Results of Welsh national survey revealed

People across Wales remain highly satisfied with the NHS, education and with their daily lives according to the latest results from the National Survey for Wales.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales The study shows that 91% of people in Wales were satisfied with the care they received from their GPs and 92% with the care they received at their last appointment at a NHS hospital.

The National Survey for Wales, which began in 2012, is based on face-to-face interviews with more than 14,000 people across Wales each year.

It collects robust, detailed information on the views and experiences of people in Wales on a wide range of subjects.

Other key results from the National Survey 2014-15 include:

• 96% of hospital patients felt treated with dignity and respect;
• 90% were satisfied with the overall service they received from the emergency ambulance service, and 79% with the time they had to wait for the ambulance to arrive;
• 81% of parents helped their children with reading and writing at least several times a week;
• 60% of people had no difficulties keeping up with their bills and financial commitments – a higher proportion than in 2012-13 and 2013-14 with 48% and 50% respectively;
• 79% think people in their local area treat each other with respect;
• 35% would like to start their own business;
• 78% of households had access to the internet – an increase from 75% in 2013-14 and 73% in 2012-13; and
• 66% walk or cycle to get around.

The survey for 2014-15 reveals people’s views on the NHS and education, where zero is ‘extremely bad’ and ten is ‘extremely good’.

The overall rating for the NHS was 6.3 and for education 6.6.  The survey found that 83% of people are satisfied with their daily lives.

Welcoming the results, Finance and Government Business Minister Jane Hutt said:  “The National Survey is a great opportunity for people to give their views on public services and the issues facing their communities.

"It paints an accurate and in-depth picture of how people across the country are experiencing the public services that are so important to us all.  It is particularly heartening to see such high levels of satisfaction with the NHS and education.

“The survey is an important resource for us and will support the delivery of public services.   Hearing the views of people across the country will help us make Wales an even better place to live, work and enjoy.”

Llangollen Eisteddfod is a beacon of hope

* Royal composer Paul Maelor.

Royal composer Paul Mealor has hailed the Llangollen International Musical Festival as a beacon of hope and peace in an increasingly troubled world.

Professor Mealor, who was born in St Asaph, says the festival brings people from all over the world together through the international language of music.

He shot to international fame after writing Ubi Caritas et Amor for the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011 and also composed Wherever You Are, which became the 2011 Christmas number one for the Military Wives under the baton of Gareth Malone.

Prof Mealor will be attending the Llangollen Eisteddfod as an adjudicator for the second time this year and for the first time as a vice president of the iconic event which starts on Tuesday, July 7.

He said: “The Eisteddfod is a phenomenal and wonderful event. The whole world comes to this beautiful little North Wales town to share music and culture. Racism, hatred and conflict lose and music wins every time.

“People might have differences, whether political or cultural, but they all speak just one language when it comes to music. And it isn’t just about classical music but all sorts of genres whether it’s folk, jazz, reggae or rock. It doesn’t matter.

“This year, for example, the legend that is Burt Bacharach is performing. How is it possible that a festival in a little North Wales town can attract world stars of that magnitude?

“That’s what the International Eisteddfod is all about, it’s just wonderful. Top quality musicians and performers such as Alfie Boe, Catrin Finch, Gareth Malone and a host of other top stars will be bringing wonderful music to the stage.”

Since 2003 he has been professor of composition at the University of Aberdeen.

He said: “It’s always busy, whether working with my students or composing new music, but one of the highlights of the year is always Llangollen. It shows the best of who we are. There is always such amazing new talent on show.

“The brilliant English physiatrist, Anthony Stoor was right when he said medicine will make you live longer but the arts will make you want to live longer. Imagine a life without music what a terrible world that would be.

“I’m really looking forward to adjudicating at this year’s festival, the standard is always exceptionally high. I competed there myself as a young boy but sadly failed spectacularly.”

Prof Mealor, whose first album for Decca, A Tender Light – a collection of sacred choral anthems – spent six weeks at No 1 in the classical charts, has stressed the importance of ensuring festivals such as Llangollen Eisteddfod receive adequate funding.

He said: “People need to realise how important the International Eisteddfod is and show people the benefits it brings not just to the immediate area but Wales and the rest of the UK as a whole.

“Funding in this day and age is always difficult but the festival stands for so much and it’s vital it continues to go from strength to strength.

“I would encourage anyone who has never been to the festival to go along, even for just a few hours, and soak up what is just an amazing and unique atmosphere.

“Where else would you find people from all over the world brought together in a spirit of peace and tolerance and through a love of one common language – the language of music.”

The Eisteddfod's musical director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: "I am thrilled that Paul is returning as an adjudicator this year.

"Paul is a big fan of the Eisteddfod and what it stands for as a melting pot of colour and culture dedicated to the notion of harmony in every sense of the word.

"As we approach the 70th anniversary of this unique festival next year, the magic of the Eisteddfod endures and its message of peace is as relevant today as it was in 1946 in the aftermath of the Second World War."

To book tickets and for more details on the 2015 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

New Dot Cinema plays last film shown at The Dorothy

* Sammy Going South gets its test screening at Llangollen Town Hall.

Below: Period programmes from the Dorothy Cinema. Photos: J Sandiford

LLANGOLLEN’S new community cinema, New Dot, has held a technical test at the Town Hall in preparation for their launch night on Wednesday July 15.

The film they used to test their equipment was a copy of the very last film shown at the original Dorothy Cinema back in 1963.

Alexander Mackendrick's Sammy Going South is a British adventure film from 1963 about a 10-year-old boy travelling by himself across Africa.

According to an original cinema programme held by Llangollen Museum, it was shown on Saturday October 26, 1963, costing 2/6 for adults and 1/6 for pensioners.

Cinema programmer Simon Proffitt explains: “We needed to show something in order to test our projector and fine tune the sound system for the opening night.
“We thought this would create a neat link to our namesake, the Dorothy, so we tracked down a copy.

“We also trialled bits from the actual film we’ll be showing on the night, Oscar-winning romantic comedy The Artist. It looks stunning on the big screen.”

Although the rest of the cinema's 2015 programme is yet to be confirmed, it's unlikely that Sammy Going South will be screened in full to an audience. 

Simon added: “It’s not a bad film, but there are so many other excellent movies out there that people might not have come across before, and sadly we can't show them all.

“There will be some old classics in amongst the newer and less well-known titles, though, and we’re really looking forward to bringing a hand-picked and varied selection to Llangollen.”

The first public cinema event is at 7.30pm on Wednesday  July 15 at Llangollen Town Hall.
Tickets are available from Baileys Delicatessen, Gales Wine and Gift Shop,  or from
www.llangollenfringe.org, priced at £8 (£5 concessions).











* For more information go to: http://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/festival-2015/94-wednesday-15th-july-new-dot-cinema

Plas Newyd's summer programme details

* Plas Newydd where a programme events is planned for summer.

 

Plas Newydd has given details of its programme of events over the next month or so:

Sun 14th to Fri 19th June - Waterloo Week:   

Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, come and visit Plas Newydd as visited by one of the house’s regular visitors – The Duke of Wellington.

Sunday 21st June - Mid-Summers Eve Concert:

Celebrate  the magic and wonder of Mid-Summer’s Eve in the beautiful grounds of Plas Newydd with entertainment from the renowned and popular  Porthmyn choir  (Tickets £5) 6 – 8.30pm

Wednesday 24th June - Painting Day:
  
Talk and tour of the house first then an opportunity to sketch and paint the picturesque gardens and amazing Jacobean carvings within the house. (Normal admission prices apply).

Sunday 28th June – Llangollen Silver Band 4.30pm onwards:

Bring a rug and picnic, games for the kids, whilst being entertained to popular classics by the Llangollen Silver Band (Tickets £5).

Friday July 31st –   The Muskateers:

It’s one for all and all for one as popular theatre group Off the Ground return to the grounds of Plas Newydd for another evening spectacular with The Muskateers.

MP raises questions over bank closures

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has put down questions in Parliament calling on Business Secretary Sajid Javid to meet with senior management of Nat West following the bank's shock announcement last week that it intends to close branches in Llangollen, Corwen and nine other areas of North Wales. 

 

Ms Jones (pictured) has also asked the Government to issue a statement on how it plans to support high street banking in communities in the region.

 

The exact wording of Susan Elan Jones MP's written parliamentary question is:

"Further to plans announced this week by Nat West Bank that they will close branches in Llangollen, Corwen and 9 other communities in North Wales, will the Secretary of State (a) meet with senior management at the Bank to urge them to re-consider their decision and (b) issue a statement on how his Department proposes to support high street banks in communities in North Wales."   

Speaking after issuing her question, Ms MP said: "High street banking is at crisis point across North Wales.

 

"It is a disgrace that Nat West want to close the last branch bank in the growing town of Corwen and that they are also planning to turn their backs on businesses and individuals in the international tourist town of Llangollen.

 

"If David Cameron really wants to lead a One Nation government, then Cabinet Ministers must remember that rural communities are part of our nation too and they need to accordingly by putting pressure on the big banks and actively supporting high street banking in North Wales." 

Strengthened links between council and business

Efforts to strengthen links between Denbighshire County Council and businesses accessing its planning and public protection functions is being piloted in the county – the first project of its kind in Wales.

The Council has a regulatory function to protect the health and well-being of the public through food hygiene, health and safety, Trading Standards, licensing, planning and building control activities.

As part of its Economic and Community Ambition Programme, the Council is now working with the Government’s Better Regulation Delivery Office, with the intention of making sure that businesses receive a co-ordinated response from the Council on regulatory matters through one contact, rather than having to deal with numerous departments.


This initiative is being supported by the Federation of Small Business and the West Cheshire and North Wales Chambers of Commerce.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Protection, said: "We want to improve services to our business customers and we’ve already spoken to a number of them about their perceptions. Whilst they understand the need for the various services, there is a clear need for a more seamless service, for closer joint working and for providing assistance and support through advice and guidance.

"We also want to put more emphasis on working with businesses from day one to get things right from a regulation perspective and avoid enforcement action later.

Derek Payet, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills | Better Regulation Delivery Office, said: "The Government’s priority is business growth and it’s great to see local businesses and Denbighshire County Council’s regulatory services working in partnership to achieve this.  It’s good to have an open approach to improvements that will meet the needs of businesses in the area and I’m pleased to be supporting the project through the Better Business for All programme."

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: "Improving links with businesses and making the Council more accessible forms part of our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy. The success of the local economy is of utmost importance and we must play our part in assisting businesses to comply with the law and contribute to their future success.

"We look forward to working closely with businesses over the coming months to make this ambition become a reality."

Federation of Small Businesses North Wales Chair Gwyn Evans said: "Every business faces some form of regulation, but if that regulation is done in a clear and proportionate way it makes life easier both for businesses and regulators themselves.

"The FSB has called for more to be done across Wales to improve the quality of regulation and last year we published a major report – Better Regulation for Wales – on this issue.

Colin Brew, Executive Director of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce said: "West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce are pleased to be supporting this positive initiative and would encourage businesses of all sizes to engage and participate and have their voices heard."

Weather stays fine for Plas Newydd Garden Fete

* Plas Newydd field was full of fun activities during the Garden Fete.

Scores of people came flocking to the annual Garden Fete held at Plas Newydd yesterday (Saturday).

The event was organised by members of Llangollen Rotary Club, Inner Wheel Club and the newly-formed Dee Valley Rotary Club.

Llangollen Silver Band played selections, while youngsters were entertained by Punch and Judy, face painting  and a treasure hunt.              

People also had the chance to try their skills at various games and competitions.

There were numerous stalls, including home-made cakes and a plant stall.

A tea tent provided a range of refreshments.

Announcements were made by town crier Chem Cheminais.