Town Council hears of workplace training scheme

* Some of the staff from Calon Lan who took part in the Essential Skills scheme.

Research by Welsh Government in 2010 revealed that 12% of the adult population of Wales don’t have the necessary reading and writing skills to fulfil their potential, and half of them have trouble with numbers. 

To tackle the problem, the government has come up with a scheme, supported by the European Social Fund, to offer all employers the opportunity to access fully funded training to raise these essential skills levels.

Known as Essential Skills in the Workplace, the scheme was outlined to members at the recent meeting of Llangollen Town Council.

Haf Wyn Hughes, workplace skills officer for North East Wales, who addressed councillors, explained that the definition of essential skills is the ability to read, write or speak in English or Welsh, and to use numbers, at a level necessary to function and progress in both work and society.

With the ever increasing use of technology in both the workplace and at home the ability to use this technology is also seen as an essential skill.

It is estimated that poor essential skills cost the UK economy £10 billion per year and the Welsh economy £300 -£500 million each year.

She told councillors that the training scheme enables employees to progress from entry level through to level 2 in Communication (literacy), Application of Number (numeracy) and Information  Communication Technology (IT).

It can also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and qualifications for supporting learners with their Essential Skills training.

Case study

One of the local organisations to benefit from the essential skills training is Calon Lan Community Care, of Conwy, an independent health and social care and support service in clients’ own home.

The training was provided by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

Staff taking part were required to complete log sheets recording all the tasks carried out as part of their role.

It was identified that some members of staff would benefit from further training to improve their writing skills in order to complete the log sheets effectively.  Training was specially arranged to fit in with the staff members busy schedule. Staff completed tasks relating to report writing, which they found to be very beneficial.  Eleven members of staff have completed the training, whilst six have recently started the programme. One of the carers, Ann Jones, commented that the training has been very helpful and that she feels that her English grammar skills have improved as a result of the course.

She has seen a difference in the way she fills in the log sheets at service users’ homes.

All of those who have taken part in the project have or will be starting to study for their NVQ in Social Care.
A Calon Lan spokesperson said: "The training has proved to be a great way to help boost confidence in the individuals who have taken part. It lets the individual feel valued by the company, as we have invested our time to develop their skills.

"Staff who feel they are invested in and developed by a company, stay loyal to the company, and this is great for staff retention/low staff turnover."

 * To find out more re about Essential Skills in the Workplace, contact Haf Hughes by phoning 01745 770278, or e-mail: haf.hughes@menterabusnes.co.uk

Fringe organisers confirm tonight's concert will go ahead

llanblogger has just received an update from the Fringe organisers to say tonight's finale concert at Valle Crucis Abbey WILL be going ahead.

They say:

There is ample car parking nearby (follow the signs). There will also be a hog roast and a bar outside. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on, suitable clothing (and possibly a brolly, just in case the weather isn't kind to us!).   Tel: 0800 1455 779 or visit: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Fringe has grand finale tonight

Fringe Finale Concert at Valle Crucis Abbey   Cyngerdd Glyn y Groes   Sunday, July 28, 7.30pm   £7 admission   Join us for a magical evening at Valle Crucis and enjoy the concert in the nave of the ruins of the abbey. The setting is truly stunning and the atmosphere will be electric.     Don’t miss a performance at the spectacular Abbey with Golden Fable. Golden Fable are Rebecca Palin and Tim McIver, she the possessor of the angelic voice that shines through, he the producer and writer of the songs. Both play a seemingly inexhaustible list of instruments. Recorded at their home in the foothills of the Welsh mountains, the debut album ‘StarMap’ is unashamedly linked to the natural world around it, inspired by the glowering mountains that overlook their cottage and the forests and fields that skirt it.     Plus a performance of ‘Shape Note Singing’ by Wrexham Community Choir. Sentimental Journey are also a welcome late addition to the programme. There is ample car parking nearby (follow the signs). There will also be a hog roast and a bar outside. This is an outdoor event and so don’t forget to bring something to sit on and suitable clothing. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments along.   Choir Workshop / Gweithdy Côr Town Hall / Neuadd Y Dref 2pm - 4.30pm £10 With Wrexham Community Choir Workshop on the awe inspiring and super easy to join in sound of ‘Sacred Harp’ or ‘Shape Note Singing’. A community singing tradition, with its roots in the pioneer era of the U.S.A. currently taking the world by storm. Participants will also have the chance to sing with the choir in Valle Crucis Abbey in the final concert (see details above). Workshop includes free admission to the concert. Childrens Performance / Perfformiad y Plant Valle Crucis Abbey / Abaty Glyn-y-Groes 4pm Come and celebrate the work of local school children performed within the walls of the ancient monument. Through dramatic performance inspired by their visits to Valle Crucis Abbey and Rug Chapel. Normal admission charges apply Adults £3.50, Family £10.50, Concessions £2.65.   Tel: 0800 1455 779 or visit: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Caryl gets keys to National Trust property

* Caryl Hughes now has the keys of Llyndy Isaf.

Life changed completely for one young woman from near Llangollen at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show earlier this week.

Caryl Hughes, aged 23, a young farmer from Dyffryn Ceiriog, became the first winner of the National Trust Llyndy Isaf scholarship.

Winning the scholarship means Caryl will be given the keys to Llyndy Isaf - the iconic 614-acre upland farm in Snowdonia saved for the nation through the Snowdonia Appeal in 2012 – and take control of the farm for a year starting in September.

Caryl told us she was both on top of the world and nervous about the challenges ahead of her with this unique opportunity, which she believed would be life changing for her and her dog Mist – who will be moving with her to Llyndy Isaf.

Caryl said: 'This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I intend to take full advantage of. It’s not every day you get the chance to farm a 614-acre farm, especially not at the age of 23 and especially if you are female.

"I’m a bit nervous of taking on Llyndy, it is a daunting challenge, especially because it hasn’t been farmed for a number of years, but I’m really excited about it and all the new experiences and opportunities I’m going to get in the next 12 months. I’m really looking forward to working with the National Trust and getting to know the whole team and all of their work – especially in agriculture.

"I don’t see it why we can’t do it as well as the ‘boys’, if not better. Women are renowned for being better at multi-tasking, but I’m confident I’ll rise to this challenge as well as anyone else. My priorities will be to re-establish a flock here with good grazing management to retain this natural environment around us. That’s Llyndy’s unique quality and challenge all in one.

"The views in Snowdonia are spectacular and I feel honoured to be allowed to live and work there - but also it’s not too dissimilar to home-so maybe that’s why it appeals to me.

"I hope to use the skills and ideas I gain in Snowdonia and adapt them to use at home in the Berwyn when the scholarship is over. I’m sure I will look back on the scholarship with pride, and the skills and experience I gain will live with me forever."

Appeal saves Llyndy for the nation

Llyndy Isaf farm drew international attention when it was saved for the nation in the National Trust's successful one million pound fund-raising appeal last year.

The campaign to acquire Llyndy Isaf was spearheaded by Welsh Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys in his role as Snowdonia Appeal Ambassador.

The Americans series star said: "When I visited Llyndy Isaf, I could see that such a beautiful and special part of Snowdonia demanded our support. I am delighted that Caryl now has the opportunity to learn a vocation and time-honoured way of life, where she can contribute to the survival, preservation and future of this incredibly important place."

This 'once in a lifetime' offer is the result of an innovative partnership between the National Trust and Wales YFC.

Applications were invited from all Wales YFC members. The scholarship was designed to encourage the successful candidate to develop key skills and broaden their knowledge of the industry. The winning scholar will have the opportunity and responsibility of managing all aspects of running the farm including form filling, stock management and practical work.

Caryl is 23 on 28 July, and lives on an upland farm with her parents and brother in Dyffryn Ceiriog.

She went to Aberystwyth University where she studied agriculture and animal science. As part of the course, Caryl went to live and work in New Zealand in her third year - on a milking farm for eight months and a sheep farm for 2 ½ months.

Caryl is interested in training and working sheepdogs (she has a sheepdog called Mist who’s eight-years-old, and who will be joining her at Llyndy).

Betsi board accepts critical report on its management

The BBC is reporting that the board of the Betsi Cadwaladr Univerity Health Board has fully accepted a highly critical report into its mismanagement.

See full report at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-23454408

How to reach the eisteddfodf maes

The maes at the Denbighshire and District National Eisteddfod, being held on the outskirts of Denbigh from August 2-10, is easy to reach and accessible from all directions, say organisers.  

Discussing the traffic management plan put in place with the local council and emergency services, chief organiser Hywel Wyn Edwards said: "I'm sure you've all started spotting the distinctive yellow signs on roads around north east Wales, guiding people to the eisteddfod.

"We urge all visitors travelling by car to the area to ensure they follow the signs as they are there to help to guide you to and from the Maes as safely and as easily as possible.

"It's our aim to run the traffic as smoothly as possible and without affecting local non-eisteddfod traffic, during the week, and once again this year, we are encouraging people to use public transport, the shuttle buses and of course to walk or cycle to the maes.  

"It is well located close to Denbigh, and we hope many people will take advantage of this."

Service buses will run from the train station at Wrexham for anyone wishing to reach the maes by train, and a regular shuttle bus will run between Denbigh and the maes throughout the week.

Details can be downloaded from the Eisteddfod website, www.eisteddfod.org.uk.

Below are the details of this year’s traffic management system, to help you to reach the maes safely from all directions. If you are travelling from Wrexham, the Marches or mid Wales, follow the A541 to Denbigh through Mold after leaving the A483, or travel to Ruthin on the A525, and follow the road to Denbigh. Then, turn right on the Myddleton Park roundabout to join Whitchurch Road before turning left into the car park opposite Kilford Farm.

109 test positive for drink driving in North Wales

Over 8,000 breath tests were administered throughout North Wales during the month-long Anti Drink and Drug Driving Summer Campaign.

 

Led by Gwent Police, officers stepped up the pressure in a concerted effort to deter people from driving motor vehicles whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

During the June campaign a total of 19,906 breath tests were administered throughout Wales with 436 being arrested.

 

North Wales Police administered 8,281 breath tests with 109 testing positive, which equates to 1.3%.

 

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police said: “We want to get the message across that drinking alcohol and driving or driving under the influence of drugs is unacceptable and that it puts other roads users’ lives at risk.

 

“Through our annual Christmas and summer campaigns we have consistently warned the public that drink and drug driving can kill. It can also lead to a lengthy driving ban and possible loss of jobs and livelihoods with some even facing imprisonment. 

 

“We are disappointed that there is still a group of people who are not listening or ignoring the consequences and continuing to drink or take drugs and drive.

“With the current warm weather, more people may be tempted to have a few drinks, at barbecues or whilst drinking in beer gardens during the afternoons, and may drive without thinking of the consequences.

He added: “Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.”

 

North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

 

Chief Inspector Wareing added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.”

 

“It is important to stress that the work does not stop here – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive, campaigns such as this raise awareness and we will continue to target those breaking the law as part of daily policing.”

 

Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Notes:

 

• Some of the highest readings recorded during the campaign were 134mg, 115mg and 98mg. The legal limit is 35mg.

 

• Gwent Police carried out 2,058 breath tests with 64 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.

 

• Dyfed Powys Police administered 7,544 tests of which 142 tests were positive, refused or failed to provide.

 

• In the South Wales Police area 2,023 tests were conducted with 105 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.

 

• During the 2012 campaign a total of 19,277 were stopped and breath tested by police in Wales and 360 of these tested positive, refused or failed to provide. In North Wales, 10,517 drivers were tested with 101 testing positive, refusing or failing to provide.