Dancing prince hails Eisteddfod's 'shining example of peace'

* Getting down to the bhangra beat ... the Prince of Wales with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra dance group in 2015.

The Prince of Wales has hailed an international festival where he once did some impromptu bhangra dancing as a “shining example of peace and harmony”.

The royal tribute was in the foreword he wrote for the programme of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that’s celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year.

The event was established in1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War as a way of bringing the nations of the world closer together in a colourful, multi-cultural melting pot.

Ever since the picturesque town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley has been known as the place where Wales meets the world.

The popular festival which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel had to be cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021 it took on a virtual format with performances streamed online but this year Wales will once again welcome the world to the little town in the Dee Valley.

The festival starts on Thursday, July 7, and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the Eisteddfod joins forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

The Prince is the long-standing Patron of the Eisteddfod which he has visited three times.

* Prince Charles meets an overseas visitor to the 2015 Eisteddfod.

On the last occasion in 2015, when he was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, he was captured on camera dancing to a bhangra beat with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra Dance group from Nottingham.

The Eisteddfod’s royal connection stretches all the way back to 1953 when it was one of the first of the then newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth’s official engagements after she succeeded her father, George VI.

In the foreword, the Prince of Wales wrote: “When the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was founded in 1947 in a world weary of war, no-one could have foreseen that it would still be a beacon of inspiration three quarters of a century later.

“Over the years since then, the vision of those early founders has been triumphantly realised, and this little town in the Dee Valley has witnessed, time and again, the kind of concord between the nations that gives us all hope for the future.

“It is a source of great pride to me, as Patron of the Eisteddfod, that Wales should have given the world this shining example of peace and harmony.

“The success of the Festival has proved the truth of the Eisteddfod motto – Byd gwyn fydd byd a gano. Gwaraidd fydd ei gerddi fo. A world that sings is truly blessed.

“In my visits over the years, it has always been a joy to see how people from so many different backgrounds and cultures can find a common language in music, and can create new and lasting friendships.

“At a time when we once again find our world overshadowed by conflict, we need the vision of Llangollen more than ever. As you celebrate the magnificent achievement of reaching this significant anniversary, I send everyone connected with the Festival my warmest good wishes.

“Dymuniadau gorau i chi i gyd (Best wishes to you all).

The Eisteddfod’s Executive Producer, Camilla King, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Prince of Wales for the wonderful words in the foreword he has written for the programme.

“I know that his steadfast support over many years has always been gratefully appreciated.

“It is fitting that our 75^th anniversary coincides with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so there will be even more reason to celebrate.”

Over the four days of the Eisteddfod there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Church bells to ring out for Eisteddfod and its staunch supporter

* St Collen's bell tower.

At 3pm this Wednesday, July 6, local bell-ringers will be ringing the bells at St Collen's Church for 45-50 minutes to celebrate the return of the Eisteddfod after a two-year break caused by Covid.

They will also be celebrating the life of Sandie Attenburrow who died recently and had contributed much to the Eisteddfod over many years. 

Mrs Attenburrow was also very supportive of St Collen's and Llantysilio parish churches.

* Sandie Attenburrow (bottom row, centre) with fellow members of the Eisteddfod floral team.

Cost of living advice to be given at local roadshows

The Community Resilience team from Denbighshire County Council will be in Llangollen next month with two summer roadshows providing information and advice about dealing with cost of living issues.

As one of a series of similar events being held across the county in July and August.

They are being delivered in partnership with a host of organisations, including Citizens Advice Denbighshire, Stop Loan Sharks Wales, South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Cambrian Credit Union, NEST, Warm Wales and Ground Work North Wales.

The Llangollen roadshows are both to be held on Wednesday August 10, at Pengwern Community Centre from 10-11:30am and then at Llangollen Food Share from 1-2:30pm.

Residents are urged to attend the roadshows, and talk to the teams about useful services that may be able to help.

Other roadshows are planned for Glyndyfrdwy Village Hall, from 1-2:30pm, on Wednesday July 6 and, both on Tuesday August 9, on the Clawdd Poncen Housing Estate, Corwen, from 10-11:30am, and Canolfan Ni, Corwen,  from 1.230pm.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We fully recognise that increased costs of living is having an impact on people right across the county and we want to play our part in supporting residents through providing relevant advice and information. 

“These sessions will be informal and we would urge anyone with any issues of concern to them to come along. Our friendly team will provide the information needed or direct people to the right organisation."

Police seek information about stolen trailer

Police are seeking information about the theft of a trailer from near Llangollen.

In a message sent over the Neighbourhood Alert system PC 2264 Chris James of the Rural Crime Team says: "Between 0100hrs and 0130hrs on 25th June 2022 an Ifor Williams tipper style trailer was stolen from a property on Gilfach Road, Fron, Llangollen.

"The trailer was bearing the serial number TT85G1523062600.

"It appears that the theft was pre-planned as it was pushed down a field onto a country lane where it was attached to a vehicle before being driven into a second field, where the gate had been removed, down to another gate and then out onto the A5 between Fron and Whitehurst.

"Anyone with any information that may assist with the return of the trailer and the identification of suspects is asked to make contact with North Wales Police under reference 22000447384.

"Please ensure that all trailers are safely stored and secured when not in use and kept out of the way of passers by if in rural locations.

"Any suspicious vehicles can be reported to North Wales Police."

Have your say on improving Pengwern Vale

 

Llangollen's second home issue raised in Senedd

The issue of second homes and self-catering accommodation in Llangollen has been raised in the Senedd by local Member Ken Skates. 

Responding to concerns raised by his constituents in the town, Mr Skates tabled a question to Minister for Finance and Local Government, Rebecca Evans, on Wednesday (July 29). 

On May 24, the Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government has legislated to increase the number of days within any 12-month period that a self-catering property is required to be made available to let from 140 to 252 days, and actually let from 70 to 182 days. 

Councils will also be given powers to charge a second home premium of up to 300% from April 2023. 

In the Senedd, Mr Skates asked: “What impact will changing the classification of self-catering properties for tax purposes have on residents in communities with increasing amounts of self-catering accommodation?” 

The Minister responded: “Our changes, which form part of our three-pronged approach, will help strike the right balance between capacity within the self-catering tourism sector, and the economic benefits that brings, and supporting viable communities of local residents.” 

Referencing Llangollen, Clwyd South MS Mr Skates went on to say: “This is really good to hear, because I’m sure you would agree that tourism is vitally important to the Welsh economy. But, of course, with the rapid rise in self-catering units, there is a risk that some towns and villages will cater more to visitors than to residents. 

“This is something that’s been raised with me by concerned residents in Llangollen on numerous occasions, when parts of the town – as many as one in five properties – are now advertised as Airbnb self-catering units. 

"Would you agree that we have to ensure that towns and villages across Wales are alive and active 12 months of the year, and can you guarantee that the measures that you have outlined will lead to a careful balance between our interest in driving the visitor economy and the need to ensure that towns and villages are living towns and villages?”

The Minister told the Senedd: “Absolutely. This strand of our policy, in terms of addressing the impact that large numbers of second homes and holiday lets can have on some communities in Wales, is about doing exactly that which Ken Skates has described. That’s creating sustainable communities where people can live year-round and where, in winter, you don’t go into those villages and find that the lights are off in the majority of those properties. 

“We know that in Newport, Pembrokeshire, for example, or in Abersoch, 40% of properties there are second homes and holiday lets, and that’s just not a balanced community. We absolutely recognise the importance of tourism, but I think that we also need to recognise that sustainable communities are important, and giving those opportunities to people to live in the communities within which they grew up and where they want to work and make a life for themselves.” 

Backgound

·     * On March 2, the Minister for Finance and Local Government announced the next steps being taken following the Welsh Government’s consultation on local taxes for second homes and self-catering accommodation. The steps form part of the Welsh Government’s plans to ensure property owners make a fair contribution to the communities where they have homes or run businesses. This work, in turn, is part of the Welsh Government’s three-pronged approach to addressing the impact that large numbers of second homes and holiday lets can have on communities and the Welsh language.

* The Welsh Government said views conveyed in the consultation, including those from the wider tourism industry, clearly supported a change to the criteria for self-catering accommodation to be classified as non-domestic. Respondents were of the view that the majority of genuine holiday accommodation businesses would be able to satisfy increased letting thresholds, and a wide range of possible alternatives were suggested. 

·     *  Following the consultation, the Welsh Government is of the view that properties let out as self-catering accommodation should be classed as non-domestic only if they are being used for business purposes for the majority of the year. 

·       *  On May 24, the Minister confirmed that the Welsh Government has legislated to increase the number of days within any 12-month period that a self-catering property is required to be made available to let from 140 to 252 days, and actually let from 70 to 182 days.* 

·       * The legislation came into force on June 14 and will have practical effect from April 1, 2023. Property owners intending to meet the amended criteria should aim to do so during the 2022-23 operating year, but compliance with the criteria will not be assessed until April. 

·        * The Welsh Government recognises that the stronger criteria may be challenging for some operators to meet. The purpose of the change is to help ensure property owners are making a fair contribution to local communities, for example by increasing their contribution to the local economy through greater letting activity or by paying council tax on their properties. The Welsh Government’s policy priority is to support sustainable communities and affordable housing, as set out in its three-pronged approach. 

·       * The Welsh Government recognises that some self-catering properties are restricted by planning conditions preventing permanent occupation as someone’s main residence. Separate regulations provide for an exception from a council tax premium for properties restricted by one type of planning condition. The Welsh Government is exploring whether further amendments are necessary in advance of the changes taking practical effect. 

·        * The Welsh Government will also be issuing revised guidance to local authorities on additional options that are available in the event that self-catering properties restricted by planning conditions do not meet the letting criteria.

 

Sir Bryn and First Minister send 75th birthday greetings to Eisteddfod

 

* Sir Bryn Terfel.

Opera star Sir Bryn Terfel and First Minister Mark Drakeford are leading a chorus of congratulation for an iconic festival that’s celebrating its 75^th anniversary.

Also among those who’ve sent their best wishes to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is the popular singer and TV presenter, Aled Jones, who will be performing at this year’s event.

After a Covid-enforced absence, competitors are returning to Llangollen just in time to mark the momentous milestone.

The festival was established in 1947 under the dark shadow cast by the Second World War as a way of promoting peace through musical harmony and dance.

Since then hundreds of thousands of competitors from all over the world have beaten a path to the picturesque Dee Valley town where Wales meets the world.

The pandemic put a temporary halt to the festival as a physical event and it took on a virtual format last year, with performances streamed online.

But preparations are well under way for this year’s comeback Eisteddfod, which starts on Thursday, July 7 and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the eisteddfod will join forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Over the years the festival has helped launch the careers of global stars like Luciano Pavarotti.

After competing on the famous pavilion stage as an up and coming young base baritone from Pantglas in Gwynedd, Sir Bryn went on to forge a stellar career as one of the world’s greatest opera singers.

In a specially recorded video message, Sir Bryn said: “I send my heartfelt congratulations to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod as it celebrates its 75^th anniversary.

“I have great memories of Llangollen  as a young emerging artiste competing there and the returning to perform in the evening concerts – always truly inspired in the thoughts one was following in the footsteps of truly great artistes.

“I myself returned to the pavilion for performances of Tosca by Puccini and Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim.

“A truly unique event that is lauded as an international treasure – the people, the stage, the audiences, even all those beautiful flowers at the front of the stage making such a truly memorable and unique experience.

“Llongyfarchiadau enfawr i chi i gyd yn Llangollen a chariwch ymlaen (Congratulations to you all in Llangollen and carry on).

First Minister Mark Drakeford is also a big fan of the event and what it stands for.

In his video, he said: “The Llangollen International Eisteddfod is truly an icon of the Welsh cultural landscape, and it’s particularly exciting to be able to welcome in person attendees back to the event and back to Wales this year.

“So many of us have memories of attending the international eisteddfod in its beautiful North Wales location at different points in our own lives.

“Even those who have yet to visit will be aware of the wealth of inspiring images that emerge from the event each summer as Llangollen plays host to cultural guests from right around the globe.

“Many of these overseas performers are visiting Wales for the first time and we know how struck they are by the warmth of the welcome with which they are received. 

“As relevant today as when it was first established in the aftermath of the Second World War, the overriding message of the International Eisteddfod is of international harmony and cooperation and it gives us that annual opportunity to reflect upon these vital priorities.

“And more than anything Llangollen gives us a practical demonstration of how effectively a shared cultural experience can contribute to these goals of international cooperation. Long may that continue.

“Finally let me add my personal thanks and note of appreciation for all those achievements of the last 75 years.

“I wish everyone involved the very best of luck for this year’s event and for Llangollen’s very special anniversary celebration.”  

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates is a long-standing supporter of the Eisteddfod.

He said: “This is the first time since 2019 that the event is going to be taking place physically because of the pandemic and my goodness me the International Eisteddfod is just as relevant today as it ever was.

“Today with what’s happening around the globe but particularly in Ukraine it makes the International Eisteddfod just so important and just as relevant as back in 1947.

 “So the Eisteddfod has been assisted over the years by many individuals and many organisations including the Welsh Government who have supported it financially through some difficult and challenging times.

“And the Llangollen Eisteddfod located in the magnificent Dee Valley in the beautiful town of Llangollen is always welcoming to people from around the world and I know this year will be as welcoming as ever, diolch.” 

During the four-day event, there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is a half-sister to singer Norah Jones.

In his video message, Aled said: “Just want to say a huge congratulations to Llangollen on their 75^th anniversary. I am so proud to part of the amazing event this year. Llongyfarchiadau (Congratulations”.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen

Classic transport weekend is back at railway after three years

Over 300 vintage and classic cars, buses and other vehicles will herald the return of a much-loved event to Glyndyfrdwy Station on the Llangollen Railway this weekend.

Classic Transport Weekend last took place pre-pandemic in 2019 and in returns in fine style for 2022 with a record number of vehicles in attendance.

A busy timetable of steam, diesel and railcar trains will operate on the railway, centred around the village station of Glyndyfrdwy, where a vintage vehicle rally is held in a large field right next to the station. 

With trains currently running to Carrog and the new station at Corwen not-quite ready to receive trains, a free vintage bus service will operate between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy to allow visitors to visit the rally from the western end of the Dee Valley.

The event has been organised by two of the railway’s younger volunteers, Tim Hines and George Walker, who are both under 30 years old. 

Tim said: "Taking on an event like this has been a real challenge for us. We have worked closely with Matt Davies, who conceived and ran the event between 2011 and 2019. Matt has been a huge help and very happy to pass his knowledge on to us. 

"After a three-year break due to the pandemic we have had an overwhelming response,  with over 300 vehicles booked to attend the rally at Glyndyfrdwy across the weekend. This will make it our biggest Classic Transport Weekend yet.

"We have trialled online vehicle entries this year, which hasn’t been without its challenges, but it has made the process easier from an administration point of view. Both George and I are really looking forward to the weekend after all the planning that has gone into it and we hope that everyone attending has a great day out - both on the railway and at the rally."

Glyndyfrdwy stationmaster Paul Bailey added: "We’re really looking forward to welcoming lots of visitors to our station again, which has been completely rebuilt by volunteers since it first reopened in 1991. 

"Our tearoom and station bar will be open all weekend for exhibitors and visitors. It’s a great opportunity to see our country station at its busiest, with a wonderful parade of classic cars and buses making their away across the traditional, gated level crossing between the station and signal box.

"Last month we repainted quite a lot of our station furniture in jubilee purple which will be on display for the last time this weekend before we restore them to their original colours."

* Tickets for the event are available in advance from the railway’s website or on the day from station ticket offices. An event flyer and a couple of photos of previous events are attached for your information.

 

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in about a week's time.

Calls for UK Government to back Ruabon station lifts

* Ken with Cllr Dana Davies and former Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones at Ruabon station.

Community leaders have called on the UK Government to finally back the long-running campaign for lifts at Ruabon Station. 

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates was notified this week that Network Rail will nominate the Ruabon project for the next round of the UK Government’s Access for All programme, and was quick to declare his support. 

But the final say will come down to the UK Government, which has already stopped the project in its tracks twice by refusing to match the Welsh Government’s capital investment. 

The local MS and Ruabon councillor Dana Davies have worked alongside the Friends of Ruabon to campaign for improved access at the station.

The Welsh Government wants lifts installed to help people with mobility issues, families with young children and commuters carrying heavy luggage move between platforms, but the UK Government had twice refused to contribute to the costs even though the work comes under Westminster’s remit. 

Welsh Ministers have asked the UK Department for Transport to urgently prioritise work at Ruabon – with First Minister Mark Drakeford a keen supporter of the plans.

 

Clwyd South MS Mr Skates said: “It has been well documented that the Welsh Labour Government has twice before put money on the table for this long-awaited work to go ahead, even though it’s not a devolved area, and I know the Friends of Ruabon – and many other local people – have been extremely frustrated by the slow progress and false dawns.

 

“I have submitted a letter of support to Network Rail and I’m 100% behind this. The Friends of Ruabon and local campaigners can’t do any more, and the Welsh Government can’t do any more. The First Minister has even asked the UK Department for Transport to prioritise this work. We’ve done all we can – now it’s over the UK Government.”

 

Cllr Davies said: “Some years ago when the Welsh Government first committed to funding half of the project, we celebrated – we thought it was a done deal! We didn’t think there was any way the UK Government would refuse to fund half the cost of such an important project, particularly one it should be paying for in full.”

 

While transport is devolved to Wales, responsibility for track, station infrastructure and signalling remains with the UK Government. Over the past 20 years, Wales has received less than 2% of the £100bn+ that that UK Government has spent on rail enhancement – despite having 5% of the population and 11% of the track miles.

 

In 2017, former Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones presented a petition to Parliament on behalf of the Friends of Ruabon calling for action from the UK Government. And in an attempt to incentivise the UK Government to invest in Welsh stations, including Ruabon, the Welsh Government had offered to match-fund vital upgrades. But the UK Government had twice decided against funding for Ruabon, most recently in February 2020.

A factual briefing requested by Mr Skates from the Welsh Government stated: “Welsh Government, following detailed discussions with the rail industry on investment priorities, has twice submitted Ruabon Station as a priority nomination for UK Government investment in step-free access under the non-devolved Access for All programme. 

“The first was a request for a new replacement bridge with lifts, the second for a reduced cost alternative whereby lifts could be fitted to the existing structure. On both occasions, the strong case made for Ruabon was not accepted by the UK Government.”

New round of Loneliness and Social Isolation Grants announced

 

Denbighshire Council for Voluntary Service in partnership with Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government has announced a new round of the Loneliness and Social Isolation Grant. Loneliness and social isolation can be experienced by anyone of any age and any background.  It is required that the funding awarded is used to meet one or more of the following criteria: Increasing opportunities for people to connect  A community infrastructure that supports connected communities Cohesive and supportive communities Building awareness and promoting positive attitudes Mental health Grants for individual projects are available for the financial years of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 for up to £5,000 per year. You can apply for one or two years of funding. To apply for this grant please view the Grant Application Form Here. Once you have accessed the document please click File in the top left corner and download to get your modifiable version.   Information for Applicants:  Please use the DVSC Application Form  Grants for individual projects are for up to £5,000 per financial year  The grants are a rolling programme and funds are limited  For more information, please contact 01824 702 441 or email office@dvsc.co.uk

Roadwork alert for Queen Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Queen Street, Denbighshire

28 June - 30 June

 

Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)

 

Description: MJ QUINN TO RENEW JOINT BOX OR FRAME AND COVER...

 

Works location: AT JUNCTION OF BUTLERS HILL AND QUEEN STREET...

 

Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.

 

Responsibility for works: Openreach

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: BC006MQONSAWN0SRWD5L183F

Update on cost of living support payments in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council has administered over £3.2 million of cost of living support payments being funded by Welsh Government.

A total of 21,535 people in the county have already received the one off £150 payment. The Welsh Government’s Cost of Living Support Scheme is in place to help residents with cost of living increases and payments will be made to those with properties in Council Tax bands A-D.

Payments will also be made to residents who were in receipt of Council Tax Reduction Scheme Support on February 15, 2022, irrespective of the Council Tax Band, and those with properties in Council Tax Band E where the property has had modifications for disability, reducing the chargeable value to Band D.

Now the Council is encouraging other residents to apply for the funds and an email or text message will be sent to people where the Council has their contact details and a mailshot is being issued to all other qualifying residents, inviting them to apply.

* Applications can be made on the website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/costofliving.

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “The Council is administering this scheme on behalf of the Welsh Government and we have been working as quickly as possible to make these payments to our customers.

“Many people have already received payments, but we want to make sure that all those eligible for the payments submit their applications as quickly as possible.

“Payments will be made automatically to the majority of residents paying via direct debit, with the remainder of customers needing to complete a short form on the Council’s website.

“The cost of living continues to challenge all of us it is vitally important that our residents claim what is due to them and I would encourage people to apply for the support payment.”

Llangollen Round raises record £100,000 for cancer charity

* From left, Llangollen Round organisers Sandra Woodhall and Judy Smith, Nadine Isaacs of Cancer Research UK, and organiser Jason Morley. 

The fourth Llangollen Round Challenge, held last month, has raised a record £100,000 for a cancer charity.

And the often gruelling 35-mile run/walk through the beautiful yet tough terrain of the hills surrounding the town, which can be completed in either one or two days, saw another record set for the route being completed in the fastest time.

Volunteers and friends of the challenge who met for a post-event gathering at The Hand Hotel yesterday (Thursday) were given the full facts of the highly successful event by one of its long-time volunteers, Trevor Jeffries.

He said that since being launched in 2012 by members of the Llangollen Ramblers group and based roughly on the Alpine Walk Tour of Mont Blanc, the amount raised for Cancer Research UK by the challenge had climbed from £33,000 to over £100,000 this year.

* Trevor Jeffries gives fellow volunteers a report on this year's Round Challenge.

The 2022 challenge, on the last weekend in May, had attracted over 600 entries from across the UK and abroad and saw 238 walkers or runners finishing it in a single day with another 189 completing it in two. 

A fresh record was set when the first person back at the event's Llangollen Leisure Centre base was certified to have covered the whole 35 miles in just seven hours.

The fastest woman completed it in just seven hours and 34 minutes. 

As usual, a small army of over 80 volunteers manned checkpoints along the route, where those taking part were served with water supplied free by local businesses and cakes presented by home bakers in the area.

More helpers were back at base checking in participants and handing out their times.   

Trevor Jeffries read out a series of messages organisers had received from participants describing in glowing terms their enjoyment of the event and the way it had been organised.

One said: "Thank you so much, organisers and volunteers, really great day out and all for a great cause - after the views and people and flapjack the highlight was a high five from the town crier!"

And another wrote: "What an amazing weekend. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted but with persistence and determination I managed to complete it, over two days mind you."

"Thank you so much for this year's event. My daughter and I loved the Saturday one-day round even though we both cried a lot at the end," said another.

There was special thanks - and a presentation - to the "dynamic trio" of Sandra Woodhall, Judy Smith and Jason Morley who organised the challenge.

And Nadine Isaacs, relationship manager (North Wales) at Cancer Research UK, said: "It's lovely to be here this evening to celebrate the huge success of the Llangollen Round Challenge.

"Forty years ago the cancer survival rate was one in four. Today it is two in four but Cancer Research UK's mission is to reduce this further to three in four.

"Without the support we receive from fundraisers such as you we could not continue with our research."  

Council promotes county's overnight stay businesses

With another busy staycation season expected, Denbighshire County Council is promoting the county’s businesses providing overnight stays and parking. 

A number of businesses have signed up to be included on the North East Wales tourism website and in printed brochures which are now available across the region. 

The work also supports the council’s #LoveLiveLocal campaign which encourages people to support our local businesses. 

Councillor Win Mullen James, Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Denbighshire offers visitors a wide range of experiences with everything from stunning countryside and market towns to seaside resorts and centuries of rich heritage to explore. 

“There are a number of fantastic businesses in the county that offer overnight stays and facilities for motorhomes and campervans. We are encouraging those visiting to make use of these sites to enhance your stay in Denbighshire. 

“Visitors can plan their trips in the safe knowledge they can book a place and turn up to park in a location that is easy, on the route, and offers a warm welcome. 

“Last year we saw visitors flock to the area as restrictions were lifted and we developed Denbighshire’s Destination Management Plan in partnership with tourism businesses to coordinate activity to ensure a positive experience for visitors, residents and businesses. 

“Tourism contributes £552million a year to Denbighshire’s economy and we want people to come to Denbighshire this summer and return again year after year, so it is important we make the county safe and welcoming to visitors while giving residents confidence that they remain safe.” 

* You can find the list of site at https://www.northeastwales.wales/tourist-information/motorhome-parking-in-north-east-wales 

Businesses offering motorhome parking can be included in this list by contacting tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk