Have your say about new 20mph speed limit on the A5

 

From September 17 most 30mph speed limits in Wales are changing to 20mph. And Llangollen people can have they say about the move at two special information days next month. The Welsh Government is changing the default speed limit on restricted roads, where streetlights are placed no more than 200 yards apart, usually located in residential and built-up areas which people use frequently.  Not all restricted roads will change to 20mph. Local authorities and the two trunk road agents in Wales, have used Welsh Government guidance and worked with communities to decide which roads should remain at 30mph  - these are known as exceptions. Transport for Wales - together with Welsh Government - will be hosting public information events about the new 20mph speed limits & the exceptions on the A5 in Clwyd South, inviting the communities of Llangollen, Froncysyllte, Glyndyfrdwy, and Corwen to take part. A county council spokesperson said: "These events will give members of the public an opportunity to find out more about the changes relating to the A5, view maps, speak to representatives from the Trunk Road Agent, Welsh Government and ask any questions they might have." The meetings takes place at Llangollen Town Hall Chambers in Parade Street, LL20 8PW, on Wednesday July 12, between 2pm and 7pm, and Thursday July 13, between 9am and 1pm. The spokesperson added: "We are also arranging an online event for those who cannot attend the public information events. More information will be available on this shortly. "We are hoping to inform as many members of the public as we can about the 20mph information days, and with this in mind we kindly ask that you share the attached advert with your networks."

Take a journey through time at Castell Dinas Brân

* Go back in time at Castell Dinas Brân. 

Families will have the chance to experience a rich slice of Llangollen history this July.

They can join the Our Picturesque Landscape team for a day of fun at which they can go back in time to discover the history of Castell Dinas Brân through the ages.

The event will be a celebration of how the historic landscape has attracted visitors to be inspired by the beautiful Dee Valley in art and poetry for centuries and will showcase the project’s important restoration work that has taken place over the last few years.

Alongside the historic ruins at the summit of the hill, two of the main tourist attractions from centuries past were a Victorian tearoom and a Camera Obscura, allowing visitors to view the outstanding landscape from this ingenious structure. 

The Our Picturesque Landscape project will be showcasing its very own portable camera obscura on the day, alongside a Victorian sweetshop.

Visitors will also find plenty of family friendly activities including portraits with a vintage camera, friendly donkeys, drop-in and bookable art workshops, immersive actors and traditional games.

The event is on Saturday July 1, from 12-4pm at the Castell Dinas Brân ‘Pancake’. 

* what3words location: milder.lake.pranced

The event and activities are free of charge to attend. 

North Wales Opera Studio presents tale of love, obsession and jealousy

 

* The cast of Carmen take to the Town Hall stage during rehearsals.

A host of talented performers take to the stage at Llangollen Town Hall next Saturday evening to present the opera Carmen.

The performance, on June 24 at 7pm, comes under the banner of North Wales Opera Studio (NWOS) which was founded by professional opera soprano and teacher Anne Williams-King and David Bartleet, an opera singer, teacher and agent, to give the stars of tomorrow the opportunity to receive top-class training and performance experience.

* Another dramatic moment from Carmen.

Anne said: "Our professional team has years of experience in the world of opera and train people from when they’re just starting out until they’re ready to go into the big wide world of opera."

Carmen, a searing depiction of a woman who craves love but creates obsession and jealousy, is one of the most popular operas ever written.

Bizet‘s Spanish-inflected score is bursting with passionate melodies and famous numbers such as Carmen’s seductive ‘Habanera’ and Escamillo’s ‘Toreador Song.’

Members of the cast are Carmen (Anna Luigi), Don Jose (Mark Jenkins), Escamillo (Kiefer Jones), Micaela (Hazel Neighbour), Frasquita (Katherine Nilsbird), Mercedes (Charlotte Killingly), Remendado (Julio Cancio), Dancairo (Gareth Blake), Zuniga (Simon Edward Willshire), Morales (Gareth Blake) and Lilas Pastia (Leigh Mason).

Chorus members are Lizzie Clifford, Eve Marie, Grace Worrall, Leigh Mason, Emma Williams, Selana Kong, Simon Willshire, Gareth Blake and Julio Cancio.

Carmen is directed by Anne Williams-King with David Bartleet as assistant director. Music director and accompanist is Andrew Charity and costumes, hair and makeup are by Katherine Nilsbird and Lizzie Clifford.

Stage management is by Josh Hubbard and lighting by Jack Shimmin with special thanks from the directing team to John Clifford for arranging transport.

* Tickets are available at the door or online: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/north-wales-opera-studio

Dinas Bran pupil joins campaign to 'save nature'

* The Senedd building in Cardiff where the petition was being handed in today.

A Year 7 student from Ysgol Dinas Bran has joined 2,000 members of the public and 350 organisations in calling on the Welsh Government for urgent measures to protect nature.

The pupil, named only as Grace, is amongst those handing in a petition at the Senedd today (Tuesday) demanding action after a United Nations report revealed one million species are at risk.

The event was led by a group of young people, including Youth Climate Ambassadors for Wales and was the culmination of months of campaigning by over 350 organisations across Wales, who say urgent action is needed to establish an independent watchdog, to speed up nature’s recovery.

During Great Big Green Week, 10-18th June, Climate Cymru toured around Wales in an electric vehicle, collecting hundreds of letters and messages from communities, children and young people, which left at the seat of the Welsh Government in Cardiff. 

In her message, Grace says: “Nature means everything to me. It means life, being able to live happily, being able to not stress about our future, being safe on our own planet, being…us, and who we’re meant to be.”

BBC presenter, Iolo Williams, said: “It’s fantastic to see this upswell of support across Wales for the protection of nature. We all know how critical it is for our health and wellbeing, for the future of our children and grandchildren, and for the sheer wonder of it. 

"Now, we need the Welsh Government to take the real action that this campaign is calling for. We need deeds, not just words. It’s important that politicians hear that we care about nature and how much of society wants to see nature thrive. I support Climate Cymru’s campaign to make that happen and I hope you, your business, or group can get behind it too.”

The letters and messages demand: “urgent action for nature including legally binding targets for nature's recovery and restoration, and an independent environmental watchdog” were presented on a giant scroll and hundreds of leaves. 

The Nature Positive campaigners believe this letter from organisations such RSPB Cymru, WWF Cymru, the Wildlife Trust Wales, community, faith groups, schools and individuals, to be the largest ever sent to the Welsh Government. 

Vale of Llangollen Rotary has new president

New president of the Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club is Lee Todd (pictured), co-owner of a local supported living company.

From July 1 all 34,000-plus Rotary clubs in over 200 countries will have a new president for the year ahead. 

And Vale of Llangollen has welcomed 46-year-old Lee, who has been a resident in Llangollen for the past three years.

Originally from Exeter, he has been in the care sector since the age of 18, working in the NHS. 

He is currently a co-owner of a supported living company along with his wife and fellow owners. 

He has been a member of the Rotary Club for the past seven months and to be awarded the title of president is seen as a great achievement after such a short while.

Lee said: “It is a great honour for me to be taking on the role of president for the year 2023/24. The club is based in the town where I live,  so this will help enable me to connect with the local community along with our team of Rotarians and our community team.

"We welcome new members from all walks of life who have a desire to contribute to our local community.

"I hope to increase engagement with the club through social media and by word of mouth as this will reinforce the Rotary’s brand and showcase the opportunities that come with it. 

"We will grow the Rotary by way of membership, completing local projects and in our ability to provide a meaningful service."

He added: "My key aims over the next year will be to try and attract the younger generation to Rotary and increase membership.

 

"I want the community to talk to us and share their ideas on how we can help and offer support where needed. 

"I aim to recognise smaller charities struggling for funds, increase our involvement in the community and I would like to engage the young people from our local schools to get involved and to learn more of what we do.

"I am looking forward to the challenges and getting the Rotary name into the community, with more and more projects both locally and internationally."

* For more information on the club, contact Kurly Marwaha at: secretary.llangollenrotary@gmail.com, valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com, @valeofllangollenrotary on Facebook or see www.valeofllangollenrotary

Roadworks planned for Aber Adda

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Aber Adda, Llangollen, Denbighshire 21 June - 23 June   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take)   Description: Long Comm pipe Renew 25mm Job in Footway (6mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )   Works location: O/S BUILDING KNOWN AS HOMELEA   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 Hafren Dyfrdwy.   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000060514151

Latest local roadworks alerts from council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are: 

OUTSIDE NUMBER 12 CHAPEL STREET 11/07/2023 13/07/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works SEVERN TRENT WATER (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Full Extent TRACK FROM VALLEY ROAD TO TYN CELYN WOOD 08/07/2023 09/07/2023 Digwyddiad ar y Priffordd/ Event on the Highway GRAVITY EVENTS UK LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 Ponsonby Arms MILL STREET 10/07/2023 11/07/2023 NMWTRA

A539 OUTSIDE PROPERTY KNOWN AS 'GWENALLT' ABBEY ROAD ABBEY ROAD 14/06/2023 20/06/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN

A542 Junction of Chapel St and Bridge St Llangollen LL20 8NW BRIDGE STREET 03/07/2023 03/07/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 19/06/2023 30/09/2023 Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT (PETER PAR LLANGOLLEN No traffic management to be on site 01/07/23 - 12/07/23 due to International Eisteddfod Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

Llangollen's new park run gets underway

* Park Run volunteers at the test event the previous Saturday.

Llangollen's first and Wales's 70th Park Run was held yesterday (Saturday).  

A total of 249 people lined up at the start to run, jog and walk the 5k course which runs from Llangollen Health Centre out to the Wenffrwd Pocket Park looping around and returning to the centre with a short section of out and back. 

A team of local volunteers helped put the event together and co-events directors Mike Edwards and Michael Clarke have thanked everyone who took part for giving up their time to ensure the event went ahead.

Mike Edwards said: "I was run director this morning and thank the GP practice, Stephen Johnson, the owner of Llandyn Caravan park whose land the route goes over, and the Countryside Service of Denbighshire Council for allowing us to us their land. 

"I also thank Welsh Athletics, Parkrun Cymru, the GP practice and the Friends of Llangollen Health Centre who provided financial backing for the event to be established."

Parkrun is now a regular weekly event, starting at 9am every Saturday, in which people can volunteer, walk, jog or run to improve their health and wellbeing, please see: home | Old Railway Trail parkrun, Llangollen | Old Railway Trail parkrun, Llangollen

A5 at Glyndyfrdwy blocked after traffic collision

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this morning that part of a main road in Denbighshire has been closed due to reports of a road traffic collision in the area. 

The latest traffic updates have said that the A5 Westbound blocked, in Glyndyfrdwy.

* For the full story, see: Reports of a collison on the A5 in Denbighshire | Denbighshire Free Press

Update from North Wales Police at around 2pm:

"We are appealing for information following a road traffic collision this morning on the A5 at Glyndyfrdwy, near Corwen.

"The collision took place at 8.10am and involved a black Nissan Juke and a black Mercedes CLS. 

"Three people have been taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment – one casualty is believed to have suffered serious injuries.

"We are particularly interested in speaking to the driver of a maroon Ford Fiesta who we believe was present at the time and was luckily able to take avoiding action, preventing them being involved in the collision.

"Please could any witnesses of the collision or anyone with dash cam footage contact us on 101, quoting reference number A093834."

Vale of Llangollen Rotary members hear more about Borrow Bus

* The Borrow Bus which regularly visits Llangollen.

Vale of Llangollen Rotary had a talk from Janine Cusworth from reSource, the organisation which runs the Borrow Bus which regularly visits the town. 

Janine is the founder and director of resource and is responsible for the day to day running of the project and developed reSource CIC in Ruthin. 

One of the allied projects is the Borrow Bus, the large green vehicle that many will have seen in Market Street as well as other towns around the area.

The motto for the Borrow Bus is “Borrow instead of buying!” and sums up its mission and the  good range of tools and equipment is available. 

With the bus you can borrow from the travelling storeroom. You can find sewing machines, carpet cleaners, food mixers, garden equipment and so on. 

* Janine Cusworth from reSource with members of Vale of Llangollen Rotary. 

If you only want a tool to do a specific job for a short time, need a piece of equipment but can’t store it permanently or want to try some equipment before buying then this “hiring” arrangement is perfect for you.

* To find out more about the Borrow Bus go to www.borrowbus.wales, on Facebook go to @BwsBenthyg (Borrow Bus in Welsh) or Benthyg@resourcewales.com.

* For more information on Vale of Llangollen Rotary, contact Mike Lade on 07803 038858, valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com or see www.valeofllangollenrotary

Terry Waite knighted in King's Birthday Honours

* Terry Waite at the official opening of Llangollen's Centenary Square in summer 2018. He is flanked by the then-mayor and deputy mayor Jon Haddy and Issy Richards.

Former hostage Terry Waite, who served for many years as president of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, has been knighted in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to charity.

Sir Terry, 84, who lives in Suffolk, spent almost five years in captivity after being kidnapped by Islamic terrorists in Lebanon.

He travelled to Beirut as an envoy for the Church of England to try to secure the release of four hostages, but was kidnapped and held captive from 1987 until 1991.

He was kept in solitary confinement, forced to put a blindfold on when anybody came into the room, faced a mock execution and was beaten.

Speaking to the BBC about his honour, Sir Terry, co-founder and president of Hostage International, said: "It really is a big surprise. I had no idea that this was coming up.

"I was given an MBE many years ago and then I got a CBE several years afterwards. Now this is the next one up, so to speak.

"I think I've been very fortunate to get this because there are many other people who are deserving of honours who don't get mentioned."

Sir Terry stood down from his position with the Eisteddfod in 2020 after being a familiar sight on the field and at the evening concerts in the Pavilion.

At the time his retirement was announced, Dr Rhys Davies, who was then Eisteddfod chairman said: “His commitment to the Eisteddfod has been exemplary forever promoting our festival and extending the hand of friendship.”

Woman dies following incident at Chirk Aqueduct, say police

Leaderlive is reporting this afternoon (Friday) that a woman has died following an incident at Chirk Aqueduct, police have confirmed. 

Emergency services were called to the incident this morning.

Police said surrounding paths were closed and urged people to avoid the area. 

* For the full story, see: Woman dies in incident at Chirk Aqueduct, police confirm | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

World’s finest young singers head for Eisteddfod showdown

* Last year’s winner baritone Emyr Lloyd Jones.

Twenty-five of the world’s finest young singers will be heading to North Wales to compete for a prestigious international prize.

Entrants from five continents will be battling for the title of Pendine International Voice of the Future at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

It will be the first full festival since before the Covid-19 pandemic and it all gets underway on Tuesday, July 4, when thousands of international competitors will once again be flocking to the Dee Valley town where “Wales meets the world”.

The Pendine International Voice of the Future competition is celebrating its 10^th anniversary and is being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, via the  Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

In the past decade the contest has become one of the Eisteddfod's major highlights and Camilla King, the festival’s executive producer, said the aim was to advance the careers of the world’s most gifted young singers.

Last year’s winner, baritone Emyr Lloyd Jones, from Bontnewydd, near Caernarfon, was dubbed the new Bryn Terfel after his powerhouse performance.

He will be returning to Llangollen to take part in a concert called The White Flower: Into the Light where he will be sharing the stage with ‘Lleisiau Llan’, a massed choir of 200 voices brought together specially for this concert, and the NEW Sinfonia orchestra.

Camilla King said: “The Pendine International Voice of the Future has become a very popular competition and the 43 entries we received this year is one of the highest number we've ever had.

"The standard is again very high, and although at the selection stage you can determine a promising singer, hearing someone live is an altogether different and more thrilling experience. We knew that Emyr (Lloyd Jones), last year's winner, was talented we watched his application video, but seeing him on stage blew the judges and the audience away.

"There’s something about the human voice heard live, and witnessing someone’s stage presence which you just can’t capture on film, and this is one of the things thatmakes this competition so exciting," she said.

The selection panel have whittled down the entrants to the 25 singers who hail from Wales and Scotland as well as further afield from Canada, South Africa, China, Korea, Australia and the Philippines.

They will have to navigate a preliminary round on Thursday, July 6, and a semi-final the following day before the final competition on the famous International Pavilion stage on Saturday, July 8.

Competitors, who are aged between 20 and 32, are required to perform a contrasting programme of up to seven minutes in length for their preliminary round and up to 10 minutes for the final. Camilla said the programmes must include works from oratorio, opera, lieder or song and be sung in the original language.

Eisteddfod officials have agreed to a significant change in the competition with three singers set to take part in the final rather than the two last summer.

"We're having three singers in the final this year. It was such a strong final last year and the audience enjoyed it so much that we thought why not give the platform to a third finalist," said Camilla.

The winner will be presented with the Pendine Trophy, a solid silver salver, and a cheque for £3,000 as well as having the opportunity to perform in concerts at the Eisteddfod and other venues. Meanwhile, the runner up will receive £1,500.

The International Accompanist competition, which is linked to the main singing competition, carries a prize of £1,000.

Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE said: "The standard of the competitors in years past has been absolutely phenomenal and I have no doubt it will be incredibly high again this year.

"I wish all 25 young singers all the very best in this year's Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.  I do not envy the task of the adjudicators as the singers are all so extraordinarily accomplished."

The prize will be jointly presented to the winner by Nia Davies Williams, Pendine Park’s musician-in-residence and Sarah Edwards, the organisation’s artist-in-residence.

Looking forward to this year's Eisteddfod, Camilla said: "We have a new improved outdoor site, the ever popular Everbright Parade of Nations will be back and will be bigger and better than ever, this time finishing on the Eisteddfod Maes with a massed song and dance number, with town spectators invited to come onto the field with free entry, and some exciting new competitions on our closing Sunday, meaning our competitor experience offers even more.

"The concert programme is looking great, with Alfie Boe kicking things off on the Tuesday evening, along with Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Welsh of the West End. They will have a solo set in the programme and will present their version of the rock-opera Nia Ben Aur.

"And on the Friday well known jazz musician and conductor, Guy Barker with his 17 piece Big Band will collaborate with top soloists such as Tommy Blaize, lead singer on Strictly Come Dancing, and soul and jazz musicians, Clare Teal, Giacomo Smith and Vanessa Haynes.

* For tickets or for more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts go to www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or check out www.facebook.com/llangollen

Dee Valley clean-up planned for Saturday evening

* A paddler holds up a window frame retrieved from the river during a previous clean-up.

Volunteers are teaming up to take part in the latest clean-up of the River Dee tomorrow (Saturday) evening.

Organisers have put out the word on Facebook about the event and they say: "The Clean Up is here! Bigger, better and more inclusive then ever.

"Mountain Bikes up on the Panorama area, organised by the Wonderful Bear Trax and supported by Drosi Bikes.

"They are meeting in Market Street Car Park at 5.30pm. They will be doing a 20km round route with various terrain. 

"River and canal teams will be meeting in Horseshoe Falls Carpark at 5.30pm and working from Horseshoe Falls down to Llangollen. 

"Whatever craft you are comfy in is totally welcome. You will be joined by rafts and canoes to collect river finds from you.

"Please feel free to bring mesh bags, litter pickers and gloves to aid you along the way. Shuttle needed, there will be limited space on a minibus if you are not able to shuttle beforehand.

"After we will all head to Riverbanc to have a random raffle that your attendance will enter you into, prizes from Gales Wine Bar, Bear Trax, Drossi Bikes, Pyrhana Kayaks, NRS and more to be won.

"There will also be a free drink and food for you. All cooked up fresh while you're out making a difference.

"Please remember this is a peer event, don't take any unnecessary risks and always work in whatever skill base you have, this is not an event to learn or be coached.

"If you're keen to make a difference in this beautiful valley, Please show your interest on our new website linked here."

* More information at: https://deevalleyclean-up.squarespace.com/config/pages

County council roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council is:  

A539 Ponsonby Arms MILL STREET 10/07/2023 11/07/2023 NMWTRA. Traffic lights.

Full Extent TRACK FROM VALLEY ROAD TO TYN CELYN WOOD 17/06/2023 18/06/2023 Digwyddiad ar y Priffordd/ Event on the Highway GRAVITY EVENTS UK LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure.

OUTSIDE NUMBER 12 CHAPEL STREET 11/07/2023 13/07/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works SEVERN TRENT WATER (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Junction of Chapel St and Bridge St Llangollen LL20 8NW BRIDGE STREET 03/07/2023 03/07/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Full Extent TRACK FROM VALLEY ROAD TO TYN CELYN WOOD 08/07/2023 09/07/2023 Digwyddiad ar y Priffordd/ Event on the Highway GRAVITY EVENTS UK LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 19/06/2023 30/09/2023 Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC WORKS UNIT. No traffic management to be on site 01/07/23 - 12/07/23 due to International Eisteddfod Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

 

Roadworks alert for Regent Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 16 June - 18 June   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: Hogans patching works – Night time 18:00 – 02:00hrs under 3 x way traffic lights. Amberon TM   Works location: A5 Llangollen - Junction with Castle 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 NMWTRA/SWTRA.   Responsibility for works: NMWTRA/SWTRA   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: PD50123145102811691

 

MP praises work of Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust.

* Simon Baynes MP with members, volunteers, and users of the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust. Photos by AC Creative via https://www.acphotocreative.co.uk/

 

* Simon Baynes MP with Kerry Evans a regular user of the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes joined the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust for a trip across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to celebrate their 40^th anniversary. 

The Trust, which provides day trips for disabled and disadvantaged people of all ages, runs solely through donations and the hard work of volunteers, including its 21 skippers who have all been trained by the Trust itself.

Every year the Trust hosts over 100 trips on its latest boat the Lady Winifred. 

The Trust's first boat was built by the Cammel Lairds apprentices in Birkenhead as part of the Rainbow Trust and launched in 1985 by Sir Harry Secombe. 

The Lady Winifred has a hydraulic lift to enable wheelchair users to board and also has wheelchair friendly toilet facilities and plenty of space within the boat to move about and enjoy the panoramic views of the Dee Valley.  

During the visit Mr Baynes met with the President of the Trust, Colin Burman, and the Chairman, Tom Lewis, the only remaining founders of the Trust, as well as other volunteers and supporters and discussed the importance of the Trust’s work in ensuring access to Llangollen’s waterways and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Mr Baynes also had the opportunity to meet Kerry Evans, a wheelchair user, who demonstrated the hydraulic lift that is used to allow people in wheelchairs to board the Trust’s specially built boat, the Lady Winifred, before journeying with them across the world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

 

Speaking about the Trust’s work, Colin Burman, President of the Trust, said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many disabled and disadvantaged people over the years enjoy a day trip on the Llangollen Canal, they can relax and enjoy the view from our specially built and designed narrowboat, and after boarding they can unwind as they go over the World Heritage site the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and travel on the beautiful Llangollen Canal as part of their day trip on Lady Winifred.”

Following his visit, Mr Baynes said: “It was a great pleasure to visit the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust during its 40^th anniversary year and to learn about the fantastic work they have been doing for forty years to allow disabled and disadvantaged people to enjoy Llangollen’s canal.

 

“The Trust enables those who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to access our waterways to enjoy them in safety and comfort whilst also showcasing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the beautiful Dee Valley. I look forward to following their continued work and wish them all the best for the next forty years.”

Former vet Sandra Woodall has died aged 80

* Sandra Woodhall has died aged 80.

One of Llangollen’s best-known personalities, former local vet and charity organiser Sandra Woodhall, has died at the age of 80.

One of her most memorable achievements was as a founder of the Llangollen Round Challenge, an often gruelling test of endurance in which hundreds of people from across the UK and abroad run or walk their way around a 35-mile circuit of the hills surrounding the town.

The amount raised for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) by the challenge has climbed steadily from £33,000 to last year's total of almost £120,000 which was boosted by government returns on charity donations.

Sandra was born in the USA of an American father and brought up in the Home Counties.

She qualified as a vet in London and came to practice and live in Llangollen in the late 1970s.

The practice was based at Siamber Wen and Sandra retired in the late 2000s.

She and her husband Richard have two children and three grandchildren. 

Sandra was chairman of CRUK in Llangollen for 20 years during which time she set up the Llangollen Round Challenge, which is held every three years, with her friend Judy Smith.

Paying tribute to her, Judy said: “Perhaps her greatest legacy was the Challenge and she was just fantastic to work with on that one.

“I have truly never known anybody more reliable in that if we decided to do something, she never ever forgot or delayed - she'd have it done before you had time to turn round. Sandra was a really remarkable person. 

“She knew and was friends with so many people in the town. She was what I would call a people's person, she had empathy with people, and from her early days as a vet in town to her later commitments in so many different fields, she always inspired people's respect and loyalty. Sandra was remarkable and a great loss to Llangollen.”

Sandra was a member of Llangollen Inner Wheel and also on the Floral Committee of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. 

* Llanblogger will try to bring readers details of the funeral when they are given.