MP meets man heading bank closure probe

Clwyd South Member Susan Elan Jones yesterday (Monday) joined a cross-party delegation of MPs who met Sir Russell Griggs, the man conducting the independent review into bank branch closures.

Speaking after the meeting, she said: "Sir Russell's report is expected before the end of the year. At today's meeting, I expressed the anger of my constituents at local bank closures and also suggested some ideas of what I thought needed to happen if a bank branch closed.

"For instance, I shared with the meeting what many businesses in our area told me about the need for a free cash collection service. In my view, this is something banks should provide free of charge, using security companies. There are also issues regarding the ordering of cash that I think need to be looked at carefully.

"I also feel that if a bank closes, the bank should be under an obligation to inform all customers what financial services are available in the vicinity, including if that means advertising Post Office or other competitor services.

"Another issue I raised were the very unique problems facing charities, clubs and any organisation requiring more than one signature on a bank account."

Ms Jones has also arranged meetings with TSB Bank and Tesco Bank via the Industry and Parliament Trust, and is planning to introduce a Bill in Parliament next year on banking protocol in the aftermath of bank closures.

Chocolatier smashes truffle record at food festival

* Jo Edwards breaks the truffle rolling record at the show.

A chocolatier from North Wales has become the fastest truffle maker on the planet after smashing the world record in front of a cheering crowd at a food festival.

Jo Edwards broke the record of TV chef Gino D’Acampo in the main demonstration kitchen at Hamper Llangollen over the weekend and has now sent off the evidence to the Guinness World Records.

It was the perfect way for Jo, 42, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her artisan chocolate company, Aballu, which she founded in 2006.

According to Jo, it was more difficult than expected because the chocolate was stickier than normal making rolling and coating the truffles harder than usual.

Even so, she still managed to better D’Acampo’s total of 47 in two minutes with a new world best of 49.

The record was one of the highlights of Hamper Llangollen - now recognised as one of the top food festivals in the UK - which attracted thousands of foodies to the picturesque town in the Dee Valley.

Jo said: “It was a fantastic experience and the number of people in the audience was amazing, they really got behind me. I also had family who travelled from Manchester and South Wales to support me.”

“The Hamper Llangollen food festival has been brilliant and very, very busy; I’ve had a wonderful time introducing visitors to my artisan chocolate products.

“I make everything on site in Rossett and currently employ two people but I’m looking to expand.”

Hamper Llangollen chairman Colin Loughlin was delighted with the attendance at this year’s event.

He said: “It’s been brilliant and we are really pleased. This is our 19^th year and the festival is clearly now a very well established and extremely popular event on the calendar of food lovers across North Wales and beyond.

“I’m delighted we continue to attract the very best exhibitors and suppliers to the festival and which helps brings so many visitors to then town.”

Also there was one of Britain’s youngest sommeliers, Dan Davies, 21, who has advised stars like Sir Tom Jones, actress  Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay's Chris Martin on which wine to choose with their meals.

Dan, the son of celebrity chef, Dai Chef, has attended the festival every year since he was just five years of age and now works as the head sommelier at the four rosette Stovells hotel at Chobham, Surrey.

At Hamper Llangollen, he helped his dad present cookery demonstrations by talking about wines as well as sampling the delights of the food festival.

He said: “Stovells is a classic restaurant with a Mexican flare and my job is to run the department and buy the wines we sell. Wine is my passion and I trained over three years.

“I have advised singer Tom Jones on wines when he came into the restaurant for a meal and when I worked at the Clifton, a three rosette restaurant in Taplow, Berkshire.

“I also advised Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on their wine choice and took care of Heston Blumenthal when I was at the Clifton too.”

He added: “The Hamper Llangollen food festival is a wonderful event. I have been coming with dad and the family since I was a little boy and it’s always an event I look forward to.

“The quality of the products on display is first class and the range of exhibitors is amazing. It’s a really special event.”

Festival visitors were treated to flutist Maria Hayes as she played on the stall of Denbigh gin maker the North Star Distillery.

The artisan gin is the brainchild of hospital worker Mathew Rowland who launched the first new distillery in the Conwy hills for more than 100 years to produce his folk music inspired new gin.

Margaret Rowland, Matthew’s mum, says the classic gin distilled by her son is infused with music.

She said: “Matt is a keen folk musician and Morris dancer and plays musical instruments as the gin is fermenting; hence it is infused with the music of the region.”

The head chef of Gales, Llangollen, Jack Hatley, took to the demonstration kitchen stage to prepare a lamb shawarma for the audience and said he was amazed at how good the festival was.

Jack, who has previously worked in the kitchens of the Chester Grosvenor, also teaches regularly at Upstairs Downstairs, a cook shop in Oswestry which runs cookery lessons in everything from bread making to Greek or Italian cooking.

He said; “It’s my first visit to Hamper Llangollen and I’m really, really impressed. The variation and quality of the products on display is amazing."

Brian Horwich, who runs Pant Glas Bach Preserves, at Llanasa, says he has been attending and exhibiting at Llangollen since launching his business eight years ago.

He said: “I’m really happy with Llangollen the festival is always a highlight for me. I find regular customers come back year after year to buy from me and being in exactly the same place inside the exhibition hall each year helps too.

“I produce jams, marmalades, chutneys and curds using, whenever I can, local produce. I supply farm shops and independent food stores across North Wales. It’s always nice to attend Llangollen and see regular customers.”

* For more information about Hamper Llangollen go to www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Bugsy Malone comes blasting into town

* Celyn Orton Jones as Blousey Brown and her co-star Cassius Hackforth in the title role of Bugsby Malone pose beside the vintage car as they shoot the promo video in Castle Street. 

It was "lights, camera, action" for members of Llangollen Operatic's Young 'Uns recently as they shot a promotional film for their latest production.

The society's junior section will be staging the smash-hit kids musical Bugsy Malone in the Town Hall early next year.

Rehearsals started last month and the 40-strong cast reckon they already know most of the songs from the piece which has words and music by Paul Williams and a libretto by Alan Parker.

Two of the main performers were out last weekend filming scenes from the production which cleverly puts a rip-roaring tale of 1920s gangsters into a kids' setting.

Some of the action for the movie took place in the period setting of Llangollen steam railway while a gleaming vintage car lent extra authenticity.

Celyn Orton Jones plays Blousey Brown. She's been part of the Young 'Uns for seven years and had numerous cameo roles but this is her first principal part. 

She said: "This was my first experience of being filmed for a video. Going on the train was an adventure and good fun.  The ride in the car was awesome!"

Her co-star was Cassius Hackforth who plays Bugsy Malone.

Another seasoned Young 'Uns performer, he has landed the award for best performer in the last two shows but this is also his first lead role. 

Cassius, who has been busy performing with National Youth Music Theatre over the summer months in The Pied Piper of Hamlin, said: "What an enjoyable experience, having access to such amazing local facilities, such as the railway station, and using a genuine 1920s car to drive around Llangollen in."

Assistant producer Dee Smith said: "Filming in town for our promotional video, which is being created by Barrie Potter, was great fun.

"Llangollen Railway  kindly allowed us to film Bugsy and Blousey on the station and in the old-style carriages.

"Llangollen Motor Museum gave us enormous help by making driver Geoff Owen and their 1926 vintage convertible  - the same one that Terry Waite uses in the Eistedfodd parade- available  for us to film Cassius and Celyn. 

"Bailey's Delicatessan provided a film set for Blousey and Bugsy's meeting and Banardo's kindly lent us some tea-cups at the last minute. 

"We really want to thank them all for their assistance." 

* Bugsby Malone will be staged from February 16-18, including Saturday matinee. Tickets are now on sale via www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety priced at £10 for adults and £8 concessions.

Plan to set up safer neighbourhood group

Consideration is being given to establishing a Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership with the local police in Llangollen.

This would be a small group of people meeting with police representatives on a quarterly basis to discuss any issues of concern, particularly matters relating to crime and anti-social behaviour and to review local crime statistics.

The partnership could consist of representatives from the town council, county councillors, other public services agencies, local public houses, hotels, schools and any member of the public with a particular interest in the issue.

A spokesman for the organising group said: "This will help build closer relationships with the police and the community generally and hopefully have some influence in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.

"Anyone interested in being part of this partnership or who has any comments to make should contact the Safer Neighbourhoods Team Leader, Sergeant Martin Jones, at  email: Martin.Jones2@nthwales.pnn.police.uk,  or Ian Parry  Tel: 01978 449365, email: ian.parry@uwclub.net

Drug services can make better use of council change cash says police boss

* North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

A police boss says vital services for victims of drug abuse in North Wales can make better use of £12 million in funding thanks to the Welsh Government decision to abandon a council shake-up.

According to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, the stability of working with existing public bodies will help him deliver on promises in his Police and Crime Plan by working collaboratively across the region with local authorities and the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board.

He has pinpointed building effective partnerships as a cornerstone of his work and he said: “We need a co-ordinated approach with everyone working to the same plan and I have prioritised services to the victims of domestic abuse, substance abuse and the victims of crime.

“In the area of substance abuse there are various pots of money available but different agencies are commissioning services separately and I want us to provide services together, avoid duplication and get more bang for our buck.

“This is a project that is ongoing and will be helped by the Welsh Government’s decision to scrap plans to slash the number of local authorities because there is £12 million plus available and if we can bring it all together there will be more money for the front line.”

His intervention comes after Wales’s Local Government Minister Mark Drakeford’s announcement that the Welsh Government no longer planned to cut the number of local authorities from 22 to as few as eight.

In North Wales this would have meant the existing six authorities being pruned to three or even two but the £250 million bill and the expected 2,000 job cuts have dissuaded the Government from pursuing the controversial policy.

Mr Jones said: “I fully support and welcome this decision because it will help me to work collaboratively to deliver vital services such as those that help victims of domestic abuse and substance misuse.

“That is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan and it means we can continue to work with our partners the local authorities, the health boards and the fire and ambulance services which will all be affected by Professor Drakeford’s proposals.

“One thing I would caution about is that as part of the process he looks at the number of statutory bodies otherwise all we will be doing is attending meetings and I see this as an opportunity to rationalise these strategic bodies so we can get on with the real work.

“I’m not one to get hung up on infrastructure. What I want is to get the best structure to deliver the most appropriate services most efficiently to the people who need them.

“The Minister must also not forget the role to be played by the non-devolved organisations like the Police, the Probation Service, the National Offender Management Service and the Prison Service in delivering these vital services to the people of North Wales.

“It is important that he issues guidelines to include us as stakeholders within the new regional partnerships.”

His response comes in the wake of the decision by Professor Drakeford to scrap the proposals that were the brainchild of his predecessor as Local Government Minister, Leighton Andrews.

Instead he has set out “a new way forward” which would instead see closer collaboration between neighbouring councils and key services delivered regionally.

Mr Jones added: “This is the right way forward and local authorities will remain as the alternative would cost too much, cause a major upheaval and cultural issues but would put back the delivery of services.

“The main concern should be what services look like and how effective they are and not the structures for their delivery.”

Llan man in line for top care award

* Josh Wilson.

A rugby-playing father-of-one from Llangollen who combines life on the family-owned holiday park with a job as a support worker in a children’s home is in line for a top care award.

Josh Wilson, 25, is a role model for the youngsters he supports at a specialist therapeutic children’s home in Ruthin in encouraging them to strive for the best and keep active through sport.

The home is a six-bedroom unit for young boys aged 11-18 with complex behavioural and emotional difficulties who are given intense support to help them succeed in education and employment.

Josh, who is employed by Branas Isaf, formerly taught swimming to children aged three to 12 at Corwen Leisure Centre. He plays competitive rugby for Chester Rugby Club, which is in North Division 2, has a talent for communicating with children and inspiring them to succeed.

He combines his challenging role as a support worker two days a week with his responsibilities at the family business, Ty Canol Caravan Park in Llangollen, which includes holiday cottages and caravan sales.

The new dad, whose daughter Azaia Wilson, was born a year ago, has now been formally recognised as one of the best support workers in the care industry after being announced as a finalist in the Wales Care Awards 2016.

Josh has been working for the children’s home for just over a year, has been shortlisted for the Exceptional Newcomer Award, sponsored by Coleg Cambria, which is one of a series of categories in the prestigious national awards, run by Care Forum Wales, which acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

As a finalist Josh, who lives in Llangollen, will now attend a glittering awards ceremony at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, October 21.  

It is an impressive achievement for the former fitness instructor who also won the national and regional Newcomer of the Year title in the Caretech Awards in November.

“It was a bigger shock than last time to be nominated. My family are proud and my mum is especially proud,” said Josh, who also worked in Corwen and Llangollen Leisure Centres as a fitness instructor after leaving school.

“I’m not bothered about winning. I’m just flattered to be shortlisted. I’m looking forward to representing my company as they’ve done a lot for me.

“I feel like I’m putting something back and making a difference. When I come back from work I feel happy, it’s very rewarding.

“When you drive home at the end of the day you always think about what you’ve done with the kids and what I would’ve liked to have done better.

“I love working there. The whole team is brilliant and my manager has done a lot for me. I’ve come a long way since joining the team.

“I’d never worked in care before. I was in the deep end quite quickly but I wouldn’t have had it any other way as it meant I learnt very quickly.”

Josh, who attended Ysgol Dinas Brân, said the most satisfying aspect of his job was watching the youngsters’ progress and reform their behaviour through sport and other goal-driven work. The home has even created a squash league to build their self-confidence.

One of his most notable achievements was seeing a young boy for whom he was a key worker move on from the home and flourish.

“I feel like I’m a role model to them. I always tell them what the score was in the rugby. I’m trying to inspire them and keep them active by encouraging them to the gym,” said Josh, who is in the completion stages of his QCF Level 3 in Caring For Children and Young People.

“I’ve recently had a child myself and it’s put a different perspective on things. I’m much more empathetic.

“You have your bad days but I’m level-headed and can deal with most things thrown at me. You want to see the lads do well.

“I would like to continue working with young people in the future. I play rugby and I look after myself and the kids look up to me. I try to work on their self-confidence and you develop a bond.”

Josh is attending the awards ceremony with registered manager Leanne Bennett who herself has been nominated for the Peter Clarke Award.

Nominating Josh for his award, Leanne said: “Josh is a very well-liked and respected member of the team at Pant Glas and nothing is ever too much trouble for Josh. He is eager and enthusiastic in his role and works exceptionally well both lone working and in a team.

“He has a good morale which impacts on others and his can do attitude is infectious to his colleagues. Josh is an asset to our team and I feel he has a brilliant career ahead of him.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said: “The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

“The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce - they deserve to be lauded and applauded.”

Gig raises over £2,000 for Christmas festival

* Captain Zed on stage.

* Marblehead Johnson play.

A recent event at Llangollen Town Hall raised £2,160 for Llangollen Christmas Festival funds. 

Llangollen resident Ross Anderson, a guitarist with local band Captain Zed, organised the sell-out session at the Town Hall where an audience of 275 were entertained by popular local musicians.

Captain Zed were joined on stage by Marblehead Johnson, Jamie Jay and Tom Wilson.

All of the bands and artists performed for free and where supported by Paul Brown and James Barber who provided lights and sound.

Paul Keddie provided the bar with profits going to festival funds. Local businesses also supported the even by providing prizes for a raffle.

The Christmas Festival, to be held on November 26, provides a free family event in Llangollen town centre with surplus funds donated to Wales Air Ambulance. 

Chair of the Christmas Festival Committee Austin Cheminais was thrilled by the way the Llangollen Community came together to help ensure the immediate future for the event.

“Our thanks to Ross and all of those involved in what was a great evening. The local community coming together to support us demonstrates what a special place Llangollen is," he said.

Meanwhile, Austin, who doubles at the town crier, has put out the call for volunteers to help out at the festival ...