County advises on Christmas taxi safety

Denbighshire County Council is urging residents to stay safe this Christmas and book taxis in advance of their evening out.

Unlicensed taxis are a common problem across the country and with the Christmas party season in full swing it's important to know how to tell an unlicensed taxi from a licensed one, says the council.

 

All vehicles will be identified by individually numbered plates front and back with hackney carriage vehicles also having a roof sign, while all drivers will carry ID badges.

Cllr Tony Thomas, the council’s lead member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: "Unlicensed taxis may seem to offer a better deal but it's not worth risking your safety to save a few pounds. These vehicles are not insured as taxis and the drivers have not gone through the rigorous checking involved in the licensing process.

“Licensing officers will be carrying out checks to ensure no unlicensed taxis are operating in the area. Never get in a taxi without first checking that it's the one you have booked or that it's a legitimate Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle.”

When the party is over and you need to get home, remember these guidelines about council licensed taxis:

•             Hackney Carriage Vehicles have a plate attached to the front and rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle details and licence number.

•             Hackney Carriages can ply for hire from designated taxi ranks and can pick up passengers who flag them down.

•             Private Hire Vehicles have a blue sign attached to the rear doors of the vehicle showing the licence and a plate at the rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle details and licence number.

•             Private Hire Vehicles can only be booked in advance through an operator.

Never get in to a vehicle that does not display an appropriate plate at the rear. It is not insured and may not be licensed. Ensure that the driver is displaying a council approved driver's badge. For your own safety, always take a council licensed vehicle - the driver and vehicle have both been vetted.

Cllr Hugh Irving, chair of Denbighshire’s licensing committee, said: “Don't let a good night out be ruined by an unlicensed taxi. Always book in advance or make sure you have the number of several local taxi firms stored in your mobile phone before going out.

“Before getting in a taxi ensure the driver knows the destination and always sit in the back. Make sure that you're picked up and dropped off somewhere familiar and well lit, however if you feel uneasy with the driver ask him to stop at a busy, familiar place and get out.”

New Three Eagles opens for business next week

* The Three Eagles team line up ahead of the opening.

The Three Eagles is set to throw open its doors for business next week.

Its management team says reservations are already flooding in from people eager to sample its food and drinks.

Located on Bridge Street in historic Grade II-listed former coaching-inn the Wynnstay, The Three Eagles has been a work in progress over recent months with the building having been subject to extensive renovation works.

As the project nears completion, a strong management team have been assembled.

The majority of them originate from the local area, with almost all having attended Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Until now many of them had spent years plying their trade away from the town – some internationally.

Heading up the  team is general manager Amy Cross. A local farmer’s daughter, she has worked in the hospitality industry since her university days in Liverpool.

Having worked her way around the mountains, lakes and coastline of Wales, she brings over 15 years of experience to the table. Amy spent the last three years in Ireland, leading an award-winning restaurant through its launch in Dublin.

She has a track-record of launching a number of new fine dining restaurants, achieving recognition in the Michelin Guide having fronted a restaurant by 2-Michelin-Star chef Michael Caines MBE.

“It’s such an exciting time not just for the Three Eagles but for Llangollen and North Wales tourism as a whole. The Three Eagles will provide Llangollen with such an important boost for the local economy and it is a real privilege to be part of this journey from the very beginning”, said Amy.

“With the venue’s inception, some excellent career opportunities have been created. It’s the vision and commitment to a better Wales that the Three Eagles represents that has drawn these high flyers home, resulting in the creation of a first-class team. What we’re hoping will be key to our future success is the continued development of our staff.”  

Amy joins experienced international chefs Adam Gaunt-Evans and Oliver Potter at the Three Eagles.

Assistant managers Nicole Farrell and Kim Watson also come with their own expertise.

Nicole has been a driving force behind the exclusive Llangollen wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall whilst Kim has previously worked in a managerial position for a national gastro pub/restaurant chain.

Their fellow assistant manager Harry Hickson, from over the English border, compliments the team bringing years of managerial experience which meant travelling the globe as far as Australia building his wine knowledge.

Owners of The Three Eagles Matt and Vicky Jones say the concept of the venue has always been about showcasing the very best elements of Llangollen and the surrounding region.

Matt said: “When we set out in the beginning it was very important to us that we created opportunities here in Llangollen – first and foremost for Llangollen people. And that is exactly what The Three Eagles has done.

"The team have come home to take on this exciting project with us and I think that should give some indication as to just how impressive The Three Eagles is going to be.”

* To find out more about The Three Eagles, Llangollen go to www.thethreeeagles.co.uk

MP calls for vote of no confidence in government

Clwyd South's Susan Elan Jones is among several prominent Welsh Labour politicians who have urged the party's UK leader to table a vote of no confidence in Theresa May's government.

It follows the decision to defer a vote on Brexit on Monday.

Labour was granted an emergency debate on Tuesday on the issue after claiming MPs had been "disregarded".

But the party rejected calls to table a vote of no confidence in Mrs May, with Labour officials arguing it had more chance of success when the Brexit deal came back before MPs.

However, some Welsh Labour politicians have urged Mr Corbyn to act.

MPs Susan Elan Jones (pictured), Tonia Antoniazzi, Madeleine Moon, Geraint Davies, Chris Bryant and Owen Smith have all signed a letter to the Labour leadership from Ian Murray asking for a no confidence vote, followed by another referendum.

The Prime Minister is today meeting European leaders and EU officials for talks aimed at rescuing her Brexit deal.

Vote for your favourite Christmas Tree

The annual Christmas Tree Festival at Llangollen Methodist Church is now open to the public.

A total of 14 imaginative and colourfully decorated examples created by a range of local organisations and individuals can be seen - and voted on - at the church which is open specially for viewing next Saturday (December 15) from 10am-3pm and next Sunday (December 16) between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

* Trees, from left, by Ysgol Bryn Collen, Messy Church and New Dot Cinema. 

* The trees exhibited by, from left, Sheena and Andree, PTFA and Llangollen & District Gardening Club.

* From left, trees by Llangollen Day Nursery and the After-School Drop-in for High School Pupils.

* From left, the trees of Llangollen Eisteddfod, Holy Cross Church and Cefn Mawr Knit and Natter Group. 

* From left, exhibits from Just a Bit of Fun, Llangollen Tidy Town Team and City Church.  

Llangollen formally welcomes its new vicar

* Father Lee Taylor, left, with the Bishop of St Asaph at

yesterday's licensing service. 

* The new vicar greets the congregation at the service.

The communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio and Trevor welcomed the Rev Lee Taylor as their new vicar yesterday (Sunday).

The Bishop of St Asaph and the new Archdeacon of Montgomery, the Ven Dr Barry Wilson, led the special service of licensing and welcome at St Collen’s Church.

Lee Taylor comes to Llangollen from Croydon Minster where he had been serving as Associate Vicar, establishing partnerships with various organisations, businesses and charities around Croydon.

"Working with the community is at the heart of my priestly ministry’, said Lee Taylor, "as I believe that the work of God thrives and flourishes in community. I am greatly looking forward to my move to Llangollen – the festival capital of Wales – and to serving all sections of this wonderful and vibrant community."

Lee was born and brought up in Bolton, Lancashire. He studied theology at the University of Wales, Lampeter, where he was also organ scholar and choirmaster.

Following university, Lee worked at a busy call centre for the gas and electricity supplier Norweb Energy before working as Deputy-Head Verger at Southwark Cathedral for eight years.

In 2010 Lee left London to train for ordination at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, before serving his curacy in Leigh-on-Sea.

The Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt. Revd Gregory Cameron, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Lee to ministry in Llangollen and the Valle Crucis Mission Area. Lee is a creative and talented priest, who will bring vitality and enthusiasm to his role."

In his leisure time Lee enjoys playing and composing music, ballroom dancing, the arts, hiking, and keeping fit.

He is a member of the British Music Hall Society, is publicity officer for London’s Players’ Theatre, and performs Music Hall turns with The Mary Ward Players.

Eisteddfod hosts Christmas carol concert

* Elan Catrin Parry will appear in the Eisteddfod concert on December 16.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is to host a festive carol concert to celebrate the launch of the 2019 concert series line-up.

The concert on Sunday 16^th December will be filled with young local talent with performances from Welsh singing sensation and finalist of the 2018 Vocal Solo competition, Elan Catrin Parry, who will be showcasing songs from her debut album, “Angel” alongside other special guests pianist Julian Gonzales, Llangollen Operatic Young ‘Uns’, Ysgol Dinas Brân Band and Wrexham County Youth Choir.

Guests will be greeted with a traditional mince pie and merry glass of mulled wine to warm up their own vocal cords in time to join in with the cheerful Christmas carols, in the comfort of the main internal hall in the pavilion.

The Eisteddfod is also offering visitors the chance to win a selection of raffle prizes, with all proceeds from the event going towards their bursary fund, which supports international competitors in their visit to Llangollen.

Llangollen Eisteddfod Chairman, Dr Rhys Davies said: “It’s been an exhilarating few weeks in Llangollen, completing final preparations for the 2019 Llangollen Eisteddfod concert launch, which will showcase musical excellence and offers something for everyone.

“We’re really proud of this year’s festival line-up and our Christmas concert will bring people together in a musical celebration, which is what the Eisteddfod is all about. It promises to be a delightful evening and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming the exceptionally talented Elan Catrin Parry back to Llangollen."  

Music Director of the Festival, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry said: “It’s an extremely exciting time of year here at the Eisteddfod, from announcing the 2019 line-up to getting full-swing into the holiday season.

“The Christmas concert will help to raise vital funds for the bursary fund ensuring that we can welcome as many international competitors to Llangollen in July as possible. It is great to see such talented young local performers giving their time to support this cause.

“It is definitely going to be a Christmas concert not to be missed and most certainly the perfect excuse to enter into the festive spirit.”

* Tickets for the Christmas concert are available from the Eisteddfod Ticket Office by calling 01978 862000 and Llangollen Tourist Information. Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £8.00 for concessions, £5.00 for children with under 5’s free. For further information please visit www.llangollen.net.

After the highly anticipated announcement of the 2019 concert series last week, priority tickets to the seven-day event went on sale for Festival Pass holders and Friends of the Eisteddfod. To become a Friend of the Eisteddfod and access priority booking, please telephone 01978 862001 or visit www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/get-involved/become-a-friend.

Tickets for the 2019 concert strand will be on sale to the general public from 9.00am on Wednesday 12^th December.

For regular news and updates about the Festival follow us on Twitter @llangollen_Eist , like our Facebook page Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod or follow us on Instagram @llangollen_eisteddfod. 

Incident involving railway's Santa Special

A spokesman for Llangollen Railway has given details of a “highly regrettable” incident on Sunday afternoon in which at least one hound from the local hunt was hit by a Santa Special steam train after straying on to the track.

Liz McGuinness, business manager of the popular heritage railway, said: “Our Santa Special was on its way back from Carrog station to Llangollen when the incident occurred at around 4pm today near the Deeside loop just after Glyndyfrdwy .

“From what I understand members of the local hunt were somewhere in the vicinity of the line when at least one of the hounds ended up running up the tracks towards the oncoming train which was carrying a large number of passengers – many of them young children – enjoying a festive day out.

“I understand that the train hit at least one of the dogs. I am not certain at this stage how badly the animal was injured but members of the hunt turned up to take the animal or animals away from the scene.”

She added: “No-one aboard the train, either on the footplate or in the passenger coaches, were hurt but the driver and crew were obviously badly shaken by this highly regrettable incident.

“The train eventually made its way back to Llangollen.

“I sincerely apologise to everyone on the Santa Special for what should have been an enjoyable afternoon ending in this way.

“Can I make it clear that the hunt does not have permission to be on Llangollen Railway property at any time.

“A full investigation into the incident will now be carried out by railway management.”