Eisteddfod singer proves a hit Down Under

Jodi Bird (pictured) who won International Voice of Musical Theatre 2019 at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this year flew to Australia last week to perform as part of her prize.

The 21-year-old from Penarth sang on the stage of the Royal International Pavilion and won the prestigious global title plus, £1,500 prize money and the opportunity to perform at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

Jodi travelled  ‘down under’ with her dad, Frank to take part in the Gold Coast Musicale which showcased an array of specially selected music, dance and vocal performances. 

The all-expenses-paid trip was funded by the Gold Coast Eisteddfod to promote international harmony and to acknowledge the outstanding musical talent showcased in Llangollen.

Jodi wowed the audience with two songs from musical theatre - Don’t Rain On My Parade from Funny Girl and I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables. 

She then returned to the stage to conclude her Australian stage debut with two powerful solos, Defying Gravity from Wicked and Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina from Evita.

Jodi said: “It has been such an honour to represent Wales on an international level. I am so grateful for the opportunity to perform some of my favourite musical theatre solos at the Musicale and I hope people enjoyed the evening.”

The Gold Coast Eisteddfod features over 70,000 singers and dancers, 330 bands and orchestras, 175 choirs, almost 1,500 dance groups and over 3,000 solo dancers. The festival provides fantastic opportunities for young performers from around the world, including Jodi Bird, in a friendly and lively atmosphere.

Judith Ferber, the Gold Coast Eisteddfod’s General Manager, said: “We thoroughly enjoy providing the opportunity for international performers to present their talent at our Eisteddfod.

“Jodi’s performances were fantastic and a great addition to our Musicale. We’re so pleased she won at Llangollen and was given the chance to sing here.”

Llangollen Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director, Dr Edward Rhys-Harry, said: “Every year we welcome the world to Wales and it is wonderful that Jodi has the chance to share with the world her incredible singing talent.

“Jodi gave a beautifully strong performance in Llangollen for International Voice of Musical Theatre this year. We’re very pleased to hear she’s enjoying her time at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

“Achieving this renowned accolade and having the opportunity to perform internationally inspires exciting musical careers. We’re delighted to give individuals the chance to showcase their talent in Llangollen and with our friends in Australia.”

AM slams bogus holiday let claims

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood (pictured) has called for the Welsh Government to ensure that a hard line is taken on property owners who falsely claim they are providing a holiday let.

Questioning the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans AM, on how the Welsh Government ensures that second home owners pay council tax, Mr Isherwood emphasised the need for routine checks to be carried out on claimed self-catering properties.       

Speaking in Chamber, Mr Isherwood, who in a debate in the Welsh Parliament on the same day raised  concerns that Welsh Government legislation on second homes is costing North Wales “millions”, said: “As you know, the Non-Domestic Rating (Wales) Order specifies the terms, 140 days' availability, 70 days' occupancy, in order to qualify as a self-catering business. And you referred to the gate-keeping role played by the Valuation Office Agency and the documentation they require, and that they'd investigated a few cases referred by Gwynedd.

“But what tripwire is in place within the system to ensure that the Valuation Office is routinely investigating and checking at least a sample of claimed self-catering properties to ensure that they are what they claim to be, whilst also recognising that the terms the Welsh Government implemented were a compromise with the tourism industry to protect legitimate businesses?”

In her response the Minister said: “If local authorities particularly have any concerns about any property at all, they should draw it to the attention of the Valuation Office Agency and they will assess it in detail. Actually, any attempt to mislead an authority or the VOA, or knowingly provide false or inaccurate information, could lead to prosecution for fraud. So, seeking to avoid or evade paying tax in that way is extremely serious”.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Isherwood added: ““Rather than hitting law-abiding small businesses and property owners, action should be focused on any property owners who falsely claim that they are providing a holiday let, hitting them in the pocket and in the Courts."  

Three Eagles shortlisted in tourism awards

Llangollen restaurant the Three Eagles has been shortlisted for 2019’s Go North Wales Tourism Awards in the category of ‘Best Place to Eat’.

The awards, now in their fourth year – were created to celebrate and recognise excellence in the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors. 

They aim to showcase and celebrate the achievements, hard work and dedication of those working in the industry.

Opening in December 2018 following an extensive building renovation, the Three Eagles has established itself as Trip Advisor’s number one restaurant in Llangollen.

Featuring the culinary talents of executive chef Adam Gaunt-Evans, who himself recently featured on BBC 1’s “Gareth’s Great Welsh Adventure”, the venue has been garnering healthy reviews for its quality, seasonal food offerings and popular cocktails.

Director Tracey Owen explained how being shortlisted for this award is testament to the incredibly hard work of the entire Three Eagles team.

“We are all so delighted to be shortlisted for this award and we really hope we can go on to win. We are working hard to ensure that this is North Wales’s best place to eat so to be recognised for that, it would be such a great achievement”, said Tracey.

“Our chef Adam and his kitchen team have developed a range of exciting menus which guests really seem to love. But when you visit the Three Eagles, it’s not just the food that’s worth shouting about. We ensure that excellent service provided to customers is a priority and all of our front of house staff must take credit for the way that they look after our guests.” 

Winners of the Go North Wales Tourism Awards will be announced on Thursday November 14 November at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Bikers launch 2019 Poppy Appeal in Llan

* Bikers gather for the Centenary Square ceremony.

Against the backdrop of more than 80 steel poppies bought with donations from local businesses, a large group of bikers gathered to launch the latest Poppy Appeal in Centenary Square this morning.

More than 40 motorcyclists, many of them forces veterans, stopped off in Llangollen during their 180-mile ride from Wrexham to Llandudno marking the start of the Royal British Legion's 2019 fundraising campaign.

Alongside the local Legion branch they took part in the traditional Service of Remembrance led by Llangollen vicar, Father Lee Taylor, which included the sounding of Last Post and Reveille and the observation of the minute’s silence leading up to 11am.

* Father Lee Taylor leads the service in front of the war memorial.

* A biker bugler sounds Last Post.

* Veterans organisation representatives lower the standards in salute to the fallen.

* A poppy wreath laid on the war memorial.

Collen Players present great old time music hall

* The cast says farewell at the end of the show.

A packed audience of around 100 were transported back in time from the sedate St Collen’s Church Hall in 2019 to a rumbustious Victorian music hall in 1891 yesterday evening.

In charge of this enjoyable piece of time travel was the hall chairman, a man who looked remarkably like the vicar, Father Lee Taylor – apart from the frock coat, top hat and saucy introductions to some of the acts in the manner of the era.

Father Lee is actually an aficionado of this form of vintage entertainment and recently put together a group of amateur entertainers named The Collen Players to present this very first Llangollen music hall.

And what they produced was, as the verbose chairmen used to say on the halls, a veritable cornucopia of chorusing and general carousing.

The audience, many of whom had gotten into the spirit of things by donning Victorian costume, warmed up with a quick rendition of Let’s All Go to the Music Hall before the main entertainment began, mostly accompanied on the pianoforte by Owen Roberts.

First up was Clare Wall with a lively version of Daisy, Daisy and Hold Your Hand Out ... and then onto the stage bounced Julie Thomas and Gethin Davies attired as gentlemen of the road to do the delightful double-hander We’re a Couple of Swells.

More light-hearted old favourites like The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo came from Mike Connolly who re-appeared later on the bill to present the very moving Keep the Home Fires Burning as part of a World War One selection.

Next up was Phil Robinson to get the crowd joining in with Champagne Charlie and the Spaniard That Blighted My Life.

Gethin Davies was back with a couple of comedy recitations including The Lion and Albert accompanied on the piano by his wife Eulanwy.

Clare Wall returned for more cheeky comedy ditties such as Under the Bed.

Dyfed Thomas rounded of the first half of the packed programme with laugh-alongs like the Black Pudding Song, spiced up with a Max Wall tribute by someone who looked suspiciously like his wife Julie.

The second half saw songs from a later period such as Adelaide’s Lament from Lizzie Clifford and a sing-along World War Two selection from Jennifer Rose.

There were also more knock-about comedy pieces from the Thomases, including the marvellously observed Chicken, and even a funny little song entitled Tom Walks Out With Mary from the Chairman/Vicar before the whole cast thronged the stage to say farewell in the traditional style with Down at the Old Bull and Bush, with which the audience joined in with gusto.

Father Lee has promised more shows from The Collen Players, the next one of which will be a Christmas production. If they all go down as well as this one Llangollen is in for a treat.  

* All pictures by Jeanette Robinson.

* Clare Wall does Daisy, Daisy ...

* Julie Thomas and Gethin Davies are a Couple of Swells.

* Phil Robinson says cheers to Champagne Charlie.

* Dyfed Thomas in northern comedian mode.

* Father Lee Taylor in the chair.

* Lizzie Clifford sings a number from Guys & Dolls.

* The Thomases play Chicken.

* Jennifer Rose with her wartime selection.

* Mike Connolly sings the moving Keep The Home Fires Burning.

* Owen Roberts at the piano.

* Saying farewell with a song.

2020 wants your reactions to Llan parking plans

The creation of a central parking zone for town centre residents for which they need to buy passes, a new parking area for business owners and workers at Ysgol Dinas Bran at weekends and holiday periods, free 30-minute stopping for visitors and the remodelling of Market Street car park for coaches.

These moves all feature is a package of possible solutions to ease Llangollen’s parking problems just put forward by the 2020 working group in its latest draft report and which has now gone out for public consultation. 

The report does not make any mention of the controversial subject of on-street parking in Castle Street.

However, Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms, who chairs the working group, said: "We have assumed that the Llangollen 2020 report is accepted with the removal of all parking, except the two loading bays above and below Market Street. This is compensated for by free parking for all for 30 minutes in all car parks and roads."

  

Given its importance, the major part of the 2020 report is reproduced here by llanblogger.

Formal responses from the local public can be passed on via ....

1. The online survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BCDT5KK  

2. Feedback slips available through Llangollen Library 

3. Via a Facebook Live session on Tuesday November 12 at 8pm 

Llangollen 2020

Parking Solutions

Published: 14th October 2019 (Sixth Draft) 

Authors: Cllr Graham Timms (Denbighshire County Council), Cllr Melvyn Mile (Denbighshire County Council), Robyn Lovelock, Tony Baker.  Reviewed by: Mike Jones, Denbighshire County Council, Traffic, Parking and Road Safety Manager

Background

The Llangollen 2020 working group received the final report from Arcadis Consulting during February 2019.

It was commissioned by Cadwyn Clwyd with matched funding from Llangollen Town Council, Denbighshire County Council and the AONB.

The report contains suggestions on how to ease pressures on parking in the centre of Llangollen. It also has more detailed suggestions on how to help to increase traffic flow while helping to create a place that is better to live, work and visit.

In discussion with Denbighshire County Council Highways, the Llangollen 2020 working group has developed the proposals contained in this document.  We believe these proposals will help to relieve some of the traffic pressure within the town and help alleviate some of the congestion caused by the traffic ‘churn’ as people drive around the town’s streets looking for parking.

Important developments to be aware of 

The following are projects being implemented by DCC which have implications for parking within the town:

 Ticket Machines: DCC has introduced new ticket machines in all DCC car parks and streets where charges are made. These machines can accept cash and card payments using contactless technology.

 Parking Apps: DCC has recently introduced a parking app throughout the county where users can pay parking fees using their smart phones.

 Electric car charging points: DCC is also planning a programme to introduce electric car charging points to meet increasing demand from both residents and visitors.

Residents with private parking should also be aware that, if they wish, they can ‘hire out’ their private parking spaces online via sites such as www.yourparkingspace.co.uk or www.justpark.com. Visitors increasingly check such sites if they are planning visits to somewhere new and/or struggling to find a public parking space.

Parking needs of different populations 

The parking needs within the town fall into six categories:

o Residents Parking

o Pop and Shop Parking

o Business and Workers Parking

o Visitor Parking

o Coaches

o People with disabilities

Residents’ parking: Many residents living in the town centre do not have parking provision on their own properties and so there is a need for parking either on the streets nearby their homes or in public car parks. The peak demand by this group is outside working hours. Overnight parking is required by almost everyone. Many also need parking during the day on weekends.

Pop and Shop parking: This group is typically made up of people who live on the outskirts of the town or within a few miles radius who come into the town during the day for short visits to shop or socialise. Typically they only stay for a short while and would avoid visiting the town centre during busy weekends and the peak times for tourist visitors.

Business and Workers’ parking: There are about 90 - 130 people who come into the town in a car during the working day, with numbers varying by season. An estimated 70% of these (60% in peak season) work in shops or businesses open between 9am and 5pm. The remaining 30% (40% in peak season) work shifts in restaurants or hotels in the town centre and may require parking outside of these hours either starting early or finishing late. They typically park for long periods and ideally want to park close to where they work and feel safe walking to/from their vehicles late at night.

Visitor Parking: The parking needs of visitors depend on the length of time that they stay in the area and their mode of transport. Many visitors come for a short while (less than 2 hours) and would typically park in the centre of the town and visit the main areas around Castle Street. Others want to park in town and walk around all day, either in or near town or out on the hills, coming back into town for a meal or drink at the end of the day.

Visitors who stay overnight require a safe place to park nearby their place of stay and may also leave their car in the town during the day too.

Coach parking: A large number of coaches visit the town. Most coaches park in Market Street Car Park, with customers who visit the public toilets and possibly a café for a drink. The majority only stay for a short while, typically 1-2 hours.

People with disabilities: There are currently 19 spaces designated for blue badge holders in Llangollen town centre car parks with Castle Street often used for its immediate access to shops. 

Working group proposals 

1. Residents 

Current situation:  Residents of Oak Street, Chapel Street, Church Street, Bridge Street and Hall Street have special parking permits that allow them to park neat their houses at a cost of £25 per year. Residents in these streets can also purchase tickets costing 50p each for visitors which allows all-day parking on their street.

All other residents do not have any special arrangements and have to pay to park in car parks or find a place on the remaining streets. On-street parking is currently free on all streets but many streets have parking restrictions for 30 minutes or 1 hour during the day. Other streets have completely unrestricted parking. 

Aim: to increase availability and convenience of parking for town centre residents

Suggestion: Designate a central parking zone for the town which includes all streets in the centre of the town. Residents of the designated area can purchase a residents pass to allow them to park cars (not motorhomes) anywhere within the zone. There would be no restrictions on the length of time or the time of day. A residents’ pass would cost around £50 for the first car and £100 (same as DCC pass) for a second pass. The pass would provide unrestricted parking in all on-road parking areas and all car parks within the zone. This would mean that all residents in the zone have equal rights to park close to their homes within the town.  The 50p visitors permits for residents would be discontinued. Residents can buy a 24 hour permit for £2.50 for visitors who can then park on any street or car park for the whole day.

To include Market Street, up Hill Street to the junction with Aber Adda, bottom of Brook Street; only southern side of Llangollen.

Note: Residents should use on-street car parking where possible, car parks as a back up

Benefits 

 Prioritises parking for town centre residents over visitors

 Increases total number of spaces available for town centre residents to park (on street and car parks)

 Removes pressure on residents to move car early in the morning

 Church Street is an access only zone - only residents of Church Street allowed.

 Encourages lower car ownership for environmental reasons (reduced emissions) 

Compromises

 Town Centre residents parking charge of approx. £50 per year (14p per day) for first car or £100 (28p per day) for second car.

 Temporary permits for residents’ visitors costing 50p would be discontinued.

 A new day pass would be available for visitors to park on any road or car park for £2.50 for the day.

 Permits issued for maximum of two cars per household.

* Suggested Central Parking Zone.

2. Businesses and Workers (who live outside the town centre) 

Current situation: Many workers and businesses have purchased a Denbighshire Car Parks Long Stay Pass which allows free parking on all DCC long stay car parks. Market Street and East Street car parks are the only town centre car parks where DCC allows long-stay parking with this pass. The effect of this exception has been that many workers and businesses use Market Street to park all day on a regular basis. Since they arrive early in the morning there are plenty of spaces to park. However, staying for the whole day means that this car park caters for many long stay vehicles, resulting in those spaces being unavailable for short stay parking. It is often full by 11am on busy days. While this helps those who work in the town it causes congestion and traffic churn on the streets as visitors search for spaces around the outskirts of the town. This problem is particularly noticeable during peak periods.

Aim: to help local businesses thrive by increasing convenient parking for customers to easily access their businesses

Suggestions:  

1. Maintain the long-stay parking at higher rate (£7) in Market and East Street car parks but long stay DCC permits will not be valid on weekends and bank holidays and throughout the school summer holiday in July and August between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

2. During these periods, businesses and workers should use their Denbighshire longstay pass at designated parking at Ysgol Dinas Bran, or outer car parks - Ponsonby Arms, Pavilion, Hall Street, Brook Street. Other options - St. Collen’s Hall (charge), Health Centre parking (weekend only).

3. DCC will agree terms with Ysgol Dinas Bran for provision of long stay parking for business workers with long stay DCC passes during weekends, bank holidays and the school summer holiday.

Local businesses will also be supported to explore private parking arrangements with privately owned parking spaces nearby.

Benefits 

 Majority of the year, business owners and workers would be able to use Market Street and East Street car parks

 More spaces available for business customers to pop & shop, access cafes, restaurants etc. increasing dwell time and turnover.

 Increased parking provided for businesses at Ysgol Dinas Bran at weekends, bank holidays and during school summer holidays.

 Air quality & well-being will be improved with people being encouraged to walk, share transport etc.

 With option to park at Ysgol Dinas Bran, parking spaces for businesses will be increased by 100 spaces reducing time owners and workers spend looking for parking spaces.

Compromises

 Annual long stay parking permit required for those working in the town (currently  £104.34 per year)

 Owners and workers would have walk 510 minutes (compared with current 3-5 minutes) to reach their place of work – promoting routine physical activity in line with the Well-Being of Future Generations Act.

3. Pop and Shop 

Current situation: These users often park on the streets in 30 minute or 1 hour restricted parking, sometimes having to pay for short stay parking in the centre of the town.

Aim: To maximise ease of quick shopping trips into town centre and access to local businesses.

Suggestions:  

 First 30 minutes free on all streets and car parks to encourage quick and easy visits into town

 One hour parking option on streets, payable by app, at same rate as in car parks

 In the car parks, you can either buy a ticket or register via the app.

 We will also explore a low-tech solution for 30 minutes parking e.g. tickets for self-completion, a dial like for blue badge holders; or just writing time on scrap paper.

Note:   Training sessions for residents to learn how to download and use the app would be provided.

 For people who don’t have access to the app, local shop keepers could be encouraged to help (e.g. purchasing the permit on their app, if the person parking isn’t able or doesn’t have a smartphone)

Benefits 

 Free parking for 30 minutes on streets and in car parks will encourage quick and easy visits to town businesses

 One hour parking on streets (payable via app) will facilitate quick visits into town for local shoppers while maximising availability of on-street parking for town centre residents

Compromises 

 Local residents will need to download the parking app (support / training would be provided)

4. Visitors 

Current situation: The car parks can be used at standard rates for parking within the town centre (30p for 30 mins, £1 for 1hr, £1.50 for 3h, £3.50 all day2). On-street parking is currently free on many streets, is completely unrestricted on some, and is restricted to 30 minutes or 1 hour during the day on others.

Aim: to encourage short stay visitors to park in Market Street or East Street car parks, ensuring regular turnover of parking spaces, and long stay visitors to park in outer car parks (Ponsonby, Pavilion, Hall Street)

Suggestions:  

1. As per Pop & Shop, Visitors can access first 30 minutes free on street and in car parks to encourage quick and easy visits into town

2. Visitors can park on the streets for up to 1 hour during the day (paying by app) or in car parks (paying by app or using the machines)

3. Visitors can stay in Market Street and East Street car parks for up to 7 hours (paying by app or using the machines) – paying £7 for all day parking

4. Separate parking arrangements are being confirmed with Llangollen Railway to ensure railway visitors have separate parking provision.

5. Businesses needing to manage customers’ parking will be able to apply for tickets costing £2.50 each which will allow all-day parking on any street or car park.

6. Pay and Display parking at Ysgol Dinas Bran would be available on weekends, holidays and throughout August (70 spaces, plus 28 outside the Edwardian block that would only be available to businesses) – however, these would not be signposted and would typically only be used by businesses, local residents and railway visitors by arrangement.

Notes:

 Llangollen Railway to provide parking for each major event parking inside Llangollen Pavilion (or other suitable site e.g. Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llandyn Farm fields, Wenffrwd), selling parking ticket when tickets are purchased online and exploring options for park & ride (e.g. via South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Corwen, Pontcysyllte).

 The new electronic sign outside the railway entrance could be used to provide guidance on parking for railway customers on busy days/weekends.                                             

Benefits 

 Prioritises on-street parking for town centre residents (who can stay in a space all day or access easily after 5pm once 1h parking expires)

 Increases total amount of day time parking, encouraging visitors to use car parks but providing overflow on busy days

 Businesses with customers needing parking will be able to apply for a day permit that is equivalent to residents’ parking 

 Reduces signage required to car parks

Compromise

 Businesses will need to pay for customers parking (£2.50 per day,which they could pass on to customers).

5. Coaches & Buses 

Current situation: 13 tourist coaches can currently park in Market Street Car Park at no charge, although coaches usually only use one line of parking (up to 9 spaces). At weekends during peak months there is usually one line of coaches, with overspill onto Market Street (parking on double yellow lines outside the toilet blocks). Other coaches also do drop off / pick-ups while parked on the double yellow lines outside the Railway Station and up Wharf Hill / Dinbren Road. Scheduled buses (Arriva, Llew Jones Coaches and Tanat Valley Coaches) currently pick-up / drop-off at the Parade Street bus stops, with request stops also at the bottom of Wharf Hill and opposite the Health Centre. The X5 bus currently does a pick up from the Llangollen Pavilion weekdays at around 4pm to collect students from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Long-term aim: To provide drop off / pick up facilities in Llangollen Town Centre that are convenient for visitors and to provide attractive waiting areas for coaches while they are waiting. To minimise travel of scheduled bus services through Llangollen Town Centre.

Suggestions for scheduled bus services:

Service 5 (to and from Wrexham) to drop off at bottom of Wharf Hill / turn in Eistedfod / pick up from Wharf Hill as standard (as per current school service)

 Publicity campaign to encourage use of public transport.

Suggestions for visitor coaches: 

Due to on-going discussions within Denbighshire County Council about the future management of key sites that could provide potential coach parking, notably the Pavilion and Wenffrwd (the former tip) decisions cannot be made on coach parking. The following sets out three scenarios for immediate (1), provisional (2) and long-term (3) plans.

1. Improve layout of Market Street car park to avoid double parking of coaches then continue with current arrangements after other car parking arrangements change.

Monitor the impact of the changes with regards parking and congestion, and shift to one of two scenarios below if congestion or parking situation becomes worse.

2. Provisional scenario 1: if congestion or parking situation becomes worse, remove half of the coach parking from Market Street car park, construct a temporary shelter for waiting passengers, and designate a drop off point on Market Street OR direct coaches to drop off/pick up from outside museum.

3. Provisional scenario 2:

 Designate a coach drop off / pick up area on Market Street immediately outside Market Street car park and along Abbey Road

 Build a covered seating area inside Market Street Car Park against the north-west wall, approximately the area of one existing coach parking bay.

 Designate coach waiting area (options below to be discussed): o Provide free parking at the Pavilion Car Park (would need to look at access to toilets for drivers, potentially provision and cleaning of self-service tea and coffee machines) o Provide parking at or behind the Wenffrwd site once redeveloped if toilets/cafe to be established there o Explore provision of parking at or next to White Waters Hotel (once sold)

6. People with disabilities (blue badge holders) 

Current situation: There are currently 19 spaces designated for blue badge holders in Llangollen town centre, 8 in Market Street Car Park, 4 in East Street Car Park, 4 in Mill Street Car Park and 3 at the Pavilion. The railway has limited private blue badge parking at the bottom of its ramp. Castle Street is often used for parking by people with disabilities.

Aim: To maintain or expand provision of accessible parking for people with disabilities.

Suggestions: 

1. Provide two disabled parking bays on Bridge Street and Oak Street – one on each (Arcadis proposals)

2. Provide one disabled parking bay on Abbey Road 

Summary of proposals 

Commissioner praises The Old Vicarage care home

* From left, Ken Skates AM, Bethan Mascarenhas, resident Bill Gosson and

Older Person's Commissioner Heléna Herklots outside The Old Vicarage. 

A thriving Llangollen care home was praised after a visit by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.

Heléna Herklots and local Assembly Member Ken Skates were welcomed to The Old Vicarage  by director Bethan Mascarenhas, who is celebrating a successful first year after taking over the home with brother Richard in October 2018.

Bethan, who studied at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen, said: “It was great to have Heléna come and visit, it meant a lot to the residents that we were able to give back for all the work she does on their behalf. 

"We celebrated our first year of running The Old Vicarage on October 10, so it was amazing to have Heléna come and celebrate alongside us.”

Ken Skates said: “It was fantastic to visit The Old Vicarage and have such a friendly welcome. There is a wonderful warm atmosphere at the home and it’s clear to see the brilliant relationships residents have with the staff.”

Bethan added: “In a national care home review the previous commissioner said the word home ‘should mean something special, a place that we hope will be filled with friendship, laughter and love’. This is true of The Old Vicarage and we hope that Heléna felt that sense of warmth.

“It was interesting to chat about ageism within our society and how it affects those in and out of our care. At The Old Vicarage, we choose a culture of positive risk-taking, against being risk averse and wrapping people in cotton wool because they are seen as ‘old’ or ‘frail’.

“I recently watched a video online of a 102-year-old lady skydiving and that was a real breakthrough moment for me - I thought ‘why not?!’ Just because people are older doesn’t mean they have to stop trying new things and that’s something we wish to promote as a home and work with Heléna on. 

"We have already started some intergenerational projects to try and bridge the gap and see how much we have in common. We hope that today will be the start of a strong relationship with Heléna and the work that she does.”

Heléna Herklots said: “I want to thank the residents and staff for giving us such a warm welcome to their home and for taking the time to talk to us about their lives and experiences. It was great to see the residents enjoying a fantastic afternoon tea and celebrating one year of the home’s new management.”

Mr Skates invited Mrs Herklots to Llangollen, where she also visited the local health centre to hold a round-table discussion with representatives from the health and care sectors. 

He said: “It was great to welcome Heléna to Clwyd South and I’d like to thank her for taking the time to visit our area. It was a very productive and enjoyable afternoon.”

Heléna Herklots was named Older People’s Commissioner for Wales in June 2018. She was previously chief executive of charity Carers UK. She has more than 30 years' experience of supporting and working with older people and was awarded a CBE in 2017.