Wales to spend £850,000 on marking WW1 anniversary

The First Minister Carwyn Jones, has officially launched the Framework Programme for Wales’s Commemoration of the First World War, Cymru’n Cofio – Wales Remembers 1914-1918, and announced that £850k will made available by the Welsh Government to support the educational programme to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the conflict.

 

 

The First Minister made the announcement at the official launch of the Programme at Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier.

He said: "The centenary of the start of the war in 1914 marks an important opportunity for us to remember all those who took part in the First World War and the transformational impact of the conflict in shaping modern Wales.

"There will be very few people in Wales whose lives have not been affected by the First World War’s enduring legacy, whether they are aware of it or not. That’s why we want education and community events to play a central role.

"I want the commemoration in Wales to be inclusive, with national events and exhibitions accompanied by community-based activities.

"We want to reach everyone and I encourage you to visit the new Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 website where you will find information about events, projects and funding, and signposting services relevant to activities in Wales."

In line with the First Minister’s desire for the commemoration to have an educational legacy, the £850k will be used to produce digital educational resources and enable schools to develop a suitable programme of activities to mark the centenary.

The Education Minister Huw Lewis said: "Making sure that young people understand the events and consequences of the conflict is a key objective for the commemoration programme.

"The funding we are allocating will allow the National Library of Wales to lead a major project to develop bilingual, cross-curriculum learning resources, including an innovative 'app' which will act as a Welsh guide to the battlefields.

"In addition, every secondary school in Wales will receive £1,000 to develop creative and innovative projects to commemorate the war and to encourage debate and discussion. We have left it to schools to decide how best they can do this and it may be that schools will group together to undertake collaborative projects to mark the anniversary."

The First Minister added: "Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 will develop over the years to come and will link with the wider commemorations of the First World War that are taking place in the rest of the UK and around the World.

"It will be a fitting and Wales-wide commemoration, which will pay tribute to those people whose sacrifice is justly remembered by us all."

Skates welcomes £2.4 million debt advice boost

CLWYD South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement it will spend an extra £2.4m to provide advice on debt, money management and housing in some of Wales’ most deprived areas.

 

Labour AM Mr Skates said the new services announced recently (October 23) by Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty Vaughan Gething will give ‘a huge boost’ to people struggling in some of the country’s poorest communities.

 

Mr Skates said: “Given the current economic climate and the Tory-led UK Government’s welfare changes, the need for advice services has increased considerably. This new funding package will allow Citizens Advice Cymru to help 36 Communities First clusters across Wales to meet this growing demand.

 

“There are two Communities First areas in Clwyd South and I am delighted a share of this £2.4m will go directly to supporting people struggling here as the ruthless cuts of the Westminster coalition continue to hit hard.”

 

Communities First is the Welsh Government’s flagship programme to help those living in the top 10% most deprived communities in the country, aiming to improve health, prosperity and access to education and learning.

 

Citizens Advice Cymru director Fran Targett said: “We are seeing a big increase in the need for help at this difficult time. People need independent, impartial advice more than ever. We welcome this funding, which will help reach some of the most vulnerable people right in the heart of their communities.”

Llan burtcher becomes Wales food ambassador

Food industry website foodmanufacture.co.uk is reporting today that Llangollen butcher Tomi Jones has been appointed as Welsh food industry skills ambassador.

See the full story at:

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/People/First-Welsh-food-industry-skills-ambassador-named?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

Sports stars honoured at Llan ceremony

Sporting teams and individuals have been honoured for their achievements at a recent awards ceremony staged in Llangollen and arranged by Denbighshire County Council's Leisure Team.

Last year, three Denbighshire Community Sport Awards winners went on to win national accolades at the Sport Wales Awards in Cardiff.

This year there was over 160 nominations for the Denbighshire Community Sport Awards.

They were then shortlisted to three finalists for each category.

Many of the clubs and individuals recognised had received a Denbighshire Talented Athlete Grant, a Community Chest Grant or a North Wales Gold Card.

This year's guest speaker was Nicola Tustain of Corwen, one of Britain’s best known para–equestrian dressage riders,  having performed at a world class level for the past ten years.

Her career has taken her to international competitions in no less than 12 countries representing the UK and her speech outlining her sporting journey was truly inspirational.

The 2013 winners announced at the ceremony were:

• James Roberts, Prestatyn (Sports Performer)
•  Emily Noden, Denbigh  (Disability Award)
• Roydon Healy (Coach of the year)
• Sophie Vaughan, Rhyl (Volunteer of the Year)
•  Michael Kitchin, Prestatyn (Young Inspiration of the Year)
•  Olivia Fuller, Prestatyn (Junior Sports Performer)
•  Prestatyn High School (Sport in School Award)
• Jeff Jenkins, Denbigh  (Lifetime Achievement)
•  Prestatyn FC (Team of the Year and Denbighshire Sport Ambassadors 2013).

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure, said: "It was a true honour for the Council and its partners to recognise the tremendous amount of sporting talent we have in Denbighshire.

"They are great ambassadors for sport and well-being and really show how commitment, dedication and nurturing local talent can pay dividends in their chosen sport.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games have left a lasting legacy for sports in the UK and the leisure industry has never been in the spotlight as much as it is now. It's a great opportunity for us to celebrate achievements, as well as encouraging others to get active and strive for the best in their fields."

Denbighshire County Council says it would like to thank event sponsors Alliance Leisure, who have also been awarded a four year investment framework as partners to Denbighshire County Council, to significantly improve and expand leisure facilities in the county.  

The transformation of Ruthin Leisure Centre has providing a full sized all weather pitch, a new extension to the swimming pool – which will house a new reception and viewing area, as well as a state of the art 25 station fitness centre.  

Category sponsors were Glyndwr University, Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, X N Leisure, Technogym,  Denbighshire County Council Housing services and Family information Services and University of Central Lancashire. They are thanked for their support in making the event possible.

Region escapes big storm

Our region has escaped the worst of the big storm.

For more, see the Daily Post report at http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-weather-region-escapes-6246787

More of Rachel's photos for you to enjoy

Here's the latest in a series of atmospheric pictures from local amateur photographer Rachel Morris that we are bringing you over the coming weeks.

Since we published the first batch, Rachel has been telling us a little more about her photographic background.

She said: "I took a sabbatical 10 years ago and spent nearly a year in North America, visiting 38 states.

"I started taking photos of 'roadside attractions' with a Lomo camera, as a pleasurable procrastination from my first stab at travel writing, and ended up being better at the photography.

"In 2004 my photo of 'Carhenge', Nebraska, won a Guardian newspaper competition. In 2005, six of my photos were selected for InsideOut travel magazine’s Faces Of The World, and my ‘paintograph’ won the annual award at Able Stable.

"Two of my photos have appeared in the booklet accompanying every Lomo Fisheye camera sold throughout the world."

 

 

* 4 - Bridge Street.

 

 

* 5. Caffi. 

 

* 6 - Carrog Farm.

Storm advice from North Wales Fire & Rescue Service

As the country braces itself for a severe storm, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has issued the following safety advice:

* Secure any loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown over and cause damage.

* Close and securely fasten all doors and windows.

* Where possible, park vehicles in a garage; otherwise park them away from trees, walls or fences.

* Stay indoors as much as possible.

* If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to trees.

* If you experience any damage, do not go outside to make repairs. Wait until the weather has improved.

* Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging.

* Be a good neighbour and make sure that any vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe.

* Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary. If your journey is essential then check first with Traffic Wales an plan your journey in advance. If you have to drive, observe the road conditions. Puddles may be deeper than they appear. Please don't take any unnecessary risks.

* Slow down and be aware of side winds - particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle.

* If you are experiencing flooding in your home - get yourself to a place of safety, maybe upstairs. If you are taking any medication take this with you.

* Do not exit your property if there is fast flowing water outside.

* Stay safe and listen to the advice of the emergency services and evacuate if told to do so.

* Gather essential items together either upstairs or in a high place.

* Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies when flood water is about to enter your home and if safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.

If you require sandbags, please contact your local council rather than your local fire and rescue service. In busy periods, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will prioritise calls to those where it is believed life is at risk.

For up to date information on flood warnings and advice, visit Natural Resources Wales - they monitor the weather situation closely and keep a close eye on river levels.

Residents can also contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 using quickdial 194902 for up-to-date flooding information and advice in their local area.

Flood warnings are also broadcast on local TV and Radio, and check the North Wales Police website for the latest on road closures.

- See more at: http://www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk/keeping-you-safe/severe-weather/flooding-and-high-winds.aspx?lang=en#sthash.6kGutbVb.dpuf