County council announces arrangements for Queen's funeral bank holiday

* The kiosk at Riverside Park will be closed for the Queen's funeral bank holiday on Monday.  

Denbighshire County Council will be observing the national Bank Holiday arrangements being put in place on Monday, September 19 – the day of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – as a mark of respect.

This means that the majority of council services will be closed on the Monday, re-opening as normal on Tuesday, September 20.

Buildings: All public buildings, including schools, libraries, one stop shops and recycling centres will be closed, as well as facilities operated by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd.

Countryside Service: Loggerheads and Moel Famau Country Parks will be open as normal. The Countryside Centre at Loggerheads and the Shepherds Hut at Moel Famau, however, will be closed. The grounds of Plas Newydd, Llangollen will be open but the House and Tea Rooms will be closed. The kiosk in Riverside Park in Llangollen will also be closed.

Waste and refuse collection: Collections from households on Monday will start earlier than usual at around 5.30am. Residents are asked to make sure that refuse is presented on Sunday evening, ready for the early morning start on Monday. The Council will collect as many bins as possible but will stop work before the funeral begins, as a mark of respect.

Any outstanding bins not collected will be picked up over the following days, therefore residents are asked to leave their containers out in a safe place until they have been emptied.

Collections due on Tuesday, September 20 through until Friday, September 23 remain unchanged.

Highway works: All highway works (apart from any emergency works) will be suspended on Monday.

Public transport: Buses will operate a Sunday/Bank Holiday Service. Timetables can be found on the website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel

Care services: Essential care services will continue to be provided by the council and its partners.

Customer Services: The council’s main telephone line: 01824 706000 will be closed on the Bank Holiday.

In the event of emergencies or urgent calls only, people should call 0345 053 3116; for Adults Social Services call 0300 456 1000 or for Children’s Social Services, please call 01824 712200.

People will still be able to access information on this website.

The council says it would like to thank people in advance for their co-operation and understanding over the Bank Holiday closures.

'Report fly-tippers' plea from council after Butlers Hill dumping

* The divan base and the armchair that were left on Butlers Hill.

*The mattress which was left further down the hill.

Denbighshire County Council is asking the public to report any fly-tipping of waste they see.

The plea follows llanblogger reporting to council chiefs how three large items of furniture were found dumped in two places along Butler's Hill, the narrow tree-lined pathway leading from the A5 to Plas Newydd yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Higher up the hill were an armchair with a divan base resting on top of it and, lower down, a mattress had been propped up against the stone wall.

All the dumped items have since been removed.

A council spokesperson said: "Fly-tipping is a form of anti-social of behaviour and a criminal offence.  It’s a blight on the landscape and has a negative impact on the quality of life for residents. 

"The vast majority of people are law-abiding citizens who dispose of their waste responsibly through our council waste collections or by taking items to our recycling centres.

"There is no excuse for dumping rubbish anywhere and the council is asking anyone with information about any offenders to get in touch."

There have been suggestions that the lack of a permanent recycling facility to serve the Dee Valley area - forcing people's drive across the county to the nearest Denbighshire recycling centre in Ruthin - makes fly-tipping more likely.

There has also been surprise expressed by some users of the council's Saturday morning pop-up recycling facility at the Pavilion car park that they are still having to book a spot in advance of their visit, a measure originally put in place during the pandemic.

To this the spokesperson responded: "We have adopted a permanent booking system at all of our recycling centres because we found that it makes them more efficient to operate and more convenient for the public because it reduces queuing at peak times.”

Health board explains its services on Queen's funeral bank holiday

The Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which serves Llangollen, says anyone with an appointment or procedure booked with any of its services on the bank holiday declared to mark the Queen's funeral next Monday should assume it is going ahead as planned unless told otherwise. 

As part of the period of official mourning, Monday September 19 will be a national holiday to allow people to observe the state funeral of Elizabeth II who died last week.

The health board said in a statement: "Our services will be running in line with normal Bank Holiday arrangements. We are working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum. Anyone who has an appointment/ procedure within any of our services that day should assume it is going ahead as planned unless told otherwise.

"There is no need to call us as we will contact any patient whose appointment/ procedure needs to be re-arranged.

"If you have an appointment/ procedure for Monday which you no longer wish to attend, please let us know at the earliest opportunity using the contact details on your appointment letter, or by cancelling your appointment online. 

"Urgent and Emergency services and our Urgent Primary Care Centres will run as normal. GP Out of Hours services will also continue to be available."

The statement adds: "Some GP practices will be open on Monday, September 19 and a list of these will be available here as soon as possible. 

"If GP practices close on the bank holiday, they are responsible for rescheduling pre-booked appointments as necessary and supporting patients to receive prescriptions, especially repeat medicines, in advance of the bank holiday. For patients of GP practices that will close, the usual out of hours service will be provided over the bank holiday as normal.

"We would advise people to contact dental, optometry and community pharmacy providers to confirm available services on the bank holiday. There will be no change to emergency dental services. Contact information for minor injury units, dental, optometrists, pharmacies, mental health services, GP Services, NHS 111, sexual health clinics.

"Across North Wales will be open for pre-scheduled appointments. Currently our vaccination booking team is contacting members of the public to offer an alternative date for those booked in on Monday, if preferred. Scheduled care home visits will be maintained and delivered as planned."

Information on the COVID-19 Vaccinations Programme.

New Rotary Club has successful launch evening

* An illuminated tractor run, on December 4, in association with Llangollen and District Young Farmers Association, is an early project by the new Rotary Club.

Founders of the new Rotary Club serving this area are aiming to create an organisation whose members “make a difference” within their local community and abroad – while still having fun.

That was the message the people running the new Vale of Llangollen Rotary had for potential new members during a launch meeting held at Liberty Tavern in Market Street – its new base - yesterday (Monday) evening.

About 10 possible recruits heard from club president John Clifford that it was about bringing like-minded people together to see how they can collectively help the community, whether directly or by supporting others.

Secretary Mike Lade gave a potted history of the movement which he said was started in Chicago in 1905 by a group of businessmen who would “rotate” their meetings around one another’s offices – hence the name Rotary.   

The international organisation now spanned around 200 countries and numbered 1.4 million members. In Great Britain and Ireland there are 1,800 clubs.

Llangollen’s original club folded earlier this year when its numbers began to dwindle after 60 years in existence, although it was explained there was a hope its successor club would be able to attract the 20 members necessary to inherit its all-important Rotary charter.  

There was much emphasis during the meeting on the way Rotary had been changing to become more modern in outlook.

Mr Lade said the new Llangollen club – covering the whole of the vale area – would have “no funny handshakes and “no gongs”, adding “You don’t have to wear a jacket and a tie and don’t have to attend regular meetings”.

Although the club, he said, would meet every Monday at Liberty Tavern, attendance was not essential. However, he did point out the importance of members turning up for the monthly business meeting – on the third Monday – to receive updates on what the club was planning and to vote on proposals.

While there would be no sit-down meals, as many Rotary clubs still held, there would be the occasional guest speakers at these meetings.

The new club would be “dual gender” with membership open to “anyone over 18 of good character who want to be involved in their community”.

Mr Lade went on to outline the areas in which Rotary is involved, including the promotion of peace, the prevention of disease in Third World countries and the environment.

Locally, the new club was helping to run the Bra Bank scheme to raise money for the Third World by either reclaiming or re-making and re-using unwanted bras donated at collection points in the area.

Another idea from the new club was the creation of a business hub in which small and medium businesses would have a forum to aid their future development.

The club was also backing the Rotary concept of holding competitions to for young musicians, chefs, photographers, poets and sculptors.

“We want people to enjoy each other’s company in the name of friendship. We want to be a social group,” said Mr Lade.

“We want to work together as a team, either raising money for others or for specific projects. We want to make a difference but we also want to have fun.

“We’re part of a new breed of Rotarians, relaxed in style. But it is also important that the work of the old Llangollen club is carried on.”

The cost of club membership is £10 a month and a number of people at the meeting expressed an interest in joining.

* For more details, go to the club website at: valeofllangollenrotary.com or check out the Facebook page: @ValeofLlangollenRotary  

Council serves notice on 'unauthorised' campsite

Denbighshire County Council has served an enforcement notice on an unauthorised campsite between Llangollen and Trevor, according to the Denbighshire Free Press.

The story says that the council has issued an update on the case which it says it has 'received a high volume of queries' about.

The site has been purchased by a family who are now residents there. The council says that, 'to its knowledge', this family is not from the Gypsy/Traveller community.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/21313999.llangollen-council-issued-update-unauthorised-campsite/

County council roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from the county council are:

Jct A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD SUN BANK 03/10/2022 - 07/10/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN'S (SCOTT POWELL) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

OPPOSITE CLOGWYN GERAINT LLANGOLLEN GERAINT until 19/10/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

Volunteer shortage leads museum to issue closure warning

* Llangollen Museum in Parade Street is looking for more volunteers.

Llangollen Museum will have to close within the next year unless it can recruit more volunteers. 

That’s the stark warning from the unpaid team which runs the much-loved Parade Street facility. 

They say that, apart from the staffing shortage which has already forced them to cut their number of opening days, another major headache they are facing is finding £80,000 to repair a badly leaking roof. 

In a statement issued today (Monday) they say: “Llangollen Museum has been making the history of the town and surrounding area accessible to local people and visitors for well over 20 years. 

“With displays about the heritage of the area, and a collection of over 10,000 items, we are preserving the history of Llangollen for future generations, so that they can learn about the changes that have happened to our unique area over the centuries. 

“Totally volunteer run, we became an accredited museum 10 years ago. We would very much like to be able to continue to provide this service to everyone for another 20 years and beyond, but, aside from the issue of steeply increasing running costs, we have two critical problems. 

“The first is volunteers. As with many organisations our number of active volunteers has dropped significantly and, following the pandemic, we are struggling to recruit new ones. 

“We have had to cut our days of opening to just four every week, not only making it harder for people to access the heritage but also reducing the income from our small shop area. This will become particularly noticeable when our energy bills shoot up next year. 

“The second issue is with the building. The roof has developed a leak and the only solution is to replace the entire roof – at a cost of around £80,000. Under the terms of our lease from Denbighshire the museum will have to pay for this. 

“We may be able to apply for funding to do this work, but again it comes down to volunteer numbers – volunteers with time to write applications but, more importantly, to show that we are viable to continue to stay open. 

“Without good volunteer numbers we will struggle to secure funding, as it would be of little use to have a new roof if we do not have the people to run the museum. 

“One thing is certain – if we do not manage to get more volunteers then Llangollen Museum WILL have to close within the next year. So we need your help. 

“If you think that you would be able to give some time each week (days and times can be arranged to fit in with what works for you) to helping in the Museum please contact our manager Gill Smith at gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk or on 07516 023524. “So do get in touch and help us to let all visitors and local people enjoy the heritage of our fascinating area for the next 20 years.” 

* The museum is, at present, open four days a week – Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. 

It is currently starting its programme of talks – the next one will be on Friday September 30 and will be an illustrated presentation by Graham Greasley entitled Chirk, 1939-1945, a tribute to those men and women who served their country in the Second World War. The talk will start at 7.30pm – entrance will be £3 on the door and, as usual, will include tea/coffee and a biscuit.

In the art gallery at the Museum is presently a display of local scenes by the Pen y Cae Art Group. This will run until September 17 and then, from the September 20 will be an exhibition of photographs of May Queens and May Day events in Llangollen over the one 111 years that it has been running.

Mayor first to sign town's book of condolence for late Queen

* The Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie, signs the book of condolence.

A book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II has been opened to the public at Llangollen Town Hall.

The book is available for members of the public to visit and write messages of condolence regarding the Queen and their memories of her reign. 

Earlier today, the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Keddie, signed the book and on behalf of the residents of Llangollen and offered heartfelt support to our new King Charles III. 

The Town Clerk who was also present said: “I think you can sense a feeling of sadness throughout the town, and the book being here gives people an opportunity to show how they feel and take a bit of time out of their day to pay respects in some small way.”

The book will be open and available for members of the public to sign between 10am and 4pm for the next week, until Friday 16 September and is accessed off Parade Street.

* The side entrance to the Town Hall where the book is being kept.

In addition to the condolence book, members of the public are free to leave comments and tributes on the Llangollen Remembers Facebook page which will be collated and added to the Town Council formal records. There is also a facility to leave messages on the Royal Family webpage www.royal.uk

Members of public who wish to lay floral tributes can place them between two flagpoles on Centenary Square and the Town Council respectfully request the use of biodegradable coverings. These will be removed the day after the state funeral and will be composted and used in the planting of a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth II. 

Roadworks alert today for Willow Street

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is: 

Willow Street, Denbighshire 12 September - 12 September   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Planned works to undertake road markings along Hall and Willow Street, Llangollen following the intr...   Works location: Willow & Hall Street, Llangollen...   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 Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR007S000000000588

It's strictly fundraising as vicar takes on charity dance challenge

* Father Lee takes part in a tea dance at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 2008. 

Llangollen's showbiz vicar is stepping up to take a crack at the famous glitter ball trophy in a great cause. 

In November, Father Lee Taylor is amongst a group of amateurs taking part in the Strictly Nightingales dancing event at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool. 

The aim is to raise much-needed funds for patient care at Nightingale House Hospice.

Father Lee is no stranger to the limelight as a key member of the British Music Hall Society and also founder and on-stage chairman of Llangollen's Collen Players which stages regular old time music hall and variety shows at the town's Community Hall.

* Father Lee chairs one of the Collen Players music hall shows.

He said: "Eleven amateurs, including myself, from local businesses and organisations are taking on the Strictly challenge to learn to dance with a professional partner over the coming months, culminating in the Big Night of sparkle and sequins on Saturday November 26 when we will perform to an audience of over 350 guests. Who will scoop the glitter ball trophy?

"It’s been 14 years since I last took part in and ballroom or Latin dancing so I’ve some work to do!

"When living in London, I took part in weekly group lessons and regularly attended the tea dances put on in the Floral Hall at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden."

He added: "Please support this good cause.

"Nightingale House offers a wide range of facilities to local people and their families living with life-limiting illness. 

"Patients come from Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and outlying areas. In 2022 it will cost £4,041,617 million to run the Hospice - this equates to nearly £11,073 per day."

* To sponsor Father Lee in the event, go to his Justgiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-taylor119?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=lee-taylor119&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=c007a71bf6c24515ab1298219ba903fa

Well-known Llan entertainer ties the knot

* The new Mr and Mrs Burton cut the cake during the Town Hall reception.

One of Llangollen's best-known entertainers was married yesterday with a novel, music-themed service at St Collen's followed by a lively reception in the Town Hall.

Chris Burton, who regularly sings and plays guitar at major local events such as the annual Christmas festival, tied the knot with his partner Sue Fawson as a packed church congregation sang out their approval by joining in with a couple of specially chosen numbers including Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love, on entry, and Lennon and McCartney's Let It Be, as they signed the register.     

The ceremony was performed by priest-in-charge Father Lee Taylor.  

Then it was on to an equally well-attended reception for relatives and many friends of the newlyweds at the Town Hall where entertainment on the stage included a selection of well-known songs from a lively five-piece country band and some lavish refreshments.

* Chris and Sue are married by Father Lee Taylor.

* Sue chats with friends outside the church.

* The country band on stage at the reception.

People can watch proclamation of new king at county hall tomorrow

* The late Queen Elizabeth II.

People from Llangollen have been invited to watch the official proclamation of the accession to the throne of King Charles III which takes place in front of Denbighshire County Hall in Ruthin tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.

Today the main proclamation ceremony will be held at St James's Palace in London. 

Once the national reading has been complete the proclamation will then be read out in locations across the whole of the United Kingdom.  

The reading for the ceremonial County of Clwyd will take place 1pm on Sunday outside County Hall in Mold.   

It will be delivered by the High Sheriff of Clwyd who will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant and dignitaries from each of the four councils within the old boundaries of Clwyd. 

Open to the public, residents of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham are welcome to attend to witness this historical moment. 

Following the reading of the Clwyd proclamation, local events to hear the reading will be held at 2.30pm at various locations including outside County Hall in Ruthin - at the front steps off Wynnstay Road - which Llangollen people are welcome to attend.

From Monday September 12, between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am during weekdays, a book of condolence will be available in the Chamber ante room at Llangollen Town Hall, off Parade Street, to allow those people who wish to pay a written tribute to Queen to do so. 

In addition to the condolence book, members of the public are free to leave comments and tributes on the Llangollen Remembers Facebook page which will be collated and added to the Town Council formal records. There is also a facility to leave messages on the Royal Family webpage www.royal.uk. 

Members of public who wish to lay floral tributes can place them between two flagpoles on Centenary Square and the Town Council respectfully request the use of biodegradable coverings. These will be removed the day after the state funeral and will be composted and used in the planting of a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

You can send a message of condolence direct to the Royal Family on the Royal Famly website https://www.royal.uk/.

Town Council announces Queen's mourning arrangements

Llangollen Town Council has announced the arrangements it is putting in place during the period of national mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, says that: 

All Council meetings will be postponed, and flags will be flown at half-mast on Centenary Square to be raised again at 1.00 pm on Saturday 10 September for the Proclamation of King Charles III and will then return to half-mast at 1.00 pm on Sunday 11 September until the day after the state funeral. 

From Monday 12 September, between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am during weekdays, a book of condolence will be available in the Chamber ante room, off Parade Street to allow those people who wish to pay a written tribute to Queen to do so. 

In addition to the condolence book, members of the public are free to leave comments and tributes on the Llangollen Remembers Facebook page which will be collated and added to the Town Council formal records. There is also a facility to leave messages on the Royal Family webpage www.royal.uk. 

Members of public who wish to lay floral tributes can place them between two flagpoles on Centenary Square and the Town Council respectfully request the use of biodegradable coverings. These will be removed the day after the state funeral and will be composted and used in the planting of a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

+ Father Lee Taylor has announced that on Sunday at St Collen’s during the 11am mass, the congregation will remember Queen Elizabeth II in their prayers, hymns and reflections during this period of mourning.

A Memorial Service will also be held around the time of the funeral. Details TBC.

St Collen's bell to toll for Her Majesty at midday

The tenor bell at St Collen's Church will be tolled half-muffled 96 times - once for every year of her life - at midday today (Friday) to mark the death yesterday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Birch Hill to be closed for water works, says council

* The section of Birch Hill to close marked in red and the diversion route in blue.

From September 26, Denbighshire County Council is to make an order probhiting vehicles using a length of the unclassified Birch Hill road in Llangollen extending westward from its junction with Penycoed Road to the A5 junction.

The council says the closure is necessary to allow the installation of a new water connection by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of closure and the sign-posted alternative route will be via the A5 and Maesmawr Road.

The works are expected to last until approximately September 30, according to the council.

Mayor leads local tributes to the late Queen

The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Paul Keddie, has led local tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died at Balmoral, aged 96, earlier today.

He says: "We all remember where we were and what we were doing when a disaster strikes or a significant event happens. 

"My wife and I were being seated to watch the opera "Madame Butterfly" when we heard this tragic news. After 2 mins silence, the opera went ahead. 

"But, during the first act, my thoughts were not of the music, musicians, actors or staff, they were on a piece of history I have often taken for granted, our dear Queen. 

"She is the first Monarch most of us will have lost. A queen that has done so much for us as a country and a nation over the years. She will be almost impossible to replace in most of our minds, but we will adapt and welcome the new monarch with as much love as we have had for our dear QEII.

"Council has put our planned protocol in place and all those measures will be followed meticulously. Please mourn her passing with dignity and respect... it is a very sad day, and a sad loss to us all."  

Llangollen Town Council:

Cheshire County Council:

County Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: "We share the Country's deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"For more than 70 years she was a constant in most of our lives, providing a shining example of a life lived in dignified duty and public service.

"She will be much missed but as we look back on her reign with deep respect and affection we look forward with hope and optimism to the reign of the new King."

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South:

"Such sad news - our hearts go out to the Royal Family as we say farewell to our wonderful, wise and compassionate Queen who has watched over us with such love and dedication for 70 years."

Ken Skates, Welsh Senedd Member for Clwyd South:

"The loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II is devastating for the country, and my thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.

"In the Queen we saw exemplary service and the kindest of hearts."

Llangollen Railway:

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time."

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As a nation, we have lost a towering figurehead, who has served our country diligently and dutifully for over 70 years.

“My thoughts at this moment are with the members of the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a much-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know people across North Wales will also be very saddened by today’s news and that the officers and staff of the North Wales Police family share that grief. Over the coming days, the Force will doubtless be involved in ceremonies or other events that take place to mark the Queen’s passing, and I know that North Wales Police will do its duty – as it always does – in a committed and compassionate way, that both reflects, and pays respect to, the outstanding Monarch we have lost.”

The Welsh Government:

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has expressed his sadness on the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offered condolences to the Royal family on behalf of the Government and people of Wales. He said:

"It is with great sadness that people in Wales mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her long and exceptional life, as our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy.

We pay tribute to Her Majesty’s dedication and selfless devotion. She will be sorely missed by the many organisations for which she was Patron or President.

We offer our sincere condolences to her children and their families on this sad occasion."

BBC announces the death of Queen Elizabeth II

 

The BBC is reporting the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They say: 

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

All the Queen's children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way. 

Tributes paid to Llangollen firefighter

* James Rush with daughter Jess who is now two-and-a-half years old.

Tributes have been pouring in to Llangollen firefighter James Rush who passed away with malignant melanoma on August 29.

James had been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2020, having previously had a malignant mole removed in 2013, after which he had been given the all-clear. 

He regularly checked his skin and monitored his moles, but as the melanoma had spread to his lymph nodes and organs, it was a persistent cough that led to the diagnosis.

His wife Jen said: “James’ latest scan had been clear and we were cautiously looking forward to the future and what we hoped might have been a few cancer-free years. 

"The discovery that the melanoma had spread to his brain and the speed at which it took his life – just 10 weeks from the brain scan - has been a shock for us all, and is a reminder of just how deadly the disease is.

"He trained to drive the engine, which he loved, and Ben Lloyd, the watch manager, said he had a real impact on the people he met during his time in the service."

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, a charity which James supported, said: “We are hugely saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and supporter, James Rush.

* The awareness poster designed by James.

"James designed our fantastic melanoma awareness posters for our 2022 national campaign which featured in service stations across the UK. He also helped us shape our updated patient information explaining melanoma and various treatment options. 

"We will always be hugely grateful and endeavour to continue to raise awareness and fund research to improve the lives of people with melanoma.”

James’s funeral will be held on Friday September 30. The cortege of vehicles will travel through Llangollen, accompanied by the crew and engine from Llangollen Fire Station, between 1-1.15pm.

Donations to Melanoma Focus in lieu of flowers are welcomed by the family and friends of James. You can pay tribute and make a donation online here: Tribute to James Rush, 1983 - 2022 (muchloved.com)

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:  

Q: My oldest child is starting school this month and, with uniforms and PE kits, the costs are already mounting. The school we got into isn’t within walking distance so I now need to budget for bus money five days a week too. We’re already pretty stretched, so I’m not sure how to cover these new costs. Is there any extra help I can get? 

A: The start of a school year can be tough for many people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available. 

On the Citizens Advice website, we have lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. If you’re claiming benefits it’s worth checking if you can get extra help for things like school lunches, transport and uniforms. 

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. For older children, you can apply for free school meals if you claim certain types of benefits. The full list is available on the Citizens Advice website, and includes Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support.

You’ve mentioned you’re worried about transport costs. For children aged five to 16, your local education authority might be able to offer free or discounted transport if you’re not able to walk to the school. Contact them directly to find out how they can support you. 

Your local education authority might also help you with activity and school uniform costs, if you’re on a low income. You’re probably considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. There are also some local charitable schemes that can help - check with your school, as they will usually know if these kinds of schemes are in your area. Schools can sometimes also advise on finding cheap or free secondhand uniforms. 

If your child is disabled or has a health condition, you can also claim Disability Living Allowance (this isn’t means-tested).

A lot of peoples’ budgets are feeling the squeeze at the moment, but it’s important to remember that help is available with starting school costs.