Skates praises re-opened Corwen museum

Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised the hard work of volunteers after visiting a museum which showcases a town’s ‘rich heritage’.

Corwen Museum reopened last month following after a winter break with a number of new displays celebrating the history of the town and wider area.

Mr Skates met Jim Ritchie, chairman of Edeyrnion Heritage and Cultural Society – which runs the museum – to take a look around.

Clwyd South AM said: “Volunteers have worked tirelessly to set up the new exhibits showcasing Corwen as an Eisteddfod town, the history of Corwen Pavilion and the rich cultural heritage of the wider Edeyrnion area.

“The upstairs exhibition has also been extended to cover the town as an emerging transfer hub, which is in no small part down to the fantastic work of the South Denbighshire Community Partnership.

Mr Skates added: “The museum had another record year in 2018, with increased visitor numbers. It’s clear that this is a labour of love for the volunteers and I would anyone with an interest in the area’s history to pop in.”

Corwen Museum, which is open every day (except Tuesday and Thursday) from 11am-4pm, now also has two replica Anderson shelters and exhibits from both world wars.

Edeyrnion Heritage and Cultural Society is also inviting residents to send postcards describing their own memories of Corwen Pavilion and the events staged there, which will form part of a dedicated display later this year.

Put the Brexit decision back to the people, says local MP

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones has written this piece on the current Brexit debacle specially for llanblogger.

"I am very concerned at how the Brexit debate has polarised our country. I'm also concerned that we are set to make a decision on the future of our country that excludes people below the age of 21 from having their say.

The younger generation will have to face the consequences of the Brexit decision more than anyone else, yet as things stand they are not being asked about what they think. I think that's terrible. 

My extensive mailbox from constituents reflects a very wide range of views held by local people. These range from young people angry that they have not been given a say on such a major issue as this; 2016 Leave voters whose support is linked to referendum promises of a Deal; 2016 Remain voters who support the Prime Minister’s Deal; 2016 Leave voters who are conscious they voted in the expectation of a Deal but are angry with what they see as an inadequate Deal and as a last resort, feel the UK should if need be pull out without any deal; 2016 Remain supporters who feel the Government has not listened to their opinions and who will not back an inadequate deal; those on both sides of the arguments who have revised their opinions.

This week, I have voted against the Prime Minister's Deal and against No Deal (I was a signatory to the amendment on this). I am writing this piece for Llanblogger before today's votes but plan to vote to extend Article 50. There are a lot of technicalities being discussed today (Thursday) in that supporting certain amendments may lead to others being negated. However with the Prime Minister basically ignoring the views of Parliament and pressing on regardless, I believe today we must ensure that the Government is compelled to hold a series of indicative votes which become binding in law.  

I have long expressed the view that a divided Parliament must put the Brexit decision back to the people. I think my party is right to call for both a General Election and a confirmatory referendum.

Even the Treasury's own figures show that every version of Brexit is economically worse for our country than staying in the EU. In May 2016, Nigel Farage said that a 52-48 referendum result would be "unfinished business by a long way". I agree and believe we should trust the people of our great but currently divided country. That's why I support extending Article 50 and facilitating a Final Say vote."

Nominations sought for eisteddfod peace prize

* Last year's winner Last year's prize winner

Dr Waheed Arian receives the peace prize.

Individuals or groups committed to peace are being encouraged to put their names forward

to be honoured at this summer's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Rotary International will make the Peace Prize supported by sponsors Westminster Stone.

Rotary International is one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world and shares its commitment to peace with the eisteddfod.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to a presentation ceremony at the Pavilion on Thursday July 4 which will be part of an evening of international celebration.

Last year's prize winner Dr Waheed Arian will join the 2019 judging panel.

Dr Arian and The Arian Foundation was acknowledged for the pioneering scheme Arian Teleheal which connects volunteer doctors in the UK, US and other countries with their peers using their smartphones and Skype or WhatsApp, enabling real-time discussions on the best available care for patients.

This year’s judges also include Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Peace Centre and Rotary Peace Project founder Jean Best who was recognised as a peace honoree at the United Nations in 2018.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Following on from the inspiring work and astounding success of the last three year’s celebrations, we’re delighted once again to recognise the individuals and organisations that work so hard to make a difference, promoting peace here in the UK and across the world.

“The initial idea of creating the Rotary International Peace Prize was born at the Llangollen Eisteddfod five years ago and with the festival’s initiative of spreading peace, friendship and goodwill across all nations more important than ever, it’s with great pride that we’re able to highlight peace advocates in an international celebration."

* For more information about the eisteddfod and the Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net

Llan railway starts midweek running

Take the railcar for a ramble in the Dee Valley - use the intermediate stations to alight and re-join the train after a walk in the countryside or visit to a local pub.

Enjoy the delights of the Station Cafe at Carrog or Llangollen take a walk along the canal and catch the train at Berwyn or get off at Berwyn and walk gently back to Llangollen along the beautiful canal path.

Site survey for 'pocket park' near Llan goes ahead

* Activity on the site near the former civic amenity site spotted last week.

A site survey is being carried out on land which is the subject of a planning application for a "pocket park" on one of the main gateways to Llangollen.

The county council-owned land off the A539 was the area's civic amenity site until its closure in the late 1990s.

In 2017 the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team on behalf of the Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership applied for permission to create the park.

According to the original application, which is still under consideration, this would see paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars.

Late last week activity was spotted on the site by llanblogger. A small digger was operating and a man in high-viz jacket appeared to be taking land samples. A car was parked nearby.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: "We are in the process of carrying out a topographical survey and soil sampling to get a better understanding of the site.

"The planning application for the site is still being considered."

According to the original development brief, the park plan includes landscaping, tree planting, wildflower meadows and hedgerow planting with the aim of increasing the biodiversity and ecological value of the site.

Work was also to be done to eradicate the small stand of Japanese knotweed said to be present on site.

Paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars would be landscaped and screened to minimise any visual impact on the surrounding landscape and immediate site neighbours.

Improved site access/egress was a key part of the proposals. Adjacent landowners and the county’s highways department had been consulted.

Access to the site would be available for pedestrians and cyclists along pavement from Llangollen to the west and the canal to the east, a bus stop is also located adjacent to the site, providing easy access to the site to users by an alternative means to the car.

The planning brief said: “The proposed new park would be developed along with community groups and other interested parties over a number of years and as this will take time, the ethos for this initial phase was to create a welcoming site for people to enjoy both in its own right but also as a gateway to the wider area.

“The plan has been developed as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund – Landscape Partnership Scheme bid and as part of this process consultation with stakeholders and communities has been ongoing.

“The site is seen as a key gateway into Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley, it will provide a new access point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, promoting wider exploration of the area and a longer stay.”

X-Trail comes fourth in gladiatorial SUV contest

* The facelifted Nissan X-Trail.

Nissan X-Trail road test by Steve Rogers

First thought when I looked at the front of the Nissan X-Trail was the film Gladiator.

Yes, strange one that but the facelifted X-Trail has got that aggressive, ready for combat look about it. It was the thick, gleaming chrome draped across its nose which brought to mind Russell Crowe kitted out in his shiny battle armour before leading his Roman legion against the barbarians.

Probably best to move on, this is getting a bit too deep.

X-Trail is a proper, rugged SUV and has been around longer than the majority of its rivals. Nissan has done its best to keep pace with the hordes of newcomers and it is the changes to the front that have made the most impact. The dominant V grille and spikey new headlights make this a mean machine.

All of which has turned X-Trail into a longer Qashqai but able to offer seven seats and that is no bad thing.

To be honest my expectations were not that high having driven three of its closest competitors in as many months. They are all new so bang up to date on design and everything else that goes in making a top SUV. Kia Sorento is the most practical seven seater, Skoda Kodiaq the best to drive, and the Peugeot 5008 is just brilliant at everything. Could the Nissan get close?

It is a big ask, too big actually, but that doesn't put X-Trail out of the running. As I have said before margins are fine when choosing a car and a lot of people are happy with the Nissan. It is damn good value against those mentioned and the one I would choose for serious off roading.

It is set up for a comfortable ride which means the suspension will protect occupants against our many poor road surfaces. The downside is body control becomes a tad ragged when pushed through bends, but if that is your bag buy a sports car.

X-Trail is a big SUV and that means lots of space for legs and luggage. Mine was the five seater so the boot is sizeable and very practical with out of site storage in a section used for a third row of seats, and reversible rubber/fabric floor mat.

The facelift brought some interior upgrades but a full makeover is needed to bring it up to the standard of the front runners. Compared to Kodiaq and 5008 the X-Trail's cabin is looking dated but the fittings are solid and there were no rattles or creaks.

There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines and my guess is the majority would favour the 173bhp 2-litre turbo diesel. Good choice if refinement and extra grunt is needed but for me the 1.6 diesel does the job admirably. There is nothing to fear here when it comes to performance and its economy will raise eyebrows.

Okay, the power band is narrow and it sounds harsh as the revs mount, but I never felt short changed when overtaking and noise levels are perfectly acceptable when cruising. The best bit is a smidgen over 50mpg after a week and 470 miles. That is a terrific return for such a big four wheel drive car.

My N Connecta is near the top of the range and is well equipped with substantial safety and comfort packages. My favourite: the 360deg camera, great for parking in tight spots. And I liked the double USB socket for the second row. A small detail may be but very useful these days.

All in all X-Trail was much better than I expected and is good value. But I am afraid it still comes fourth behind the three mentioned at the start.

Fast facts

Nissan X-Trail N Connecta 4WD

£32,445 (starts £25,590)

1.6 litre dCi 130

0-62mph 11secs; 115mph

52.3mpg combined

143g/km. 1st year road tax £515

Insurance group 16

Hundreds say farewell to Colin Loughlin

* The late Colin Loughlin whose funeral was held at Pentrebychan crematorium.

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their last respects to the saviour of Llangollen Food Festival – and heard it had just been named as one of the best eight events of its type in the UK.

There was standing room only at the Pentrebychan crematorium near Wrexham for the funeral of Colin Loughlin who died aged 76 from a suspected heart attack.

The service was conducted by the Rev Andrew Sully who served as the Vicar of Llangollen, Trevor and Llantysilio for more than a decade until moving to Llandudno last summer.

Appropriately, donations in lieu of flowers were accepted to pay for a defibrillator for a new boat being launched by the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust which Colin supported for many years.

In 2011 Colin came to rescue when the previous organisers of the festival pulled the plug and he was elected chairman of a committee of volunteers who revived the event which has gone from strength.

After being named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK by the Independent and Daily Telegraph newspapers, it’s now been hailed as one of the best eight in the UK by the Redonline website.

Colin’s contribution as the chair of the festival committee has been celebrated with a painting of him in a mural on the side of the Llangollen pavilion where the event is held every October.

A native of Wrexham, Colin ran a wine distribution company called Whitehouse Wines in Coedpoeth before going into business with Lorraine Hughes.

They bought an existing company called Megan’s Kitchen which makes Welsh Cakes.
Lorraine continued to run the business after Colin retired five years ago, before stepping down as festival committee chair in 2016.

She said: “Colin was a force of nature and an irreplaceable character but his legacy will live on in the form of Llangollen Food Festival which he was instrumental in saving and ensuring that it thrived and prospered.

“So much so, that the festival has now received another accolade from the Redonline website and been hailed as one of the best eight food festivals in the UK.”

The eulogy at the funeral was delivered by long-time friend Bob Jaques who is also the treasurer of the food festival committee.

Bob said: “After Colin moved to Llangollen he quickly became a well-loved member of the community and, when the organiser of the Llangollen Festival withdrew, Colin formed a committee of friends to continue the event.

“He became Chairman and the committee successfully took over the running of this annual event for many years, which very soon became one of the top ten Food Festivals in the UK.

“He eventually resigned as Chair but very soon was persuaded to return to the committee in order that his vast knowledge and experience should not be lost.

“Away from work Colin enjoyed all types of sport including rugby, motor racing and sailing.  He was a member and played for Wrexham Rugby Club and made many lifelong friends. 

“Colin was an enthusiastic member of Llangollen Round Table and willingly took part in fund raising events, Father Christmas float, raft races, jazz evenings, barbeques, trips on the river and French wine runs.

“He joined some colleagues from Table who had started a project to build a canal boat specially adapted for people with disabilities which became the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust.

“This first boat, Myfanwy, was built by apprentices at Camel Lairds shipyard and provided memorable days out for thousands.

“Many years and three boats later the Trust is currently building a new boat which will be launched in the Summer and today, donations in memory of Colin will go towards buying a defibrillator for this new boat.

“We will all, I know, have many memories of Col, his love of wine, his love of cars, particularly his Triumph Vitesse which is parked outside this afternoon thanks to its proud new owner Brian Owen.

After the service, fellow committee member Pip Gale, of Gales Wine Bar and Hotel, added: “Colin was hugely popular and so well respected so his passing came as a huge shock to us all.

“Quite simply, the food festival would not exist today were it not for the enthusiasm and leadership shown by Colin.

“He is a massive loss to the town of Llangollen in general and the food festival in particular but he will always be remembered with great fondness.”