Tributes planned to memory of Llan legend Wyn

* Wyn "Paraffin" Hughes - legend of Llangollen.

* Denise Williams, left, and Barba Matthews of the Tourist Information Centre with the condolence book for Wyn, which is now open.

* The bench, second from left, which will be dedicated to Wyn.

* The current inscription - in Latin and meaning 'For the people 

and the town' - which will now bear the name of Wyn Hughes.

The town is planning tributes to the memory of Llangollen legend Wyn Hughes who died last week at the age of 87.

llanblogger in association with Llangollen's town clerk has arranged for a book of condolence to be opened for him in the Tourist Information Centre.

And the town council has approved a plan to dedicate a bench in his memory in Centenary Square.

Wyn – affectionately known as Wyn Paraffin – passed away in Chirk Hospital early last Thursday where he had been re-couperating from the stroke he suffered early in August.

As soon as news of his passing became known there was a flood of moving tributes from a host of people who knew and admired him.

There was a suggestion from the manager of Llangollen FC, Damien Tobin,  that such comments could be added to an official book of remembrance to be held in a central venue.

So llanblogger contacted the Tourist Information Office in Castle where the team immediately said they would be honoured to host the book in memory of Wyn.

And the book in which people can write their tributes is to be provided courtesy of town clerk Gareth Thomas.     

From this Friday it will be available for written contributions from Mondays-Wednesdays 9.30am-5pm - not on Thursdays when the centre is closed - and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9.30am-5pm.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson said: "I am extremely grateful to the Tourist Information Centre and the town clerk for their help in making this gesture possible.

"Judging by the number of warm tributes received following Wyn's death many, many people would wish to sign the book of condolence.

"He was most certainly one of the town's best-loved figures and, as was said plenty of times in the social media tributes to him, a true legend of Llangollen."   

A separate book of condolence for Wyn has also been placed in St Collen's Church by Father Lee Taylor.  

At their monthly meeting last night (Tuesday) members of the town council agreed to dedicate one of the wooden benches along the back wall of Centenary Square to Wyn's memory. 

The mayor, Cllr Austin Cheminais, said: "At the meeting I first gave a little background about Wyn and then we had a moment's quite reflection.

"A motion to dedicate one of the benches in the square with a brass plaque inscribed in his memory was unanimously approved by members.

"Wyn was truly a local legend."

Wyn was born in Bank Top, off Hall Street, the son of Joe Hughes, who was George’s father’s brother, and Betty who was originally from Llanuwchilyn near Bala.

Wyn later lived in Willow Hill and latterly spent many years in the small housing development off Regent Street opposite the Co-op.

Following the stroke he moved to the Abbey Dingle nursing home.

His father worked at the Robert Evans ironmongers in Oak Street for which he used to deliver paraffin around the area – which is where both he and Wyn got the famous nickname.

Later both Wyn and his father worked at Mile End Mile where Wyn was a de-greaser of steel and Joe was a lift attendant.

After that Wyn took a job with the council as a road cleansing operative.

He was also well known for the unpaid work he did in the community, including looking after the grounds at St Collen’s Church and helping with the annual sales of Royal British Legion poppies.

However, perhaps his best known role was as a keen supporter and helper for Llangollen Football Cub whose ex- manager and former player, Damien Tobin, paid glowing tribute to him this evening.

He said: “The man held a special place in so many people’s hearts, I'd personally love to see a book of condolence opened up for people to leave a last personal message.”

New Dot Cinema returns this Friday

* Olivia Colman and Anthony Hopkins in The Father.

Following on from an event as part of Llangollen Fringe Festival, New Dot Cinema is set to return this week with The Father.

The film features an Oscar-winning performance by Anthony Hopkins, as a fiercely independent 80-year old who fights against the carers that his daughter Anne (Olivia Colman) tries to put in place.

Despite his protestations that he doesn't need help, his worsening dementia and Anne's changing circumstances, force both of them to come to terms with his deteriorating grip on reality.

In line with new Welsh rules, everyone must present an NHS Covid pass when attending the cinema.

The pass can be used to prove vaccinated status or recent negative Covid test. You can read New Dot’s Covid information on the newly updated website: www.newdotcinema.org

Reflecting on the last year, New Dot volunteer Jen Rush said: "We’ve been poised, waiting and hoping to restart the cinema for so long. 

"As the pandemic unfolded and continued longer than I think any of us could have anticipated, it became difficult as volunteers to plan events, only for them to be cancelled.

"Our goal now is to re-grow the cinema and welcome back our audience. We’ve always worked to make the cinema sustainable – we want it to be part of Llangollen for many years to come – so, we’ve had a slight set-back, but with the help of some Film Hub Wales funding we hope this will be our return to regular monthly screenings.’

* The Father will be screened on Friday November 19 at Llangollen Town Hall. Tickets can be bought online here: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Llangollen/Llangollen-Town-Hall/The-Father-12A/35946865/

Businesses asked for feedback as community bank plans progress

* Cllr Dana Davies, Mark Hooper and Ken Skates in Caroline’s, an independent café in Ruabon.

Small businesses were asked for feedback on local banking services when the man spearheading plans for the UK’s first community bank visited the area. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates welcomed Mark Hooper from Banc Cambria to his constituency for further discussions on how the Community Bank of Wales could benefit local communities. 

Mr Skates raised the issue of local bank closures in the Senedd earlier this year after previously launching the Community Bank plans during his time as Economy Minister. 

His constituency has seen 80% of its high street banks close since 2015 – more than any other area of North Wales – and now has just one surviving branch. 

He said: “Banc Cambria is working with the Welsh Government to create the UK’s first community bank, which will provide everyday banking throughout Wales. Unlike other banks, it will be owned and controlled by members – not outside shareholders. 

“As I have said previously, communities right across North Wales have been abandoned by the big banks and left high and dry by the UK Government abandoning its agreement with the sector that that last branch in each community should remain open. We need this. 

“While I am hopeful that Clwyd South will be chosen for one of the first few Community Bank branches in Wales, Mark’s visit was about talking to small businesses in our area and finding out what they need and how this project could help.” 

After a walk around Ruabon with local councillor Dana Davies and talking to high street businesses including Ruabon Discount Store, Tracey’s Nail & Beauty Salonand Caroline’s, it was on to Cefn Mawr to chat with more small firms. 

Mr Skates said: “It was really a very productive morning showing Mark around Ruabon and Cefn and talking to local businesses.” 

Mr Hooper said: “Small business owners told us from first-hand experience what it’s like to operate without a local bank branch. Whether it’s depositing cash or dealing with an issue regarding mandates, you have to take time out of your business, and nobody wants that.”

Twenty Club founder member Betty dies at the age 97

Now has further information

* Llanblogger pictured Betty Lowe in 2016 when she 

presented the Llangollen Civic Society Award to Rhodri

and Penri Thomas as the society's life president.

A founder member of the Llangollen Twenty Club died last Sunday just nine days short of her 97th birthday.

Betty Veronica Lowe was born in Acrefair on 17th November 1924, daughter of William and Gwendolen Lowe.

Her Llangollen roots go back a long way. Her great grandfather, Edward Roberts, landlord of the Grapes, was one of the early mill owners of Llangollen who established Upper Dee Mill.

One grandfather, Evan Evans designed the King’s bridge at Berwyn. On leaving school she attended a Housekeepers Course at the FL Calder College of Domestic Science, Myrtle Street, Liverpool. But she was also a gold medalist of the London Academy of Music and Drama During the war, she was heavily involved with caring for her mother at their home, Holmwood, at Berwyn.

As well as looking after her mother, she taught drama at Llantysilio for Miss Grace Lloyd Williams and also taught Drama and elocution, at several schools, including Howells, Denbigh, during the 1970’s.

As well as being a founder member of the Twenty Club, she was involved with Llantysilio WI, a member of the Eisteddfod floral committee for many years, Hanes, and was made Life President of Llangollen Civic Society, having been chair some time.

Betty passed away just as the dramatic society she helped to pioneer celebrated its 75th anniversary with a smash-hit production of French-themed TV comedy 'Allo 'Allo.

Llangollen Twenty Club gets its name from the fact it was founded in 1946, a year after the end of World War Two, by 20 people keen an the amateur stage, including Betty as a young woman.  

Chrissie Ashworth, who directed 'Allo 'AlloI and a number of previous shows, said: "Personally I learned a good deal from Betty, her observations and attention to minute details were important to her.

"She had many varied roles on stage over the years and I can vividly recall her in Madame de and The Coffee Lace back in the early 1970s.

"She taught elocution at the prestigious Howells School in Denbigh for many years and her cut-glass accent was legendary.

"She directed many plays and her word was law! She did, however, have a wonderful sense of humour and mimicry and was never afraid to poke fun at herself."

Chrissie added: "She loved her dogs and a familiar sight was Miss Lowe walking her little dog through town, along the canal or Riverside, very upright, dressed impeccably in a long coat and always wearing a hat!

"Thank you for your huge contribution to the XX Club, Betty. R.I.P."

Friends of Pengwern Association to hold its annual meeting

Friends of Pengwern Association is inviting people to its annual general meeting at 5.30pm on Wednesday November 24 in the Pengwern Community Hub.

A small buffet and refreshments will be available from 5.30pm with the meeting commencing at 6pm.

You can find out what the association has been doing in the community, have your say on future activities and services being delivered, and help to elect a committee of officers for 2021/22. 

Committee officer roles are chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. 

For anyone interested in running for one of the officer roles, nominations must be made to Adrian Roberts by emailing: adrianr@severnwye.org.uk no later than Thursday November 18. 

Nominations must be made in advance and will not be accepted during the meeting. 

Any person standing for election to the committee must be a resident of Pengwern or the wider Llangollen communities, and must be in attendance on the day of the meeting. 

All elections will be held by voting in a secret ballot and votes will be counted during the meeting. 

Should there only be one nominee for each officer role, no ballot will take place and all nominees will automatically be elected. 

Anyone wishing to chat about joining the committee can contact Pengwern Hub coordinator Heulwen by emailing: heulwen@sdcp.org   

Both Adrian and Heulwen say they will work with and support the committee going forward. 

The annual meeting will be offered online and if anyone is unable to attend in person they can contact Heulwen with their email address and she will send them a link. 

£51m to help families hardest hit by cost-of-living rises

 

A new £51m package of support will help families facing the cost-of-living crisis to pay their bills this winter, Welsh Ministers announced today. The Welsh Government is releasing extra funding from its reserves to target support towards lower income households, providing immediate support for people facing rising living costs this winter.  The first phase of the Household Support Fund will target heating and eating – providing families with extra help to pay their energy bills over the winter and giving extra funding to foodbanks and community food schemes. It comes as the UK Government has refused to reverse the cut of its £20 Universal Credit lifeline for tens of thousands of families and the Bank of England is warning inflation will rise to 5% by the spring, pushing prices even higher.

Rebecca Evans, Minster for Finance and Local Government said: “Families across Wales are facing a real cost-of-living crisis thanks to rising prices and cuts to key benefit payments. “To help tackle these unprecedented challenges, we are making £51m available to develop our own bespoke Household Support Fund to help with some of the costs families are facing. “Where Westminster has failed to support families, the Welsh Government will step in and back our communities through this challenging period.” Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, has outlined the first measures, which will be funded. More than £38m will be made available through a Winter Fuel Support Scheme for households in receipt of working age means-tested benefits. Eligible households will be able to claim a one-off £100 cash payment. It will be available to all eligible energy customers regardless of whether they pay for their fuel on a pre-payment or a credit meter. More than £1.1m has also been provided to support and bolster foodbanks, community food partnerships and community hubs. This will help them address food poverty, food insecurity and provide a wider range of services to help people and families maximise their income. It includes the extension of the successful Big Bocs Bwyd project to a further 25 schools. Ms Hutt said: “We are very worried the cost-of-living crisis, coming so close to Christmas, will force families to turn to high-cost lenders or illegal loan sharks to help make ends meet “This fund will help raise awareness of the alternatives out there which can help. “Most of the powers to address this cost-of-living crisis lie in the UK Government’s hands but we want to do everything we can to help families through this winter. “We will support you, your families, your businesses and your community through these unprecedented times.” * Further announcements about the Household Support Fund will be made in the coming weeks.

Three people taken hospital after house fire

The Daily Post is reporting that three people have been taken to hospital after a house fire in Denbighshire yesterday.

Up to 20 firefighters were battling to bring the the blaze in Pandy near Glyn Ceiriog under control at the height of the fire.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/twenty-firefighters-battle-north-wales-22164767

Visitors enjoy railway's autumnal steam delights

* Driver Dave Owen adjusts the commemorative headboard on the 3802.

* Passengers enjoyed a sunlit journey down the Dee Valley.

Trains over the weekend at Llangollen Railway were steam-hauled, to the delight of visitors.

The GWR loco No.3802 was back in action after its trip to Loughborough for the seasonal gala event for rail fans at the Great Central Railway.

On yesterday's Remembrance Sunday the engine was suitably decorated with a poppy wreath and commemorative headboard.  

The train timetable was adjusted to accommodate the Remembrance service in Llangollen and passengers enjoyed a lovely sunlit journey down the Dee Valley when the autumnal colours were at their best.

The next trains will operate on Saturday December 4 when the heritage railway's Santa Season begins.

Essential engineering work will now commence in Llangollen station.

Medical emergency during annual Remembrance Day service

* The parade heads off along Castle Street.

The annual Remembrance Day service in Llangollen was cut short this morning by a medical emergency.

Around halfway through the traditional ceremony to remember the fallen of two world wars and other conflicts in Centenary Square an elderly man in the crowd became ill.

He was immediately attended to by a number of medically trained personnel, from the emergency services and elsewhere, who were amongst the large crowd of onlookers. An ambulance was also called.

After being given some first-class attention he was able to sit up and appeared to be making a recovery.  

The ceremony halted for a few minutes and as the man was receiving treatment the parade marshal announced that in view of what had happened the decision had been taken to cut short the service, with some hymns being left out.

The ceremony, which included the traditional two minutes' silence, the laying of wreaths and music by Llangollen Silver Band, ended with a parade of various organisations through the town centre.     

* A large crowd gathers for the service in Centenary Square.

 

* The Silver Band plays.

* The parade arrives in the square.

* The service begins, led by the Vicar of Llangollen, Father Lee Taylor.

* A wreath is laid on behalf of the army by Warrant Officer Chris Lingard.

* A wreath is laid by local schoolchildren.

* The mayor, Cllr Austin Cheminais, lays a wreath on behalf of the town council.

This week's work on the 2020 project

Work planned for week starting November 15 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

• Lay paving on Castle Street west from the junction with Market Street, heading north
• Preparation work on Castle Street west at the junction with Parade Street.
• Start to excavate the footpath at Market Street north, heading west

Bishop blesses vicar's civil partnership at special service

* Fabiano Silva and Father Lee Taylor receive the bishop's blessing.

* The Bishop of St Asaph addresses the congregation.

* Lleisiau'r Afon Ladies' Choir perform during the service.

As family and friends looked on the Vicar of Llangollen and his partner had their civil partnership blessed by the Bishop of St Asaph during a special service in St Collen's Church yesterday afternoon (Saturday).

Father Lee Taylor met Fabiano Silva in 2007 and the couple undertook a civil partnership a year later.

Their partnership received the blessing of the Rt Rev Gregory Cameron who said it had been a "committed and fruitful" one.

Prayers and readings were interspersed by music from the church's own resident choir and the Lleisiau'r Afon Ladies' Choir.

Later there was a reception in the adjacent parish hall.

The ceremony was made possible by the fact that the Church in Wales recently passed a historic vote to allow same-sex couples to have their marriage/civil partnerships blessed in church using a new liturgical rite. 

A Bill to authorise a service of blessing was approved by members of the Church’s Governing Body at its meeting. It was passed by the necessary two-thirds majority in each order of the three orders – Bishops, clergy and laity.

The service is for a blessing only as same-sex couples are unable to marry in church.

Arriva bus strikes due to start from tomorrow

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that ARRIVA bus services will be suspended from tomorrow (Sunday) until mid-December after the company and union members failed come to an agreement.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19714845.north-wales-arriva-bus-strikes-confirmed-begin-sunday/

Your golden opportunity to join Llangollen Silver Band

* A recent picture of Llangollen Silver Band playing in Castle Street.   

* The band in its earliest days as it passes along Bridge Street near 

the Royal Hotel.

Llangollen Silver Band had played without a break since 1904, until the Covid restrictions stopped them in their tracks. 

But they’re now up and running again and on the lookout for new blood of any age to help keep them in tune for at least another century. 

The band is of an important part of life in the town and involved in all its major events plus many more besides. 

Spokesperson Bob Lube, himself a player of many years’ standing, said: “When you join the band you will receive a very warm welcome and the loan of an instrument for as long as you are a member. There are also free music lessons, and a uniform. 

“It’s a great hobby and you’ll get lots of enjoyment out of meeting and entertaining a wide range of people. There are at present three former members of the band making a living by playing in military bands. 

“We perform mostly in north Wales but we’ve also appeared in the neighbouring areas of England such as Cheshire and Shropshire.” 

Bob added: “We have three sections – the senior band, which currently comprises about 15 accomplished players, the youth band of about four members and five members in the training band. 

“As with a lot of other groups, we have young people joining us as children and then when they grow up they often move away to go to university and things like that. 

“So it would be good if we are able to recruit more potential players aged eight and over to fill the gaps this creates. It will give them a great skill they can take with them for the rest of their lives.” 

Regular practice sessions for the seniors are held on Mondays from 7-8.30pm in the Band Room in Parade Street, which underwent a £100,000 refurbishment in 2012 thanks to outside grants and the band’s own fundraising. 

The training band meet on a Friday evenings from 6-7pm and the youth band gets together after the training band, from 8-10pm. 

But, as Bob explained, it’s not just youngsters needed.

“We’re also after more mature players. These might be people who have played an instrument when they were younger, given it up but now want to get back into it. 

“Our motto is that music at the heart of the community. We have a proud record of playing in and around Llangollen for over 110 years and want to keep going for another century.” 

* You can contact the band by using their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/llangollensilverband

Looking back on the life of Wyn the local legend

* Wyn Hughes pictured a few years ago at the Abbey Dingle.

News broke yesterday that a Llangollen man known as a local legend had died at the age of 86.

A few years ago Paula Lingard wrote a profile piece telling the story of Wyn Hughes - affectionately known as Wyn Paraffin - in the Dee Valley News.

Here, with her permission, we reproduce it:

Wyn Hughes, Legend of Llangollen, is a modest, kind-hearted gentleman, who is always the first person to hold open a door for you, it makes no difference if you are a local, or a visitor to the town. He always has time to stop for a chat, usually about football, or an update as to the whereabouts of your nearest and dearest! He’s a creature of habit and loved by all who know him.

Born on 19^th January 1934 to Elizabeth and Joseph Wyn Hughes, Wyn jokes about whether he was born in hospital or arrived by parachute. Typical of Wyn to crack a joke and make light of everything, and reminded me it was the year of the Gresford Disaster. He lived at 4 Bank Top, (now the car park, behind what was the Smithfield pub) until the row of houses was declared derelict and he moved into Hall Street with his mum and dad in 1936. He recalls a story about Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics in the same year, as if it was yesterday.

An only child, Wyn attended the local school, which is now home to Ectarc. He pestered his father to let him join him at R. M.& Sons Ironmongers. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take on any extra staff. He did, however accompany his father on his many trips to the head office in Sandbach. He left school at the Easter break in 1949, leaving school on Thursday and starting work on the following Monday. His mother worked in the local laundry, where Kenrick Motors are now situated.

He began work as a labourer in the Mile End on the A5, as a metal worker on a hand press. In 1962, he was made redundant and took on two part-time jobs; as a Postman at Christmas, and brushing the sheep’s mess off the golf course. Play never stopped and he had a few near misses!

In 1965, he began work in the old silico works, bagging. He remained there until 1985, when he was made redundant. For the next two years he worked for Glyndwr Council, and began his quest to keep the streets of Llangollen clean and tidy. Unfortunately, due to health issues with his legs, he had to give this up.

‘If only I had Betty Grable's legs and Fred Astaire’s feet', he announced.

I couldn’t resist asking Wyn about the women in his life. He mentioned a name or two, (I dare not repeat).‘I had my chance once or twice, and I enjoyed it when the Liverpool girls stayed at Plas Geraint’.

He recalls playing football for the youth club, which is now home to Bensons, but says he spent most of his time on the line. To this day Wyn supports our local football teams, always cheering them on with a smile. Often recalling iconic moments and names of players in sport, he has an amazing memory and always has a story to tell. I asked him how long he had supported Spurs and was taken aback with his answer. I’ve never supported them, I support Llan, it’s just something I’ve always said’.

Wyn told me of the time he was grounded in 1964. ‘It was a Sunday night and my mam and dad had gone to the RAFA club for a game of bingo. I told them I wasn’t going out, but decided to go for a walk around the block. Tony Daniels came up in his car and asked me to go to Oswestry with him and some others. Hell no, I told him, I’ve got work in the morning. Anyway, we went over the border to the Boar’s Head. After a while, they said they were going to the toilet. I waited and waited, butt hey never came back. I walked all the way home from Oswestry. I was grounded for the next five or six Sundays’.

For many years Wyn would pop from one shop to another to see if anyone needed any messages or errands running. Always putting others first. One very wet morning in June this year he was caught on camera sweeping the rain water away from the paths and down the drains, again thinking of others before himself.

I’ve had a fair few cups of tea lately with Wyn and fully understand why he wouldn’t take up the offer of being part of the annual Eisteddfod Parade. ‘I’ll come out in a cold sweat. I’ll stand in the same spot as I do every year, by the bollards near the Hand at the bottom of Oak Street.’ There’s quite a shy person hidden underneath all the banter and friendly face that he portrays to the world.

I told him I was writing a feature on him for the magazine. ‘What me? You want to write about me?’ I met him the next day just as he was going into the launderette. ‘Are you really writing about me?’ Wyn is such a modest unassuming man. He doesn’t ‘get’ why anyone would want to write about him. If only he knew…

 Paula Lingard 

Tributes paid to legend of Llangollen Wyn Hughes

 

* Wyn Hughes was always ready with a smile.

Tributes have been pouring in this evening to one of Llangollen’s most famous and best-loved characters.

Wyn Hughes – affectionately known as Wyn Paraffin – died at the age of 86 in Chirk Hospital early yesterday (Thursday) morning where he had been re-couperating from the stroke he suffered early last year.

His cousin and former town councillor George Hughes recalled that Wyn was born in Bank Top, off Hall Street, the son of Joe Hughes, who was George’s father’s brother, and Betty who was originally from Llanuwchilyn near Bala.

Wyn later lived in Willow Hill and latterly spent many years in the small housing development off Regent Street opposite the Co-op.

Following the stroke he moved to the Abbey Dingle nursing home.

His father worked at the Robert Evans ironmongers in Oak Street for which he used to deliver paraffin around the area – which is where both he and Wyn got the famous nickname.

Later both Wyn and his father worked at Mile End Mile where Wyn was a de-greaser of steel and Joe was a lift attendant.

After that Wyn took a job with the council as a road cleansing operative.

He was also well known for the unpaid work he did in the community, including looking after the grounds at St Collen’s Church and helping with the annual sales of Royal British Legion poppies.

However, perhaps his best known role was as a keen supporter and helper for Llangollen Football Cub whose manager and former player, Damien Tobin, paid glowing tribute to him this evening.

He said: “Wyn has carried out several roles within the football club over the years. He used to clean out the changing rooms, line-mark the pitch, help put out with the nets and corner flags.

“He even used to run on the pitch with a bucket and sponge to treat injured players, to everyone’s amusement. He never missed a game home and away.

“The players loved having Wyn in the changing rooms before a game and every away team and referee made a fuss of Wyn when they arrived at Tower Field.

“His famous phrases of “C’mon you Spurs,” and “Back and face, Llan,” would echo from the stand every game.

“Several players and friends of Wyn regularly picked him up from his house to take him to games and he was so thankful for that gesture.

“Life will never be the same at Llangollen Football Club and I’m sure all former players, managers and supporters of Llangollen Football Club send their condolences to Wyn’s family.

“The man held a special place in so many people’s hearts, I'd personally love to see a book of condolence opened up for people to leave a last personal message.”

Wyn’s cousin George Hughes said of him: “He was full of life and would do anything for anybody. So many people thought the world of him and he was very well known through the football team.

“You could always hear him coming as he shouted greetings to you and other people around the town.”

Facebook’s Llangollen & District Noticeboard has been alive with tributes to Wyn since news of his passing became known. Up until 8pm tonight over 350 comments had been left, and here’s what some of them said:

“Oh no, bless you Wyn, the whole of Llan will be devastated to hear this, you really did touch the hearts of so many people, a true legend! You will always be remembered. R.I.P. you sweet sweet man.”

“RIP Wyn. Such a lovely man. One of a kind. Will be missed by everyone xx.”

“We all loved Wyn and will miss him - his kindness, friendship, his character and love.”

“RIP Wynn, a true character of Llan and a wonderful and kind man x”

“God bless you Wyn, it has been a pleasure to have known you and many laughs with you. People of Llangollen will never forget you.”

“Omg no not Wyn, always happy, time to speak to everyone, never saw anyone struggling with shopping, always ready to help, RIP sweet man, you will be missed.”

“RIP Wyn, such a massive loss to the town.”

“A legend of Llan gone. Will miss his cheery smile.”

“R.I.P Wyn a much loved character of the town who will never be forgotten.”

“Such a lovely man, loved chatting to him about my mum and dad.”

It is understood that his funeral will take place early next month.

 

MP seeks entries for children's Christmas card competition

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes is inviting primary school pupils across his constituency to take part in his Christmas Card Competition for children aged 11 and under. 

The winning design will feature on Mr Baynes’ official Christmas card and will be sent to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and other public figures in government and beyond.

The winner’s name and age printed on the card. 

The designs for the runner-up and highly commended entrants will also feature on the back of the card, alongside their name and age.

Mr Baynes said: “I’m excited to see the artistic talent of children across Clwyd South and hope this fun competition helps spread some much-needed Christmas cheer! 

"I’m looking for a card that highlights something that you think makes our area a special place to live - with a nice, Christmassy message.

"The winner will receive a £20 book token and second and third places will receive £10 tokens. 

"The deadline to enter is Friday November 19 and the winner, runners-up and highly commended entrants will be announced shortly thereafter. Best of luck to everyone entering.”

Children wishing to take part should submit their designs on A4 white paper and work with coloured pencil, pen or paint. Please scan the entries and send via email to simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk.

Children should state on their design their name and age and parents must give consent for their child’s name to be published on the card, should they win.

Legion marks Armistice Day at war memorial

* Father Lee Taylor from St Collen's Church leads the service.

* Phil Stroud, chair of Llangollen Royal British Legion, with former deputy town mayor Issy Richards read the Exhortation and Kohima Prayer.

* The legion standard is lowered during the service.

Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion held a short Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Centenary Square this morning (Thursday), the 103rd anniversary of the actual Armistice Day.

This marks the end of the First World War at 11am on November 11, 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

The service was led by the Vicar of Llangollen, Father Lee Taylor.

The traditional two minutes' silence was observed and former Llangollen Deputy Mayor, Issy Richards, read the Exhortation and Kohima Prayer in Welsh while Phil Stroud, chair of the local branch of the legion, read them in English.  

Llangollen Town Council will hold the annual Remembrance Sunday Service this coming Sunday, November 14 in Centenary Square.  

As usual the parade will muster on Market Street at 10.30am and the Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55am at the War Memorial. Arrangements will be as in previous years.

MS teams up with police for advice surgery

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates (pictured) will be joined by police at his upcoming advice surgery in Llangollen to create a ‘one-stop shop’ for constituents. 

Mr Skates and Sgt Richard Evans from North Wales Police are teaming up for the advice session on Friday November 19.

 

The MS said: “Surgeries are an important fixture in elected members’ diaries and provide a valuable opportunity to sit down face-to-face with constituents, discuss issues of concern and to offer support and advice.

 

“Clearly, the pandemic put paid to public surgeries for much longer than we expected or hoped, but now restrictions allow it’s important that we resume them.

 

“By teaming up with the police it means people can raise any concerns or information directly with them in confidence which they might otherwise not report, as well as speak to me about anything else they need help with. We are hopeful these one stop shop-style surgeries will help local people if there are a number of issues they want to discuss.”

 

Mr Skates said he is likely to continue to run surgeries alongside police going into 2022.

 

Sgt Evans said: “We are always keen to work closely with elected members to support local people, so we thought joining Ken at his Llangollen surgery made perfect sense. We look forward to discussing any local policing issues with members of the public then.”

 

* The surgery takes place from 10am-midday. Appointments can be booked by emailing: ken.skates@senedd.wales or calling Mr Skates’ office on 01978 869058.

County council's statement on threatened bus strike

Denbighshire County Council has issued a statement on the threatened strike by Arriva driver's.

It says:“Passengers should be aware that there is the likelihood of Arriva bus drivers taking industrial action on and from Saturday November 13th. Arriva is working to avoid this action but passengers will need to consider their plans in case this goes ahead.

“If Arriva buses are not operating, this means that passengers who use Arriva will need to make alternative arrangements. This includes learners attending school or college if they pay a fare.

“For Denbighshire residents who are eligible for free school or college transport and who use Arriva, Denbighshire County Council is making every effort to find alternatives for them. We cannot guarantee, however, that every journey can be covered.

“We would advise residents to check social media for the latest position.”