Skates leads new Senedd mental health group

* Ken Skates MS leads the first meeting of the new group.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates will lead a new cross-party Welsh Parliament group set up to help improve the nation’s mental health. 

The Clwyd South MS will work with leading charity Mind Cymru and was formally elected as chair of the Cross-Party Group on Mental Health at its inaugural meeting this week. 

Mr Skates said: “Mental health is a subject close to my heart, and I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has dedicated more and more funding to it in recent years. I was particularly proud to see the First Minister appoint a Minister for Mental Health in May. 

“The last year or so has been an incredibly tough period for so many people, with real strain put on our mental health, so there has never been a more important time to ensure we keep this issue high on the agenda and keep coming up with ideas.” 

Cross-Party Groups can be set up by any Members of the Welsh Parliament in respect of any subject area relevant to the Senedd. A group must include representatives from at least three political party groups within the Senedd. 

Mr Skates told the first meeting of the group on Wednesday that it has an important role to play in shaping debate and offering strong representation to the Welsh Government. 

Invitations were sent to all Members of the Senedd and other stakeholders such as Samaritans and Time to Change Wales. More than 30 people and organisations attended. 

Mr Skates added: “I thought it was a really productive first meeting, with some very meaningful discussion and feedback. I look forward to working with Members from across the political spectrum to discuss and drive ideas to improve Wales' mental health.”

Gales staff praised for their kind support during family's tragedy

* The Mayor hands over the letter of thanks to Gales staff. 

A grieving family has sent a glowing letter of support to the staff of Gales of Llangollen for the way they supported them when a lady took seriously ill while dining there one evening last month.

Robert Hyde and his father  George, from Andover in southern England, were holidaying in the town in August when tragedy struck.

Sandra, who was George’s wife and Robert’s mother, was with them at one of the tables in the wine bar when she underwent the medical emergency and Gales management and staff rushed to help.

Despite one member of the team, Kelly Philips, performing CPR and defibrillation on the her before she was taken to hospital Sandra tragically died at the Wrexham Maelor the  following afternoon.

Now Robert has sent a letter of deepest thanks for their “kindness and Christian charity” to wine bar owner Pip Gale, his mother Gillie and their staff which was officially presented to them by Llangollen town mayor Austin Cheminais yesterday evening.

The black-framed message, originally sent to Cllr Cheminais and the town council to be passed on to the restaurant, speaks not only of what was done for Sandra on the fateful evening but also gives fulsome praise for how the two men were looked after by the Gales team in the few days immediately after the trauma.

* The letter of deepest thanks from the Hydes.

Read out in the wine bar last night by the mayor It says: “Your unbelievable kindness and Christian charity during those traumatic days has humbled us.

“Everyone we have told about your support has been filled with both emotion and disbelief at the kindness you showed.

“The simplest acts of kindness can mean the world to some people but the support, kindness and sheer unselfishness shown by you and your team goes beyond any words we can write.

“It is important that the wider community understands exactly how you supported George and I, from the smallest gesture of a much-needed drink to the unbelievable acts of kindness regarding car parking and the accommodation charges.”

The letter adds: “We all know and understand the difficulties the recent Covid pandemic has had on the hospitality industry. This more than ever makes your support and gestures during those traumatic days in August even more humbling and worthy of recognition and praise from the community.

“Your kindness has reinforced our faith in human nature and firmly placed your beautiful town in our hearts.

“Please pass on our deepest heartfelt thanks to all your staff who supported us on that eventful day. Their support and kindness are beyond any words I can write.

“God bless you all and thank you for everything you did for us on the worst day of our lives. Without your help we would have been lost and may never have recovered.”

Pip Gale said after receiving the letter: “I am just very proud of all my staff for what they were able to do for this family.”     

Campaigner's latest message on his waste centre fight

Earlier this year Phil Jones organised a 900-signature petition calling for an agreement between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils which would mean local people would be able to use the Plas Madoc household recycling site rather than having to drive over to Ruthin use the to tip there. 

But after this suggestion was rejected by Denbighshire he has decided to take things to a higher level by reporting the council to the Local Government Ombudsman.

Here he gives his latest update on the campaign: 

"Dee Valley Recycling: What will the Ombudsman think of our council’s actions? 

"You may recall from my last update that Denbighshire County Council has decided that their recycling service in the Dee Valley is ‘well received’. 

"I want to shine a light on the reality of recycling in the Dee Valley to highlight the difference between the propaganda pushed by the Welsh Government and our experience of the service our council provides.

"We all want to maximise our recycling but this can only be achieved if the Local Government Ombudsman upholds our complaint that our council has failed to restore a proper service after closing our recycling site and that it is now treating us unfairly when compared with the service it provides to its ratepayers outside the Dee Valley.

"Take a look at what the Welsh Government tells us.

“'Since Wales has had its own government in 1999, we have become a global leader in recycling. We’re now first in the UK, second in Europe and third in the world for household waste recycling. Put simply, recycling is what we do!'

"So why can’t we get access to a recycling centre you may ask?

"I will be submitting a formal complaint to the Ombudsman; we should never have had to take it this far. We are now just a few dozen petitioners short of 1,000 names. So, if you know anyone in the Dee Valley who hasn’t yet signed the petition, please get them to do so.

"The Welsh Government can ‘talk the talk’

“'Make recycling what everyone in Wales does whether they live, work or visit! Recycling is necessary to tackle the climate emergency by calling on the Welsh public to Recycle.'

"Will they ever let us ‘walk the walk’"?

Town councillor gives update on council business

llanblogger has been sent the following statement, in the name of Cllr John Palmer, relating to Llangollen Town Council:

"Llangollen Town Council Update.

"I have been advised that a number of misleading comments are circulating on social media with reference to the Town Council’s recent actions resulting from the absence of the Town Clerk. I am therefore taking this opportunity to clarify the action the Town Council has taken. 

"The Town Clerk is currently on sick leave that began in late August. In his absence the Town Mayor, who is also Chair of the Council, in consultation with the Deputy Mayor sought the advice of the Council Monitoring Officer in Denbighshire who as part of his responsibilities, monitors and advises the county’s Town and Community Councils. Based on his advice the decision was made to postpone the round of September council meetings. 

"During September the Facilities Manager has done a sterling job keeping an eye on council business and keeping things ticking over. As the Clerk’s absence continues this temporary arrangement has been reviewed by Councillors. Council meetings can’t continue to be postponed. 

"There are a number of large projects about to start that potentially require input from the Council – these include the refurbishment of Castle Street and urgent repairs to the Town Hall roof.  There are also a number of important annual events that need to be co-ordinated. 

"After consulting with One Voice Wales, who provide support and advice to Councils in Wales, and Denbighshire’s Monitoring Officer, the Mayor convened an emergency Council Meeting to consider the recommended options. Following discussion Councillors decided to nominate an acting Proper Officer, a short term measure to support Council business, pending the Town Clerk’s return to work. 

"I was nominated to take on the role on a voluntary unpaid basis. With the support of fellow Councillors and the Facilities Manager we will endeavour to ensure that Town Council business will run smoothly until the Town Clerk returns to work. 

"Throughout the Mayor has been in constant communication with the Monitoring Officer to ensure that the Town Council is following the correct procedures and complying with the laws and rules appertaining to Town and Community Councils. 

"I am sure that you will join me in wishing our Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, a speedy recovery. 

"If you need to contact the Council Office urgently please email me cllrpalmer@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

"Councillor John Palmer, Acting Proper Officer Llangollen Town Council."

County council pledges continued support for schools

* Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen is among the schools being supported.

Denbighshire County Council says it continues to monitor and support schools as Covid-19 cases rise.

Case rates are monitored closely across the county and in individual school settings and where cases are identified, close contacts are encouraged to seek a PCR test to identify potential transmission.

Secondary school pupils and staff not displaying symptoms are encouraged to take twice weekly LFD tests to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases.

All those contacted by Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) are asked to work with the teams and follow the guidance given.

Years 10 and 11 at St Brigid’s School, Denbigh, have switched to online learning for two weeks from Monday, September 27, due to a number of cases at the school.

The school took the decision following a Risk Assessment and it was based on a Health and Safety assessment.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “The revised arrangements for isolation following a positive case has successfully reduced the number of pupils missing out on face to face education. 

“However, the current increase in case rates nationwide is impacting staffing levels and the ability for our schools to maintain face to face provision. 

“This means decisions may need to be made to close classes or year groups due to the numbers of teachers in isolation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will take action to help keep schools safe when required.

“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank our school staff and parents for supporting pupils and ensuring they remain safe.

“I would also like to thank parents and carers for their understanding at this time.”

The council says parents are encouraged to be vigilant for any symptoms and if you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at https://gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 119.

Rhug wins four food world Oscars

* The award-winning ribeye steaks.

Rhug Estate has won four Great Taste Awards for its organic chicken breasts, organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint, organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak and for Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce.

The awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for fine food and drink. It has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. 

The unmistakable black and gold Great Taste logo is the sign you can trust when buying local food and drink It is a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and consumers alike. 

Established in 1994, Great Taste is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. 14,113 different products were entered in 2021 from 108 countries. 

Each product is fastidiously blind tasted by selected chefs, buyers, fine food retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers over 60 judging days. Those accredited receive either one, two or three stars for their products. Rhug achieved one star for all four of its award-winning products. 

The judges described Rhug’s organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak as: “An attractive looking steak with good caramelisation on the outside. Good, well-proportioned marbling. Very tender and juicy. A really good piece of steak.” 

“This is a fine little joint, delicate and sweet,” was how the judges described Rhug’s organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint. They also said, “Beautifully rolled and moist on cutting. Tender and juicy.”

When it came to Rhug’s organic chicken breast the judges said: “This is a good size, a plump breast, moist, tender, not at all dry. It has quite a good depth of flavour – not always found in chicken breast – and a melt in the mouth chewability. It is a tribute to the good welfare and farming practices to produce organic chicken of this quality and a breast (often so bland) with some taste.”

The judges described Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce as, “Generously and evenly sized meatballs in a glossy, rich-looking sauce. The meatballs are succulent and flavoursome. Very moreish.”

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “I am pleased we have once again achieved Great Taste Awards. These awards are recognition of all the hard work and dedication of the entire team both on the farm and in our cutting plant. 

"We pride ourselves on producing the best quality organic meat for our customers, whether they be in our Farm Shop, online or wholesale. The team is always striving to do better and that is how it should be.” 

MG plug-in hybrid volts to the head of the pack

* MG HS PHEV plug-in hybrid.

* Toyota Yaris Cross.

* Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback.

MG hits the high life by Steve Rogers

A powerful Porsche, beautiful BMW, luxurious Lexus and many more favourites lined up to be driven but my drive of the day was the fledgling MG.

This was the annual event staged by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders, when motoring journos get a chance to compare like for like from a variety of manufacturers. And the winner is.... the MG HS plug-in hybrid.

It was not the most glamorous and at £30,000 not the most expensive by a long way but showed how far the iconic British marque has come since its resurrection by the state owned Chinese company SAIC. It is currently the fastest growing brand in the UK with more models to choose from.

HS PHEV is the company's flagship model and is up against SUV heavyweights like Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage. A brief drive showed the car has promise and efforts have been made to improve the standard of trim.

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5 litre petrol beefed up by an electric motor giving a healthy 258bhp driven through a 10-speed automatic and an electric range of 32 miles. Emissions are low enough for £10 road tax while economy could be as much as 155mpg.

The big news from Audi is the launch of the all electric Q4 e-tron Sportback just the car to be in with the fuel pumps running dry.

It also shows how far the German premium brand has advanced down the electric road with a potential range of 323 miles. It also stands out in the crowd, not normally Audi's strongest suit, with a dipping coupe style roof line giving it a real sporting look.

As to be expected the cabin is exquisitely presented with a new twist on the design of the centre console, and check out the square steering wheel, first I have seen since the Austin Allegro of the seventies.

The electric motor has a power output of 200bhp which is good for a sprint to sixty in eight seconds and with ride selection options the driver can choose comfort or sport. No Quattro version, just rear wheel drive. Price: £45,775.

There have been huge changes in pick-up land with big players like Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Volkswagen Amorak dropping out creating opportunities for less well known brands Isuzu and SSangYong who have beefed up their models.

Isuzu's new D Max will be featured here in a few weeks and a brief drive showed it has come on leaps and bounds and a credible threat to the Ford Ranger, the new market leader.

SSangYong has given a serious facelift to the Musso which has a strong diesel engine and a three and a half tonne towing capacity.

One to watch is the new Toyota Yaris Cross. The compact SUV has been a long time coming and will have a fight on its hands with several established crossovers out there but Toyota has plenty of experience to call on.

Basically it is a high riding, pumped up Yaris following some of the design lines of the rakish CH-R. The mechanicals are identical to its sibling with the economical 1.5 litre three-cylinder hybrid, CVT automatic gearbox and average fuel consumption in the mid 50s. Emissions are low at 112g/km with the first year VED costing £170. The top of the range Premier Edition is  £28,185.