Historic locos to go on show at railway's diesel weekend

* Class 26.

* Class 31.

Hot on the wheels of a very successful Spring Branchline Steam Gala, Llangollen & Corwen Railway will hold its second large gala event of 2024 early next month. 

The Diesel & Industrial Weekend takes place on the weekend of June 1 and 2 and will feature six diesel and steam locomotives along with an historic diesel railcar.

Volunteer gala organiser George Walker said: “This weekend is all about celebrating the evocative era of diesel-hauled trains on Britain’s eailways between the late 1950s and 1990s and the part that railways have played in industry. 

"We will be showcasing our fleet of historic and powerful mainline diesel locomotives, with three taking part. 

"We have our Class 26 No 5310, which was built in Smethwick in 1959 and spent most of her working life in Scotland and has been with us at Llangollen since 2009.

* Class 47.

"Then we have our Class 31, which carries 1980s Railfreight Construction Livery and worked the very last stone train out of Blodwel Quarry near Oswestry in May 1986, not too far away from our railway. 

"Finally, we have our Class 47 No 47449, the most powerful locomotive on the railway. Powered by a 2,580hp 12-cylinder Sulzer diesel engine, 512 of these locomotives were built for British Railways and a handful can still be found in mainline use today. 

* Pilkington shunter.

"Our locomotive was built in Crewe in 1964, so is celebrating her 60^th birthday this year. She spent a lot of her BR life working around North Wales, so is very much at home on our railway. 

"At the other end of the scale, 350hp Class 08 shunter No 08202 will be hauling public trains on our railway for the first time after joining us on hire last month."

The heritage railway, which is speeding ahead with a spectacular recovery from the collapse of its PLC operating company in 2021, continues to welcome trains to its new Corwen Station, which opened in June 2023. 

Visitors can also enjoy a visit to our scenic countryside stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog and a walk in the surrounding Dee Valley, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

* Plasser 12-ton crane.

The Horseshoe Falls beauty spot is just a 10-minute walk from Berwyn station, which nestles in the Dee Valley gorge and has spectacular views of the river and hills. 

George added: “We’re trying to offer visitors the chance to see something different at the railway this weekend. As well as a busy timetable of diesel-hauled trains and railcars, we will have a 12-ton rail crane carrying out lifting demonstrations at Carrog station. 

"An industrial steam locomotive from the old Austin car factory in Longbridge will also be giving short rides with brake vans. 

"These attractions will give a glimpse of what moving freight around the railways was like for well over 100 years before road transport took nearly all freight traffic away from rural branch lines, many of which then closed – like our railway did in 1964.

"Finally, there’s a rare chance to see Pilkington, a Yorkshire Engine Company locomotive that spent its working life shunting sand wagons at the world-famous Pilkington Brothers glass factory in St Helens. 

"This chunky-looking little loco can usually only be seen at work around our motive power depot, which is off limits to the public.

"We will also be running an evening Landcruise train on Saturday June 1, leaving Llangollen at 19:10 and 20:40, which runs to Carrog station and back with a real ale bar on board."

Tom Taylor, Llangollen Railway Trust manager, said: “Another busy event lies ahead for our beloved railway. George has done a brilliant job of planning this event, which should offer visitors the chance to reconnect with both our industrial past and the railway that many of us can remember from our childhoods in the 70s, 80s and 90s. 

"What is particularly inspirational here is that George is one of your younger volunteers and still only in his 20s. His passion for the railway and our diesel fleet is great to see and explodes the myth that heritage railways face a volunteer crisis due to younger folk not wanting to get involved. 

"The railway is always on the lookout for new volunteers in all areas and we are holding a recruitment open day on Saturday June 8."

* More details on the event and advanced tickets can be purchased from https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/diesel-weekend-event/.

 

Skates highlights headache of missed GP appointments

* Ken Skates MS with GP Gareth Bowdler (centre) and staff at Dee Valley Medical Centre in Overton. 

Thousands of local GP hours are being lost because of patients not turning up to appointments, says a Member of the Senedd. 

Llangollen Health Centre and its branch clinic in Glyn Ceiriog have had a total of 1,503 DNAs - did not attends in the past year.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates found that at least 13,000 slots were missed at surgeries across his constituency between April 2023 and March this year. 

Local surgeries provided details of their ‘DNAs’ – did not attend – to Mr Skates, who is now urging people not to waste GPs’ precious time. 

“Of course, sometimes people will genuinely forget or something might come up at the last minute, but when people just can’t be bothered to turn up to appointments it has consequences for staff and other patients,” said Mr Skates. 

“Then there’s the cost of DNAs – missed appointments cost the Welsh NHS millions every year.” 

Caritas Surgery. which has branches in Cefn Mawr and Coedpoeth, was worst hit – with 3,332 DNAs over 11 months. Dee Valley Medical Centre in Overton had 1,756 over the same period, while Llangollen Health Centre and its branch clinic in Glyn Ceiriog recorded 1,503.

Ruabon Medical Centre was also badly affected, recording at least 2,930 DNAs over the 11-month period according to the surgery’s published data, while Chirk Surgery suffered 1,631 missed slots.

Mr Skates said: “If we take the average appointment as being 15 minutes, we are talking thousands of hours lost in Clwyd South. Those are hours that GP and primary care staff won’t get back where they could be helping other people. 

“Sometimes practices will write to those who don’t attend advising them of the impact it has on the surgery and its staff, but that costs more time and more money.” 

He added: “I highlighted this issue about 10 years ago, but sadly the problem appears to have got even worse. It’s a huge drain on resources.”

Mr Skates was able to get data for around half of the surgeries in his constituency. As a number do not publish their DNA information, the true number of missed appointments will be much higher. 

Of those which supplied or publish the information, Beech Avenue Medical Practice in Rhos had at least 1,379 missed appointments and Uwchaled Medical Practice in Corwen recorded 520 DNAs.

One practice manager said: “DNAs are an increasing problem, our rates have never been so high. It’s frustrating that we can’t take any real action against those who repeatedly do not attend.” 

The business manager of another surgery added: “We do have a protocol to write to offenders advising them of the impact of DNA, but it is not necessarily effective and of course it’s another task to have to find time for.” 

Ffion Johnstone, BCUHB’s Lead for Primary Care, said: “Missing an appointment wastes the time of hard-working GP surgery staff and deprives other patients of an opportunity to be seen, leading to longer waiting times. 

“At a time when resources are being stretched to meet record levels of demand in primary care, the significant number of missed appointments is something that our health service simply cannot afford. We urge patients to make every effort to attend their planned appointment and to let their GP surgery know if this is no longer possible.”

Town council elects new mayor and deputy

* New mayor - Cllr Aled Morris.

Llangollen Town Council has announced the election of Councillor Aled Morris as the new Town Mayor. 

Councillor Morris has been an active member of the council and has championed numerous causes aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. 

His election as mayor is seen as a testament to his commitment to public service and his vision for a progressive and inclusive community.

He said: "I am deeply honoured to have been elected as Town Mayor and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues on the council, as well as with our wonderful residents, to address the challenges we face and to seize the opportunities ahead. Together, we can make Llangollen an even better place to live, work, and visit."

Cllr Morris will be supported by Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, who has been appointed as Deputy Town Mayor.

* New deputy mayor - Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam.

It's a landmark moment for the Town Council as he is the youngest person ever to hold such a post and is said to bring a unique perspective and a dynamic approach which will greatly benefit the council and the town as a whole.

 

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam said: "I am thrilled to take on this new role and to support Councillor Morris in his vision for our town. This is a significant milestone, not just for me personally, but for all young people in our community. It shows that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact."

 

Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: "The Town Council is confident that the combined leadership of Councillor Morris and Councillor Richards-Gwilliam will usher in a period of positive transformation ensure that the voices of all residents are heard and valued."

Llan schools benefit from 'national treasure' music cooperative

* North Wales Music Co-operative: Cllr Mark Young, Cllr Gill German, Paul Mealor, Tom Barham and Heather Powell at the opening of the new Denbigh base. Pictures by Mandy Jones.

Schools in Llangollen are benefitting from a pioneering music service hailed as a "national treasure" by a royal composer. 

The North Wales Music Cooperative teaches 5,000 children from every school in Denbighshire and Wrexham every week.  

According to its patron Professor Paul Mealor, the spectacular success of the cooperative is all the more remarkable because it was formed nine years ago in the aftermath of a financial crisis that saw funding for peripatetic music teachers being axed.

Prof Mealor, the new artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph who was appointed by the King as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order after writing music for the Coronation, was speaking during a special celebration at the award-winning cooperative.

The organisation, which runs two sister coops in Denbighshire and Wrexham, has now been able to buy its base in Denbigh thanks to grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, and other partners.

They work with pupils from more than 100 primary schools and 18 high schools in the two counties while providing work for 70 freelance music tutors who are also members of the cooperative.

The celebrations will continue at two concerts featuring young musicians from Denbighshire and Wrexham, the first at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph on Monday, July 1, and the second at the Stiwt theatre in Rhos on Monday, July 15.

Prof Mealor, who first won worldwide acclaim after he composed the motet Ubi caritas, sung at the Westminster Abbey Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, believes that buying the building is a huge step forward.

He said: “Before this organisation was formed, we were at a precipice where music could have died in schools for children from my background. Only the very rich could have afforded it but this group particularly has made sure that that isn’t the case and that’s benefited so many children and young people in North Wales.

“But we couldn’t do it without everybody who’s funding us from the councils in Wrexham and Denbighshire, Welsh Government, and Levelling Up money from the UK Government.

“Music opens up a world to people that they wouldn’t have known about, a world that’ll live with them for the rest of their lives and I’m incredibly proud to be the patron of this wonderful organisation that is now a real national treasure.”

The cooperative was founded in Denbighshire nine years ago by Head of Service Heather Powell who was one of the music tutors made redundant due to the budget cuts and subsequently it expanded into Wrexham in 2018.

When the pandemic struck, the organisation revamped the service “pushed the boundaries of technology” to provide online lessons and as a result was honoured at the prestigious Social Business Wales Awards.

Heather Powell said: “Thanks to levelling up monies and support from Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, we now own the building, which is fantastic.

“This is a huge step in the evolution and growth of the organisation. It gives us sustainability and strength because now we own the building, we’re able to do a lot more with it.

“We’ve got all the community groups, choirs, ensembles, things like that accessing the building, and we’ve also got 70 members now who use the building for rehearsals, a harp group, a percussion ensemble and various children’s ensembles here as well so there’s a buzz here. There’s always something going on.

“We cover every school in Denbighshire and every school in Wrexham where we run lessons and whole class activities, ensembles, choirs, orchestras, bands, so on an average week, probably 5,000 people access the service.

“Music is incredibly important for wellbeing and we work to make sure that every child who has an interest in some way or another can access our service.

“It’s also a scientific fact that music improves literacy, numeracy, language skills. It’s all part and parcel. The new curriculum in Wales is steeped in music.

She added: “We are very lucky to have Paul as our patron because he’s a great talent who needs to be celebrated in Wales. We’ve got a lot of young composers in our music cooperative who can look up to people like Paul and learn a lot from what he’s done and what he’s achieved. He’s a real inspiration.”

According to the cooperative’s Chair, Cllr Mark Young, buying the building meant the organisation was well placed to continue to grow and expand the service in other areas.

He said: “This provides a launchpad for the future of the cooperative. We’ve got the template and this head office now can be the hub of the management of that to make it affordable for children and their families. Everyone now has upskilled to deliver that music for the future.

“The amount of pupils accessing music because of the high quality lessons, is going up.  And every level of talent gets looked after.  We don’t leave anyone behind – it’s totally inclusive.

“We’re reaching more and more pupils and I’m pretty sure more and more local authorities will take up the model and we’re here, willing and able to help with that and I’m very proud to be the Chair.”

Cllr Gill German, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families at Denbighshire County Council, is also a big fan of the organisation.

She said: “We’re particularly pleased to work with them on the roll out of the National Music Service, which is a Welsh Government initiative.

“It’s very valuable to reach out to children who might otherwise not have access to playing a musical instrument and they’ve been doing a great job rolling that programme out across Denbighshire.

“Music enriches the soul and wellbeing as well as having academic benefits. Music is a touchstone that can take you through life as a source of joy. The value is enormous.”

General election called for July 4

Prime Minister calls general election for July 4.

Town council decides against taking over Market Street toilets

* The public toilets in Market Street.

Llangollen Town Council has decided not to pursue the transfer of the town's existing public toilets in  from Denbighshire County Council. 

After thorough deliberation by the full Council at their meeting last night (Tuesday) it was resolved that neither taking ownership nor covering the full cost of Denbighshire County Council running and maintaining the public toilets would be feasible for the Town Council.

Un a statement town clerk Gareth Thomas says the decision was based on financial projections indicating "substantial losses" associated with the operation and maintenance of the facilities. 

If these projected losses had been added to the Town Council’s budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, it would necessitate a minimum precept increase of 57%, translating to an additional £45.26 per household. 

"Such an increase would place an undue financial burden on the residents of Llangollen," councillors concluded. 

The statement adds: "Denbighshire County Council has indicated that should the Town Council agree to the transfer, significant further expenditure would be required to upgrade the facilities to meet modern-day standards. This additional financial commitment would exacerbate the fiscal strain on the Town Council and its residents.

"The Town Council acknowledges the importance of public toilet facilities for both residents and visitors to Llangollen. However, the financial implications of taking on the full cost and responsibility of these facilities would compromise the Town Council's ability to fund other essential services and initiatives that benefit the community.

"Llangollen Town Council remains committed to working collaboratively with Denbighshire County Council to explore alternative solutions that ensure the continued availability and upkeep of public toilets in the town without imposing unsustainable costs on the local population."

Upgrade work on town gas network completed on time, says supplier

Work to upgrade the gas network in the Bache Mill Road area of Llangollen has finished on time.

Gas emergency and pipeline service Wales & West Utilities has finished the £400,000 work, which it says was essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations to come.

To plan the work Wales & West Utilities liaised with Denbighshire County Council and it was agreed that traffic management would be in place whilst work was ongoing.

Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith managed the work and said: "We are pleased to complete this work on time and would like to thank the local community for their cooperation.

"While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across Llangollen, and the wider area. Whether it’s heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it.

"This work was essential to keep the gas flowing to local homes and businesses today, and to make sure the gas network is ready to transport hydrogen and biomethane, so we can all play our part in a green future."

* If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.

Collen Players back on stage for music hall and variety show

The Collen Players are heading back on stage. 

The popular Llangollen-based old time music hall and variety group are promising a "marvellous evening of melodious merriment and vivacious variety" at St Collen's Community Hall on Friday July 19, starting at 6.30pm.

They say: "Immerse yourself in an opulent odyssey of entertainment and enchantment and prepare for a dazzling display of dramatic delights, where every act astounds and every performance is pure perfection. Secure your seat for an unforgettable night of theatrical thrills and musical magic."

* Tickets, at £15 including a buffet supper, will be on sale soon.

One person airlifted to hospital after Horseshoe Pass incident

The Leader is reporting this morning (Tuesday) that one person was airlifted to hospital following a collision on the Horseshoe Pass yesterday, ambulance chiefs have confirmed.

* For the full story, go to: Patient airlifted to hospital after Horseshoe Pass crash | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Operatic's tough take on life inside takes no prisoners

* A scene from Bad Girls the Musical staged by Llangollen Operatic Society.

llanblogger preview

Llangollen Operatic Society is releasing a set of desperate jailbirds plus a bunch of equally hardcore screws onto Town Hall audiences this week.

From tomorrow (Wednesday) until Saturday a talented 17-strong cast – backed as usual by a highly competent production team and an accomplished orchestra – have been set free to present Bad Girls the Musical.

But if you’re thinking previous of prison-themed musicals you might have seen, forget it. Because Jailhouse Rock this definitely ain’t.

Based on the smash-hit TV drama series from the 1990s, the action takes place inside the fictitious Larkhill women's prison. 

* Trouble is never far from the surface in Larkhill women's prison.

But despite the dark comedy, which is ladeled out as thickly as prison porridge, and the excellent songs which accompany and fuel the action, this is strong stuff, with themes such as sexual exploitation, suicide and drug dependence tackled head on. And that means the dialogue is hard core too.

The opening scene of a young prisoner being put through the usual demeaning process – including a humiliating strip-search - of being checked in for her time behind bars sets the tone for the whole piece.

As the plot develops we gradually meet more of her fellow inmates and prison officers whose character weaknesses and strengths are magnified by their mutually captive situation. We see loud, brash and violent prisoners become protective of one another, or “screws” with dark traits become even darker.  

But, despite the challenging subject matter, this is a wonderfully well-handled piece of musical theatre with a polished cast which includes some real gems, such as Naomi Riley and Amie Harrison-Bickley as, respectively, prisoners Nikki Wade and Shell Dockley, and Louisa Jones and Sue O’Neill as officers Helen Stewart and Sylvia Hollamby. 

* ... but there's also some glitz on occasions.

Turning in a particularly fine take on loathsome principal officer Fenner is Kevin Williams.

There’s also some neat old lag-style cameos from log-time Operatic favourites Chris Platt and Jan Bellis.

The stage sets are bang-on from what we know of our grim Victorian nicks, and production values, masterminded by joint producers Tracey Kempster-Jones and Caroline Anthonisz, are extremely high.

Direction is as spot-on as we’ve come to expect from Chrissie Ashworth and choreography – yes, they do dance rather well around G Wing when they're not being abusive or violent – is skilfully guided by Sarah Marshall and Rob Stevens.

Stylish musical direction comes courtesy of Elen Mair Roberts.

Stage management is in the capable hands of Tessa Orton-Jones and sound smoothly done by JB Sound.   

* Bad Girls is on at Llangollen Town Hall from Wednesday May 22 to Saturday May 25 with a matinee on the Saturday afternoon. Tickets are available from: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

Grow Llangollen hears talk from permaculture specialist

* Grow Llangollen members hear from guest speaker Steve Jones.

Grow Llangollen held their eighth talk this last Thursday, welcoming permaculture specialist Steve Jones. 

Grow Llangollen is a community organisation working towards sustainability and food security by inspiring and supporting local people to grow food through community gardening, produce sharing, and informative talks and workshops.

Steve owns Sector39 training and is a partner at Treflach Farm near Oswestry, where he delivers a lot of his training. 

He led a fascinating discussion across key aspects of permaculture and how it can be delivered at garden or market scale, emphasising the principles of observing and interacting to understand energy systems and storage opportunities.

Permaculture is a form of land use modelled on natural ecosystems, following the cycles, diversity, and resilience found in nature. 

* Steve Jones.

Steve talked about the value and impact of community gardens he's started in Newtown which has helped transform engagement around food within the town. 

He was a founder of Cultivate Newtown, which started on an industrial estate when they were able to build a roundhouse which attracted growers. 

He explained how his work has required significant persistence with three burglaries in three years causing set backs, and some damage to trees planted - but that persistence has paid off: participation has never been higher and the vast majority of trees have thrived. You can read more about Cultivate Newtown here https://www.cultivate.uk.com 

Alongside places in Wales that he has worked, Steve gave fascinating examples of how devastated, unproductive hillside areas in Zimbabwe have been transformed by permaculture. 

In Chimanimani district in Zimbabwe, groups of residents have volunteered their time over the past 15 years to restore productivity and bring young people back to the land. Before and after photos can be seen here https://www.permaculturenews.org/2013/08/15/the-chikukwa-permaculture-project-zimbabwe-the-full-story/ 

He talked about how permaculture could be integrated into farming in Wales to restore the productivity of land as the UK is now among the most nature-depleted in the world.

The example from Zimbabwe prompted a discussion on how that volunteer-led achievement contrasts with expectations here that such projects need external funding and are often done by outsiders, perhaps missing opportunities to shape the future for ourselves by getting involved in practical initiatives. 

This led to a further discussion about how to get more people involved in community gardens at Bryntysilio, Pengwern and Corwen, who are all welcoming new volunteers. 

Steve also talked about the value of biochar in his work. Biochar is any organic material or 'biomass' that has been cooked at a high temperature with limited oxygen present. 

The approach creates a soil enhancer that stores carbon for hundreds of years, boosts food security, and increases soil biodiversity. While this is available commercially, it can be easily produced at a garden level too. 

Grow Llangollen will be organising a field visit to Treflach Farm to see the farm in action (the subject of another recent talk) and to learn how to make biochar. 

You can find more information about permaculture here: https://www.permaculture.co.uk/what-is-permaculture/

The next gardening session at Bryntysilio will be on Sunday May 26, from 10 am to midday.  

The next talk will be held on June 20, topic to be confirmed.

* For more information, you can message us on our Facebook page (7) Facebook or by email: admin@growllangollen.org

Police close Horseshoe Pass following crash, says story

North Wales Live is reporting a breaking story this afternoon (Monday) that police have closed the Horseshoe Pass due to a crash.

The story says that the road has been shut in both directions and that drivers have been told to find alternative routes.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/police-shut-horseshoe-pass-warn-29207458

An eye witness told Leader that a car has come off the road and ended up in a ravine. 

Police seek information on stolen two-day-old calf

* The stolen two-day-old calf. 

Police are seeking information about the theft of a calf stolen from land in Llangollen last week - at just two days old. 

Details of the cruel theft are given by the North Wales force's rural crime team in a post on their Facebook page. 

Team member Tim Troseddau reports: "Stolen overnight Tuesday 14th May from land in the Eglwyseg area of Llangollen, a 2 day old Highland Calf. Unbelievable! 

"If anyone has any information that could help, please get in touch, ref 24000448363."

* See the team's post at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Yk4pcoVpBtmPGEhR/

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from Causeway one.network are:

Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 20 May - 21 May   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: EXCAVATE SERVICE BREECH JOINTBAY IN FOOTPATH AND 1/4 M TRACK IN FOOTPATH TO CUSTOMERS WALL   Works location: outside 8   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: GY0022101343089       Castle Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 20 May - 22 May   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: NOTICE FOR TM IN CONJUNCTION WITH GY002 2101343089   Works location: OUTSIDE 45   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: GY002210343089D * Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council: GLASCOED BACHE MILL ROAD 23/05/2024 23/05/2024 Adferiad/ Reinstatement O'CONNOR UTILITIES (DCC) LLANGOLLEN A542 Abbey Road with JCT of Castle Street ABBEY ROAD 23/05/2024 24/05/2024 Gwaith ar droedffordd / Footway works OBR CONSTRUCTION, LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights A542 APPROX 55M TO 290M NORTH OF ENTRANCE TO LLYWYN CELYN, ROAD FROM PENGWE ROAD FROM PENGWERN TO TYN CELYN 03/06/2024 03/06/2024 Adnewyddu Polion / Renew Poles MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure A539 - Ponsonby Arms, Mill Street, Llangollen MILL STREET 09/07/2024 10/07/2024 I reoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / To control traffic on an alternative route NMWTRA (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights A539 Castle Street, Llangollen CASTLE STREET 11/06/2024 13/06/2024 Overnight patching works - Hogans. TM Amberon. CORE HIGHWAYS CONWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

Llangollen Ramblers take the sunny Wales Coast Path

Llangollen Ramblers enjoy the sunshine on the Wales Coast Path near Tenby last week.  

Around 40 miles were walked in total, and a good time was had by all.  

* If you are interested in joining - the ramblers do lots of local walks as well - contact Judy on smithdinbren@gmail.com.  

She said: "We welcome new members."

MS brands lack of coeliac disease diagnosis 'unacceptable'

* Llyr Gruffydd MS with Trudy Winsper and Evelyn Altemeyer, Health Policy Lead – Coeliac UK.

After speaking to a Llangollen woman with the condition, a North Wales MS says it’s “unacceptable” that so many people living with coeliac disease aren’t receiving a diagnosis.

Llŷr Gruffydd, who represents the region in the Senedd, recently met with representatives of Coeliac UK at the Welsh Parliament to discuss the issue.

The Plaid Cymru politician also spoke with campaigner Trudy Winsper from Llangollen, who has coeliac disease.

According to research by Coeliac UK, a charity for people who need to live without gluten, over 20,000 people in Wales are living with coeliac disease without receiving a diagnosis.

Mr Gruffydd said the lack of an effective diagnosis pathway is negatively impacting the “quality of life” of people who have the condition, as well as putting “strain” on the Welsh NHS.

Though one in every 100 have Coeliac disease, figures suggest that only around 36% of them get a diagnosis. On average it takes 13 years to receive one.

Coeliac disease is a serious condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues when gluten is eaten. This causes damage to the lining of the gut and means the body can’t properly absorb nutrients from food.

Because of the way that coeliac disease can affect the gut, it's frequently misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome.

The symptoms range from mild to severe, and can include bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, wind, constipation, tiredness, mouth ulcers, sudden or unexpected weight loss, and anaemia.

Coeliac UK provides its 65,000 members with trustworthy advice and support. It also funds research into coeliac disease, and works with healthcare professionals to improve diagnosis and fights for better availability of gluten free food.

The charity’s mission is to ensure that one day, no one’s life will be limited by gluten.

Llŷr Gruffydd MS said: “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Coeliac UK at the Senedd.

“At the event I had the opportunity to speak with clinicians and with patients and hear about the barriers that exist to getting a diagnosis.

“I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to speak with Trudy Winsper from Llangollen and hear about her experience with the condition.

“A significant number of people have the condition, including many constituents in North Wales.

“The research from Coeliac UK which suggests that there are over 20,000 people in Wales living with coeliac disease without receiving a diagnosis is concerning.

“It is unacceptable that people who are living with coeliac disease aren’t receiving diagnosis they need.

“Not only does this negatively impact the lives of people who have the condition and cause them more suffering, it also puts more strain on our NHS when it is already under enormous pressure.

“This is because leaving coeliac disease untreated increases the risk of developing long-term health complications.

“It seems abundantly clear that there needs to be a far more effective diagnosis pathway for people who have the condition in Wales.”