Two locals make it to the 2021 Guide Pub Guide

* The Corn Mill in Llangollen.

Two pubs in this area are amongst 13 from across north Wales which make the recommended list for the Good Pub Guide 2021 after a "nightmare year" for the hospitality sector.

Lockdowns and restrictions have put pubs under threat as the pandemic gripped the nation - with inns in Wales barred from serving alcohol and now closed in the latest firebreak.

The latest guide says: "Despite being battle-weary and worried sick about keeping their businesses up and running – I am pleased to say that these plucky/extraordinary people retain a teeny spark of hope.”

In with a mention is The Corn Mill in Llangollen of which the guide says: "Fascinating riverside building with fine views, personable young staff, super food all day and good beers."

* The West Arms at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog.

Also mentioned is the West Arms at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog which the guide describes as:  "Idyllic location for 16th-c inn with reliably good food and picturesque gardens; comfortable bedrooms."

In the narrative the guide goes on: “All know that the road into 2021 (or until a vaccine is widely available) is going to be frighteningly rocky. But they do believe that if they are able to pull together with loyal customers, local suppliers, a helpful bank and a great deal of energy and luck, many will survive.

"But – and I cannot stress this strongly enough - it is imperative that we support them because the British pub is special.

"It is the beating heart and focal point of countless communities, where customers from all walks of life come together and where you can be sure of a warm welcome, a frothing pint and a friendly smile. It makes us happy to be there and we have to do all we can to ensure their survival."

MP praises work of Llan adventure business

* From left, Tom Robinson, Simon Baynes MP, Richard Witheridge and Adam Robson at TNR Outdoors.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to TNR Outdoors in Llangollen to meet with the directors and to discuss the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on outdoor adventure and training experiences.

TNR has three business areas: TNR Coaching, TNR Outdoors and TNR Targets. 

TNR Coaching specialises in running first class coaching and training courses, TNR Outdoors provides high quality outdoor adventure experiences in Llangollen, North Wales and across the UK, Europe and sometimes further afield, and TNR Targets is a recent venture: a specialist, purpose built indoor target sports centre on the top floor of TNR’s premises in the converted 19^th Century Industrial Mile End Mill in Llangollen.

During the visit, Mr Baynes, who is also a Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Outdoor Learning, discussed some of the issues facing the industry and the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic as well as TNR Outdoors’ future plans for the Mile End Mill premises.

Tom Robinson, Director of TNR Outdoors, said: “TNR is run by my business partners, Richard Witheridge, Adam Robson and myself. 

"We share a passion for the outdoors and for giving our customers the best experience they can have. Founded in 2015, we wanted TNR to be different, we wanted to offer activities to suit every budget so we looked at offering a wide range of time scales from an hour to a day to a full week.

“In 2019 we relocated to our current location, Mile End Mill on the A5 in Llangollen, the gateway to North Wales. 

"We were the first tenants since 1983 and as such it was in a poor state of repair. We invested heavily in the building's infrastucture, repairing windows, completely renewing the electrics and building our office, a toilet, a shop and of course our fantastic target sports facility. We continue to improve everything we do from the equipment we use, the facilities we have and the experiences we deliver.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “I was delighted to make a socially-distanced visit to TNR Outdoors and see the impressive facilities they have on offer. 

"I understand that like so many industries and sectors, the pandemic has impacted their activities. So I was grateful to be able to gain a greater insight into just how important this sector is for our local people and economy.

“I was particularly impressed to hear about the training that they provide in Llangollen for the emergency services from not only Wales but across the UK. They are one of only four emergency services training centres in the UK, and therefore play a vital role during the Covid-19 crisis.

“As a Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Learning, I know just how beneficial facilities like TNR Outdoors are, not only in providing educational opportunities, but also for physical activity and mental health. And I want to thank the team at TNR Outdoors for welcoming me to their venue and for showing me just how much the site has to offer.”

Merry Christmas from llanblogger!

Castle says merry Christmas in lights

* The castle ablaze with colourful lighting thanks to ASG.

Castell Dinas Bran got all lit up by surprise last night (Christmas Eve).

The illuminating exercise was the work of ASG Entertainments who first announced it on a Facebook post just before 6pm.

This said: "Merry Christmas, Nadolig Llawen from ASG.

"Tonight we have decided to light up Castell Dinas Bran to bring a bit of joy to the local community that is having to go through Christmas in lockdown.

"We hope everyone has the best Christmas they possibly can under the circumstances!

"Scott, Anna and Grace.

"Also a big thank you to

Josh Gowing

,

James Hunt

and

Karen Edwards

for helping with this.

"This was not advertised in advance in order to avoid any gatherings due to COVID-19 regulations."

The castle was last lit up by ASG, that time in blue and white light, back in May as a salute to NHS and other frontline staff.

ASG was helped on that occasion by Chris Davies of Eastwood Media helped by Llangollen's Karen Edwards.

The previous evening there had been a similar lit-up message of thanks to the NHS, this time in red, on a nearby section of the Panorama overlooking the town.

County invites public feedback on town's traffic changes

* The county council post which went out on Facebook.

Denbighshire County Council has invited the people of Llangollen to have their say about recent traffic changes made to the town centre aimed at making it easier for social distancing.

The Active Travel Team, which was responsible for carrying out the controversial changes, posted a message on the Llangollen and District Noticeboard page of Facebook yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon.

Headed “Have your say on town’s Local Sustainable Transport scheme”, this says: “Most of you in this Facebook group will be aware of the temporary Local Sustainable Transport scheme which includes the installation of 'lane defenders' on parts of Abbey Road and Castle Street, closure of the link road between Berwyn Street and Hall Street (the A5), and a change in the direction of flow of vehicles on Bridge Street.

“We warmly invite you to have your say on the temporary scheme by visiting the following web link and completing the survey linked at the bottom of the page:
https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/574”

Under the sub-heading “Frequently asked questions”, the Facebook post adds:  “We appreciate many of you have queries or concerns about the scheme, and we will attempt to answer some of the more common queries as follows:

“Why has a temporary Local Sustainable Transport scheme been installed in Llangollen?
“The scheme has been installed in Llangollen by Denbighshire County Council to enable some pavements to be widened to encourage active travel (such as walking or cycling) as their main means of getting around town, and to ensure that social distancing can be maintained.

“Was the community informed?
“Yes, the Council ran a consultation on proposed schemes in Llangollen, Denbigh, Rhyl and Ruthin from 10th to 26thJuly 2020. The Council received 91 responses for Llangollen.

“How has it been funded?

“It has been funded via the Welsh Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Response to Covid-19 scheme. The scheme asked local authorities to consider measures to support social distancing in their biggest population hubs, and to encourage and support active travel as a healthier and safer way to get around in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Could the money have been used for something else to benefit Llangollen?
“No. The Local Sustainable Transport Response to Covid-19 scheme only allowed local authorities to bid for money to undertake temporary works which would support the objectives of promoting and encouraging active travel, and ensuring that social distancing can be maintained. If the Council had been unsuccessful in bidding for money based on the Welsh Government criteria, the money from this grant would have been diverted to support active travel schemes and social distancing measures in other locations

“How long is the trial for?
“The trial scheme will be in place for a MAXIMUM of 18 months, however as it is a trial the Council reserves the right to remove the scheme earlier, or to make ongoing adjustments to the trial scheme should this prove to be necessary

“Why might it be necessary to remove or make adjustments to the scheme?
The scheme aims to make active travel easier and safer and to support social distancing. If it becomes clear as the trial continues that these requirements are not being met or if the scheme is causing other unforeseen but significant problems, then the Council may need to remove or make adjustments to the scheme.

“Why didn’t you go straight for a permanent scheme?
“The Welsh Government funding was only to install a temporary scheme, therefore under the terms of the scheme we could only consider a temporary installation at this stage however, we do have an obligation under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 to research, develop and promote active travel routes to and through towns. If the trial conducted under the Covid-19 response scheme is successful, we may be able to take any learning from it and integrate it into future research and consultations for active travel proposals in the Llangollen area

“How/when will we know if the trial scheme is working well?
“That’s partially up to you. We are collecting feedback from residents, businesses and visitors on a regular basis which we will use along with road safety data, traffic flow data, pedestrian footfall data, air quality monitoring and a range of other measures to determine whether the scheme is working. We would be grateful if you could complete our feedback surveys as often as you feel necessary or if you spot anything that you think needs us to look into. Llangollen is your town so we need to know that the scheme is working as well as it can for as many people as possible, over the duration of the trial period. We will be running surveys approximately every 8-10 weeks so you can tell us what you think. We will benchmark your opinions from each survey to build a ‘big picture’ as time goes on

“How will you promote the surveys?
“If you live on one of the affected streets, or you have a business there – we will send you newsletters with an update of the previous feedback survey as well as information on how to participate in the new one; we will promote the surveys on the council’s website and social media channels; we will promote the surveys with physical signage along the routes; when you complete a survey, there will be an option for you to provide your contact details so we can get in touch with you directly with updates on the scheme and information on future feedback surveys. You can tell us to write to you, email you, or notify you via telephone/SMS

“When will you report back on the surveys?
“We will report back on the previous survey each time we launch a new one. There will be a gap of 1-2 weeks between a survey closing and us launching a new one. This gives us time to analyse the previous survey, as well as to consider whether the questions we’re asking are still the right ones, based on our ongoing trial data."

A county council spokesperson said: "The council is also accepting feedback in writing to: The Active Travel Team, Denbighshire County Council, Caledfryn, Denbigh, LL16 3RJ."

MP supports plans to re-order St Collen's Church

* Simon Baynes MP meets Father Lee Taylor inside St Collen's Church.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has given his backing to plans for the re-ordering of St Collen's in Llangollen.

His support came during a socially-distanced visit there to meet vicar Father Lee Taylor. 

Father Lee recently revealed plans to make a number of changes to the building to benefit the congregation and the wider community.

Mr Baynes said: “It was a pleasure to meet with Fr Lee, who has some wonderful ideas for how to improve the facilities at St Collen’s Church. I fully support these plans and look forward to seeing how they progress over the months ahead.”

Father Lee said: “Throughout their history, church buildings have evolved and adapted to meet the spiritual and social needs of the time, and it is because of this adaptability that many of our church buildings have continued to be in use. 

"The time has come for St Collen’s to change and adapt its building so that we can better serve our community, our regular worshippers and visitors in new and exciting ways.”

 

Results of town's two Christmas competitions are in

Scarecrow winners:

* The two schools' scarecrow family.

* The second of the schools' entries.

* Angelina Ballerina and Frosty the Snowman, Fron Bache.

The results of the two competitions run by Llangollen Christmas Festival Committee in a bid to cheer up the town following the cancellation of this year's event due to the pandemic are now in.

Committee chair Austin Cheminais, who is also the new town mayor, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of those who have taken part in the Christmas Lights and Christmas Scarecrows competitions.

“The number of Christmas scarecrows must now number well over 50. We’ve had great fun searching them out. People are so creative and imaginative; the scarecrows have made us all smile!

"It’s been great to see so many people joining in and decorating their houses. There are parts of Llangollen that are truly lit up."

He added: "It has proved exceedingly difficult to judge because what we’ve seen is so good.

"We’ve had a team of judges who have been out and about over the last week and we wish we could give everyone who has taken part a prize

"After much deliberation we decided to split the prizes and add some more to the prize fund so that we could have more winners.

"We appreciate that everyone will have their favourites, but the judges agreed upon the following entries, where they can be found and their prizes:

Scarecrows

Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Y Gwernant - School entrance £50     

Angelina Ballerina and Frosty - Fron Bache - £25

Christmas Lights and Decorations

28 Bishops Walk - £50

Horseshoe Pass View - £50

14 Maes Mawr Road - £25

35 Maes Pengwern - £25

Riverwood, Queen Street - £25

Greenheys, Geraint - £25

Cae Hir, Maes Mawr Road - £25

51 Church Street - £25

Cllr Cheminais added: "We’ve already had requests to organise another Christmas scarecrow trail next year.

"Llangollen Christmas Festival will be back in 2021 bigger and better than ever."

Christmas lights winners

* 28 Bishops Walk.

* Horseshoe Pass View.

 

* 14 Maes Mawr Road.  

* 35 Maes Pengwern.

* Riverwood, Queen Street.

* Greenheys, Geraint.

* Cae Hir, Maes Mawr Road.

                                                        * 51 Church Street.