that tomorrow's (Sunday) Pentecost Service at Valle Crucis Abbey at 11am has now been moved into St Collen's Church due to the weather.

He said: "Sadly, I've had to re-locate the open air service at Valle Crucis to the parish church tomorrow due to unpredicatble weather conditions."

 

Don't be in two minds about Jekyll & Hyde

* John Whitfield in the title role of Jekyll & Hyde at Llangollen Town Hall. 

Anyone in two minds about whether to go and see Limelight’s current production of  Jekyll & Hyde at Llangollen Town Hall should have no doubts about whether it’s worth it or not – because it’s brilliant.

The musical thriller is based on the novel The Strange Case of Dr Jeyyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stephenson.

Originally conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, it features a cracking score by Wildhorn, a book by Leslie Bricusse and lyrics by Wildhorn, Bricusse and Cuden.  

Henry Jekyll, a respectable Harley Street doctor in Victorian London, is carrying out experiments on the good and evil in every person when his research is brought to a halt by the scientific establishment’s refusal to allow him to test his theories on a human subject.

Undaunted, he uses himself for as a guinea pig and swallows down an ampule of the stuff which transforms him from a man of goodness to a beast of pure evil – Edward Hyde.

Naturally, things go steadily downhill from there and he reaches the point where the  psychopathic alter-ego finally takes him over.

Along the way Hyde commits a spate of ghastly murders, which means there’s no way back for Jekyll, who is superbly played by John Whitfield and has a voice to match his powerful acting ability.

Whereas film versions of the story have seen Jekyll undergoing the transformation to Hyde with the aid of all kinds of gruesome make-up, director Lyn Aston, who also choreographed the production, steers away from all this over-the-top stuff by achieving the change through clever coloured lighting effects and a reliance on John’s sheer acting talent.

It works extremely well and he scares the pants off the audience as he heads off into the London night on his killing sprees.

There’s some sensational singing from both Jekyll’s love interests, Liz Jones as his society fiancé Emma Carew and Debbie Louise Peate as Lucy Harris the tart with a heart who falls for him on one of his ventures into the darker side of London.  

First-class support comes from John Clifford as Sir Danvers Carew, Jekyll’s would-be father-in-law, and John Durham as his friend John Utterson.

While the solos are impressive enough, it’s raise the roof time when it comes to the rousing chorus numbers from an ensemble including Steve Hughes, Pete Darby, Emma Williams, Caroline Anthonisz, Derrick Fear, Ken Anthonisz, Tom Stewart, Lucas Howson, Fiona Bassett and Helen Davies.   

Deft musical direction is provided by David Campbell.

If you fancy seeing it, Jekyll & Hyde is on tonight (Saturday June 7) at the Town Hall for the last performance of its three-night run, starting at 7.30pm.

Crumpton calls for block on hospital demolition plan

* Demolition plan: The former Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

The leader of a Llangollen community group has called for an immediate stop to be put on a planning application to demolish the town’s former cottage hospital to make way for social housing.

And he wants local people to tell him if they have evidence of any covenant on the hospital building in Abbey Road.

The planning application calls for redevelopment of the site by way of the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of six social housing units with associated access and parking provision.

But Martin Crumpton, chair of Keep Llangollen Special (KLS), recently wrote to Denbighshire planning chiefs voicing his organisation’s concern that should the cottage hospital be redeveloped while the proposed health centre fails to materialise, Llangollen would be “permanently and irrevocably be left with nothing, just the GP surgery which for years has been chronically short of space for its 9,000 registered patients.”

Mr Crumpton was told by the planners that the future of the cottage hospital and the possibility of the health centre failing to go ahead were matters for the health board and not the county council.  

He then put in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which owns the old hospital, asking if the “original covenenant” on the hospital was still legal and, if not, when and how was it had been annulled or otherwise avoided or bypassed.

Yesterday (Friday) Mr Crumpton received a reply to his request, which said: “Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is not aware of any covenants affecting the Llangollen Cottage Hospital."

Mr Crumpton said: “That the cottage hospital was covenanted to the townsfolk of Llangollen is common knowledge. This response from Betsi Cadwaladr shows that they are attempting to sell property which they cannot prove ownership of.”

He added: “I have called for Planning Application 03/2014/0472 to be stopped immediately,
pending proper investigation.

"I have consulted Denbighshire local planning authority about this and on Friday afternoon they replied that they would take advice on the matter but suspected issues of land ownership and covenants were not ones on which we could justify stopping the processing of the planning application.

“I am now posting this on social media to call for testimonies from residents of Llangollen."

* Meanwhile, local county councillor Stuart Davies has issued a statement to llanblogger about concerns over access to the town's new health centre.

It says: "Cllr Davies is concerned that several rumours are floating around town about the pedestrian access to the new health centre.

"He would like to assure everyone that several site meetings have taken place with local members and highway officers to discuss various solutions.

"They are being worked on and when a definitive plan has been drafted Cllr Davies will make sure that it is publicised and any consultations necessary will take place."

Skates goes in stocks to help Plas Madoc campaign

A politician was due to be put in the stocks before a mini music festival to raise money for the Plas Madoc campaign in Wrexham today (Saturday).

Local bands Tiny Wooden Angels and The Uninvited will be performing in Queens Square from 4pm on Saturday (June 7) as part of the event organised by the Splash Community Trust and AVOW (the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham).

But before the music starts there will be stalls, children’s activities and a range of other money-spinners from 2pm – including one of the trust’s co-founders, Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates, getting a barrage of soaked sponges.

Mr Skates will also be donning fancy dress as part of a competition open to all children, with a prize for the best outfit.

He said: “People often say the stocks are the best place for politicians, so I've listened! However, for the chance to give me a good soaking, there will be a small charge to help reopen Plas Madoc.

“It's going to be a long and wet afternoon, so I would be delighted if any other politicians would like to relieve me of the duty at any point!”

Trust co-founder and director Greg Ogden, from Trevor, added: “It should be a really fun family day out for a fantastic cause. We’re hoping for good weather, but Ken’s going to getting soaked whatever happens!”

There will also be a raffle with prizes including a Mini Cooper remote control car donated by Wrexham Colour Supplies and cuddly toys, as well as tombola, sweet and cake stalls.

In the case of bad weather the event will be moved inside to the nearby Saith Seren pub.

If you would like to contribute call Jenny Miller on 07921 659099.

The Splash Community Trust now has a PayPal account through which donations can be made. If you want to contribute, type the web address https://t.co/VlqCYUVROU into your internet browser.

Alternatively, you can contact Jenny direct. The trust is also working on a new website, which is coming soon and will include a ‘donate’ button. 

More firefighters' strikes planned

The Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is renewing a plea for the public across the region to ‘take extra care’ at home and on the roads following the Fire Brigades Union’s announcement that firefighters in England and Wales will take further industrial action next week Thursday 12th June from 9am for 24 hours and again later this month on Saturday 21st June from 10am until 5pm.

Chief Fire Officer, Simon Smith, stressed: “This time we will see the first 24 hour strike by the Fire Brigades Union which will increase the level of risk to the public and therefore I am asking people to extra vigilant about their safety.

“I would like to thank the public for their cooperation in heeding our messages during previous strikes which clearly made a difference to the demand on our services and I would ask for the same level of cooperation once again.

“The first strike also coincides with the start of the UEFA World Cup so it will be at a time when the risk to people’s safety will also be more significant as they are likely to be out socialising or at home entertaining family and friends – which means attention to fire safety in and around the home, as well as road safety, is of even more importance.

“The call for people to be extra vigilant and to think more carefully about the situations they may be putting themselves into is therefore a very serious one. Regrettably it is likely that during the strike period we won’t be able to respond as we normally would – prevention is best, so we are asking everyone to take these simple steps to ensure their safety and those of loved ones;

• Ensure you have a smoke alarm and test that it is in working order – fit one in your caravan before caravanning.
• Do not mix drinking and cooking – it can be a recipe for disaster. Lots of us enjoy a drink when watching our favourite sporting match but be responsible and do not leave cooking unattended. If you are hungry after a night out, get a takeaway or make a sandwich - do not get the chip pan out or leave cooking unattended.
• Don’t drink and drive – walk, get a lift, taxi or if in a group organise a driver and take turns to drive. Avoid any unnecessary journeys and pay particular attention to road safety  – if you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision we may not be able to get there to help you as quickly as we normally would
• Don’t drink and BBQ – the chef should always wait until the cooking has finished before enjoying a drink, and never use any flammable liquids to start or revive a barbecue that is going out. Do not leave a barbeque unattended and always allow embers to cool before disposal.
• Switch off any unused electrical appliances before you go to bed, including your TV, and close all doors – make sure you have an escape plan in the event of fire
• Ensure you extinguish smoking materials and take extra care with naked flames.
• Grass fires can spread quickly during dry weather, putting lives and property at serious risk so avoid using naked flames when out and about and dispose of smoking materials with care.
• Remember setting fires deliberately is a crime for which you can be prosecuted – if you have any information about a deliberate fire please call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
• If a fire does start - get out, stay out and call 999. Don’t be tempted to tackle a fire yourself.”

Safety advice on all the above and additional guidance for the public and businesses is available on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk and social network sites on Facebook www.facebook.com/Northwalesfireservice  and Twitter @NorthWalesFire  (#takeextracare), as well as through the local news.

The number of firefighters from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service expected to make a protest by striking is high and will result in a reduction in the resources available. As a consequence, the fire and rescue service will not be able to provide the same high level of response as it normally would – it will continue to respond to emergency calls by prioritising the deployment of the available resources at its disposal and focussing on the protection of life

Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith reassured the public “North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has arrangements in place to continue to provide a service during strike action” but warned that, “because of the circumstances, services may be limited.”

“The Service’s business continuity arrangements will ensure a speedy and safe return to normal services on conclusion of any period of industrial action.”

Councillor Meirick Lloyd Davies, Chairman of North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Whilst we understand the concerns of staff which have led to their decision to make a protest in this way, we have a duty and an obligation to ensure that the provision of services remains as unaffected as reasonably practicable. This is a dispute between the Fire Brigade’s Union and the Government in England and Wales over proposed changes to pension arrangements. However our number one priority is to ensure public safety.”

Members of the public who may need to call the fire and rescue service regarding a non-urgent matter during a period of industrial action are requested to consider waiting until strike action ends to make that call.

Latest roadworks bulletin

Latest roadworks in the area notified by Denbighshire County Council are;

A5 from area boundary to Queen Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 23-27 to allow gully repairs.

Outside Dobson & Crowther, Berwyn Road, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 23-26 to allow gas works.

A5 Regent Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 9-13 to allow retaining wall works.

A5 from area boundary to Queen Street, Llangollen, until June 26 stop/go to allow cyclic maintenance work

A5, Canoe Centre, Berwyn Road, Llangollen, from June 26-July 7 temporary traffic lights to allow water works.

Police appeal following A5 assault

An appeal for witnesses is being made following an incident on the A5 on Wednesday, June 4 involving a cyclist and a motorist.

 

At around 11am a motorist travelling from Llangollen is believed to have been assaulted by a cyclist after both stopped at the side of the A5 road near Berwyn.

 

The motorist sustained minor injury however police remain keen to trace witnesses and anyone who may hold information.

 

PC 1751 Mark Roberts who is investigating said: “At the time of the incident, a number of motorists passed by so it’s possible that people witnessed the assault.

 

"Furthermore, the cyclist is believed to have been riding with a group of up to 12 individuals – some of whom were described as wearing yellow high visibility jackets which possibly had a blue band at the lower part of the jacket.

 

“I appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to please contact me or my colleagues at Llangollen police station on 101 quoting reference number R083184.

 

Alternatively, individuals with information can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Plas Newydd fete will be held tomorrow

* The grounds of Plas Newydd - setting for tomorrow's summer fete. 

Llangollen Rotary an Inner Wheel Clubs are staging their annual summer fete in the grounds of Plas Newydd tomorrow (Saturday).

One of the organisers, Enid Law, said: “Its an afternoon out for all the family.

“The children can enjoy  the Punch and Judy and Magic Show and this year we have a children’s roundabout.

“There will be plenty to buy at the stalls - plants, cakes, toys and bric-a-brac and many more.

“Prizes can be won at the sideshows  and the grand raffle will be drawn.

“At 2.30pm a special ceremony will take place when  King Ben from Ysgol Bryn Collen and Queen Angharad from Ysgol Y Gwernant will be crowned by the Mayoress, Mrs Lube.

“Following the crowning all children in fancy dress will form a parade led by Chem, Llangollen’s town crier.

“Why not end the afternoon with delicious home-made refreshments in the tea tent."

The fete opens at 2pm. Entrance is free and all proceeds are to be shared between Macmillan Cancer Care, Wales Air Ambulance and local charities.

Special offer unveiled at Llan Leisure Centre

 

Llangollen Leisure Centre has asked us to promote the following offer ...