Louisa recalls her marathon Indian trip

* Louisa Jones with the bike which took her 260 miles across India.

 

* Louisa, left, celebrates with a fellow cyclist

at the end of their gruelling ride.

 

* The muddy roads the cyclists had to negotiate.

 

*Indian women smile despite their basic

 living conditions. 

A Llangollen Operatic Society member says taking part in a 260-mile charity ride through India has given her the sort of insight into the country that a tourist trip never could. 

Louisa Jones, 33, was shocked by some of the extreme poverty she saw along the way but amazed at how people with absolutely nothing still managed to keep smiling through their miserable circumstances. 

She returned at the weekend from her gruelling nine-day trek through north-western India as part of the Action for Charity’s Women V Cancer Cycle Challenge to raise cash for three women’s cancer causes. 

Along the way Louisa, who works as a European sales analyst for the Ruabon-based Flint Group printing and packing company, had to contend with pothole-strewn roads and soaring temperatures sometimes over 30 degrees. 

She and around 100 other women from across the UK who took on the challenge set out from the city of Agra – home of the iconic Taj Mahal - and pedalled through the rural state of Rajasthan, ending their momentous journey in the capital, Jaipur. 

To maintain their tight schedule the intrepid cyclists, ranging in age from their twenties to their sixties, needed to average around 40 miles a day.

Their route was far removed from the usual tourist trails and went both on and off road.

Louisa told how at one stage along the road she had been catapulted over the handlebars of her bike after being cut up by a jeep and ended up with a huge and painful bruise on her side. 

Later in the trip, she and many of her fellow cyclists were hit by the dreaded “Delhi belly”.  

Eventually reaching Jaipur, the group celebrated their achievement with champagne.  

Back home, she said: “It was an unbelievable experience and I’m still not sure I have been all the way to India and seen all that. 

“I saw things you don’t witness as a tourist. 

“Out in the rural areas there was poverty with people literally living in mud huts but the things we rode past on the way into Jaipur at the end of the trip will live with me for ever. 

“We went in through the slums and it was just mind-blowing – just a sea of rubbish and in that rubbish there were cows, pigs and dogs. 

“There was also children playing in all the filth, some wearing next to nothing. 

“There were also people’s dwellings amongst all the rubbish. 

“Despite their incredible circumstances it was amazing to see that people were still happy and  smiling at us as we cycled past.”

Louisa, who is also a regular lead performer with Llangollen Operatic Society, added: “I was also amazed by the women on the ride.

“I was amongst the youngest of the group. The oldest lady was 65 and the average age was around 42.

“Many have had or were still recovering from cancer or getting over other personal challenges.  

“Everyone had a story but no one wallowed in it and the support and camerarderie shown was  humbling.” 

In advance of her trip to the sub-continent Louisa raised the cash necessary to guarantee her a place on the ride. 

Thanks to strong support from family, friends and work colleagues she managed to burst through the £2,800 qualifying barrier some months ago and pledges are still coming in. 

She also made a personal contribution of £500 towards her fundraising total, which will be distributed between Breast Cancer Care, Jo’ Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. 

She said: “I will personally have raised about £3,300 for the three charities and I am told that the three groups, including my own, which recently completed the ride have raised a total of £900,000. 

“I also hear that this has provided half the annual budget for Ovarian Cancer Action, so I think it was all well worthwhile.”  

 

+ To make a contribution towards Louisa’s challenge go to http://www.justgiving.com/louisa-jones2012/eurl.axd/5805f2ef88f5e749aa33e11e94dbaeb7

Latest roadworks information

Denbighshire County Council has given details of the following roadworks in the area:

Pendre Road, Berwyn, until December 6, road closure to allow bridge works by the county council.

A5 Carreg Afon to Heol Llundain, Corwen, temporary traffic lights until December 7 to allow retaining wall works.  

A5104, Highgate Crossroads to A5104 junction, Bryn Bras, Corwen, road closure to allow electrical works by Electricity Alliance West. 

Hatchery Lane, from  A539 to junction opposite Trevor Mill, December 10-12,road closure to allow drainage works by Dee Valley Water.

 

Flood warning on lower Dee

The Environment Agency says a flood warning is in place on the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Chester.

Latest Information is that river levels are above normal but flooding of property is not expected at the moment.

Flood defences are now in operation and the situation on site is being constantly monitored.

River levels at Farndon are rising and are expected to do so for the next 12 hours.

Levels at Manley Hall are rising.

More heavy rain is forecast this afternoon and overnight which will cause the river to rise further.

In addition to the area detailed, some localised flooding problems may result from surface water.

• For the latest situation call Floodline on 0845 988 1188, select option 1 and enter Quickdial number 192102.

Flooding hits Wrexham/Shrewsbury rail service

The National Rail Network website is reporting that because of flooding near Gobowen and also Wem, buses are replacing Arriva Trains Wales trains between Shrewsbury and Wrexham General / Crewe until further notice.

Route affected is Cardiff Central, Hereford / Birmingham International, Wellington, Shrewsbury, Gobowen, Chirk, Ruabon, Wrexham General, Chester & Holyhead also Cardiff Central, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Wem, Nantwich & Crewe.  

For the latest rail travel news, follow National Rail Enquiries on Twitter, or on Facebook.

 

County's new strategy for Plas Newydd explained

* New marketing strategy for Plas Newydd.

Plas Newydd, Llangollen’s own stately home, is now being marketed as a tourist attraction as well as a museum.

That was the message from a top county council official who gave a presentation to the town council on fresh efforts to promote the iconic mansion at their meeting on Tuesday night.

Brian Edwards, Denbighshire’s environment group services manager, said when his department took over responsibility for running Plas Newydd about a year ago it had been decided to increase visitor footfall there.

He explained: “The emphasis had been on the museum side rather than the attraction side.

“We have appointed a commercial manager and we have been looking at new ways of operating Plas Newydd and increasing visitor numbers.”

Improvements made so far, he said, included bringing the running of the on-site café in house and appointing a Llangollen resident to oversee it.

In the grounds, maintenance was now being done as and when necessary by bringing in county council staff rather than having a resident team.

Three groups of volunteers had also been brought in to help with grounds maintenance.

A new management plan was in place for the house itself, which aims to engage more closely with the local community.

Plans were also in hand, said Mr Edwards, to encourage local groups to make more use of the Y Caban building in the grounds, where exhibitions have been held.

As part of the new marketing strategy, a number of events had been staged at Plas Newydd, including a dog show and a car rally, and more were planned for next year.

Mr Edwards said experts from Bodelwyddan Castle were advising on the protection of the museum collection at the house and delicate objects were now being taken to Ruthin for storage during the winter months and returned for exhibition in the summer.

Another possibility being looked at was the creation of an orchard or market garden in the grounds with produce being sold to the local community.

Cllr Phil Thane suggested there could be a gate between the grounds and the adjacent Brook Street children’s play area to allow easier access from the Pengwern estate side.

Mr Edwards said this was being looked into but health and safety concerns had to be borne in mind as a stream runs through the woodland area at the bottom of the grounds.

Cllr Mike Pugh said it was good to see that “such an important piece of Llangollen real estate” was being so well valued by the county council.  

Agencies clamp down on county's cold callers

As part of National Consumer Week Denbighshire Trading Standards officers and North Wales Police have been out patrolling the county on the look out for rogue traders operating in the area. 

Officers were looking for offences relating to consumers’ cancellation rights and aggressive selling techniques linked to “cold calling”.

Traders were also given advice as to their legal obligations.

The two organisations also teamed up with Neighbourhood Watch to get out and about and advise the public on dealing with cold callers.

One of the major issues identified by officers is that many residents do not report the activities of rogue traders.

David Smith, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, is urging residents to be aware and to tell the authorities if rogue traders cold call in their area offering to do gardening, tree cutting, tarmacing, roof repairs and general odd jobs. 

He said: "These traders can do a poor job and subsequently charge over the odds for that work, ask for cash and then simply disappear. They are usually untraceable when things go wrong as they give false names, addresses and phone numbers.

"Whilst not all doorstep traders are ‘rogues’, many are completely legitimate and provide a good level of service, there are some who prey on the elderly or vulnerable members of society."

Ian Millington of Denbighshire Trading Standards said: "The theme for National Consumer Week this year was Cold Calling - Don't Buy It and the idea was to engage with the public and help give everyone the confidence to deal with cold callers. 

"Officers from each of the organisations teamed up and have spoken to hundreds of people at venues throughout the county. We hope that those individuals will not only follow the simple rules when dealing with cold callers but also spread the message to their neighbours and family. 

"Whilst we did not find any issues during our patrols we will continue to be on the look out for any activity which might be attributed to a rogue trader."

Neighbourhood Watch coordinator Pam Gardner said: "No cold calling zones are a good way of discouraging traders from operating in certain areas as any trader cold calling in No cold calling area could be committing an offence. Anybody wanting more information about cold calling zones should contact their local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator on 01745 539208 or via www.ourwatch.org.uk"

Inspector Siobhan Edwards of North Wales Police said: "If in doubt, keep them out is the simple message to remember when somebody knocks at your door. 

"If you are concerned about anybody in your neighbourhood‘knocking’ on the door offering to carry out home maintenance work, then please make a note of vehicle make, model, colour and registration number and any descriptions of the individuals, and contact either the police on 101 or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06, or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05.

"Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you feel intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller you should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999."

Rain fails to dampen Llan's Christmas Festival

 

 

* Sion Corn makes a grand entrance.

 

 

 

 * The parade begins led by the Silver Band.

 

* The mayor, Jon Haddy aboard a horse-drawn coach.

                                                                            

 

* Hog roast in Oak Street. 

 

 

 

 *The Silver Band perform.

 

 

 

* A nativity scene by members of Cytun,

Churches Together,

 

  

 

 * The Melodic Mondays sing. 

 

 

 

* The Samba Band keep up the beat. 

 

 

 

* Carols by Llan Operatic Society. 

 

 

 

 * The lights are switched on by Cameron and Ffion.

 

 

 

* Castle Street is lit up.

 

 

 

* The fireworks display.

 

Heavy rain throughout the afternoon failed to dampen enthusiasm for Llangollen’s annual Christmas Festival today (Saturday).

Crowds thronging Castle Street cheered as the big parade got under way at 1pm, with Llan Silver Band leading the way.

Behind them came Sion Carn – the Welsh Santa Claus – aboard a sleigh, morris dancers, a samba band, a contingent from the local Army Cadets and town major, Jon Haddy, riding on a horse-drawn carriage.

After a procession through the town, the parade stopped outside the Town Hall and Sion Corn was escorted to his grotto upstairs where a long line of youngsters were waiting to meet him.

The Town Hall also hosted a seasonal craft fair with a range of stalls.

Outside, Oak Street had been transformed into a Christmas fair with children’s rides, a climbing frame, more stalls and a hog roast.

The rain started to come down around 2pm, not long after a packed programme of open-air entertainment got under way on the steps of The Chapel.

Despite the wet weather, which persisted without let-up for the rest of the day, the crowd enjoyed performances from the Silver Band, the town’s pantomime group, the Melodic Mondays ladies singing ensemble, Llan Operatic Society and the Karamba Samba Band.

The official switch-on of the lights was brought forward by half an hour because of the bad weather.

After thanks to everyone who had helped make the day a success from the mayor, youngsters Cameron and Ffion, from Ysgol y Gwernant and Ysgol Bryn Collen, who had won competitions to have the honour, turned on the lights above Castle Street to the accompaniment of a rousing cheer from the rain-soaked crowd.

Grand finale to the day was a spectacular firework display which lit up the sky from the hillside behind the canal wharf.    

Hope House Hospice will benefit from collections made during the festival.