EV like nothing you've ever seen before from Subaru

Putting the record straight on Subaru Solterra

I need to clear up a bit of a misunderstanding in my electric Solterra review, writes Steve Rogers

What I thought was the Limited model was actually the top of the range Touring. Why would that be a problem? Because the range on Touring is 257 miles against the 289 miles for the Limited, so my home charge of 247 miles was only 10 off target, not 42 miles, and would, not doubt, only drop 10 miles on the Limited model.

 Of course top model commands a higher price so £55,495 for Touring. Sorry for taking you down the wrong road.

 

Subaru Solterra drive by Steve Rogers

Meet Solterra, Subaru’s first electric car and unlike anything seen before from the Japanese car builder.

The company’s reputation has been built on its sophisticated all wheel drive system and, of course, the rally winning Imprezza which was also favoured by the cops because no one could outrun it.

Solterra is all wheel drive but is no Imprezza, although Subaru’s expertise in chassis control has turned this family SUV into a more than capable drive.

Before we go any further let’s put the record straight. Solterra is a virtual clone of the Toyota bZ4X. It is a joint project with Subaru chipping in with its all wheel drive and chassis expertise.

There are a few subtle changes around the body but not obvious enough without close scrutiny. That said Solterra is a fine looking car so all credit to the Toyota designers. Everyone has an opinion on style but if there is a better sculptured rear end on an SUV I would like to see it.

Something that will divide opinion is the lack of a rear wiper. The thinking is that water will run off the steeply raked tailgate glass so why spoil the look? Solterra has a rear camera, backed up by a 360 degree view, so the designers reasoning seems sound but time will tell.

Inside is a bit special too, we have Toyota to thank for that as well. The all round quality is excellent with particular praise going to the dashboard which is a mix of textured fabric and soft plastics covering an unusual design which will also split opinion.

The driver’s binnacle sits high, similar to a Peugeot, but works better because the digital speedometer is always in your eyeline once the downsized steering wheel and seat height are sorted.

Solterra is well equipped with most of the little things we like along with a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, a brilliant aid that brings on emergency braking to avoid a front end shunt. We can thank Toyota for that as well.

At all but 4.7 metres long Solterra is big enough for an adult family of five. Rear legroom is particularly generous and although boot capacity is not class leading is big enough without too much intrusion from the battery pack stored under the floor.

So what is driving this car? Because Solterra is all wheel drive there is an electric motor on each axle powered by a 71.4kWh battery pack. The end result is 215bhp and a sprint to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, not a lot slower than an Imprezza, but nowhere near as swift as some key rivals.

The official range is 289 miles, but I only got 247 on a full charge from my Podpoint home charger, and then lost 12 miles with the heating on so I was down to 235 before leaving my cul-de-sac. That loss is common and a lot higher in some, I recall losing 25 miles with the heat turned on in a Volkswagen ID3.

If you can find a 150kW public charging point you should be able to achieve an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

I have been giving Toyota a lot of credit but the plaudits for Solterra’s trouble free handling must go to Subaru. The ride is comfortable and the suspension deals admirably with everything our pot holed roads throw up. And it keeps its composure through tight bends with hardly any body roll. Should the going get a bit slippery then there is plenty of help from Subaru’s highly praised X-Mode which deals with different driving situations whether it be snow, sand or mud.

Apart from a car park full of rivals, the burning question is why choose Solterra over the Toyota? The cheeky answer is who wants a car called bZ4X? In most cases Subaru needs to rely on brand loyalty because Toyota also offers a two wheel drive version for a lot less than the fifty odd thousand Subaru which, of course, has to be all wheel drive.

That said I am going to be generous and put it into my top five.

What the wife says: Solterra is a good looking car and I warmed to it. It is an easy drive with no dramas if caught out by a sharp bend. The e-pedal that slows the car almost to a stop without using the brake is a brilliant way of putting energy back into the batteries. I was irritated by the number of warning bleeps, some of which are a mystery, with one sounding like someone breaking wind!

Fast facts

Solterra Limited

£52,495

Twin electric motors; 215bhp

0-62mph 6.9secs; 99mph

Range: 289 miles

Max charge: 150kW

Road tax: Zero

Boot: 441 litres

Insurance group 46

 

Senedd Members call for stricter rules on private parking firms

* Senedd Members Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates at Island Green.

Members of the Senedd are encouraging people to take part in a recently extended consultation which they hope will lead to stricter rules around how private car park companies operate.  

Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates have been taking a stand against Euro Car Parks, which runs the notorious car park at Island Green, Wrexham, after a deluge of complaints about unfair fines. 

 

Despite managing to get some overturned, the Labour pair remain frustrated at the ‘arrogance’ of the company and its ‘refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense’. 

 

Now they are hoping that the UK Government consultation will lead to new legislation which will clamp down on unscrupulous practices within the industry. 

 

Ms Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, said: “Parking at Island Green Shopping Centre has been problematic for years but the issue of suspect private parking operators issuing unfair fines to shoppers and, in turn, negatively impacting businesses is not just a Wrexham issue – it is happening in towns and cities right across the UK.

 

“This consultation could be the beginning of the end for these unprincipled companies and I hope people make their voices heard. 

 

“Our long-running dispute with Euro Car Parks shows no sign of stopping and in spite of the challenges, Ken Skates MS and I will continue to explore every avenue available to help improve the situation for the people of Wrexham.”

 

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “The arrogance of companies like Euro Car Parks is clear in their refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense. But they’re allowed to ride roughshod over their customers because what they do is within UK law. 

 

“I hope that if enough people respond to this consultation, UK Ministers will have no choice but to significantly tighten up the rules and close the loopholes which allow these sharks to operate with impunity and issue unfair fines to shoppers. 

“I’ve had elderly and vulnerable people contact me in recent months who have received threatening letters from debt recovery firms demanding hugely inflated sums for alleged offences at Island Green and elsewhere which weren’t even committed. Euro Car Parks claim that even as the client of these firms they can’t intervene, which I don’t believe. I’ve asked them numerous times to confirm this, and each time they have refused to answer the question.” 

 

The Private Parking Code of Practice Impact Assessment, published by the UK Government, states: “Since 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of parking charges issued by private parking operators, measured by the number of requests for vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

 

“Linked to this, there are concerns from consumer groups, MPs, and the public highlighting a range of poor practices and behaviours within the sector that the current system of self-regulation has not adequately dealt with. This has created additional costs and stress for drivers and registered vehicle keepers that are often not justified.  

 

“Given the current system of self-regulation does not appear to be working in addressing these issues, it is necessary to introduce a new Code of Practice to ensure that the system is fair for drivers and registered vehicle keepers. This is also considered justified on equity grounds where unfair outcomes impact certain (for example, more vulnerable) groups disproportionately.” 

 

* The full report can be read on the UK Government website. The email address to respond to is parking@levellingup.gov.uk and the consultation has been extended to October 8. 

 

 

Denbighshire libraries offering data poverty help

Working with the Good Things Foundation, Denbighshire’s Libraries help distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people living in data poverty through the National Databank Scheme. 

The National Databank distributes free data to people through community organisations and is supported by many popular UK mobile networks. 

Denbighshire residents can register their interest to take part if they meet the eligibility criteria. Residents can also register interest on behalf of other people if they know someone who would benefit from free mobile data. 

To be eligible to access the National Databank, residents must be over 18 years old and come from a low-income household. They also need to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home.
• You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “Internet access has become such a vital part of everyday life, with many essential services and schemes now moving online. I would urge anyone who may need some help in this area to contact or visit their local library for more information.”

* For more information, go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/help-to-get-online.aspx or visit your local library.

ITV Wales news item puts eisteddfod's future under spotlight

* Ken Skates MS puts his viewpoint to ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson gave his view of the current problems facing Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in a TV news item earlier tonight (Monday).

He was filmed for an ITV Wales story on the future of the festival which was aired on the evening bulletin.

Also interviewed for the item was Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Shea Ferron, who is one of the six new members of the eisteddfod's board of trustees.

Phil Robinson, who has covered the eisteddfod as a reporter for the Wrexham Leader, as a press officer for a communications company and also for his news blog, was asked by ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the festival after it recorded a substantial loss on this year's event and and been forced to to make its musical director redundant as a direct result of the financial situation. 

* New trustee Shea Ferron is interviewed on the eisteddfod situation.

After stressing how many people were getting behind the eisteddfod, he said changes were definitely needed.

He explained: "This year some of the evening concerts weren't that well attended, although the one featuring Alfie Boe, the top concert of the week, was a sell-out, so they've got to look at the concerts as well as other things."

Earlier in the item Joanne Gallacher said the eisteddfod needed not only to survive but also to thrive and that volunteers, who were now in charge of the entire event following the departure of musical director Camilla King, had vowed the eisteddfod would continue next year.

Shea Ferron told her: "We are aware that the loss was a substantial amount and hence why we had to make the very difficult decision to make redundant one of the major roles of the eisteddfod."

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson was asked for his opinion on the festival's future. 

Asked how volunteers in charge, like himself, a student, would go out and promote the eisteddfod given that most had other jobs, he replied: "No matter what our commitments we will find the time because of the love that we all have for this festival."

Ken Skates MS was asked if the Welsh Government was likely to hand any further financial aid to the eisteddfod on top of the £90,000 it had already allocated in the current financial year.

The reporter also pointed out it was being said that the National Eisteddfod received more financial support from the government in Cardiff.

Mr Skates replied that he wouldn't like to play one event off against another and added: "The International Eisteddfod exists to promote world peace. It exists to draw people in. It aligns well with the Welsh Government's declared status as a sanctuary nation, and perhaps that is where we could see stronger support from the government."

The report concluded with Joanne Gallacher saying that the volunteers were adamant that the eisteddfod would continue.

She added: "Sponsorship deals are in place, fingers crossed, and they have got a list of stars that they hope will come to the Pavilion next year.

"I can't tell you who the big names are but they are impressive." 

* ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher winds up the story from the bridge.

      

Further Welsh Government moves on RAAC announced

 

Following new information over the weekend, all 22 local authorities in Wales are assessing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in education buildings. More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place. It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe. Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Two schools on Anglesey have been identified as having RAAC, Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi. There are no immediate risks or concerns, according to the Welsh Government. Both schools will now temporarily close so that further safety inspections can be carried out and that alternative planning can take place. The government is undertaking further work to verify the position across Wales and a review of the latest information held by local authorities is underway. Results are expected within the next two weeks. The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said: “Our main concern is the safety of pupils and staff. Since we became aware of these developments, we have been working urgently with Local Authorities and WLGA to make sure pupils and staff can go back to school safely. "Some of the new evidence regarding the usage of RAAC was provided to Welsh Government last night. This was immediately shared with Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn to support them in their decision making process. “We’re making these decisions together to keep staff and pupils safe. Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn and the schools are doing everything they can to minimise the impact on pupils. If any of this action affects you, you will hear directly from your school.” Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said: “The WLGA continues to work closely and in regular dialogue with the Welsh Government and local authorities on this issue. Teachers, staff, and pupils’ safety is our paramount priority as we seek to establish the full position across Wales.” Anglesey Council Leader, Cllr Llinos Medi said: “This is an evolving and emerging national issue. We appreciate this will be disappointing for all staff and pupils. However, their safety is our main priority. We are putting plans in place for Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to minimise any disruption to children’s education. “We are working closely with the Headteachers and staff at the affected schools. The schools will communicate further updates with parents/guardians and young people. Again, our main priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and young people.”

 

Four Great Highways team seeks further feedback

Following their consultation and feedback gathering earlier in the year, the Four Great Highways project team would now like to gather feedback on people’s preferred design options for the new interpretation and wayfinding due to be installed as part of the scheme. 

Wayfinding posts are used to help people navigate around an area.

Interpretation posts are used to let people know something important about the area, for example, they may be used to provide information about local history.

Once they have received public feedback, the Project Board will consider which designs and pieces of interpretation are the preferred option. 

Feedback must be received by October 8. 

The designs will be on display together with the detailed plans for the project at Llangollen Library from next Wednesday afternoon (September 6) until Saturday October 7 for anybody who would like to pop along for a look.  

The plans are already available to view on the Four Great Highways webpage (see pdf link to General Arrangement Plans within the Gallery section), and the signage and wayfinding designs will be added to the same section soon.

* People can get in touch with the project team us in one of the following ways:

Online: Denbighshire County Conversations

E-mail: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk / pedairprifforddfawr@sirddinbych.gov.uk

Collect and return a paper questionnaire from Wednesday 6^th September 2023 afternoon: Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU

Write to: Corporate Support Service Performance, Digital & Assets, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 9AZ

Operatic sweeps the board at amateur stage 'Oscars'

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has picked up four major awards for two of its 2022 shows at the amateur stage 'Oscars'.

At a ceremony in Newport, south Wales on Saturday night the popular local stage group swept the board at the annual NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards.

Three of the honours came for Calendar Girls the Musical which the main society staged at Llangollen Town Hall September 2022.

These were:

* Outstanding Musical Production

* Outstanding Individual Performance to to Louise Lyne for her role as Chris

* Outstanding Supporting Individual Performance to Aled Morris for his role as Danny

The quartet of awards was completed when Outstanding Performance went to Ethan Le-Cheminant for his role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors which was performed by the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, in March 2022.

Tracey Jones, producer for Calendar Girls, said: "Calendar Girls was certainly a challenge.

"The initial reaction when we asked the committee to proceed with the licence application, was, 'Fantastic choice but who on earth will audition to be naked on Llangollen Stage?'

"As producer I'm so very grateful to the help and dedication from cast and crew, such talent on stage. I hate singling people out but special shout outs and thanks from me have to go to Elen Mair Roberts as musical director who went above and beyond her own role, Louise Lyne for stepping into a lead role three days before opening night and Sarah Marshall for also picking up a role unexpectedly last minute and all the movement/directional support.

"Backstage crew worked incredibly hard under the direction of Millie Orton-Jones, who led the team with such confidence and professionalism at the tender age of just 21.

"Everybody who helped, no matter how big or small. Thank you. This award is for you all. Here's to the next one - Bad Girls The Musical in May 2024."

Pamela Williams, who produced Little Shop of Horrors for the Young 'Uns, said: "Huge congratulations to Ethan for this award. Everyone involved in the production of Little Shop is thrilled for him, it was a massive part and he was exceptional in it.

"We wish him well now that he has left the Young 'Uns to go on to university."

County has 'no evidence' of buildings at risk from suspect concrete

Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place.

It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe

In the light of what has happened over the border it Is understood that Denbighshire has received a number of enquiries from schools, governors and elected members seeking assurances that the associated risks to county schools is low.   

It has therefore made a statement on the issue, a copy of which has been seen by llanblogger.

This says: “The issue of RAAC being used in buildings was raised via the Local Government Association in 2019/20. In response to this, Denbighshire County Council instigated a two-phased approach.  

"Phase 1 involved a review of all building stock based on known construction materials and methods used in our buildings from previous surveys, specifications, and surveyor knowledge.  

"Based on this review, the second phase identified buildings with potential RAAC or where there was insufficient information to make a judgement.  

"Following this, surveys of 105 buildings were commissioned in 2021 to establish whether RAAC was present. These detailed surveys were on a range of Council buildings, not just schools. All surveys returned negative results.

"Denbighshire County Council would like to reassure elected members, governors, parents and school staff that it has taken all reasonable steps to ascertain the structural integrity of its buildings and has no evidence to suggest any of its buildings are at risk. The council will work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required."

“The work undertaken by the team means that pupils can start the new term as planned, as there is no evidence to suggest any of the buildings are at risk. The Council will, of course, work with Welsh Government to instigate surveys of all school buildings if required.”

Councillor Gill German, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Families Services said, “Denbighshire County Council is proud of its continued investment in the education of the County’s young people in partnership with Welsh Government through the 21st Century Schools Programme. 

"Over recent years, over £90 million has been invested in the County’s schools with five brand new school buildings for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin, Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog, Ysgol Llanfair in Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, Christ the Word Catholic School, Rhyl, and Rhyl High School, while a significant extension was built at Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph and at Bodnant Community School and Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd. 

“In addition, plans are in place to deliver further investments in partnership with the Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, with proposals being developed for a new facility at Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, in Denbigh together with further investment at Ysgol Pendref and Denbigh High School in Denbigh and at Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol y Gwernant in Llangollen.” 

Work starts to extend Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to canal

 

* Work begins on the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.

Work has started to connect the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve to the canal at the far end of the site.

OBR Construction has been appointed to carry out the work which should be complete by the beginning of October. 

David Shiel, area manager of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is in charge of the scheme, said: "The path from the Nature Reserve will link to the canal just beyond where the canal passes under the road.  

"It’s a very steep bank so the work will include ground stabilisation – including soil nailing.  Quite a challenge but a big move to linking the site to the wider area.

"Access around the site should not be affected whilst work is going on and we will do everything to avoid any inconvenience to visitors. 

"This is the final piece in the jigsaw in the development of Wenffrwd as a nature reserve that started in 2021, and will make it possible to link to the canal without crossing the road."  

Eisteddfod welcomes six new trustees

* RAF chaplain Rebekah Canon can often be seen around Llangollen in her tuk tuk.

* Shea Ferron brought the house down at Llangollen 2023 with his surprise rendition of Bring Him Home with Alfie Boe.

* Bill Kong, new trustee Selana Kong, former chair Phil Davies and new trustee Allison Davies.

A churchwoman who doubles as a Squadron Leader in the RAF, a singer who unexpectedly shared the stage with Alfie Boe and a woman who moved 6,000 miles to be closer to the festival she loves are amongst the new trustees of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The Rev Rebekah Canon is an Anglican RAF chaplain who trained as a professional  actor and theatre director - and is often seen around Llangollen at the wheel of a gaily-coloured tuk tuk vehicle.  

She worked internationally in Thailand, Bali and Russia on multi-disciplinary, large-scale performance and events. She has now made Llangollen her home with her partner Gerallt.

She said:  “I am utterly thrilled to be involved in contributing towards the future of the International Eisteddfod.  

"It is a unique event that has directly contributed to making Llangollen such a special place.  

"The heartbeat of our town is synonymous with the diversity, inclusivity and artistry of the Eisteddfod and I’m focused on seeing that continue for generations to come. 

"To play a key role in safeguarding our peace festival that welcomes the world to Llangollen every year is an amazing privilege.”

Shea Ferron, at 20 is already a well-known figure in Llangollen.  

In May, he was a member of the John’s Boys Chorus who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent.  

The drama student is a former Choir of the World winner and joined Alfie Boe on stage in July to rapturous applause.  

Shea is the youngest ever trustee of the Eisteddfod has been involved in the festival, in various guises, since childhood.  

He is combining his work as trustee with studying in his final year at The Institute for Contemporary Theatre in Manchester.

Shea said: “The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, like the arts, is in my blood. Since I was a youngster, it has been a major part of my life. 

"Some of my first memories are from this inspirational festival.  I am both honoured and grateful to be joining the board of trustees at such a critical point in the Eisteddfod’s 76-year history, ensuring the festival is here for generations to come.”

Another familiar face joining the board is Selana Kong, who loved the Llangollen Eisteddfod so much that she, her husband Bill and son Daniel relocated 6,000 miles just to be closer to it. 

For years, Selena and Bill travelled over from Hong Kong just to volunteer.   

Now they live within walking distance of Llangollen Pavilion and Selana wants to reach out across the world to continue the Eisteddfod’s peace tradition. 

Selana, a professional coach, mediator, and consultant, said: “The Llangollen Eisteddfod is an amazing festival and in a polarised world, our message of peace and unity is as vital today as it was in 1947.  

"I want to continue the tradition of our festival reaching out to the world.  Bill and I fell in love with the Llangollen Eisteddfod and frequently travelled back to volunteer.  In 2019, we decided to cut the commute and move here lock, stock and barrel.  

"When I was asked to stand for election to the Eisteddfod Board, I jumped at the chance.  It is an amazing opportunity to give something back to the festival that changed our lives and ensure it can continue to change others.”

The strengthened board has already held an open evening, bringing together the committees and new volunteers, that saw dozens of festival supporters brainstorming ideas to safeguard the future of the festival.  

The board has additionally already met several times as they put planning in place for next year’s festival.  

Fundraising plans are being finalised as the team work to ensure the future of the festival.

Eisteddfod chair Sarah Ecob said: “We are delighted to welcome our new board members who bring a range of new talents and deep knowledge of the Eisteddfod to our board.  

"This will be invaluable as we continue our programme of recovery and growth. We would like to thank the outgoing Board Members, all of whom will continue to be active within the Eisteddfod structures."

The trustees have joined the team as the Eisteddfod, which started in 1947 to promote peace, faces huge financial challenges.  

The new trustees were directly elected by company members and all bring different types of expertise.  Collectively, they will be stepping up to the breach left after what festival officials describe as the "difficult financial decision" to make executive producer Camilla King redundant in August. 

Other new members of the board include Allison Davies, a former teacher at Ysgol Dinas Bran who has been heavily involved in the festival for decades, and Karen Price who has been involved in the festival all her life – first helping with the famous flowers and more recently as chair of Competitors' Committee and was the UK competitor’s liaison officer.  

Communication’s professional David Hennigan has also been elected on to the board.  He first sang at the Llangollen Eisteddfod in 1985, met his wife at the festival and has now relocated to the town. 

Grants up for grabs for Third Sector groups

Grants to support Third Sector organisations across the county to build resilience and sustainability are now available through the Denbighshire Key Fund.

The grants range from £2,000 to £50,000 and funds have to be spent by October 2024.

Application deadline is: Saturday September 30 at midnight.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I would urge local Third Sector organisations to submit their applications for these grants as soon as possible."  

* For further information, go to: dvsc.co.uk/grant/denbighshire-key-fund, email: keyfund@dvsc.co.uk or call 07376 124535.

Eisteddfod friends to host coffee morning at Memorial Hall

A coffee morning in aid of Friends of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod (FLIME) will take place next Tuesday, September 5, between 10am and 12noon, at the Memorial Hall in Market Street. 

Now in its 50th year, FLIME has raised over half a million pounds, which it has donated to the Eisteddfod and has helped fund prize monies, events and most recently shared sponsorship with the local Rotary Club of the White Flower Concert - a highly acclaimed event celebrating peace, commemorating the fallen in the Balkan Wars of the 1990s and showing support to Ukrainian friends.     

A FLIME spokesperson said: "Our world-famous Eisteddfod needs your support to keep it going. Croeso i bawb. The coffee morning is welcome to all."

Irish TV series to feature Ladies of Llangollen's story

* The story on GCN featuring the tale of the Ladies of Llangollen.

The famed Ladies of Llangollen will feature in a new six-part series about Ireland’s greatest love stories, Scéalta Grá na hÉireann, on an Irish TV network this September.

That's according to a story on the website of GCN, a free resource for the LGBTQ+ community.

The story says:

"Returning for its second season, the show will share the accounts of six new captivating and heartbreaking Irish relationships, set on the backdrop of some of the most historic events, including the 1798 Rebellion, Easter Rising, Irish War of Independence and American Civil War.

Among the stories featured in the new TG4 series will be that of Lady Eleanor Butler of Kilkenny Castle and Sarah Ponsonby of Woodstock House, Inistioge, also better known as the Ladies of Llangollen.

After their introduction in 1768, through family connections, the pair formed a lifelong bond, resulting in their emigrating to Llangollen in Wales in 1780, where they lived together for the rest of their lives.

The episode will explore how, despite their families’ aristocratic standing, the couple broke the social norms of their time and overcame many obstacles in order to be together.

Defying societal expectations and refusing to conform to traditional gender roles, their story caused a huge controversy at the time but has endured the ages to become an inspirational tale of undying love and unbreakable courage.

The ladies’ journey is not the first LGBTQ+ relationship to be explored by Scéalta Grá na hÉireann, as a previous series featured the tragic tale of Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas."

* The new series will launch on Friday, September 8, and will be available to watch on TG4 and online.

Broken wrist changes plans by Judy (78) to run half-marathon

* Judy Smith, right, with her friend Sandra Woodhall at a Llangollen Round Challenge event.

A broken wrist has put paid to a Llangollen woman's plan to run a half-marathon in memory of her friend who died earlier this year.

At the age of 78, Judy Smith had registered to take part in this September’s Great North Run on September 10.

She aimed to tackle the 13-mile course to boost funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of her late friend Sandra Woodhall.

Together they had founded and organised the famous Llangollen Round Challenge which has raised many thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK since it began in 2012.   

But Judy has had to change her plans after suffering a broken wrist.

She said: "Unfortunately, I've managed to break my wrist falling over at the Erddig Parkrun on Saturday.  

"I have a lovely purple plaster on my arm but I think the Great North Run at the end of next week would not be a good idea.  

"I have therefore switched my entry to the Great South Run on October 15.

"It's 'only' 10 miles as opposed to a half marathon, but I do hope you'll still feel able to support me in memory of Sandra."

"I thank all those who have already supported me at this time."

* The link to support Judy is: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/judys-giving-page-109  

Training going well for John's charity challenge - apart from a puncture

 

* John Palmer, left, and son Nic are in training for their double triathlon challenge.

Training is going well for a Llangollen man taking part in a triathlon event this weekend in memory of his wife who died from the effects of dementia earlier this year. 

On Sunday morning he will compete in a sprint triathlon in Ellesmere, just over the border in Shropshire.  

And at the same time as he grapples with the gruelling event his son Nic, who lives in Glyndyfrdwy, will be doing the Bala Standard Triathlon at Bala Lake.

Both father and son are raising money for Alzheimer's Research UK in memory of Lyn, who was respectively their wife and mother.

John said training was going well for both of them - apart from a slight hitch with a puncture as he practiced the cycling part of the triathlon between Chirk and Ellesmere last week.

"When I got the puncture I had no alternative but to walk the bike all the way back to Chirk," he said.    

Nic is going to be doing an Olympic triathlon which consists of a I.5 km swim followed by a 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run.

John, in deference to his age, is taking on a speed triathlon which is a 7.5 km in Ellesmere lake followed by a 25 km bike ride and a 5 km run.

He said: "In march of this year my wife Lyn and Nic’s mother died from dementia.  

"While she died peacefully holding my hand she was first diagnosed in 2013.  

"More and more people and their families are living with dementia. We want to raise money for Alzheimers Research to help find a way of finding a cure for the disease.

"Training is going pretty well. Most of the swimming has been in a pool but more recently we have been swimming in Lyn Tegid, which came as a bit of a shock - wetsuits essential.  

"Cycling has given me a sore bum. How the Tour de France guys do it day after day amazes me.  

"I run quite regularly anyway so that is not so much of a problem but of course that remains to be seen on the day.  I'm sure the dog will be glad when it’s over."

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. 

It funds world-class pioneering scientists to find preventions, treatments and a cure for dementia.

* There's still time to sponsor Nic and John on their gofundme page at: https://gofund.me/99c861be

Changes announced to number 5 bus service from September 24

Changes to the number 5 bus service between Llangollen and Wrexham will come into effect from Sunday September 24.

This will include:

• Revised intermediates to improve punctuality
• Morning journeys from Llangollen to Wrexham to operate five minutes earlier to improve punctuality 
• The 06:40 Llangollen to Wrexham journey will now timed to arrive into Wrexham at 07:18 to connect with the 41 Wrexham to Wrexham Industrial estate service departing at 07:25.

The alterations to the service and a number of others operated by Arriva as a result of changes to the way the Welsh Government supports bus services after Covid.

These have resulted in revisions to the Arriva network across North Wales.

In a public notice on its website Arriva says it has worked with local authorities to minimise the effects of this but in some cases have made changes to reflect post-Covid changes in demand.

* To see full details of the changes go to: https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/latest-news/changes-to-services-in-north-wales-sept-23

Latest roadworks alerts from county council

Latest roadworks bulletin from Denbighshire County Council is: 

CASTLE STREET, AT THE JUNCTION OF DEE LANE, LLANGOLLEN, DENBIGSHIRE CASTLE STREET 27/09/2023 27/09/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works MORRISON UTILITY SERVICES LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 CHURCH STREET, AT THE JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET, LLANGOLLEN, CHURCH STREET 25/09/2023 25/09/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works DWR CYMRU/WELSH LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Free meals to be rolled out to Year 3 and 4 pupils

Universal Primary Free School Meals are to be rolled out to Years 3 and 4 pupils in Denbighshire, starting from September. 

In December 2021, Welsh Government (WG) announced plans to offer free school meals to all primary school pupils. The phased delivery approach will see all primary pupils offered free school meals by 2024. 

Since September 2022, the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) offer in Denbighshire has been successfully rolled out to Reception and Year 1. The offer was rolled out to Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire from April, 2023. The offer will now be rolled out to both years 3 and 4 from the start of term in September. 

As part of the rollout, a number of Denbighshire’s primary schools have seen kitchen and catering upgrades, including full kitchen remodels and increased storage, with the addition of new walk-in fridge and freezers. 

New cooking equipment has also been installed to help increase cooking capacity and many primary schools within the county are also having work done to their dining halls, helping to increase dining capacity. 

Councillor Gill German, Deputy Leader and Lead member for Education, Children and Families said: “I am a huge supporter of the introduction of Universal Free School Meals for primary age pupils in Wales and it is great to see that our rollout in Denbighshire is progressing so well.

"Every child in Reception, year 1 and year 2 in Denbighshire is now part of the offer, and I am delighted to see that we will be extending this to year 3 and year 4 pupils from September.”

* Further information is available at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/education

Tackling non-compliant vaping products in Denbighshire

Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team have been taking action to tackle the issue of non-compliant vaping products within the county.

The market for vaping products continues to grow, with retailers sourcing a variety of stock to meet consumer demand. 

However, an increasing amount of the stock being bought by retailers in the UK are being found to be non-compliant with laws relating to e-cigarettes.

In recent weeks the council’s Trading Standards team have been conducting visits to various premises and providing retailers with advice and guidance relating to the wide range of vaping products available.

Whilst a large amount of non-compliant stock that would be illegal for sale in the UK has previously been seized in the county, a joint operation carried out by Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team and North Wales Police’s Denbighshire Coastal team on July 28 found that levels of compliance had improved in a majority of premises in Denbighshire selling vaping products.

By law, e-cigarettes are limited to contain 2ml of liquid (roughly 600 – 800 puffs) and no more than 20mg of nicotine per ml. There is also labelling and warning requirements - including an ingredient list, batch number and UK importer name and contact details, amongst others. 

Packaging must not mislead consumers in any way that would encourage them to make purchases that they would not have ordinarily made, and the product must fully match the description provided on the packaging.

The council is urging business owners to make themselves aware of the laws in relation to the vaping products they are selling and to ensure that they seek advice from Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team if they are ever in doubt about stock that they have purchased or are considering purchasing.

Cllr Win Mullen-James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The popularity of vaping products has increased dramatically in the UK in recent years and so it is vital to ensure that products being sold within Denbighshire comply with the legal requirements to protect the health and safety of our residents who use them.

“Denbighshire’s Trading Standards team will continue to monitor the compliance of businesses in Denbighshire and ensure that appropriate action is taken if a business is found to be selling non-compliant vaping products. It is the responsibility of business owners to ensure that they comply with the law through their business practices, and so we encourage any business owners to contact the team for advice and guidance in relation to vaping products that they are selling.”

Businesses can get in touch with Denbighshire’s Trading Standards Team for advice on vaping products here: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/licences-permits-and-trading-standards/forms/contact-us-trading-standards.aspx

The council are also advising that if residents are aware of businesses in Denbighshire selling non-compliant vaping products, or selling them to underage persons, that they can report them anonymously to Crimestoppers by phone on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or to No Ifs. No Butts at www.noifs-notbutts.co.uk.