Crowds come flocking to Hamper Llangollen

Foodies came in record numbers for a taste of the 2013 Hamper Llangollen food festival over the weekend, providing a big boost to the local economy.

With Llangollen Pavilion packed to capacity, visitors had the opportunity to browse stalls offering everything from hand-produced liquors to spice infused honey and home churned butter to delicious decorated cup cakes.



Celebrity chefs, including Graham Tinsley Harri Wyn Jones and Dai Chef and were on hand throughout the weekend to demonstrate the very best cooking techniques and some of their own award-winning recipes.

This year’s festival is being supported by Cadwyn Clwyd whose contribution came via the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

The event has now been officially recognised as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK.

Sisters, Rashelle Smith, 26, and Renee Smith, 27, of Ruabon showcased their Yours Truly Vintage Catering business at the Festival and drew a large crowd as they cooked up a Spanish chicken and chorizo paella in a huge open pan.

* Rashelle and Renee Smith with their Paella from Yours Truly.

 

 

Rashelle said: “This is our second time at Llangollen and the feedback we have had has been excellent. We have been so busy and it has to be good for our business.”

Renne added: “People tell us they are drawn to our stall thanks to the cooking aromas. I have to say we are really pleased with the sheer number of people here and the amount of interest shown in our produce and business.”

Among the new products being launched there this year was Britain’s oldest biscuit.

* Aberffraw Biscuit Co's James and Natasha Shephard with Ella Jones.

 

The ancient recipe for the Aberffraw biscuit dates back to the 13th century when it was first baked in the Anglesey village of the same name.

It’s now been brought back to life by former journalist James Shepherd and his wife Natasha, who live in Llansannan.

James said: “It has certainly been a learning curve and Natasha and I are delighted with the way our biscuits have been received by visitors to the festival this weekend.

“The event itself has given us the chance to seek advice from similar small enterprises and entrepreneurs as well as Cadwyn Clwyd.

“It has also given us a real platform to promote our exclusive brand of biscuits to a really wide audience and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to exhibit at what is one of the UK’s top food festivals.”

There was also a comeback from the woman who co-founded the festival – but this time as one of the exhibitors.

Sue Haygarth, from Buckley, was instrumental in setting up Hamper Llangollen when she worked for Denbighshire County Council’s Regeneration and Investment officer.

Sue chose this year’s event as the launchpad for her own one-woman business making mouth-watering macarons – her company is called KarmaSucre.

According to Dewi Davies, the Regional Strategy Director of Tourism Partnership North Wales, Hamper Llangollen  is a key part of their recipe for economic success in the region.

Recently the festival has also won a special award from Llangollen Town Council for its contribution to the commercial life of the town.

It’s estimated the event pumps nearly £400,000 into the local economy every year with £156,000 being spent at the event and a further £234,000 being spent in the town and the surrounding area.

The Food North Wales campaign launched by Tourism Partnership North Wales is aimed at building on that success and showcasing the very best in regional produce.

Mr Davies added: “It’s vital we raise awareness of our food and its authenticity. We are increasingly finding that visitors to the region like the look of our food, they like the taste of our food and they are spreading the word and telling others about the quality of the food on offer here in North Wales.

“It is fabulous to see Llangollen in the sunshine, the car park full and the pavilion packed to the rafters with festival goers, some of whom have travelled a considerable distance.”

He added: “We should not lose sight of the fact that high quality food and drinks are increasingly important to our visitors and the Hamper Llangollen Food festival certainly showcases the quality products we have on offer.”

Cllr Hugh Evans, the Leader of Denbighshire County Council, added: “I have nothing but praise for all those involved with the Festival including the exhibitors who have put on such a fantastic show.

“The sheer volume of people who have come along to visit is proof of what a wonderful event this really is. It is clearly something we should all, in North Wales, be very proud of.”

It was a sentiment shared by Gareth Evans, company secretary of rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, who supported sponsored the event.

He said: “The festival is now a very important event in the calendar and people are not just browsing, they are spending their hard earned cash and buying the quality goods on offer.

“I have watched the Festival grow and expand since the first  event was held way back in 1999.

“This is clearly a very sustainable industry that can only be good for the region and rural North Wales in general.”

Carolyn Thomas, chair of Flintshire County Council, chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Cadwyn Clwyd director, said the Hamper Llangollen Food Festival was a brilliant example of co-operation.

She said: “Flintshire and Denbighshire work closely together to promote the area along with our colleagues from other North Wales authorities.

“This wonderful event showcases the very best of what we have on offer right across the region.

“The Festival highlights the very best of North Wales and shows just what the community has to offer.

“We can and must learn from each other and continue to showcase North Wales to the world. The Hamper Llangollen Food festival plays an important part in doing that.”

Latest figures reveal fall in crime

Recorded crime across North Wales fell by 14% for the year to June 2013.

And the figures for Denbighshire also went down in the same period. 

Across the region, a total of 36,584 crimes were recorded including assaults, thefts, robberies, burglaries, criminal damage and arson, fraud and drug offences compared to 42,753 for the same 12-month period in 2012 and 41,901 in 2011, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.

Total recorded crimes:

Denbighshire 5,144 in June 2013. 6,796 in 2012 and 6,720 in 2011.

Wrexham; 9,836 in June 2013. 11,154 in 2012 and 10,409 in 2011.

Flintshire; 7,106 in June 2013. 7,559 in 2012 and 7,427 in 2011.

Anglesey; 2,557 in June 2013. 3,235 in 2012 and 3,356 in 2011.

Gwynedd; 5,747 in June 2013. 7,116 in  2012 and 7,065 in 2011.

Conwy: 6,194 in 2013. 6,893 in  2012 and 6,924 in 2011.

Recorded crime across England and Wales fell 7% to a record low in the year to June.

 

Assistant Chief Constable, Simon Shaw said: “It is very encouraging that overall crime is down in North Wales.   The survey figures up to June 2013 show a fall in crime of over 14% in North Wales, which makes this the largest reduction in recorded crime in England and Wales over the 12 month period. 

 

“However, while the results are very pleasing it is important that we don’t become complacent and that we continue to remain focused and work hard with our partners to ensure North Wales remains a safe place to live, work and visit.” 

Campaigner's novel fundraising idea

A COMMUNITY campaigner has come up with the novel idea of using his short stories to raise money to buy a piece of hi-tech equipment for the benefit of people in Llangollen.  

Martin Crumpton, who has previously spearheaded battles in the town to prevent a new Sainsbury’s supermarket being built and also the closure of the cottage hospital, has now turned his attention to a new project to buy a 3D printer and scanner for the community. 

To reach his target figure of around £3,000 he is inviting people to download samples of his own short stories in exchange for a donation to the appeal. 

Running to a few hundred words each, the stories include titles such as Job Satisfaction, which revolves around a humorous brush with the devil, and Motherload, which is about young love. 

Mr Crumpton said: “My aim is to raise enough money to buy our community group a 3D printer to give schoolchildren and entrepreneurs new skills in an emerging and exciting technology.  

“Llangollen needs these new skills to retain these bright youngsters and encourage business

start-ups. 

“Some of the stories are humorous, others will appeal to anyone with an advanced appreciation of the

absurd, and some are very noire indeed.

“So there’s something for everyone and they’re all original, written by me, and across a whole range of genres.”

He added: “The deal is simple. People can download my sample stories and if they like them enough and think the cause is worthy, they can make a donation.

“So far, I’ve had downloads from the UK, the Philippines, Italy, Germany, Greece, the Russian Federation and the USA.

“If the project raises enough money, I may offer my novel, The Legacy of Hafod, on a similar deal.”

The sample stories are available in eBook and PDF formats. PDF bit.ly/1bvxvlk, EPUB bit.ly/1fLRtJ1

Mr Crumpton is also promoting them on Twitter (@No_Supermarket) and Facebook (Llangollen Preservation and Keep Llangollen Special).

Tips to stay safe during firefighters' action

The Chief Fire Officer of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging the public to take extra care at home and on the roads following the Fire Brigades Union's announcement that its members in England and Wales will take further industrial action tomorrow, Saturday October 19, between 6.30pm and 11.30pm.

Simon Smith, said: "Attention to fire safety in the home and road safety is of paramount importance, but even more so during these times.

"On this occasion the Fire Brigades Union has chosen to strike on a Saturday evening, at a time when people are out socialising and drinking, or cooking at home entertaining family and friends - which means the risks to their safety are inherently more significant as attention is naturally elsewhere.

"I am urging people to think more carefully about the situations they may be putting themselves into. Historically weekend evenings are when calls to the fire and rescue service are at their peak and it is likely that during the strike period we won't be able to respond as we normally would - prevention is best, so take these simple steps to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones."

Mr Smith advised:

* Ensure you have a smoke alarm and test that it is in working order.

* Do not mix drinking and cooking - it's a recipe for disaster. If you are hungry get a takeaway or make a sandwich. Do not get the chip pan out or leave cooking unattended.

* Avoid any unnecessary journeys - if you are unfortunate enough to be in a collision we may not be able to get there to help you as quickly as we normally would.

* Switch off any unused electrical appliances before you go to bed and close all doors - make sure you have an escape plan in the event of fire.

* Ensure you extinguish smoking materials and take care with candles.

* Get your chimney cleaned and use a fire guard on open fires.

* If a fire does start - get out, stay out and call 999. Don't be tempted to tackle a fire yourself.

Safety advice and guidance for the public and businesses is available on the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website and social network sites on Facebook and Twitter (#takeextracare), as well as through the local news.

Mr Smith added: "North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has arrangements in place to continue to provide a service during strike action" but warned that, "because of the circumstances, services may be limited.

"The Service's business continuity arrangements will ensure a speedy and safe return to normal services on conclusion of any period of industrial action."

* See more at: http://www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk/news/2013/10/14/communities-urged-to-‘take-extra-care’-during-second-firefighters-strike.aspx#sthash.OoMtYx7A.dpuf

Llan firm helps patients hit new heights

Patients from an independent hospital in Ruabon have reached new heights thanks to a Llangollen company.

Occupational therapy (OT) offers a valuable contribution to inpatient care, and the team at New Hall are forever busy organising and introducing functional, purposeful, and meaningful activities for their patients. 

The OT department has now devised a sports group engaging patients with activities both on and off site.

The team are always keen to introduce patients into the community and to support local businesses and have therefore utilised the local purpose-built indoor climbing wall at Proadventure Ltd in Llangollen.

A New Hall spokesperson said: “Climbing can help to promote motor planning, balance, coordination, problem solving and protective reflexes.

“It can be used to increase stimulation to those who tend to lack movement and activity during their day or to act as an effective release for the more overactive individuals.

“Along with the obvious physical benefits, patients can learn to enjoy life and interact socially, preparing them for life out of care.”

The climbing sessions have been led by Erin, a qualified instructor at Proadventure, who said:  “I have supervised the group from New Hall on several occasions and they are a pleasure to teach.

“They follow instructions perfectly and are fully compliant with safety rules and procedures. They ask all the right questions and work together as a team to support their peers - it is obvious that they thoroughly enjoy the activity.”

The sessions consist of a brief warm up followed by a thorough safety check.

Levels of difficulty, varying from beginner to expert, are catered for and are displayed through the different coloured hand holds within the rock face, allowing patients to develop and measure their skills.

Reflecting on the outing back at the hospital, one patient commented: “We hope to return for a further day’s adventure.”

Local Friends of the Earth group has cause for celebration

 

* The Friends of the Earth Stall at Erddig Apple Festival, manned by members Lesley Richards (left), Bee Kim Glick and Kay Polley (right).

 

 

 

* The Mike Jacobs award celebration with Catherine Veasey, Llangollen Friends of the Earth (left) and Bleddyn Lake, Local Group Development Officer for Friends of the Earth Cymru.

 

 

Llangollen Friends of the Earth were once again at the recent Erdigg Apple Festival.

 

They ran a ‘Bee Cause’ stall complete with a giant bee and had a double cause for celebration.

 

The national Friends of the Earth Bee Cause has won its two-year campaign for both the Welsh and UK government to sign up to new Pollinator Action plans following huge public support. 

 

But the Llangollen group were also celebrating their own personal double victory. 

 

They won the Welsh Mike Jacob Award for the best local group in April and went on to win the Earthmovers 2013 award at the National Friends of the Earth Conference in July. 

 

“To win both has been fantastic,” said member Catherine Veasey. 

 

“At the national conference we were up against groups from England and Northern Ireland too.  We feel very proud that we came ahead of large city groups like Manchester who were also nominated.” 

 

The group's success comes after a busy year involving a wide range of activities including setting up the new Llangollen Community garden project which was visited by MP Susan Elan Jones in May, collaborating with the town council on its successful Cittaslow application, taking part in the Llangollen Fringe community art project and hosting a North Wales local groups gathering in June. 

 

“We are a small group,” said co-ordinator Warren Davies, “but we play to the strengths and interests of our members; its been a busy year, but we have had a lot of fun alongside the campaign work too.” 

 

The group also has an active web and Facebook page to keep in touch.  To find out more visit www.facebook.com/llangollenfoe  or www.foe.co.uk/llangollen

Fledgling firms urged to apply for loans scheme

FLEDGLING firms and entrepreneurs in Clwyd South are being urged to take advantage of a Welsh Government initiative by Labour Assembly Member Ken Skates.

Clwyd South AM Mr Skates says start-up businesses in his constituency can benefit from the low-interest loans scheme recently announced by Economy Minister Edwina Hart.

He said: “The introduction of these loans is part of Welsh Labour’s comprehensive support package for young companies and will help fledgling firms and entrepreneurs get up and running in business.

“Encouraging people to start their own businesses is an important part of our strategy for economic growth, and Wrexham County Borough Council is one of the five providers who will approve applications.

“I would strongly encourage anyone in Clwyd South who is looking to set up their own company or is just getting started in business to make enquiries and see if they’re eligible. To find out more call the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 603000 or visit www.business.wales.gov.uk.”

The minimum loan is £1,000, with the average around £4,500. The loans are to be paid back within five years at a fixed rate of interest, currently set at 6%.