Police boss backs law change on assisted dying

* North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

A police boss is calling for a change in the law to allow assisted dying.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is one of 18 PCCs from across the UK to sign a letter to the Ministry of Justice urging reform on the right to die.

Mr Jones is supporting the campaign that’s been launched on behalf of Ron Hogg, the Police, Crime and Victims Commissioner for Durham, who has motor neurone disease and wishes for the law to be altered to allow him to end his life.

It is an incurable condition that eventually leads to muscle wasting and death.

Mr Hogg already needs help to breathe and is challenging the law banning assisted dying.

He is said to be considering going to the Dignitas suicide clinic in Switzerland to shorten the suffering his condition will lead to.

It is understood he would prefer to die in his in Scotland, where he was born, but the current ban on assisted dying means he will have to go overseas.

It could also mean ending his life earlier than he would want for fear he could be too ill to travel.

Mr Hogg said: “I think the law should allow assisted dying. Clearly you need to have safeguards. But there ought to be a clear path outlined where individuals who would want to choose that route can do so, and can do so legally within the UK.

Since being elected as North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Jones has worked closely with Mr Hogg, who has been an innovative and passionate advocate of drug reform.

Mr Hogg has pioneered a new approach to minor offenders, including people with problematic drug use, through a successful scheme called Checkpoint.

The North Wales commissioner is about to launch a similar scheme called Checkpoint Cymru which will see low-level offenders here being given the chance to avoid a criminal record by signing up to a strict rehabilitation programme and staying out of trouble.

The letter co-signed by Mr Jones said: “Many will have experienced or heard of cases where the blanket ban on assisted dying has caused distress, confusion and pain for dying people, their loved ones, and even the investigating police officers themselves.

“Most recently, great-grandmother, Mavis Eccleston, was acquitted by a jury after being charged with murder for helping Dennis, her husband of 60 years, to end his own life rather than suffer any further agony from advanced bowel cancer.

“Earlier this year, 76-year-old Ann Whaley was investigated by police for booking travel to and accommodation in Switzerland for her husband, Geoff, who had arranged an assisted death at Dignitas in order to avoid a prolonged, traumatic end from motor neurone disease. 

“The cost of these investigations - financial, emotional and societal - cannot be easily dismissed.

“We believe it is time for a renewed look at the functioning of the existing law on assisted dying.

“While there are clearly differences of opinion as to whether or how the law should change, we contend that the law is not working as well as it could and seek an inquiry to confirm that.”

The letter has been welcomed by the Dignity Dying organisation.

Chief executive Sarah Wootton said: “It is clear that the blanket ban on assisted dying is not working for dying people, for their families, or for the dedicated public servants who must enforce it.

“We all agree that vulnerable people must be protected, but that is not happening under the status quo.

“The ban on assisted dying merely drives the practice behind closed doors and abroad, with seriously ill people often ending their lives prematurely for fear of becoming too ill to act.

“There is also a scattergun approach to enforcing the law. Either there is either no scrutiny at all, meaning potential safeguarding opportunities are being missed, or loving family members are criminalised for acts of compassion and are forced to endure distressing and intrusive investigations at great cost to the public purse.

“When half of police and crime commissioners across the country recognise that a law is not working, law-makers have a duty to listen. It is time for a Ministry of Justice-led inquiry into the blanket ban on assisted dying.”

Inner Wheel whist drive planned

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.