New law on Welsh democracy comes into force

A new law to improve the democratic processes and transparency of Local Government in Wales has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen.

 

The Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 will:

• improve the public’s access to information about town and community Councils, 
• reform the structure and functions of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, 
• amend the responsibilities of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales and the structure of local authority audit committees within the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, 
• require principal councils and fire and rescue authorities to consult the Independent Remuneration Panel before varying the salary of their chief executive, 
• facilitate the creation of joint standards committees by local authorities; and 
• enable councils to separate the ceremonial and civic functions from the role of presiding over meetings of the council if they so wish.

A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majesty’s own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the Assembly. The Bill then becomes an Act of the Assembly.
The First Minister, as Keeper of the Welsh Seal, applied the Seal to the Letters Patent in a ceremony in Cardiff earlier today (Tuesday).
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Through our ambitious five year legislative programme, we are introducing ‘made in Wales’ solutions to the issues affecting us a nation.

“This Act represents a further step in our drive to ensure local democracy in Wales operates as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
 Minister for Local Government & Government Business, Lesley Griffiths said: “The Act will provide a platform for the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, to carry out its important work more effectively by better aligning community and electoral reviews. 

“It also includes a number of measures which I believe will assist and strengthen democratic processes in relation to Local Government.

“These reforms form an essential part of ensuring our Councils are democratically elected, representative of their communities and organised in the most effective way."

Police investigate two thefts from Llan

Police in Llangollen are appealing for information following the theft of a bike from Chapel Street.

 

Sometime between 10.30pm yesterday, Sunday, July 28, and 6.45 am the morning of Monday, July 29, an offender or offenders took an Apollo highway bicycle from the back garden of a property on Chapel Street.

 

The bike is described as a hybrid, is black and grey in colour, has a 21inch frame and 18 speed. It is also described as having black coloured mudguards, a gel seat with adjustable handlebars and has the serial number 203815.

 

Nothing else was taken from the garden and police are appealing to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity or has information to contact members of the Investigation Support Team on 101.

 

Alternatively, individuals can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111.

* Neighbourhood Watch have also sent out the following warning about another incident in Llangollen, which says:

"Please be aware that copper piping was taken from a building under renovation in Llangollen last night, 28th of July.

"If you are undergoing any work at your address please consider your security and keep valuable items out of sight.

"If you overlook a building under renovation or know of a building that is empty undergoing works please report any suspicious activity to the police.

"If you have any information regarding the theft please call 101 quoting incident number P122825.

"If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: michelle.williams2@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

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