First Minister comments on health shake-up

The BBC news website is reporting today (Sunday) that First Minister Carwyn Jones says health services in Wales will "collapse" unless hospitals are reorganised.

He said he did not expect Labour to pay a price at the ballot box for unpopular decisions that could mean some people have to travel further for treatment.

See the full story at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-21297850

Young 'Uns to present Beauty and the Beast

* The young cast of Beauty and the Beast which takes to the stage from next Thursday.

 

Over 40 talented youngsters will take to the Town Hall stage for the Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns’ production of the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast next week.

The society’s junior section has chosen the musical based on the well-known Disney film as its 24^th annual show because of its strong story and rousing songs, which include Home, Belle, Be Our Guest and Human Again. 

It will run from Thursday-Saturday, February 7-9, with doors open each evening at 7pm. 

Deirdre Smith, who is co-producer with Bethan Williams, said: “This is a top musical show delivered with great verve by the Young ‘Uns. 

“We have 40-plus young performers have an average age of 12, and a range of six to 18. 

“There are some wonderful performances from the principals, Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Maurice, the boorish Gaston, who seeks to marry Belle,  and Lefou, his side-kick, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts and Chip, Babette and Madame de la Grand Bouche. 

“This production is a must for the  diary of anyone who enjoys good music, a splendidly trained and enthusiastic chorus,  good acting and dancing by young people and a vibrant and participative show.”  

Producers are Tessa Orton Jones and Emma-Jo Newton, and musical director is Elen Mair Roberts. 

Tickets, priced at £8 for adults and £5 concessions, are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre (phone 01978  860828), Jades Hair and Beauty, Gwyn Davies Butcher, Llangollen, or Stella Bond (phone 01978  860441).

Five kittens found dumped in box

* The five dumped kittens.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after five kittens were found in a sodden cardboard box between Rhos and Penycae near Wrexham.

The animals were discovered by a member of the public on a footpath on Tuesday, January 29, who gave them shelter by taking them home.

Th eight week old kittens were sealed in the box which was disintegrating as a result of heavy rain.

RSPCA inspector Kia Thomas said: “It beggars belief that someone could be so heartless as to dump small kittens like this. It’s vital that we hear from someone who may know something about this incident."

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

All calls are treated in confidence.

To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).

North Wales Police "keeping force numbers strong"

Latest Home Office figures show North Wales Police is succeeding in keeping force numbers strong.

Between March and September 2012 an additional 43 police officers were recruited, which raised the strength by 12; police staff numbers strengthened by 71 over the year from September 2011 to 2012; and an additional 97 Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) took to the streets over the same period.

Chief Constable Mark Polin said: "In the first six months from September 2011 police officer numbers fell by 39, which given the context of a significant cut in funding was not surprising.

 

"However, the fact that as a force we have been working hard to deliver savings over a number of years meant that we were able to begin to recover from this dip, with 43 officers being recruited between March and September last year.

 

"In light of the economic climate we looked at new ways of working and credit must go to those within the organisation whose focus on driving out savings and willingness to be flexible have made this possible."

Police Constable recruitment resulted in four intakes with the first 22 new officers taking to the streets in January this year. They will be followed by a further 21 in April and 24 in August and recruitment will continue over the coming year.

The recruitment of additional PCSO's, which was assisted by funding from the Welsh Government, alongside the recruitment of PCs presented a significant recruitment and training challenge. It was correctly predicted that a substantial number of our existing PCSO's would be successful with their applications to become PCs.

The same applied to Special Constables, with 34 being recruited as either PCs or PCSO's.

Chief Constable Polin added: "The movement of Specials and PCSO's shows that both offer an entry route for those wishing to become a police officer. It's encouraging to see so many making the move into the regular force."

Council chiefs' concern over health shake-up

The BBC news website is reporting today (Friday) that council leaders in Denbighshire have concerns about the proposed shake-uo of health services in the region which will see the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

See the full story at:

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21284958 

Honey Pots re-opens with new look

* At work on Honey Pot's new look.

Honey Pots opens its doors again in Llangollen tomorrow (Saturday) with its paint barely dry.  

Its new look offers a glimpse of blue sky after days of snow and rain in Castle Street.  

Downstairs is a gift emporium, official stockists of Charlie Bears, Pip Studio, Gorjuss, Santoro and Pilgrim Jewellery, plus its own range of unique hand painted pottery and furniture               

Upstairs is a newly decorated ceramic studio -  a great place to relax and paint pottery.  

The Busy Bee Studio has become increasingly popular with families, hen parties, birthday parties or an indoor teambuilding alternative ‘without getting wet’ and for those looking to create a unique present or just a chance to relax and have fun.  

This contemporary space is also hire for workshops, talks, craft workshops and sales events.

Honey Pots will be holding regular events including pottery painting parties for special celebrations such as Valentine’s Day and for mums and toddlers to capture a baby or toddler’s early years through hand and foot prints.

Sarah Meade, Honey Pots manager, said: “This is an exciting time for Honey Pots in Llangollen and its sister shop in Oswestry.  

“We have a great team of staff and we are very proud of what we have achieved over the last five years.  

“The two shops will enable us to offer a great range of gifts, painting opportunities and events. We look forward to welcoming our regular customers and inspiring new ones.”

Move to beef up hospital food

Hospital food across Wales has been given a makeover to ensure patients have tasty choices which can address patient’s individual nutritional requirements, says the Welsh Government.

 

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has launched the All Wales Hospital Menu Framework, which includes a database of recipes to be used in all hospitals.

The database currently consists of 18 soups, 38 main course items and 42 desserts, snacks and accompaniments that have been analysed and meet strict nutritional standards.

Celebrity chef James Martin (pictured right) and Abergavenny-based Michelin star chef Stephen Terry have been involved in the process and contributed a number of signature recipes to the menu.

Lesley Griffiths said: "Hospital food is an essential part of patient care. Good food can encourage patients to eat well, giving them the nutrients they need to recover from surgery or illness.

“Food should be viewed with the same importance as medication, with catering recognised as a clinical support service.

“We are leading the way in Wales by improving hospital food with an all-Wales menu. Standardising the food on offer so patients are assured of good food, wherever they are treated, will help them back to health and improve their experience of hospital greatly.

“Having tasted some of the dishes on offer, I believe the old jokes about hospital food will soon become a thing of the past.”

Chef James Martin said: “I really feel that food is a medicine. Patients should look forward to meal times as one of the highlights of their day.

“So I was delighted to be invited by the Health Minister to get involved in such a brilliant project that will instantly benefit so many patients. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the All Wales Hospital Menu Framework Group and the team at Nevill Hall Hospital and wish them every success."