Eisteddfod hosts sell-out Christmas concert

* Elan Catrin Parry (front left) with members of Movema and students from Band Pres Ysgol Dinas Brân.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod hosted its Christmas Concert last Sunday, starring renowned Welsh tenor Rhys Meirion. Nic Parry hosted the sell-out evening which also saw performances from international folk dancers, singer Elan Catrin Parry and Julian Gonzales.

All pictures by Barrie Potter.

* An individual dancer from Movema, a dance 

company specialising in world dance.

* A group of dancers from Movema go through their stylish paces.

 * Ryhs Meirion on stage.

Ysgol Y Gwernant stages magical Christmas show

* The cast lines up for the school's Christmas show at the Pavilion.

Excited youngsters from Ysgol Gymraeg y Gwernant performed their Christmas show, Disney’s Aladdin, at Llangollen Pavilion on Tuesday following weeks of preparation and rehearsal.

Every pupil from Reception to year 6 played a character from the magical city of Agrabah. 

Every pupil looked amazing in colourful and glittery costumes provided by the parents. It was a spectacular of colour and shimmer.

Both matinee and evening performances were well attended by proud parents, friends and family. 

The popular songs were performed enthusiastically by eager and excited children who loved dancing and singing the well-loved musical through the medium of Welsh.

The school was very fortunate to receive the strong support of a band organised by one of the parents, Elen Roberts. The keyboards, drums and bass guitar’s professional accompaniment created an amazing atmosphere.

The school says it is very grateful for all the positive feedback received from parents and members of the community.

A school spokesperson said: “Well done to all the children and the staff who have worked very hard. We are so grateful for such a wonderful school. The Aladdin show was amazing.

“Slem of the typical remarks we have had are: 'Fantastic Show. Arddechog!' and 'What another amazing show! The hard work and effort is exceptional! The children all looked like they were having the time of their lives.'"

The town's deputy mayor, Cllr Issy Richards, who is a member of the school governors and saw the show said: "Ysgol Y Gwernant today performed a stunning Welsh version of this rags to riches tale beginning with a joyous opening number Noson Agrabah.

"We were transported to the old Arabian town, to the buzzing market place. We were introduced to the main characters including Aladin, Princess Jasmine, Jaffar, Parot, and of course the Gini.

"Pupils played soldiwrs, Jaffars bach, pobl Agrabah, Ginis bach, ser and tywysogesau (soldiers, small Jaffars, residents of Agrabag, small Genies, princesses, stars).

"We were treated to further scenes of the exotic palace, the cave of wonders, and a spine-tingling procession through the audience of Prince Ali and his supporters.

"The scenery, props, and costumes were impressive, and the live music from the band added to the excitement. The children created a magical world for their audience to enjoy and their fun and enthusiasm was clear to see. The children looked so happy and sang with gusto! I felt privileged to be present for this first class production. Da iawn pawb! (Well done everyone).

"A perfect end to a very successful year for the school!"

Time running out to get your new bus pass

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents that applications for concessionary bus passes need to be submitted to Transport for Wales.

Transport for Wales are working with local councils and Welsh Government to roll out new-style Concessionary Travel Cards and these cards will replace the current green 'bus passes' across Wales. The official deadline is 31 December 2019.

However, Transport for Wales have announced a two month grace after the deadline for those needing to make an application or who have already submitted their applications. Old and new cards will be accepted by operators during the first two months of 2020.

The new-style cards offer the same free travel rights and benefits as the current bus passes. The new cards are designed so that they can work as part of an integrated travel network in the future.    

Advice and support with the application process is also available from your local council, Age Cymru and other community organisations. Find out where you can find help in your local area by contacting the Transport for Wales help desk at travelcards@tfw.wales  or call 0300 303 4240.

Residents are encouraged to apply: www.tfw.wales or ask a friend, family member or someone they trust to apply online on their behalf. 

Paper application forms are available online  or by e-mailing contact details to travelcards@tfw.wales.

In the meantime, existing green bus passes are valid for travel until 31 December 2019.

Llangollen is launchpad for national recycling drive

* Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn launches Beyond Recycling at Llangollen Town Hall.

An ambitious plan for Wales to phase out the use of single-use plastics and become the world-leading nation for recycling has been unveiled in Llangollen.

Since devolution 20 years Wales has become a global leader in recycling.

It is the top recycling nation in the UK, the third best in Europe and the fourth best in the world. 

The Welsh Government today publishes Beyond Recycling which aims to move Wales towards a circular economy – keeping resources in use for as long as possible and avoiding waste. 

The aim is not only to reach zero waste by 2050, but also to take action on the Climate Emergency and seize the economic opportunities to create a greener, more equal and more prosperous Wales.

Llangollen was yesterday (Thursday) morning chosen to launch the first phase of a nationwide, 15-month consultation on the scheme because of the town's exemplary record on reducing plastic. 

* Ken Skates AM speaks at the launch event.

Speaking at the Town Hall launch event Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, hailed Llangollen as a "beacon" of the cause and said that with Beyond Recycling Wales was aiming to take the battle against climate change to a new level.

And she signalled the Welsh Government’s determination to drive the transformational change needed to make the circular economy in Wales a reality.  

Announcing an additional £6.5m in circular economy funding for local authorities and other publicly funded bodies alongside the consultation she explained this would support action to accelerate Wales’s shift to a circular economy and builds on the funding for businesses announced earlier this year.

She said: “Wales is already leading the way in the UK when it comes to recycling, but I want us to go further and take the next step. We’re on a journey towards becoming a circular economy where waste is avoided and resources are kept in use as long as possible.

“Our communities are what make Wales and it was fantastic to launch the consultation in Llangollen. It’s a community that’s come together to reduce plastic, tackle climate change and take advantage of the business opportunities from using reusable and sustainable materials.”

The Deputy Minister said that Beyond Recycling, sets out eight ambitious actions, to:

• Become the world leader in recycling;  
• Phase out single use plastic;
• Invest in clean technology for materials collection; 
• Make more efficient use of our food;    
• Prioritise the purchasing of wood, remanufactured and recycled content;  
• Enable communities to take collective action;  
• Create the conditions for business to seize the opportunities;
• Take full responsibility for our waste.

Urging people to have their say, the Deputy Minister added: “It is your engagement and action we need now – you are the recyclers, you are the groups working to improve your communities, you are the businesses finding new uses for materials that were once sent to landfill.

* Plastic-free campaigner Sian Sykes speaks about her tour of the Wales coastline.

“We want a dialogue, it is your chance to let us know what you think about our proposals and to come up with new ideas and activities. We will be holding events online and in communities across Wales, and there are resources to help you come together and respond.

“I want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible. Our collective responses can make a big difference.”

Also speaking at the launch of event, which was opened by Llangollen plastic-free campaigner Mair Davies, was Clwyd South AM and Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills.

He said: "The work you are doing in Llangollen is just incredible and there is so much engagement here, with schools businesses and people all working to reduce plastic, which is why you have been chosen for this launch event for Beyond Recycling."

Another guest speaker was paddleboarder and adventurer Sian Skyes, a former resident of Llangollen, who told how she has spent two months touring Wales removing plastic waste from beaches and canals. She also recently launched plastic-free Anglesey.

She also commended the people Llangollen for their efforts to beat single-use plastic.     

* For further information on the consultation and eight headline actions visit: https://gov.wales/consultations

Use 999 responsibly, says ambulance service

The Welsh Ambulance Service has issued a fresh plea for the public to use 999 responsibly as Christmas draws near.

While the Christmas and New Year period is generally one of the busiest, new figures have revealed that last Christmas Day was actually the quietest day in December, prompting the Trust to suggest that people behave differently on December 25th from other days of the year when it comes to calling an ambulance.

The service took 1,374 calls via 999 last Christmas Day; almost 500 calls fewer than on its busiest day, December 1st, when it had 1,847 calls.

Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “This suggests to us that those people who would normally be tempted to call us inappropriately are busy opening presents and eating lunch which means suddenly their ‘emergency’ can wait.

“By Boxing Day, the calls have gone up. Sometimes this is because people are genuinely unwell, but often it’s a result of overindulgence the previous day.

“People who are genuinely ill don’t choose when they are unwell and, of course, we are there for those patients 24/7, 365 days of the year.

“However, those people who use ambulance services as a substitute for a GP appointment or because they have a long-standing minor illness or injury seem to make different choices on Christmas Day.

“It is these people we are asking to be sensible and to make those same choices every other day of the year.

“Every day should be Christmas Day when you think about how to use 999; it really is that special.”

Most GP surgeries will close on Bank Holidays – including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – so the Trust is urging people to take steps now to ensure they are prepared.

Lee Brooks, Director of Operations, added: “Calls to our ambulance service are triaged in order of priority, so if you’re not seriously ill or injured, you will wait longer for our help.

“You also won’t be seen any quicker in emergency departments if you arrive by ambulance as all patients are seen in order of clinical priority, not according to how or when they arrived in the department.

“Before you dial 999, think about where else you might be able to access the help you need, quicker.

“Nurses employed by the Welsh Ambulance Service are on hand 24/7, including on Christmas Day, to give you advice and information – call them on 0845 46 47, or on 111 if it’s available in your area.

“You can also visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk to take one of 20+ symptom checkers, including for cold and flu, dental and stomach pain, to receive immediate online advice about what to do next.

“Don’t forget about your pharmacist, optician and your local minor injuries unit, where there is no need for an appointment.

“If you rely on medicines, make sure you have a big enough supply to see you through, and stocking up on simple remedies is a good idea too, including for indigestion, headache and toothache.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service is calling on the public to use its services appropriately as part of its new Be Wise Save Lives campaign.

Follow the campaign on social media using the hashtag #BeWiseSaveLives

Christmas Festival raffle prizewinners announced

Mrs A Carsley of Ellesmere receiving the first prize of 

Samsung Galaxy Tab A from Ian Parry Llangollen, 

Christmas Festival Committee Treasurer.

* Mrs M Skinner from Gobowen receiving her cash prize of £100 from Ian Parry Llangollen, Christmas Festival Committee Treasurer.

LLANGOLLEN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE 2019 PRIZEWINNERS

Ticket              Prize                                                         Winner

1945       Samsung Galaxy Tab A                     Mrs A. Carsley, Ellesmere

1989      £100 Cash                                         Mrs M.  Skinner, Gobowen

1561        Flight for 3 People                            Mrs K. Jones, Llangollen

553          Glider Flight                                     Mr K. Brennan, Little Sutton

1230        Whitewater Rafting                           Ms Atharn, St Martins

1486        Family Railway Trip                          Mrs Clark, Penycae

1546        Family Canal Boat Trip                     Mrs J. Williams, Acrefair   

1079        Spa Package Wild Pheasant             Mrs Cookman, St Martins

654          Meal for 2 at Britannia Inn                 Mrs G. Williams, Llandyssil

590          Meal for 2 at Corn Mill                      Katie Samuel, Rossett

865          Meal for 2 at Hand Hotel                   Mr Pugh, Llangollen

261          Meal for 2 at Three Eagles                Mr Jackson, Bolton

1841        Meal for 2 at Wild Pheasant              Mrs M. Jones, St Martins

677          £20 Voucher Bridge End Hotel                    Mr Bennett, Wallasey

1885        Afternoon Tea Vintage Tea Rooms    Mrs Gregory, Gobowen

1916        Food Hamper from Baileys               Mrs Miller-Jones, St Martins

32           £10 Jades Hair & Beauty Voucher     Mr A. Holmes, Newcastle

1090        2 Bottles Wine from Gales                Mrs Francis, Gobowen

329          £10 Voucher Lily Rose Interiors         Mrs K. Jones, Llangollen

273          Bottle Wine from Tesco                              Mr I. Marsh, Llangollen

268          Welsh Rugby Hoodie                        Miss N. Cooper, Penycae

Changes to waste collection services

Denbighshire County Council has announced some changes to its waste and recycling collection services over Christmas.

There will be some changes to some normal collection days:

• Monday, 23^rd December will operate as normal
• Tuesday, 24^th December will operate as normal
• Wednesday, 25^th December will change to Thursday, 26^th December
• Thursday, 26^th December will change to Friday, 27^th December
• Friday, 27^th December will change Saturday, 28^th December
• Monday, 30^th December will operate as normal
• Tuesday, 31^st December will operate as normal
• Wednesday, January 1^st  will change to Thursday, 2^nd of January
• Thursday, 2^nd of January will change to Friday, 3^rd January
• Friday, 3^rd January will change to Saturday, 4^th January
• Normal service will resume on Monday,6^th January 2020.

Recycling Parks

Recycling Parks at Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin will be open to the public as normal every day except 25 December, 26 December and 1 January.  Winter opening hours are:

• Colomendy, Denbigh - Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; weekends 9am-4pm
• Lon Parcwr, Ruthin -  Monday to Friday 10am-4pm; weekends 9am-4pm.
• Marsh Road, Rhyl - Everyday 10am-6pm. 
• The Saturday recycling services at the Green Lane, Corwen will take place as normal on Saturday, December 21.

There will be no Saturday morning services at all on either 28 December or 4 January 2019.

Saturday recycling services will recommence as normal at Green Lane car park, Corwen on 18 January between 9am and 11am  and at Llangollen on 11 January between 9am and 11am.  

Christmas trees can be disposed of through the fortnightly garden waste service for subscribers, chopped up into pieces and placed in the bin.  Alternatively, people can take their Christmas trees to the recycling centres at Lon Parcwr (Ruthin), Colomendy (Denbigh) or Marsh Road (Rhyl).

Paper Christmas wrapping may be placed with the normal recycling but any wrappers made out of foil or has glitter should be disposed of in the waste bins.

Residents are asked not to over-fill their waste bins over Christmas and ensure they can close their bin lids, to avoid rubbish being strewn across streets during any strong winds.  People can place additional Christmas recycling enclosed in a cardboard box for collection. 

The Council is also reminding residents that bones from poultry can be placed in food waste bins.