Railway steams in help Chain Bridge facelift project

 

 

* The train at Berwyn station during the loading of the dismantled parts.

 

When the contractor for the current restoration project asked for help in transporting dismantled parts of the historic Chain Bridge away for refurbishment, Llangollen Railway steamed in the help.

 

They provided a short goods train at Berwyn to move the parts for SHEMEC Ltd of Llangollen and also came up with an appropriate piece of motive power to haul the precious load - their Large Prairie Tank 5199 which came straight out of the repair shop.



* Station master Ben Jackson congratulates Harry Edwards

of Shemec on completing the arduous job of bringing

 all the ironwork up from the riverside for loading point.

 

The freight train comprised a Toad brake van and two ton Tube wagon which were propelled up Berwyn Bank to meet the contractor's team who had assembled parts of the links and vertical tie rods, all of which had been man-handled up the steep path from the riverside.

 

The historic links between railway and bridge date back to the construction of the Chain Bridge in 1817 and later to the dawn of the steam transport age, nearly 50 years prior to the railway arriving at Berwyn.

With the assorted items loaded and strapped down it was arranged for the train to make a run-past through the station for the benefit of the television cameraman from ITV/Wales who covered the story.

Later the Tube wagon was shunted into the reception road in Llangollen yard where the load was transferred to the contractor's trailer for onward delivery and restoration.

George Jones for the railway said: "It was a prestigious occasion for the railway to help out with a restoration project which, when completed in spring 2015, will bring improved access to the Dee Valley and benefit to patrons at Berwyn station."

 

 

* The cargo of vintage ironwork destined for renovation and conservation before reassembly.

 

Llan fivesome cycle 50 miles to help Ebola victims

* Before their ride, from left, are Andrew Riley, George Aylward,

Warren Davies, Andrew Sully and Gwyn Lloyd.

Five intrepid cyclists from the area got on their bikes to raise over £450 for Ebola victims recently.

Warren Davies, Andrew Riley, George Aylward, Gwyn Lloyd and St Collen’s vicar Andrew Sully made a 50-mile round trip from Llangollen to Bala and back.

Warren Davies said: "The weather was actually excellent for November, which really helped as our legs started to feel weary on the way back.

“Ebola is a devastating disease for families in West Africa. However, the solutions to stopping it spreading are incredibly simple. The money raised here will be spent on basic medical equipment, things like gloves and disinfectant.”

He added: “If there is sufficient interest in the future, there are plans to turn this November ride into an annual fundraiser.

“We are just shy of our £500 target and any further donations to this very worthy cause are most welcome at www.justgiving.com/bala-and-back.”

 

* The riders reach their destination near Lake Bala.

 

 

Countdown to re-opening of Plas Madoc tomorrow

An online advent calendar will conclude its countdown to the re-opening of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre tomorrow.

The doors of the much-loved centre, rebranded Splash Magic, will be flung open once more at 11am on Saturday, less than eight months after it closed.

Digital expert Jason Davies, who runs Wrexham-based Hashtag Marketing, came up with the idea of an online advent calendar on the Splash Magic website, which he designed and developed from scratch.

Members of the Splash Community Trust, which is running the facility after Wrexham Council relinquished it, are urging people to show their support by turning out for the official reopening when the calendar’s countdown concludes.

Jason said: “The calendar was just a fun idea I came up with to add to the festive spirit at Splash in the build-up to the big reopening. We can’t wait for 11am on Saturday and we’re all really hoping to see a massive crowd so everyone’s efforts were worthwhile.”

Jason got involved with the Trust early on and has ‘loved every minute’.

He said: “It’s been incredible to be part of this team and to work with people with so much energy, passion and drive to achieve a shared vision. There has been a lot of hard work, but I’ve loved every minute. I really hope now that the public will do their bit and help make a success of it.”

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, a founder member of the Trust, said: “We would again like to say a huge thank you to AVOW, the Wales Co-Operative Centre and Vi-Ability. Without them all we would never have reached this point. Their advice and support has been crucial.”

Derek Walker is Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre, which supported the development of Splash Magic through its European Regional Development Fund and Welsh Government-funded Social Enterprise Support Project.

He said: “We would like to congratulate the community for working together so effectively to reopen this essential community resource.  The Splash Magic team have worked tirelessly to make this a reality.

“We were very happy to support the team to set up the Trust and help develop its governance and business planning, and are glad to be able to play our part in the relaunch. We wish Splash Magic every success in the future.”

For membership forms and centre prices, or for more information, visit splashmagic.co.uk

New exhibition opens at the museum

The following exhibition is currently running at Llangollen Museum: 

County to charge for garden waste collections

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of changes to its garden waste collections.

Garden waste will not be collected over the winter months, with the service ending on Friday, 16 January, 2015.  

When the service resumes on 30^th March,  2015, the council will be introducing a charge for using the service. Garden waste will be collected fortnightly.

People can sign up for the service now and there is a discount for people signing up before the end of January. People can sign up by visiting the council’s website (www.denbighshire.gov.uk), by visiting any of the county’s One Stop Shops or by calling 01824 706101.

The council will arrange to collect your garden waste for 12 months from the date of your first collection.  They will arrange to collect your garden waste over 12 months from the date you sign up.

The council says it will send residents signing up a unique identification label for their green bin(s) or a tag for green dumpy sacks, a calendar showing  collection days and any additional containers (if necessary) before collections begin. Residents moving addresses within Denbighshire after signing up for garden waste collections can transfer the arrangement for the collection service to their new property.

The cost of the new service will be £24 a year for one green wheelie bin or three dumpy sacks or £36 a year for two green wheelie bins of six dumpy sacks. A discount of £2 will be offered to those signing up before the end of January.

More than 500 residents have already taken the opportunity to register for the garden waste service, taking advantage of the early-bird discount.  The following garden waste goes in your green wheelie bin or green dumpy sack: grass cuttings, garden prunings, branches and twigs, leaves, bark, flowers and plants.

The council says it will not empty green dumpy bags or green bins which contain soil, general household rubbish or food products. Garden waste can also be disposed of through recycling parks, free of charge.

Some garden wastes can be shredded and returned to the soil as a mulch or composted at home either on a traditional compost heap or a home composter. More details about the home composter are available from the council.  C

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “We are going through a period of significant change as a council and we need to make some difficult choices, as part of our efforts to save £17 million over the next two years.

“The proposal to charge for green waste collections has been agreed. We appreciate this is a very different way of working and we are offering people plenty of time to set themselves up for the new service which begins at the end of March."

St Collen's Christmas Fayre this Saturday

St. Collen's Christmas Fayre will be held at Llangollen Town Hall tomorrow, Saturday, December 6, with the 'doors open' at 10.30am.

Warning over "suspect" mattress sales

Trading Standards officers in Denbighshire are warning residents to be on their guard against suspect mattress sales.

The warning comes after reports were received that there is a white van travelling throughout the area offering “discounted” mattresses for sale.

Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager, said: “We are unable to confirm whether the mattresses bear the correct labels and whether they comply with the applicable safety legislation, such as flammability requirements.

“Additionally, we are unable to confirm that this is a legitimate business. Without the ability to trace the business consumers would not be able implement their cancellation rights – a 14 day cooling off period for goods bought on the doorstep where they can change their mind and cancel the contract – or, should a problem develop after purchase, it may be difficult to try and claim a refund for the price paid.”

They have urged anyone approached to purchase a mattress on their doorstep or whilst in the street to just to say no.

Anyone approached by these sellers can report the matter to police by calling 101 or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language).  This helpline offers free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues.

People are advised to try and report the vehicle registration as well as any trading name the sellers are using.

Railway favourite goes in for major "surgery"

* The engine in action at Llangollen on a previous wintry occasion.

Llangollen Railway’s flagship engine, No.7822, Foxcote Manor, built in 1950, won’t be hauling this season’s Santa Special trains.

It is in the Locomotive Works having what is akin to major heart surgery to repair its boiler.

Although the engine received a ten year major overhaul in 2011, costing in excess of £100k, the owners, Foxcote Manor Society, have been hit with a need to spend a similar, unplanned, amount two years later in 2013/14.

This followed the discovery of a crack in the throat plate ahead of the firebox which required the damaged area to be cut out.
 

* Llangollen Railway engineering
apprentice
Luke Denoven with the new throat plate,
the area of the firebox where
the plate is to be fitted.

The work, as well as being complex and expensive, has meant a new challenge for the Llangollen Railway's workshop’s engineers in fabricating a new plate as a one off item.

It has been successfully completed and is currently waiting to be fitted.

In addition, the boiler must now have all 127 small tubes renewed, and the twelve large tubes, before steam testing will follow to allow the locomotive to operate again in early 2015. The new tubes are costing over £14,000 and the Foxcote Manor Society is appealing for donations to help with this unexpected repair to a popular engine.

Neil Evans, chairman of the Foxcote Manor Society, said, “This is a classic example of the challenge steam locomotive owners face in keeping their historic machines in operational order.

 

"The cost of this repair is a big expense for the members of Foxcote Manor Society. Small tubes cost £50 apiece and those wishing to see this popular engine back in action at Llangollen may help by making a donation.”

For details visit: WWW.FOXCOTEMANORSOCIETY.CO.UK

Support Small Business Saturday says Cittaslow

llanblogger has received the following statement from Mike Edwards on behalf of Cittaslow Llangollen about a special event this weekend:

"Through your blog on behalf of Cittaslow I would like to call on all Llangollen and Dee Valley residents to fully support Small Business and Buy Local Saturday on the 6th December, 2014(poster below in Sal's email).

"Research has shown that for every pound spent in a local area with independent businesses seventy pence (70p) recirculates in the Local Economy, so everyone benefits from using local shops and traders. We are fortunate to have a vibrant and viable town centre which is a successful community social facility, so you can pop down into town and browse and buy in our numerous locally owned shops, but also visit the Library, Town Hall, Museum and finish off with a meal or a drink in the numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs. So coming into town is always a pleasant experience where you can chat to friends you meet whilst getting those everyday essentials like your meat, produce, grocery etc. 

"We are fortune at the moment to have two butchers, two Greengrocers, two delicatessens, two newsagents plus cafes, a florists, opticians who we are in danger of losing in future, so I would urge everyone to use them or lose them.

 

"Small Business Saturday is a National Event aiming to inspire and support local independent shops and suppliers and this initiative is an excellent fit with the aims and objectives of Cittaslow Llangollen. Cittaslow promotes towns like Llangollen with its strong community spirit and encourages amongst other things the principle of Field to Fork by using local food producers, farm shops, artisan crafts and independent local shops, catering and hospitality facilities.

"So I urge all residents to get behind our unique local businesses this Saturday and for the future to keep Llangollen vibrant and retain its unique characteristics and prevent it from becoming just another "clone town."

Health alliance speaks out over ambulance queues

Following the news that ambulances were queuing a claimed 16 deep at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Monday the North Wales Health Alliance have issued a statement.

Mabon ap Gwynfor of the alliance said: “The closure of four community hospitals at Flint, Llangollen, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Prestatyn, has meant losing more than 50 community beds, which has placed further unnecessary pressure on our district general hospitals.

"The Health Board will always say that they were experiencing particularly difficult circumstances.

"It’s winter, these circumstances come around every year. We have an aging population and serious GP recruitment issues as well as specialist doctors.

"These facts are well established and the senior managers of our Health Service should be prepared for these eventualities.

"It’s not rocket science to plan for winter and the ongoing pressures on hospital beds. One way of starting to deal with these issues would be to re-open our community hospital beds as part of their new phase of community health centres.”

KLS responds to Sainsbury's agreement plea

Martin Crumpton, chair of Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) responds to the recent plea by local county councillor Stuart Davies for opponents to "put their prejudices aside" when it comes to the planned new Sainsbury's store:

 

Having read your recent article, http://llanblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/councillor-calls-for-agreement-over-new.html, it’s time to set the record straight by taking the opportunity to respond.

 

Using pejorative words like ‘prejudice’ in this case is, of course, misleading as it implies irrational opposition to something. In five years of research, there has never been a single recorded instance of an edge-of-town large-format supermarket bringing anything but unemployment, and the prospect of 130 jobs is as likely to happen as the commitment to saving 110 jobs at Dobson & Crowther turned out to be.

 

The councillor seems oblivious to the changing pattern of supermarket shopping, being rejected wholesale by more and more shoppers. The likelihood of so many even part-time, low-wage jobs being created for local people is no more viable than, say, a footbridge across the River Dee, which he and Ken Skates AM once claimed Betsi Cadwaladr was applying for EU funding to build – but they’re not.

 

We naturally wish Dobson & Crowther, supported by Welsh Government money, well and we will also focus and redouble our efforts to help Llangollen’s many small employers provide decent jobs for local people and help keep the local economy from being swallowed-up by huge corporations.

 

We can’t expect everyone to have a solid grasp of economics, to be fair, nor current affairs and prevailing business conditions, but KLS will continue to fight for the heart and soul of our beautiful town, and in that spirit we’d like to take the opportunity to offer Cllr Davies our most special Christmas wishes.

Chair ΞKeep Llangollen SpecialΞ

Plas Madoc to re-open on Saturday

Plas Madoc Leisure Centre is a hive of activity this week as volunteers finalise their preparations for this weekend’s big reopening.

The centre in Acrefair will officially open its doors again as Splash Magic at 11am on Saturday, less than eight months after Wrexham Council closed the popular facility to cut costs.

Trust director Greg Ogden said: “The final bits of cleaning are being done, the lease has been signed – everything’s coming together. Christmas trees and decorations are going up and there’s definitely a feeling of festive spirit in the air.”

Greg, who lives in Trevor, said the centre’s new furry mascot – Splash the Magic Dragon – has also been collected and will be among the crowds on Saturday.

Trust chairman Darrell Wright said: “We’ve had the keys for a few weeks now and we’ve been getting the centre back into shape. There was a lot of work needed because of the closure, but the Coleg Cambria students have been a huge help.

“There’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears gone into this over the past few months, so we need people to support us by using Splash Magic from the minute it reopens on Saturday.”

Darrell and secretary Stella Matthews signed the lease for the Trust to officially take over on Monday, and the new centre manager Claire Duffy took over the reins last Thursday.

Wrexham Community Choir will be performing on Saturday, and supporters of all ages are encouraged to go along before 11am and join the celebrations.

Greg added: “The Trust has started taking bookings for the sports hall and other facilities, and on Saturday there will be a series of free taster sessions and activities taking place – and the pool will be open straight away.”

Splash the Magic Dragon was designed by eight-year-old Mia Harper-Jones, of Garth Primary School, after a competition open to all junior schools in the area.

* For information on membership fees and class prices for Splash Magic, and how to get involved in volunteering at the centre, visit splashmagic.co.uk.

Llan man highlights hospital's problems

A Llangollen man has highlighted the serious problems currently being faced by Wrexham Maelor Hospital due to increased demand on its services.

In an email to hospital chiefs, Martin Crumpton, who has previously campaigned to keep open the town’s cottage hospital, said of his own experiences yesterday (Monday): “Today at A&E at Wrexham Maelor at 13:25, en route to a routine outpatients appointment, me and an ambulance crewman counted 12 ambulances and two ambulance cars queued – a new record he believed.

“Returning home, and at 14:45 we counted 15 ambulances and one ambulance car. The crew member had been asked to do three hours overtime this evening to help get patients sent home early as the hospital was desperate to find beds.

“This unacceptable. Please put patients first and reopen Llangollen and other cottage hospitals immediately. You must already know the temporary extra 30 beds at the Maelor won’t be enough, so do the right thing.”

Mr Crumpton received a reply from Professor Matt Makin (pictured), medical director of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which says: “It was a very difficult day today at the Maelor.

 

“I spent today in the Emergency Department and on the wards and our staff are working very hard to keep patients safe in exceptional circumstances.

“We have opened new beds today (Monday) and are taking a number of steps to ensure patients get the right treatment, do not have unnecessarily prolonged stays in hospital, and are supported on discharge.

 “I must pay tribute to the doctors, nurses and paramedics who I saw giving 100% today. I agree it is extremely worrying to see ambulances delayed outside hospital and I assure you I take this very seriously.”

Superbug rate rises at Maelor

A report on the BBC website this morning (Monday) says infection rates for the c.diff superbug have risen at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-30272689

Police launch Christmas drink drive campaign

In the 50^th anniversary year of the first anti-drink driving campaign, North Wales Police are today (Monday, December 1) launching their annual winter campaign against motorists driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Led by Dyfed-Powys Police, the All Wales Winter Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign will run from Monday December 1 2014 to January 1 2015. Over the next four weeks, thousands of motorists face being stopped as teams from the four forces - Dyfed Powys, North Wales, South Wales and Gwent - conduct road checks at various locations and times across the country.

Last year’s December campaign resulted in 18,159 breath tests being carried out in North Wales, with 107 being positive. Some of the highest readings recorded during the campaign in North Wales were 133, 129 and 124 – the legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

This year police forces around the country will once again be focusing on driving under the influence of drink or drugs, with enforcement activity in every part of the country, along with local advertising campaigns, social media, and, in some forces, the naming and shaming of drivers whom the CPS have decided to charge.

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from the Force’ Roads Policing Unit said: “If you drink and drive this Christmas you significantly increase the risk of killing an innocent person, or yourself or both. It is really that simple.

“Our officers do not want to be the unwelcome guest at Christmas. They don’t want to knock on anybody’s door to tell the bad news about a loved one who has been killed or injured by an intoxicated driver. They do not want to be the people who have to inform your family that you have been arrested for driving under the influence and have caused harm to yourself or others.

“There is an easy way to make sure that the holiday period is a safe and happy one for all concerned; enjoy yourself, celebrate, enjoy the company of family and friends, but if you drink – do not drive. It’s not worth the risk.

“Officers are on heightened alert all year round but especially at this time of year – they will spot you, they will catch you and you will face the consequences. Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night.”

He added: “If you suspect someone is driving while unfit to do so, please report it immediately to your local police on 101 (or 999 if they are posing imminent danger) or phone it through anonymously to Crimestopers on 0800 555 111.”

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said: “Unfortunately too many drivers are still prepared to risk driving under the influence of drink or drugs.  No-one should be in any doubt that alcohol, in any amount, will have a detrimental effect on driving ability.  Road Safety Wales partners are committed to educating people about the consequences of impairment, and fully support the Police during this seasonal campaign, and throughout the year.”

Drink drive facts

• During the 2013 winter campaign over 460 drivers in Wales were caught over the drink drive limit after 35,255 tests were carried out.
• If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.

Councillor calls for agreement over new Sainsbury's store

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies has urged people in the town to “put their prejudices aside” to welcome the new Sainsbury’s supermarket.

His call for a halt to the long-running dispute over whether the new store should open came as he spoke of the switch of the Dobson & Crowther printworks to its new site at Climedw almost being complete.

The transfer of the business to a new factory will allow Sainsbury’s to be developed on Dobson & Crowther’s  nearby existing site off the A5.  

Cllr Davies said: “I am aware that the move is almost complete.

“There is a talk about people being taken back on and I applaud the company and wish it well in its new factory. I was elected on saving existing jobs and providing opportunities for new jobs for Llangollen.”

He added: “I look forward to the building of the new supermarket with its provision of more jobs for Llangollen, 130 is not a number to be sneezed at!

“I have met with the planners and a representative from the developers to discuss several detail points as agreed by the planning committee when the planning application was granted.

“I look forward to the finish of this project and the provision of over 130 jobs in our community. These jobs are important to the vast majority of Llangollen people as indicated by them when I was elected on a `jobs for Llangollen’ manifesto.

“I urge the community to join together, for some to put their prejudices to one side, and welcome these job opportunities for the people of Llangollen.

“I look forward to the opening of the new store and wish D&C the best for the future.”

Town's festival is a real Christmas cracker

THE festive season officially arrived in Llangollen today (Saturday) as the town staged its annual Christmas Festival.

The day started with a grand parade led by Santa – in Welsh Sion Corn – and ended with a grand firework display and a red-hot performance by a circus-style fire artist.

The parade, watched by hundreds of people packing the main Castle Street, began at 1pm from Mill Street and wended its way through the town centre to the Town Hall where Santa took up residence in his grotto with his elf helpers and was visited by scores of youngsters over the next few hours.

There were fairground rides in a closed-off Oak Street and throughout the afternoon there was a full programme of entertainment both on the Capel steps outside the library and inside the Town Hall where there was also a host of craft stalls.

Amongst the outdoor performers were the choirs from the two local schools, Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen Male Voice Choir, Llangollen Silver Band, the musical group Radiant Events and Dragonsong, a community youth choir from Wrexham.

On stage inside the Town Hall were The Smiths Blues Singers, the Manic Monday Choir and Chris Burton.

As darkness fell the group of local residents who staged a series of events throughout the year to raise cash for extra Christmas lights along Castle Street were invited to perform the official switch-on by Town Mayor, Cllr Bob Lube.

A fitting finale to the day’s events came with a firework spectacular firework and a firey display from a circus performer on the Capel steps.

All proceeds of the festival will go to Wales Air Ambulance.

 

* Santa - Sion Corn - and his helpers lead the Christmas parade.

 

* Llangollen Male Voice Choir performs on the library steps.

* A climbing frame attracts the crowds in Oak Street. 

* Dragonsong from Wrexham sings for the crowds in Castle Street.

* Llangollen Silver band hits the right seasonal note.

* Santa leads the parade into Market Street.

* One of the gleaming classic cars in the parade.

* An open-topped veteran car heads over the bridge.

* Morris dancers were a colourful feature of the opening parade.

* One of the young stars of the festival arrives aboard her Christmas conveyance.

* A horse-drawn dray wagon from Llangollen Brewery pleases the crowds.

* A magic roundabout attracts the kids in Oak Street.

* Charlie, Shirley, Karen and Rebecca, who staged various events to raise cash for extra Christmas lights in the town centre, were invited to switch on the display just after 5pm. 

* A grand fireworks display rounds off the festival.

* A circus performer does tricks with fire.

Town to stage Small Business Saturday

Organisers have asked llanblogger to carry the poster below for the forthcoming Small Business Saturday event in the town:

Rhys tops the bill at Llan Christmas cracker

International star tenor Rhys Meirion will top the bill at a special Christmas Carol Concert to raise a Santa’s sackful of cash to help hard-up competitors take part in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Every year the Eisteddfod turns Father Christmas by providing over £20,000 of travel and accommodation for competition entrants from as far afield as the Philippines and South America as well as Africa and Eastern Europe.

The Christmas Carol Concert at the Royal International Pavilion, which takes place this year on Sunday, December 14, plays a vital part in that fund-raising effort.

Rhys Meirion (pictured right), who lives in Pwllglas near Ruthin with his wife, Nia, and three children Osian, 18, Elan, 15 and Erin, 13, says he’s delighted to have the opportunity to help support young international competitors dreaming of travelling to North Wales to compete.

The schoolteacher turned opera star made his New York Carnegie Hall debut earlier this year in the premiere of Karl Jenkins’ The Bards of Wales, said it’s vital to support one of the world’s best international competitions.

Rhys, one of Wales’s very own Three Tenors – the others are Aled Hall and Alun Rhys-Jenkins, said: “Llangollen is such a special event which has so much tradition associated with it. I was in Budapest recently and speaking to people there it’s clear the economic climate remains difficult to bring choirs of young people over to Wales to compete.

“Air fares alone are astronomical so this concert to support the Bursary Scheme for international competitors from developing countries is a great idea.

“I always look forward to visiting the International Eisteddfod as a performer or a visitor. It’s a magical event and gives young people in particular an experience they will never forget.”

The Llangollen December concert will cap a busy year for Rhys in which he has just published his autobiography, Stopio’r Byd Am Funud Fach (Stop the World for a Minute).

In the book he tells of his anguish at his younger sister Elen’s tragic death following a fall, the effect it had on his family and his determination to honour Elen Meirion’s memory by raising awareness of the importance of organ donation.

He said: “We were very close and I treasure the time we had together as brother and sister. It’s important to me that I campaign as much as I can to raise awareness of organ transplants.

“It was what Elen wanted and we take great comfort from the fact as many as five people benefitted after receiving Elen’s organs following her death.

“Of course I am still affected by Elen’s death but losing her also gives me strength in many ways as I always feel she is there on stage with me.

“I know people who have been in a similar position to me and have lost someone close and they say they feel the same way. It’s something you can’t explain, that feeling that someone is there with you. You can feel their presence.”

He added: “My sister’s passing also taught me another important lesson in life and that’s to make the most of every day. The fact is, every day is a special gift.”

And Rhys is always looking for ways to boost his fundraising efforts for the Elen Meirion Fund which supports people in Wales who are in need of an organ transplant as well as other good causes. 

On Wednesday, December 10, he’s performing at the Gates Art Centre, Cardiff for the Cardiff Sinfonietta’s 10^th anniversary concert in aid of Elen’s fund and Velindre Cancer Care and the following night he is presenting An Evening with Rhys Meirion, again in Cardiff, in aid of Kidney Wales.

It’s a Christmas concert with soprano Ellen Williams, the Pendyrus ,Male Voice Choir and Lucie Jones, of X-Factor fame who has now gone on to star in musical theatre.”

Back in Llangollen on December 14 Rhys will be joined on stage by teenage sensation Dewi Wykes, the schoolboy from Gellifor, near Ruthin, who came through auditions to make a huge impression alongside Bryn Terfel in the International Eisteddfod’s acclaimed Sweeney Todd in July.

Rhys said: “It’s going to be an amazing evening. I’m going to sing some carols and a few classical pieces accompanied by pianist Annette Bryn Parri. I have worked with Annette, who is unbelievably talented, many times over the years.

“Dewi Wykes, the boy selected to star in Sweeney Todd alongside Bryn Terfel and Sian Cothi at Llangollen in July is also appearing and, hopefully, fingers crossed, we will do a little something together.

“Add to that the Llangollen Silver Band, the choir of Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, who won the Eisteddfod’s Show Choir event in July, and the children of Mountain Lane Primary School and we are going to have a wonderful Christmas concert.

“It’s always a pleasure to perform at Llangollen as the audience is so knowledgeable. There is a level of expectancy, they really do know, understand and love their music.”

And once Christmas is over 2015 promises to be another busy year for Rhys with radio and television commitments for the former schoolteacher who took the plunge in 1997 and gave up his job as head of Ysgol Pentrecelyn, near Ruthin, for a life in music.

He said: “Regrets? The answer has to be no, not at all. As much as I enjoyed working in a classroom it doesn’t quite feel as good as walking out in front of an expectant audience knowing you have to deliver. That’s my workplace now and it’s something I really do enjoy.”

Christmas at Llangollen 2014, organised by the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod’s Music and Staging Committee, will take place on Sunday, December 14, at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £10 (£8 concessions), are available from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod office at the Royal International Pavilion, Gwyn Davies, Butchers, Castle Street, Llangollen and Jades Hair and Beauty, Oak St, Llangollen.

For more information about the 2015 Llangollen International Music Festival visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

For more information about Rhys Meirion and for details on where to buy his autobiography, Stopio'r Byd Am Funud Fach, £9.95, visit www.rhysmeirion.com

New health centre now has roof in place

llanblogger's correspondent in the area, Phil Meyers, has sent us in the latest pictures showing progress on the new health centre currently under construction on the site of the old River Lodge.

Large sections of the roof are now clearly in place.

Public asked to help draw up policing blueprint

The North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner is seeking the public's help to draw up a new blueprint for policing the area.

Mr Winston Roddick CB QC (pictured left) says he wants to ensure that all communities, groups and representative bodies have a stronger voice in telling the police what they think is most important and what they are most worried about.

The Commissioner is updating his Police and Crime Plan and is keen for as many people as possible to be involved in the process.

According to Mr Roddick, the interests of victims and community safety will be at the heart of the new strategy.

He is proposing an integrated victims’ strategy incorporating the key themes of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Roddick said: "North Wales is one of safest places to live, work and visit in the UK. We want to have strategies that keep it that way.

 

"Crime in the area has been reduced in recent years and as Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, my job is to ensure this continues.

 

"My overriding objective, where I start from, is that people should feel secure at home and safe in public places and that the police should be visible and available when needed most.

 

“There is an open invitation to all parts of the community to share their views.

 

“As the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, I have statutory duty to consult local people on policing priorities.

 

“In consultation with the force, I draft an annual Police and Crime Plan and in order to do that the police and I need to be aware what local people believe  the policing priorities should be.

 

"My aim is to ensure that the views, needs and expectations of all parts of our communities are reflected in the plan.

 

“I am accountable to the people when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour so it is vitally important for me to find out what people think about how the region should be policed.

 

“The updated Police and Crime Plan will set out in plain English and Welsh the level of service people can expect to receive from their local police force.

 

"I recently commissioned a detailed report to provide an independent assessment of the current victims’ support services within North Wales.

 

"As a result of this I have decided to develop an integrated victims’ strategy incorporating the key themes of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and anti-social behaviour, with the emphasis on providing a comprehensive service to victims.

 

"The plan will also focus on the rehabilitation of offenders with the aim reducing crime which will in turn mean there are fewer victims of crime.

 

“The purpose of the Police and Crime Plan is to ensure the force is paying specific attention to those points which have been identified as crucial by the public, me and indeed by the force itself.

 

“An important part of my role as Commissioner will be to monitor the force’s compliance with the plan and I will be rigorous in holding them to account on behalf of the people of North Wales."

 

Anybody wanting to contribute ideas can do so via the Commissioner's website www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or they u can e-mail the Commissioner’s office OPCC@nthwales.pnn.police.uk  or write to the Commissioner at Glan-Y-Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW.  The deadline for submissions is December 18 the revised plan will be submitted to the Police and Crime Panel on January 19, 2015.  

Work starts on Chain Bridge

The BBC is reporting this afternoon (Wednesday) that work has started on the restoration of the world famous Chain Bridge.

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-30205556

Mike guides the guides around town

* Mike Smart (second from right) outside The Hand Hotel, Llangollen with some of the Guides. 

OFFICIAL guide Mike Smart spent some time last weekend guiding other guides around Llangollen.

Mike, who is local North East Wales Tourism Ambassador and Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB guide, led a group of 20 Green Badge Guides on a tour of the town.

Mike, who is also part of TREKsmart.net Guided Walking, said: "The Green Badge Guides had just completed their three years of studying to become the higher level Blue Badge Guides.

 

"The Blue Badge Guides course is overseen by Coleg Llandrillo and requires a huge in-depth knowledge of history, heritage, people and landscape, culminating in an intense week of activity and exams.

 

"My job at the weekend was to guide the guides around Llangollen and share my local knowledge of the Dee Valley, the AONB and its protected landscapes, the UNESCO Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site along with other places to visit when these guides re-visit with tour groups in the future.

 

"Tourism is hugely important to the area and we should help encourage it in any way we can."

 

Mike's TREKsmart organisation is arranging a walking festival in Llangollen on May 2, 3 and 4 next year.

This will take in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and Pontcysyllte UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

He added: "Come and join us for short, medium and long walks.

 

"Two of the walks include a steam train ride, and there will also be wilderness walks, history walks with a Blue Badge Guide, food and drink walk, Nordic walking, photography walk and talk plus evening entertainment with Welsh folk storytelling music and songs."

 

* For more details, go to www.llangollenwalkingfestival.co.uk/ and on Facebook. Email: hello@treksmart.net

Fatal accident on A483: appeal for witnesses

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision on the A483 yesterday evening (Monday, November 24).

Officers were alerted to the incident at 6.13pm which involved a silver coloured Peugeot 307 and a Scania HGV on the A483 between Halton roundabout and the junction with Ruabon.

Emergency services attended the scene. The male driver of the Peugeot, who is believed to be in his 30’s and was the sole occupant of vehicle, died.

His next of kin have been informed.

The driver of the HGV is not believed to have sustained injury.

The section of road was closed for a number of hours and diversions were in place.

Investigations into the collision are continuing and officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit at Deeside on 101 quoting reference R185086.

Police appeal follows serious A483 accident

Police have appealed for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on the A483 between Chirk and Ruabon last night (Monday).

See more on the story on the Leader website at: http://leaderlive.co.uk/news/141135/police-appeal-for-witnesses-after-a483-chirk-crash.aspx

Walkers sought to organise local events

People from Llangollen are being sought to help with organising a suitable mix of walking events in the area.

Interested walkers from Llan recently held a meeting with those in Corwen to discuss future joint ventures and it became clear that the Dee Valley has vast potential to attract walkers and benefit the economy of the area.

Llan walker Ian Parry said: “The idea of creating a Dee Valley Walkers Are Welcome group was floated and gained much support particularly from the Corwen team.

“But we now need to encourage walkers from Llangollen area to  join and help with organising a suitable mix of walking events in the area.

“We would need to get the support of Llangollen Town Council and Corwen Business Association and Denbighshire's Dee Valley Business Action Group in order to proceed and this will be organised in the coming weeks.

“I would like to invite anyone from the Llangollen area interested in getting involved in this exciting venture and help the economy of the Dee Valley to contact me on  01978 753897, or email: ian.parry@uwclub.net.”