Terry Waite stands down as eisteddfod president

* Terry Waite at the official opening of Llangollen's Centenary Square in summer 2018. He is flanked by the then-mayor and deputy mayor Jon Haddy and Issy Richards.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s long-time president Terry Waite has stood down from the position. 

The news comes in an update on the past year’s tumultuous events, which included the cancellation of this year’s festival due to the pandemic, by eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies. 

The famous human rights campaigner, who was held hostage in the Lebanon from 1987-91, became the festival’s popular ceremonial head a number of years ago. 

Dr Davies says in his message to the network of eisteddfod volunteers: “Terry Waite has stood down as our President after many years of support. 

“Terry had originally indicated he would be retiring in 2020 and unfortunately events over the summer deprived us of an opportunity to share a final eisteddfod with him. 

“We will be inviting him back to a future eisteddfod when we can thank him publicly and possibly hold a concert in his honour.

“His commitment to the Eisteddfod has been exemplary forever promoting our festival and extending the hand of friendship.”

Elsewhere in the update Dr Davies talks of plans for the next eisteddfod.

He says: “When the Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to postpone Llangollen 2020 little did we know then about the impact that Covid-19 would have on our communities – locally, nationally and internationally.

“Months later and we are now fortunately able to start looking to the future, whilst considering carefully how the public health situation may unfold.

“It is currently uncertain whether mass events will be able to be held in Wales by the summer 2021 and the Board is working on flexible scenarios that will ensure that the Eisteddfod has a presence next year that is fitting for the profile and ethos of the event that we all know and love.”

Dr Davies goes on refer to the financial help the eisteddfod has received during the year.

He explains: “Having received vital financial support from Welsh Government in the immediate aftermath of the postponement decision, I am pleased to advise that we have also been successful in our application to the Cultural Recovery Fund.

“These funds will help to sustain the organisation over the next three months as we plan for 2021. 

“We have also secured funding for a new community engagement programme from the Arts Council of Wales, under their Connect and Flourish funding strand.” 

Referring to the running of the eisteddfod, Dr Davies details changes in the board and says that Betsan Moses has joined as interim CEO “providing valuable management assistance as we navigate this challenging time”. 

The chairman has a special word of thanks for the volunteers, adding: “Throughout this period volunteers have shown their commitment and enthusiasm for our event, and a determination that we will continue and return from this even bigger and better.” 

Terry Waite, who is known and revered by many people around Llangollen, has been awarded the MBE and CBE for his humanitarian work.

He was serving as special international peace envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury when in 1987 he journeyed to Lebanon – then one of the world’s most dangerous place – in a bid to secure the release of four hostages, including the journalist John McCarthy, being held by an Islamic jihad organisation.

During the tense negotiations he was himself taken hostage on January 20, which was the start of his journey into the hell of four years of captivity in a Beirut dungeon.

For most of the time Terry was kept in solitary confinement in a room without any natural light, chained to the wall and forced to sleep on the floor. He was beaten and subjected to mock executions.

He recalls of how every day he did his best to hold himself together spiritually, mentally and physically.

In the final stage of his captivity, his robust health began to deteriorate when he contracted a severe lung infection.

His torment eventually ended in November 1991 after 1,763 days as a hostage.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I want to take advantage of the deals coming up this Black Friday, but as we’re in lockdown the shops are closed. I’m a bit concerned about buying goods without seeing them first. What happens if something goes wrong, or if I change my mind after seeing something in reality? I don’t have money to lose right now. 

A: You’re not alone being cautious about shopping online. Over the last year Citizens Advice Consumer Service has dealt with just under 123,000 cases in relation to online shopping.   

Most of the time, when you buy something online you automatically get a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ which starts the day after you receive your order. There doesn’t need to be anything wrong with the item for you to get a refund. Many online sellers may offer more time, so make sure you check the terms and conditions before purchasing. 

There are some exceptions, like buying something bespoke or perishable, like flowers or chocolates. There are also exceptions if the product is sealed, like face masks or CDs. 

If you do decide to return your item, you need to tell the seller you don’t want the item within 14 days of receiving it. Once you’ve told the seller, you’ve got 14 days to send it back. The seller has to pay you the refund within 14 days from when they receive the item. 

You may have to pay the cost of posting something back to the seller but you don't have to return the item in its original packaging as long as you’ve wrapped it safely. If you don’t wrap it safely and the item gets damaged, the seller can reduce your refund. 

It’s a good idea to get a certificate of posting from Royal Mail when you post the item. You can use this to prove to the seller that you posted the item. 

If you buy something online and the product is faulty (i.e. it’s broken, unusable or doesn’t match what was advertised), you have 30 days to ask for a refund from when you receive it. However, you can choose to accept a replacement or repair. After 30 days (and before six months) the seller must offer you a repair within a reasonable timeframe. If this isn’t possible, they must offer you a replacement or a refund. Ask the seller for the easiest way to send the item back. You shouldn’t have to pay. 

If you order something and it doesn’t arrive, it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. If the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier to find out what’s happened to your order - it’s not your responsibility. 

Check the delivery address you gave the seller. Then contact them and ask where your order is. If the seller claims they've delivered it or don't know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. You might also be able to get a refund in some circumstances. 

* Check out the Citizens Advice website or contact the Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help.

A5 blocked by "serious collision"

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this afternoon that the main road between Llangollen and Corwen has been blocked in both directions following a "serious collision".

The story says: "Traffic Wales says the A5 is currently closed in directions closed between Llidiart-y-Parc and Glyndyfrdwy due to what it describes as a serious collision.

"The traffic reports state that it's a two vehicle collision." 

A further report in the Daily Post says that two air ambulances are in attendance.

Denbighshire Free Press has just added: "North Wales Police says the collision occurred shortly before 2.30pm and involves a Mini Cooper and Vauxhall. 

"A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at approximately 2.32pm  this afternoon, Thursday, December 17 to Glyndyfrdy, Denbighshire, to reports of a road traffic accident.

"We sent one urgent care doctor, three emergency ambulances, one rapid response vehicle with advanced paramedic practitioner and the Wales Air Ambulance. We remain on scene.

"One patient was taken by air to University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool and a further patient to Wrexham's Maelor Hospital by road.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that crews from Wrexham and Chirk were called to the scene of the collision. 

Local testing centre reminder from county council

* The Covid testing centre on Market Street car park.

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents in Llangollen and surrounding areas that a Covid-19 testing centre opened in the town last Saturday.

The centre based at County Hall, Ruthin, has now closed and has moved to the Market Street car park in Llangollen and is open between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

No appointments are necessary but the walk in/drive through session is open to those with symptoms that need a test.

The centres have been operated in partnership between Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “These testing centres are extremely important facilities in the fight against coronavirus in the county.  They are so convenient and will provide some peace of mind to residents that they can access treatment if necessary.

“The centres at Rhyl and Ruthin have worked extremely well, with many residents taking the opportunity to come and have a test.  We look forward to working with our partners on the new centre in Llangollen and would encourage anyone displaying symptoms to come and take advantage of the services offered at the testing centre.”

Residents who are displaying symptoms and have been given self-isolation advice are asked to stay at home until the end of the self-isolation period.

MP becomes ambassador for small business

* Simon Baynes MP meets Siân Glyn-Jones from Courtyard Books. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been appointed Small Business Ambassador for Wales by Conservative Party Chairman Amanda Milling.

In every region of the UK, a Conservative representative has been chosen to champion local firms. 

And on Small Business Saturday 12 Conservative MPs were chosen to as voices to represent businesses and help shape crucial government policy.

Mr Baynes said he was honoured and delighted to take on the new role. 

He said: "Since being elected in December last year, I’ve tried my very best to champion our small businesses in Clwyd South, and, along with my team, have been supporting many of them through the ongoing pandemic.

"This new role will enable me to better stand up for our local business leaders in Clwyd South and the rest of Wales, and to represent their voices to the UK Government as we rebuild our high streets and local economies post-Covid.”

Former Llan resident Peter Lingard dies in Thailand

 

* Peter Lingard, second from left, with members of his family.

A well-known character in Llangollen for many years, Peter Lingard, has died in Thailand at the age of 69.

Peter came to live in Llangollen over 30 years ago and soon developed many ties to local stage organisations, including the Operatic Society and the society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, of which he was a founder and director.

He was perhaps best known as the director and star of the St Collen’s annual pantomime.

For a number of years he ran the Welsh Love Spoon Centre gift shop at the corner of Market Street and East Street.

He moved from Llangollen and eventually went to live in Thailand where latterly he had been running a country club in Pattaya.

Peter leaves a family in this country.

Paying tribute to him, one of his sons, Nick Lingard, said: “He was a man of great character and had the power to light up the room within seconds! I’m sure a lot of you hold many happy memories with him from his many ventures down the years! He is going to be truly missed all over the world.”

Search is on for pet heroes of the pandemic

Pet charity Blue Cross, in collaboration with North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, are searching for Wales’ most loyal pet which has supported its owner or the wider community during the coronavirus pandemic. 

With research showcasing the positive impact between pet ownership and improved mental health, the competition seeks to celebrate pets who have been a positive influence on the mental health of its owners or wider community during the course of the pandemic.

Launching the competition in North Wales, Mr Isherwood said: “2020 has been a difficult year for us all, and we know pets have helped so many with their mental health and wellbeing. 

"I am delighted to be working with leading pet charity Blue Cross to acknowledge and celebrate this contribution and we’re calling on people across North Wales to nominate their covid hero – in order to find Wales’ most loyal pet.

“At a time when there is so much uncertainty in all of our lives and pressure on our wellbeing, this competition presents an excellent opportunity to recognise the applaud our pets for the positivity and happiness they bring into our lives.”

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore, one of the competition judges added: “As a pet lover I’m pleased to be supporting Blue Cross in trying to find Wales’ most loyal pet. I know of so many individuals who have found much needed companionship and support from their pets in this most difficult year. They have been a lifeline for many, and we look forward to celebrating the benefits of pet ownership in this special way.”

Speaking on behalf of Blue Cross, Head of Public Affairs Becky Thwaites said: “We are encouraging nominations from pet owners and friends of pets from across Wales. Submissions are to be sent to your regional or constituency MSs or MPs.

"You should include a summary of why your pet should be considered “Wales Most Loyal Pet of 2020”, highlighting how it has had a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing over the course of the pandemic, you can also include a picture.”

Please email your submissions to Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or post to his office in Mold: 8 Chester Street, Mold, CH7 1EG. The competition closes on January 11.

Shortlisted nominees will be published on February 1 and winner announced on February 5. The winner will receive amongst other things, a six-month subscription to Love Louie’s personalised pet boxes and vouchers for Pets at Home.