Judy to run half-marathon at 78 in memory of friend Sandra Woodhall

 

* Judy Smith, right, with her friend Sandra Woodhall at an event celebrating the success of the Llangollen Round Challenge last year.

A friend and fellow organiser of the hugely successful Llangollen Round Challenge is planning to run a half-marathon in memory of Sandra Woodhall who died last month.

At the age of 78, Judy Smith has registered to take part in this September’s Great North Run, tackling the 13-mile course to boost funds for Cancer Research UK, the charity for which the Llangollen Round has already raised many thousands of pounds since it began in 2012.   

The Challenge was set up by Sandra and Judy and other members of the Llangollen Ramblers group and is based roughly on the Alpine Walk Tour of Mont Blanc.

The amount it has raised for Cancer Research UK has climbed steadily from £33,000 to over £120,000 the last time it was run in 2022.

Judy said: “On September 10th I shall be running the Great North Run half-marathon, raising funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of Sandra Woodhall, who sadly died in June. 

“So many local people knew her, both as a most diligent local vet, and as a great friend. 

“She herself was passionate about Cancer Research UK, being chairman of the local committee, and in her lifetime raising more than half a million pounds for that charity.”

She added: “I’m not exactly a spring chicken – OK, I’m 78 - so that 13-mile run won’t be easy, but I wanted to do this as a tribute to her. 

“Several of the establishments around town have boxes where people can donate, including Dee Valley Vets, Pro-Adventure, Leisure Centre and the Ponderosa Cafe, or you can donate through my online Just Giving page at: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/judys-giving-page-109/

“Cancer Research UK will be very grateful for any donation you can make in Sandra’s memory.” 

* To contact Judy about her half-marathon challenge, call 01978 869364 or 07905 330788, or email: smithdinbren@gmail.com

Team looking for aspiring film-makers to help with short movie

The county council’s Working Denbighshire team are looking for aspiring film-makers in the area to help with creating a new short film which will celebrate the people they support and the work of the organisation. 

No previous experience is needed, and professional filming and editing equipment will be available to use during shooting thanks to arts and media charity, TAPE. 

Beginning on the July 25 five dedicated days are planned, which will be solely focused on both the creation of ideas, filming, and editing. The days will be divided up as follows: 

* July 25 – Decide what stories you want to tell and how the stories will look and sound. 

* August 8 and 9 – These are the production days, with filming on location and interview filming taking place. 

* August 15 and 16 – These days will be dedicated to editing and adding the finishing touches to the film. 

The film will later be used in Working Denbighshire’s promotional materials going forward. 

Steve Swindon, Founder and Creative Director at TAPE, said: “TAPE is excited to be involved in this project. We know how getting involved with something like this can be really positive for young people and lead on to other exciting opportunities in the film and creative industries."

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for any aspiring filmmakers to come and share their ideas and get the chance to use both professional filming and editing equipment for free."

Working Denbighshire is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. 

Working Denbighshire has received £3,529,632 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

*To get involved in the film, contact workingdenbighshire@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 01745 331438.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: I bought a pram for £400 online, but it never arrived. At checkout it said delivery would take 3-5 working days, but I never received any tracking information. I chased the seller and they said they’d speak to the delivery company, but now when I try to phone them my call goes straight to voicemail. I’ve had no response to emails either. The website I bought it through looked legitimate but now I’ve seen people posting on review sites about products that never arrived and some are saying this is a bogus seller. Have I been scammed and if so, what can I do? 

This sounds like a very frustrating situation, and unfortunately scammers are always finding more sophisticated ways to trick shoppers, including having very legitimate-looking websites. 

From your letter, there are signs it could be a scam. We’ve detailed information on our website about how to spot the signs of a scam that you might find useful to check. 

As you’ve already parted with your money, the first step is to contact your bank immediately to let them know you think you’ve been scammed. 

In terms of getting your money back, a lot depends on how you paid. We have full details on our website on the routes you can take. For example, if you paid by debit card, your card provider can ask the seller’s bank to refund the money. This is known as the ‘chargeback scheme’. If you paid by credit card and the item cost more than £100 but less than £30,000 you might be able to claim under the Consumer Credit Act. This is known as a ‘Section 75 claim’. Under £100 on credit card you can’t use Section 75, but you can use chargeback. 

It’s always a good idea to report a scam, even if you haven’t got your money back yet. You can do this by contacting Action Fraud. 

It’s also worth knowing your rights as a consumer in case the seller does get back in contact and turns out not to be a scammer. If something you ordered hasn’t arrived, it’s the seller’s responsibility to get the item to you. So if they say they don’t know where the pram is, you can ask for a redelivery or, depending on how long you’ve waited for a delivery, you may be able to get a refund from the seller. We have advice on our website about how to do this. 

It’s also worth knowing that if a trader, having taken your money, refuses to deliver an item, Trading Standards may be able to investigate them. 

For more advice on dealing with suspected scams or problems with traders, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133 or talk to an adviser online through the Citizens Advice website. Many people may need emotional support after falling victim to a scam, and we have advice on our website about how to get this too. 

Citizens Advice runs Scams Awareness campaigns aiming to: give people skills to identify scams; encourage people to share their experiences with scams; help people gain the confidence to report scams. The campaign is led by Citizens Advice in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Partnership (CPP).

Dairy farm may be looking for a sign

* The sign fixed to an old gate in the canal. 

Llandyn Organic Farm may be looking for a sign at the moment ... quite literally.

But if the owners of the dairy business based at Llandyn Holiday Park just outside Llangollen care to look in the canal not far from their base near the main A539 road they should be able to spot it.

Llanblogger was up on the canal this morning and saw the sign hanging from a rusty gate and dipping down into the water.   

How it got there is anyone's guess but we have alerted the farm to the sign's location from where they should be able to retrieve it. 

MP urges people to nominate local heroes for Welsh national awards

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has called for people in his constituency to nominate candidates for the 2024 St David Awards. 

The awards celebrate those who give back to their communities, who are contributing towards civic life and ensuring Wales is a better place to live. They serve as the national awards for Wales. 

Members of the public can nominate people for nine different categories, which are:

1. Business
2. Bravery
3. Community Spirit
4. Critical Worker (Key Worker)
5. Culture
6. Environment
7. Innovation, Science and Technology
8. Sport
9. Young Person

The deadline for nominations is October 19. 

Three finalists in each category will be announced by judges on February 22, with those who reach this stage invited to the award ceremony itself later in the year. 

People in Clwyd South can nominate those they believe worthy of consideration via the following website: https://www.gov.wales/st-david-awards/nominate

Mr Baynes said: “The St David Awards are a fantastic way of recognising and celebrating those who contribute to civic life in Wales. 

"As MP for Clwyd South, I am always keen to highlight my constituents who go above and beyond in their contribution to our communities and these Awards are a great way to do that. If anyone wishes to nominate a resident of Clwyd South for this prestigious award, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.”

Pengwern Hub's summer events programme

Summer holiday events planned for the Pengwern Community Hub are:

You can give blood at the Pavilion next Wednesday

 

Did you know that only three per cent of the eligible population in Wales give blood? 

The next session is at Llangollen Pavilion on Wednesday July 26. 

To book an appointment go to https://wbs.wales/LlangollenPavilion

Food Share gives support to children during summer holidays

Just over a week ago the Welsh Government announced that it would be stopping the support for children who have free school meals during school holidays. 

As a result, Llangollen Food Share is starting a new service to help parents to provide lunch for their children.

The circular above has been sent out to all pupils in the three Llangollen schools.

It says: "Free school meals support for families during school holidays has just been withdrawn by the Welsh Government, but don’t worry!

"The Llangollen Food Share have decided to help local families with free food packs for children. You can pick up your free packs for children on Monday or Thursday from 9am-11am at our centre until the end of the holidays. 

"Please help us to avoid food waste by contacting us beforehand to let us know what you need.

"Llangollen Food Share Hub is at the town end of the main Market Street Car Park in Llangollen. Call or text: 07538 894 449, email llangollenfoodshare@gmail.com , Facebook:/Llangollenfoodshare/ If you are unable to get to our centre – give us a call. In some circumstances our volunteers may be able to deliver to your door."

County councillor to hold 'surgery' sessions at Town Hall

 

Council teams with police to control Llangollen summer parking

Council and police officers are working together to manage parking at Llangollen’s Horseshoe falls and the surrounding area this summer season. 

Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Police are urging visitors to the hotspot to park responsibly this summer and consider planning ahead to visit other attractions that are available across the Dee Valley if the area is busy. 

The council has made a number of preparations already to manage an increase in visitors. 

Extra countryside rangers are in place to manage the area and provide support and information for visitors. 

Civil enforcement officers are also monitoring the site and surrounding area, especially at predicated peak busy time. 

Work has also been carried out to add fencing to the car park entrance. The new fencing is similar to what is already found on the surrounding estate and is designed to stop parking on the grass verges which can obstruct other traffic. 

Awareness signs advising drivers to park responsibly will also be placed on the site. 

Visitors coming into the area on a Saturday can now use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus which provides a circular route running every Saturday until November 4 2023, linking Llangollen and the surrounding villages to Horseshoe Falls and popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass. 

The service will enable visitors and residents to visit and explore these locations without the need of having to constantly find car parking spaces at the sites. 

Stops include Llangollen Pavilion where there is ample parking to leave vehicles for the day. 

Councillor Win Mullen James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We want people to enjoy the great attractions Llangollen and the surrounding areas have to offer but would remind them that parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces. Anyone not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice from civil enforcement officers.

“Our rangers are working every weekend at Horseshoe Falls to provide advice and guidance to visitors coming to the site and I would ask that the public also respect the role they are there to carry out. 

“Please plan your day in advance, use facilities such as the Dee Valley bus to travel on which will save parking spaces and make sure you have other options planned for visiting and parking if you cannot stop at your first choice of venue as the area has plenty of attractions to visit. 

“The Dee Valley also has a rich area of attractions to visit, from Llangollen right up to Corwen. I would urge visitors to plan ahead and consider all options so if the falls are busy you will not be disappointed on your day out.” 

District police Inspector Laura Salisbury-Jones said: “We will continue to work closely with Denbighshire County Council, and any danger caused by vehicles will be dealt with robustly.”

Llangollen's new park run gets glowing review from national body

 

* Run Wales's Joie Rhisiart, left, with members of the Llangollen Park Run team.

Llangollen’s new weekly Park Run has had a glowing review from a representative of national community running organisation Run Wales.

Josie Rhisiart  tagged along with a large group who took part in the fifth Saturday morning run recently.

Her visit was part of the Celebration Relay which provides all Run Wales-registered groups with the opportunity to showcase themselves, share information about their activities and encourage more people to take part in social running outside of their regular weekly park run.

In an article in the Run Wales online newsletter she wrote: “The car park in town was buzzing with park runners excitedly chatting about the event, queuing for the public loos and asking if anyone knew where the start was – it was clear that it was going to be another busy morning with visitors!

“A t 9am we shuffled along the old railway trail, with the River Dee on our right and off we went on the 5th park run event in Llangollen, which is a very pretty (and flat) out and back with one section which is repeated again towards the end of the 5k. 

“The scenery at Old Railway Trail Llangollen parkrun is a lovely mix of woodland and open spaces with far-reaching views – if you take notice, you’ll see Castell Dinas Brân high on the hill too.

“This week, the volunteer team welcomed 6 people to park run for their very first park run experience, and 9 who had been once before and come back for a second time today. Welcome to the park run family.

“Today’s most experienced park runner was James Barber of Shropshire Shufflers, who, as a member of the esteemed ‘500 Club’, chalked up his 534th park run this morning in Llangollen. An additional 19 of today’s park runners were members of the 250 Club, so there was experience galore here today.”

She went on: “Llangollen’s Old Railway Trail park run promises to be a popular destination for park run enthusiasts from near and far. Its accessibility and captivating scenery are sure to attract visitors throughout the year.  

“Old Railway Trail Llangollen, park run started on 17th June 2023. Since then 765 participants have completed 888 parkruns covering a total distance of 4,440 km, including 60 new Personal Bests. A total of 65 individuals have volunteered 96 times.”

Silver Band to play in Centenary Square on Friday evening

 

Air ambulance called to collision on the Gwernant

* A picture of the scene used by courtesy of Matthew Jordan Hughes.

Emergency services were called to a road traffic collision on the Gwernant earlier this evening (Monday).

Road ambulances were seen speeding along the A5 towards the scene just after 7pm and soon afterwards a bright yellow air ambulance also headed for the area and is believed to have landed in a nearby field.

Matthew Jordan Hughes, who has allowed llanblogger to use his picture of the incident, said on Facebook: "Everyone avoid the Gwernant either way not passable.

"Accident by the bottom police fire engine etc all there now. Hopefully everyone involved is okay."

* The air ambulance heading towards the collision scene.

Council alert about emergency closure of Hill Street

The county council has this evening (Monday) sent out a warning about the emergency closure of a local street.

It says: "Hill Street, Llangollen, has been closed by Hafren Dyfrdwy, to facilitate urgent repairs to a defect manhole cover."

 

Care home residents visited by special animal friends

The Leader is reporting how residents of a Llangollen Care Home experienced a very special visit from some furry (and not so furry) friends.

* For the full story, see: Llangollen Care Home residents welcome furry friends | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Ruthin Road, Wrexham closed after police incident

 

On their Facebook page this morning (Monday) North Wales say that North Wales Police are reporting: 

ROAD CLOSURE, Ruthin Road Wrexham, from the Junction of Croesnewydd road to junction of Victoria road. Emergency services at scene, road is likely to be closed for some time.

Corwen benefits from a Levelling Up facelift

* The new Corwen station is part of the town's Levelling Up facelift.

Significant developments are taking place in Corwen town centre as a result of substantial investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF).

During the first round of LUF, Denbighshire County Council was successful in its joint application with Wrexham County Borough Council for the Clwyd South Constituency, which was supported by Simon Baynes MP. Denbighshire secured £3.8 million to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

Following the LUF investment towards the completion of the new Corwen heritage railway station, two further projects are due to commence soon in Corwen with the aim of rejuvenating the surrounding highway area of the high street and improving town centre infrastructure.

The Council will manage a project to improve the highway and public realm within the town centre and has recently contracted Tom James Construction Services Ltd. to undertake the works, which will be completed in two phases.

The first phase of work started on Monday July 3 for two weeks on the Corwen highway improvement scheme. The scheme involves a number of improvements on the A5, surrounding high street and Green Lane car park.

There will be temporary traffic signals on the A5 and Green Lane during new pavement works and temporary pedestrian crossings will also be used to minimise disruption.

The public realm improvements will consist of a general freshen up of the current paving slabs, replacement of broken street furniture and painting of signs and metal work. There will also be installation of bollards, bins and a pedestrian guardrail as well as creating a designated area within the high street for a Christmas tree to be erected each year. This is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 4 for up to six weeks.

As part of these town centre improvements, Cadwyn Adfywio will be undertaking an external refurbishment project to preserve Canolfan Llys Owain (former HSBC bank) on the high street. This is expected to include new replacement windows, guttering and rendering. The project will improve the visual appearance of a key heritage building and safeguard it for ongoing use by the community.

The external improvements to Canolfan Llys Owain are due to start towards the end of summer 2023.

Cllr Jason McLellan, Council Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with these projects to help improve town centre infrastructure in Corwen. The Council will work closely with local businesses and residents throughout this process to ensure disruption is minimised and any concerns or issues are identified and addressed as soon as possible throughout the duration of the works.

“We hope that this investment in the area will help to address the needs of both residents and visitors in the South of Denbighshire.”

* You can find more information about the Levelling up Fund in Denbighshire on the Denbighshire County Council website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/community-and-living/community-development/levelling-up-fund/levelling-up-fund-luf.aspx

Summer Reading Challenge launches at the library

This summer, children can visit their local library in Denbighshire to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots and get involved in a Summer Reading Challenge themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity. 

The challenge is called ‘Ready, Steady, Read!’ and is free to join and take part for all children.

Through taking part in the Challenge, by accessing the free bilingual materials from the library and online via the Challenge website, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. The characters – brought to life by children’s author and illustrator Loretta Schauer – navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives including stickers. 

By participating in the challenge at their local library, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests.  

There will also be games and craft activities available in libraries during the school holidays, with more details to be found on Denbighshire Libraries’ social media channels. 

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children’s reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. 

With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children. In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead member for the Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is one of the highlights of the year in our libraries, with thousands of local children taking part. The challenge helps children enjoy reading, discover new books and authors, and have fun with their friends in their local library. 

"I would encourage every family to take part this year as it’s all free, and open to everyone. Children can also keep up with their Welsh skills over the summer by borrowing and reading Welsh books from the library for the Challenge. I would also like to thank our friendly and helpful libraries staff who will be helping children get the most out of the Summer Reading Challenge again this year."

Council reminds parents of grant funding scheme

Denbighshire County Council is informing parents and guardians that they can apply for the School Essentials Grant.

The grant scheme, known as the School Essentials Grant (previously Pupil Development Grant), is open for applications, and people may qualify if they receive at least one benefit, such as: 

• Income support

• Income based job seekers allowance

• Income related employment and support allowance

• Child tax credit (but not working tax credit) with an annual income below £16,190

• Pension credit (guaranteed credit)

• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

• Universal Credit and your yearly net earnings must be no more than £7,400.

Parents or guardians who receive a qualifying benefit can receive a grant of £125 if their children are in Reception or Years 1 to 11. 

If the child is in Year 7, parents/guardians may be entitled to a grant of £200 if they receive one of the benefits. 

The grant can cover: 

•  School uniform.

•  School sports kit.

•  Kit for sports outside of school.

•  Uniform for wider activities such as Scouts and Guides.

•  Equipment for activities to support the curriculum, such as design and technology.

•  Equipment for out of school hours trips, including outdoor learning.

•  Duke of Edinburgh activities.

•  Computers, laptops and tablets. 

People cannot receive a School Essentials Grant if they are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.

If your child goes to a school in Denbighshire, you can apply online for a grant by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/school-essentials-grant

People that are eligible for Free School Meals, as well as the School Essentials Grant, may use the same online application form to apply for both. 

Councillor Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “We know that families are feeling the pressure due to the cost-of-living issues and will be searching for further financial support to assist them.

"This grant funding can be a real lifeline to assist in paying for these goods."

Rotary provides poo-bag dispensers around town

 

Poo-bag dispensing boxes will be appearing in Llangollen to try and keep our environment clean.

Vale of Llangollen Rotary and the Rotary Community Team will be installing two by the river and three to near the canal thanks to sponsorship from 1st Enable Ltd in Chester.

A club spokesperson said: "We arehopeful that dog owners and indeed, non-dog owners, will put bags in when they out to help us keep them replenished so we all contribute to improving our environment."

Vale of Llangollen Rotary and Vale of Llangollen Community Team are ready to welcome individuals and couples of 18+ from the local community who want to be people of action.  

They meet face-to-face in St Collen's Community Hall in Regent Street, Llangollen on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

* For more information, email: valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com or see www.valeofllangollenrotary

More details of collision which left pedestrian injured

The Leader has now given an update on the incident on Castle Street on Wednesday afternoon.

Their story says: "A person was taken to hospital after a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in Llangollen. 

"The incident occurred on Castle Street in the centre of the town on Wednesday afternoon. 

"Police blocked the road in both directions as paramedics treated an injured person at the scene. 

"Eye witnesses stated that the pedestrian involved was an elderly lady. 

"On Thursday morning, the Welsh Ambulance Service issued an update on the incident. 

"A spokesperson said: 'We were called on July 12, shortly before 3pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian on Castle Street, Llangollen.'"

"We sent one emergency ambulance and one duty operational manager to the scene, where we were supported by colleagues from the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service.

"One person was taken to Wrexham Maelor Hospital for further treatment.”

llanblogger has asked the Welsh Ambulance Service about reports on social media that it took the ambulance an hour to arrive at the scene. They have so far not replied.

£300m cut poses ‘serious threat’ to canals, says MS

* Llangollen Canal could be amongst those under threat.

A funding cut of over £300m poses a “serious threat” to canals in North Wales, according to an MS.

Llyr Gruffydd, who represents the region in the Senedd, has branded the sharp reduction as “alarming” and has warned that it will lead to an “inevitable” decline in the condition of the canal network and could even result in closures.

The UK Government recently announced a long-term funding settlement for the Canal & River Trust which includes Glandŵr Cymru the Canal & River Trust in Wales, for the period from 2027 to 2037.

The network in Wales, includes the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Chirk Aqueduct and the 11 miles of the Llangollen canal, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Chirk Aqueduct and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct were designed by renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford.

Mr Gruffydd, of Plaid Cymru, has said the “irresponsible” decision by the UK Government puts this UNESCO World Heritage site “at risk” and has called on Tory ministers to “think again”.

The amount awarded represents a steep reduction in its funding of over £300 million in real terms over the ten-year period.

The scale of the proposed cut has been projected to rise each year to reach a nearly £50m annual reduction by the end of the new grant agreement period in 2036.

It is so large that it is feared that it will inevitably mean deep cuts to canal maintenance and repair, and eventually lead to canal closures.

Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “This irresponsible decision by the UK Government presents a serious threat to the canal network in Wales.

“It should be remembered that these are historic waterways and they include a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the Chirk Aqueduct, as well as 11 miles of the Llangollen canal are an important part of our industrial heritage in Wales, and this funding cut by the UK Government clearly puts them at risk.

“It represents almost a halving of real-terms public funding for canals in the ten years from 2027 compared with recent years. It will inevitably lead to a decline in the condition of the canal network and the alarming prospect of canal closures.

“Inexplicably, the UK Government has made this decision despite its own review confirming that funding for the Canal & River Trust is ‘clear value for money’.

“It has shown that the network of canals delivers substantial benefits to the economy, to people and communities, and to nature and biodiversity.

“The announcement risks turning back the clock on one of Wales’ greatest heritage regeneration stories and will lead to the loss of both vital nature habitat and treasured public spaces with a loss of substantial benefits for millions of people.

“To make matters worse, the decision to reduce long-term funding comes at a time when, the cost of maintaining the historic canals, locks, bridges, aqueducts, embankments, reservoirs and other critical assets is increasing.

“This is in part due to the rising impact of climate change with more periods of drought and extreme storm events.

“The canals bring the benefits of green space and nature corridors into urban areas, reaching millions of people, creating wildlife corridors, contributing to flood defences and drainage, and transferring water to support public water supply.

“Research has shown that the canals support local jobs and boost the economy. They also deliver social welfare value to people and communities including significant physical and mental health benefits.

“Tory ministers need to seriously think again about this damaging decision

Llangollen Panto Group presents Jack & the Beanstalk in 2024

Llangollen Pantomime Group is to present Jack & the Beanstalk next January.

And they have a Meet and Greet session at St Collen's Community Hall on Sunday August 6 at 2pm.

The group says on its Facebook page: "Please come along if you would like to get involved in our new exciting production of Jack & the Beanstalk - our first show in over three years. We are very much looking forward to be bringing the Pantomime back to Llangollen Town Hall.

"Louise the director will be introducing all the amazing characters in the show and all the parts available for young and old.

"So if you are interested in having a part in the show or want to get involved in some of the amazing opportunities behind the scenes, there will be a lot of opportunity to chat and get to know everyone involved.

"Please do not worry if you cannot make August 6 we also have taster sessions/script run-throughs on August 13 and 20.

"The Llangollen Pantomime Committee are looking forward to meeting all who want to become involved in our show."

Rotary invites expert to talk about state of River Dee

 

* People examine trays containing samples of Dee river water on display.

The Dee running through Llangollen isn’t one of the worst rivers in the UK when it comes to its natural habitat.

That was the message from a project officer for the independent charity which is working to identify problems with world-famous watercourse and come up with ways of solving them.

The year-old Vale of Llangollen Rotary Club has set up a series of monthly gatherings at which members of the local community are invited along to St Collen’s Community Hall to hear about and discuss issues of general interest.

* A live stone fly could be seen in one of the sample trays.

At yesterday evening’s session project officer Gareth Jones gave an insight into the work of the locally-based Welsh Dee Trust and its five-year strategy for protecting and improving the river.

He explained that the project began in August 2020 and had since done most of its work upstream near Corwen.

It had looked at areas such as moving livestock away from the river in a bid to reduce erosion of the banks – particularly by grazing cows – and improving the habitat in and around the water.

“We want to create a properly clean river and that means one that looks natural, with trees and twigs and so on visible in it,” he said.

He added: “Our findings so far are that there are far worse rivers than the Dee in terms of habitat, especially its upper catchment areas.

“Another of our aims is to remove barriers to the fish population and to change the attitude of landowners towards our work.

* One stage, Rotary club member Kurly Marwaha questions Welsh Dee Trust project officer Gareth Jones about its work. 

“When our project first started I think they were a bit unsure about what we were trying to do to improve things, such as fencing off the river to prevent erosion by livestock, but I believe they now have a better understanding of our work.”

Mr Jones explained that another aim of the project was to reduce pollution in the river from agricultural work nearby and he said that grants were available for landowners to help them achieve this.

The Welsh Dee Trust had special schemes to recruit local volunteers to help with their work and assisted with taking regular samples of river water and litter picking around the waterway.

The samples showed the number of invertebrates living in the river which, he said, was an indicator of its health.

He had set up a number of tables in the hall showing trays of samples of Dee water in which invertebrates such as stone flies and May flies could be seen wriggling amongst the grass and soil.

Asked by a questioner in the audience about the levels of invertebrates in the Dee Mr Jones said monitoring showed a general decline in their numbers which may be due to phosphates in the water.

Asked by another questioner whether leisure activities on the Dee such as kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding had any negative impact on the river, Mr Jones said: “They have no detrimental effect as far as we are concerned.”

* More details about the work of the Welsh Dee Trust can be found on its website at: www.WelshDeeTrust.com

* Vale of Llangollen Rotary meets face-to-face in St Collen's Community Hall in Regent Street, Llangollen on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.

For more information, email: valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com or see www.valeofllangollenrotary