Councillors "angry" at youth centre development suggestion

* County Cllr Graham Timms outside Llangollen Youth Centre.

* ... and with the council documents including it in the list of candidate sites.

Llangollen’s two county councillors are “surprised and angry” that the town’s youth centre and football field have been included in a list of possible development sites by council officers.

And he claims that most of the sites are likely to be rejected anyway as Llangollen “could not stand” the amount of development proposed.

llanblogger recently revealed the 11 sites which have been put forward as candidates for inclusion in Denbighshire’s next Local Development Plan (LDP) for possible housing development.

Among them are the land occupied by the youth centre and nearby football field.

But Cllr Graham Timms said: “Cllr Melvyn Mile and myself were surprised and angry that the youth club and football field has been put forward by Denbighshire for consideration as a housing development.

“The county department responsible had not even told us as councillors what they were up to.

“We have written to the Chief Executive to ask for the removal of this land, but at the moment it is still on the list.

“I urge residents who agree with us about saving the youth club site and football pitch for public use to send in a response to the consultation.”

Cllr Timms added: “There was a ‘call for sites’ for development earlier this year and 11 sites were proposed in Llangollen.

“All but one of the proposals were for housing - the most lucrative way to increase land value.

“Many of the sites are likely to be rejected for a range of reasons, not least because Llangollen could not stand anywhere near that amount of development.

“There's been a lot of discussion about the sites proposed by landowners but only those who make a formal submission will be considered by Denbighshire.

“Making comments on Facebook or any social media will not count. I am urging residents to respond either by email or by using the forms available at Llangollen Library or on Denbighshire's website.

“The easiest way is to write an email to planningpolicy@denbighshire.gov.uk. It must contain your name, the sites you want to make a comment about and your contact details. Your name and comments will be made public but your contact details will not. 

“I encourage residents to send in their comments over the next two weeks as the consultation ends on Friday August 30.

“The Llangollen Library staff are very helpful and will guide you to the information you require. People would be surprised at how few responses are often received in consultations, but their effect is certainly worth the time taken in submitting a response.”

 * The 11 candidate sites for development in Llangollen.

Cllr Timms has outlined some more detailed information on how to respond.

If people only want to make comments on the candidate sites only, the easiest way is to email the county at planningpolicy@denbighshire.gov.uk.

They only need to include the following:

- Their name, which will be published in the public domain.

- The site to which they are referring - use the reference number or make it clear (eg. the Llangollen Youth Club site), and their comment about the site. This will also be published.

- Their contact details, either an email address, their home address or a contact phone number. Contact details will not be published. 

If they wish to be updated about the next stages of the LDP and if they wish to be contacted in Welsh or English this should also be included in the email. 

Anyone wishing to make a more detailed response would probably find it easier to respond using the online form or the printed form in the library.

All the documents for the consultation are online https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/447 or at the Llangollen Library. 

The 11 sites in Llangollen are here: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/planning-and-building-regulations/local-development-plan/replacement-ldp/candidate-site-maps/Llangollen.pdf

The response form, if people want to use it, is here: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/planning-and-building-regulations/local-development-plan/replacement-ldp/documents/consultation-form-draft-preferred-strategy-v2.docx The library has copies too.

The online response form (https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/kms/elab.aspx?CampaignId=614&noip=1&SessionId=MD4E547RWG) has all aspects covered. Only q15 and 16 refer to the candidate sites. Q19 and 20 need to be partially filled in too. 

Cllr Timms said: “You can see why people don't respond to these consultations. It seems so complex that they give up before they have even started. The email response or a visit to the library seem the easiest way for most people.”

MP calls for Parliament to be recalled in "national emergency"

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) has signed a letter calling on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to recall Parliament.

“We face a national emergency,” she said. 

“We now know the Government in its own documentation is admitting a no-deal Brexit would cause food, fuel and medicine shortages but Boris Johnson is doing everything he can to avoid being questioned by MPs. 

"Parliament should always be recalled at times of national significance, indeed in the past it’s even been recalled to pay tributes to a deceased Prime Minister. If Boris Johnson is a democrat, he has nothing to fear in coming to Parliament. He should not hide away.”

More than 100 MPs, representing all parties except the Democratic Unionist Party, have signed the letter to the Prime Minister. 

The letter also calls for Parliament to be in session until October 31 - the day earmarked for Brexit - with no autumn recess.

* For the full text of the letter, see: https://twitter.com/susanelanjones/status/1162851383491682304?s=21

Skills blossom at gardening club's open show

Llangollen and District Gardening Club held its annual open summer show at the RAFA Club yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.

The show was officially opened by town councillor Sheena Grindley and prizes were presented by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Issy Richards.

Below are pictures taken at the event for llanblogger ...

* Prizes on offer at the show.

* Here and on pictures below, the colourful range of exhibits ...

* Cllr Grindley opens the show.

* Cllr Richards presents a prize to club chair Jude Williams.

* Section winner Jane Jones receives her prize from Cllr Richards.

* The list of classes available at the show and details of the club.

Plas Newydd features on Japanese TV travel show

* The cafe at Plas Newydd.

A chef has been busy introducing Japan to the delights of Welsh cuisine in Llangollen.

Steve Thomas, who runs the tea rooms at Plas Newydd is being featured in a Japanese TV travel programme about Wales.

“It’s a long running show which over the years has filmed across the world,” explained Steve. 

“With the Rugby World Cup being hosted by Japan this September they have been filming attractions in Wales and one of the things they wanted to include was our traditional food.”

The TV crew was interviewing people at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod when they were told a visit to see Steve at work in the Plas Newydd kitchens would be highly recommended.

“They phoned up to ask if they could come over here. We made them welcome and I presented two dishes. One was lamb cawl and the other was chicken with leeks in a tarragon sauce,” said Steve.

“The crew tried them both and were most enthusiastic, the meals went down well. So much so that afterwards they even bought scones and Welsh cakes to tuck into for the journey back.” 

July has proved to be packed full of activities for Plas Newydd. One of the major events was acting as the host venue for the launch of a mobile phone app promoting the Welsh language and heritage to hikers and walkers. It works by highlighting the original place names and area’s history to the devices’ owners.

Plas Newydd was delighted to be one of the sites used by this year's Llangollen Fringe Festival to perform a laughter-filled production. 

The museum’s picturesque grounds were also the backdrop for a special artistic day entitled The Big Draw – where budding artists could come together as a group and commit the beautiful landscape to paper.

With the summer holidays in mind a number of local venues, including Plas Newydd, have joined together to offer 10 Things To Do In The Dee Valley. 

The project celebrates the 10th anniversary of the inscription of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal as a World Heritage Site and is designed to give families plenty to do as they enjoy getting out and about.

Participants are able to take part in a fresh challenge at each host destination. At Plas Newydd they can tackle a meticulously-laid trail, using just a special map for clues as they track down a series of objects placed throughout the grounds.

And there’s been a great response to an environmentally friendly initiative at Plas Newydd. The site has started to grow its own plants in a specially built poly-tunnel using organic peat-free compost.

Some of the plants are to be used in the grounds to increase the flowering period with others being made available for sale to the public.

“There are been a great deal of interest in this, which is very pleasing,” said Plas Newydd gardener Neil Rowlands.

Woman dies after being injured in Castle Street collision

* Police closed Castle Street following yesterday's fatal collision.

The pedestrian who was in a collision with a car in Llangollen yesterday has sadly died, according to North Wales Police.

In statement issued this morning they say: "The incident, involving a black Kia car and a local woman, happened in Castle Street at around 9.40am yesterday morning, August 15.

"The woman was flown to hospital in Stoke where she died as a result of her injuries.

"Her next of kin have been informed and investigations are on-going."

* Sgt Nicky Grimes Williams said: "Our thoughts are with the lady's family. I am appealing for any witnesses or any one who may have dash cam to come forward and call 101 quoting reference X117649."

“Camp fire” cuisine inspires new generation of explorers

* James Kendall with a tinder nest.

A nature-loving duo will be inspiring families to embrace their “inner wildness” and help beat stress with “camp fire” cooking at a top food festival.

Forest school and bushcraft experts James and Lea Kendall will be hosting interactive cooking workshops throughout this year’s Llangollen Food Festival to reconnect parents and children with nature to boost their mental wellbeing.

The couple, who run the highly successful Woodland Classroom in Wrexham, will be unlocking the gastronomic secrets hidden in Wales’ hedgerows and forests and creating a range of mouth-watering treats during the festival, which takes place on October 19 and 20. 

Children will get the chance to toast popcorn over the camp fire and make hedgerow tea, toffee apple slices, hazel chocolate parcels and hedgerow crumble from freshly foraged berries and other herbs and plants on site.

Parents, meanwhile, will be introduced to “weeds for wellbeing” and will learn about the medicinal benefits of a host of garden herbs and plants - as well as the joys of “hunting and gathering” as a family.

James, 39, who has featured in a BBC news programme about the benefits of woodland adventure for mental health, alongside wife Lea, said: “Children absolutely love being outdoors. They always have and usually they don’t need to be pushed. It’s what they’re supposed to do.

“There are the obvious benefits of good bacteria and sunlight but it’s also about developing a love for nature and an appreciation for the outdoors so that we raise children who love nature and will look after it.

“There’s much more awareness now about the impact of human activity with documentaries such as ‘Blue Planet’ highlighting the plastics in our oceans. People are also thinking of mental health and wellbeing more.

“Now is the perfect time for bush craft and forest school.  People understand the benefits of being outdoors and reconnecting with nature.

“It’s our first time at this particular festival but we’re really looking forward to it.”

James and Lea, who live near Wrexham, host courses on foraging, wilderness cooking, bushcraft and outdoor survival skills. They are also trained Forest School leaders and work in primary schools across North Wales.

James is a qualified bushcraft instructor and previously managed the Long Wood Community Woodland, the largest community-owned woodland in Wales, overseeing the management of 300 acres of broadleaf and conifer forest.

Lea, who formerly worked as a learning mentor in a primary school, is a qualified counsellor and practitioner of mindfulness in a woodland setting and also hosts “circus workshops” for young people.

During the festival, families will learn the art of wilderness cooking and will have the opportunity of baking bread in a traditional Dutch outdoor oven as well as learning how to safely light and manage a camp fire and transform seasonal fruits and berries into tasty treats.

“We all have to eat. It’s a universal thing we all have in common. There’s so much food in the hedgerows and woods. Part of our aim is to teach people how to forage responsibly,” said James.

“What’s amazing is that if kids burn the food that they’ve cooked, they’ll still wolf it down and say it’s the best thing they’ve ever tasted. That wouldn’t happen around the dining table.

“They make a connection with the food and have ownership. It’s very rewarding work and we really enjoy it.”

For parents and adults, Lea will be sharing her knowledge of herbs, weeds and plants and their inherent medicinal qualities including dandelions which are renowned for detoxing the liver and camomile which provides stress relief.

“For years we’ve been brought up to believe hawthorn is poisonous but it’s actually a really good heart tonic and lowers or increases blood pressure, depending on what’s needed,” said Lea.

“Anything which is nutritious for the body is good for the gut and this is instrumental in improving mental health.

“The gut produces 90% of the serotonin in our bodies, which is the happy hormone, so if we are eating a bad diet and suffering from stress and depression we have to recognise the link there.

“Very often we can buy vegetables from the supermarket which are much depleted in the nutrients they should contain. One of the best ways to increase the good bacteria in the gut is to go wild and forage to boost your health.

“It’s so accessible to all of us. You can literally open your back door and go out and you’ll find nutritious berries and herbs which will increase your overall health and act as a preventative medicine. They are also completely free and engage your ancient hunter gather brain.

“Foraging is something everyone can do. It can bring families together and it’s great mentally and physically.”

The workshops are part of a packed programme of live cookery events for families over the two-day festival, which takes place at the  International Pavilion, Llangollen.

Edible slime-making, C02 rocket building and pizza designing are also on the menu as part of science-inspired cookery workshops delivered by Kiddy Cook.

The business, founded by former BBC Radio Leicester presenter turned marketing expert Nikki Geddes, has become a national success since launching 15 years ago from Nikki’s kitchen - and now boasts 13 franchisees across England and South Wales. 

“I used to cook with my daughter all the time when she was younger,” explained Nikki, 48, who delivers her cookery lessons in schools, festivals, and at other public events.

“I came up with the idea of doing workshops and they just took off because there was nothing like it. It was just the right time.”

At Llangollen, her sessions will include ‘Fizz! Bang! Wallop’ where children will discover how Co2 makes dough rise with bread bubble bombs and carbon dioxide rockets and ‘Bonkers Bacteria!’ which is an interactive session about hygiene and germ prevention.

“Our core principles are eating well and being active and if you’re doing those things you have a better chance of maintaining good mental health and being fit and strong,” said Nikki, from Hale, who has an 18-year-old daughter and son aged 15.

“We teach children practical skills like how to read food labels, how to reduce the sugar they are eating, being good global citizens and eating responsibly.

“But we are really passionate about inspiring young children to have fun with food and helping them to make informed choices to have a healthy lifestyle.

“We don’t want children to be frightened by food. If they’re allowed to be creative and taste as they go along they will be more inclined to try what they have made.”

* For more information about the Llangollen International Food Festival please visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Top tips on clearing from Glyndwr University experts

Students who are considering their next step after results day have been given some key tips by experts at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

With A Level results being released today, the Admissions and Enquiries team at Wrexham Glyndwr University are set to be talking to potential students from across the UK about their options among the vast range of undergraduate degree courses being offered at Wrexham Glyndwr University. 

The team will also be on hand at this weekend’s Open Day, on Saturday August 17, and at the next Open Day on Saturday September 7, to advise potential students about their next steps.

Admissions and Enquiries Manager, Andy Phillips, said: “It has been a busy day today and it will continue to be busy in the days following results day.  We have places available on a wide range of courses, from Accounting and Finance to Youth and Community Work.

“We expect a good turnout at our Open Day this Saturday from people who want to start with us in September, and the conversations we have on results day will all be geared towards getting people to come and visit us and see what we’re all about before making their mind up.”

Andy also set out some top tips for students who are looking at university study – and trying to work out the best way to approach universities now that they have their results.

He said:  “One of the key pieces I would give potential students is to have their results to hand – and to be prepared to contact us themselves. While that might seem obvious, we can find ourselves speaking to someone acting on behalf of a potential student – but we do need to speak to them directly. Though that can seem daunting, there are so many ways to get in touch now that it doesn’t have to be a scary initial telephone call – students can reach us via email, webchat, Twitter, Facebook and so on nowadays too!

“However they get in touch, we do want to know about students’ qualifications so suggest having them to hand – write down your A levels, your GCSE results and any other qualifications so they are all in one place to refer to.

“Finally, we always to suggest to students they research what they want from university – not only academically but also in terms of campus life, accommodation, travel and more. 

“At Wrexham Glyndwr University, we are confident students will enjoy studying with us, and if we make an offer on results day, it’s not a 24 hour deadline, it’s valid until the end of August. This is a big step – we want you to have time to make the right decision.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s clearing hotline is on 01978 293439 and prospective students can also find out more at: https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/clearing2019/ 

Students wishing to find out more about studying at Wrexham Glyndwr University, to meet key academics from the Vice-Chancellor down, and to take part in a wide range of fascinating experiences can also do so at one of the university’s Open Days.

To find out more, visit: wgu.ac.uk/openday