Concern expressed about historical graffiti at Berwyn

* The underpass near Berwyn station.

* Some of the soldiers' graffiti on the brickwork.

To mark this annual time of Remembrance llanblogger has a special feature on the historical World War One soldiers' graffiti found near Berwyn station, for which concern has been expressed 

A man who recently visited Berwyn station and saw the poignant World War One soldiers’ graffiti on the underpass there has voiced concerns about its deterioration. 

As they waited for trains on their way to fight in the trenches a series of young squaddies inscribed their thoughts on the white glazed brickwork of the underground passage which leads down from the station platform towards the Chain Bridge. 

A number of these young men never returned home from the killing fields of France and Belgium. 

What remained of the pencilled markings were officially recognised many years later, in the early 2000s, when they became the subject of media attention and a special exhibition at Llangollen Museum. 

Although a major programme of renovation and protection was thought to be necessary it is understood that the high cost of such an exercise meant it was never undertaken. 

Now an email from a concerned visitor has revived interest in the historical graffiti.  

John Linley, of Treuddyn, wrote to llanblogger: “I was in Llan yesterday and took a friend to see the underpass and was shocked and disappointed to see how bad the deterioration was on the writings there. 

“I first visited the site way back in the late 90s. 

“It put tears in my eyes to read the writings including one dated Christmas Day by one of the soldiers waiting for a train. 

“The chain bridge was closed then with all the planks missing. I scrambled over the bridge to the hotel. 

“Then I read that Stephanie Booth had bought the hotel and promised to repair the chain bridge. I was alarmed that it put the writings in danger of further damage due to people then defacing the writings. 

“I alerted the council and the Great War records people and I believe photos were taken. 

“I have a suggestion that could help: Chase out a line of mortar above the writings and insert a length of angled plastic to take the water away and drip clear of the wall. 

“Then pick a single brick to clean just with water and a soft cloth, to see if the writing can be made clearer after all the moss removed. 

“If successful, then carefully clean the rest of the bricks & spray with a clear lacquer.” 

In 2018 Peter Dickinson, one of the founding members of the railway's Heritage Group and an active volunteer at Berwyn station from 2012 until 2018, gave a fascinating insight to llanblogger into the on-going efforts to preserve the graffiti. 

Now, shown the email from Mr Linley, he said no major conservation work of the graffiti had taken place. 

And he added: “Without the improvements to the drainage and new membrane being installed over the structure, I believe that it would be counter-productive to undertake any conservation work on the graffiti. 

“The efforts to carefully uncover and record the individual messages would be soon undone by the continuous flow of water over the surface of the white-glazed bricks. 

“A two-stage approach is needed and the stumbling block has been the lack of funding for this project from the railway's previous management. 

“I am very keen to be involved with this project going forwards, especially given the poignancy and national importance of the structure. 

“For some unfortunate souls, the last thing the soldiers did on Welsh soil was to sign the bricks before boarding trains bound towards the Front and destined to make the ultimate sacrifice. The very least we should do is preserve their memory for future generations.”  

During the mid-2000s the pencil messages were first spotted by David Gepp, a lecturer in photography at the Herefordshire College of Art. 

His discovery led to him arranging a temporary exhibition on the signatures in Llangollen Museum in 2007. 

Volunteers at the museum began researching some of the messages. 

One of these is by AJ Candy which reads "I really want --is baby". 

One entry on the walls shows that E. M. Morris and R. Roberts shared a cigarette together there on 6th July 1913.

Some of the other scribblings indicated soldiers in light-hearted mood, including the messages 'Balls from Belgium', 'Berlin Last Stop' and 'Hoof Hearted'. 

Research into Candy’s life and military career has revealed that he is incorrectly listed on the Llangollen war memorial and was actually named Albert rather than Alfred. 

It transpires that Albert James Candy was born in Cardiff in July 1887. His father died when Albert was only three and tragically his mother died in May 1895. 

Albert and his older brother Frederick were soon admitted into an orphanage in Somerset, where the trail temporarily goes cold. However by 1911, he had found work at a bakers and confectioners’ shop in Llangollen.

There is currently no record of when he joined up, but from the Commonwealth War Graves we have found that on 17th April 1917 James Candy 675653, Royal Field Artillery, “D” Battery, 285 Brigade was killed. 

He was buried at plot 4, Row D, Grave 14 in Le Grand Hasard Military Cemetery, in Morbecque, Northern France. 

At the time of WW1 commemorations efforts were made to increase public awareness of the graffiti through free information packs and temporary displays at the station, including the display of commemorative wreaths and even a GWR WW1 stretcher.  

* Llangollen Railway's new Visitor Guide, which is being released in February, will feature an article about the significance / history of the subway. https://www.mortonsbooks.co.uk/product/view/productCode/15044

Climate change campaigners gather in the square

* Above and below: campaigners on the steps of the square.

* A youngster wears a "Flaming Earth" head.

* Another young supporter holds a climate change banner.

* The powerful symbol of a tree was on show.

* Above and below: Llangollen FoE co-ordinator Warren Davies addresses the crowd.

As part of a global day of action for climate justice hundreds of campaigners and supporters gathered in Centenary Square this afternoon to call on the UK Government to end its support for fossil fuels.

The demonstration, timed for the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow chaired by the government, was arranged by Llangollen Friends of the Earth (FoE) and included families and children along with walkers, cyclists and kayakers.

With the message “Earth’s on Fire” the campaigners highlighted what they allege is the government’s “hypocrisy” in claiming to be a world leader on climate whilst continuing to support fossil fuels here and abroad.

Friends of the Earth says the government is currently supporting a new oil field off Shetland, investment in new oil in Mozambique  - fuelling conflict in the region - and supporting a new coal mine in Cumbria.

 

The organisation is calling on the government to drop their support for these projects and to concentrate on securing a future for young people.

 

To chants from the crowd of "climate action now!" Warren Davies, Llangollen FoE group co-ordinator, said: “We’re asking people to write to their MP to express their concerns about government support for fossil fuel projects, to share their concerns about climate change and to call for action.

 

“We all want less waste, we all want a healthier society and we all want to protect future generations. By taking climate action we can achieve these things, but the effort must be felt by all of society, that is in the UK and globally.

 

“A YouGov survey found 67% of voters felt that the UK should strive to be a global leader on climate change.

 

“People have done all they can individually, they’ve reduced their energy use, they always recycle. But we’re at a brick wall. To get further we need the government to lead and enable people to reduce their emissions.

 

“Climate change solutions can bring many positives, especially to rural areas. Local energy generation, insulation businesses and local food production can all potentially create decent, secure jobs.”

 

He added: “In recent years we have experienced unprecedented flooding and drought cycles. We’ve had flooding on the lower Dee and upland fires on Llantysilio Mountain.

 

“During these times the local population has pulled together, supporting local firefighters. But as these weather patterns get worse and more frequent, we will be spending more and more of our efforts sorting them out. Of course climate change is a global issue, and so every community will face similar or worse challenges.

 

“Unique features of the valley including the beautiful Llangollen Whitebeam tree are also under threat. This is unique to the area and is struggling to survive as a species. Climate change will only make its fate more precarious.

 

“Our government, as hosts of the UN climate talks, must take this opportunity to take decisive action.”

Warren Davies said later: "We think around 200 people attended at various stages."

Hospice helps Ken to attend his son's wedding

* Ken Chesworth and his wife Angela at the wedding of their son Mark and daughter-in-law Rebecca.

A man was able to witness his son’s wedding thanks to hospice staff who stepped in to get him spruced up and ready to join the family celebration. 

Ken Chesworth, 70, has a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease, known as man in a barrel syndrome. 

It means those with the condition can eat, talk, and walk but have no use of their arms.

It makes caring for the former Kellogg’s worker doubly difficult, and Ken relies on wife Angela for all his care needs at home. 

When the couple’s son Mark announced his marriage to fiancé Rebecca, they felt it would be too overwhelming for Ken and he would miss the big day. 

Ken, from Wrexham, was adamant he wanted his wife to enjoy the occasion, including the preparations, without her having to worry about getting him ready. Angela often stays awake at night to monitor Ken’s breathing so is regularly sleep deprived. 

The couple were delighted when Nightingale House staff suggested he came to the hospice for respite care over the wedding weekend. 

Ken arrived at the hospice the day before the wedding and staff helped him get showered and dressed to attend Mark and Rachel’s big day at The Guildhall in Wrexham the following morning. 

Ken, who attends the hospice every week, had previously had six days of respite at the hospice in the spring and the couple knew the positive impact the stay had on them both. 

It was a double benefit for them both as Ken didn’t miss out on the wedding and Angela had a well-deserved pamper, relax and some much-needed sleep, knowing her husband was being well cared for in Nightingale House. 

Ken said: “It was a wonderful day and the nursing staff at the hospice couldn’t do enough to make the celebrations as stress-free as possible for us, and most importantly for Angela, who didn’t have to worry about me. 

“Many people think a hospice is just for end-of-life care but it’s so much more than that. I come to Nightingale House knowing people here care for me. I thought it was only for people with cancer, so when they said I could come here to it was a nice surprise and I haven’t looked back since.” 

Ken says Motor Neurone Disease has robbed him of everything as he is no longer able to drive or enjoy hobbies or feed himself. 

He says he has accepted his condition will get worse, but the hospice team have helped him, and Angela come to terms with his illness because “they are good listeners, and you can say things to them that you can’t share with your family”.

Ken added: “I can’t believe that this service is entirely free. It feels like a hotel where no money is involved, and everyone knows your name. To all those who fundraise and donate to help people like me thank you so much.”

Another big step taken in railway's Corwen project

* The engineers Shark van is used to spread the ballast stone on the track.

 

Yesterday (Thursday) saw another significant step in the project to extend Llangollen Railway all the way to Corwen.

Further ballasting was carried out through the new station area to reach the end of the line at the buffer stops above Green Lane.

The hopper wagons went through the west end points to drop stone in what is called a headshunt section and later the ballast plough on the engineer's Shark van was used to spread the stone. 

The Shark became the first rail vehicle to reach the buffer stop as shown in selection of photos taken by George Jones, the railway's publicity officer.

He said: "This is not the end of the ballasting operation, but it is a significant step in the Corwen project which will lead to the tamper being brought into pack and align the track within the station."

Advice on how to keep pets safe on Bonfire Night

Llangollen residents are being asked to be considerate to neighbours and pets while enjoying themselves this Bonfire Night.

With a number of organised displays not going ahead this year, those holding their own display are asked to inform their neighbours in advance.

Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves on November 5 in a safe and considerate manner. 

“Bonfire Night can have a serious impact on pets and we would encourage everyone to attend an organised display where possible.

“Where households are having their own display then we ask them to be considerate of others and that they inform their neighbours well ahead of time, by calling in person or by popping a note through their letterbox.

“Many complaints spring out of people not telling their neighbours they are planning to hold a firework display and most importantly when the fireworks were going to be let off.

“Neighbours then have a chance to make arrangements in relation to any pets they may keep, or to make plans to go out if they don't want to listen to the noise.”

Under fireworks regulations there is generally a curfew preventing people from letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, but this is extended to midnight on November 5.

To keep your animals safe on Bonfire Night:

• Keep dogs and cats inside during celebrations

• Walk dogs during daylight hours

• Lock cat flaps once cats are indoors

• Try to avoid leaving your pet alone in the house during fireworks

• Ensure dogs and cats are wearing visible identification (animals may try to escape if panicked)

• During fireworks put pets in one room, draw curtains and put on the TV or radio as an alternative noise

• If you think your pet will be seriously distressed approach your vet for advice on sedation or pheromone sprays

• Try to bring outdoor pets indoors during celebrations, if not turn hutches to the wall and cover with blankets/duvets

Have your final say on Llangollen's "people's plan"

Early next month the whole town will get the chance to have a say on the “people’s plan” for the future of Llangollen.

Shape My Llangollen (SML), the group of volunteers tasked with producing a Place Plan for the area on behalf of the Town Council, recently published its draft blueprint containing 90 suggestions for improving Llangollen and its quality of life and work over the next four years.

And during the first week of December members of the team will be showcasing their plan, entitled Caru (Love) Llangollen, and explaining what it means during the final phase of public consultation outside the Town Hall.

Everyone will have the chance to see it and – most importantly – be able  to give their feedback on its proposals before it goes back to the Town Council for final approval and adoption.

SML has been working for the past three years to produce a Place Plan for the town covering the years 2022-2026.

The group was given the task by the Town Council back in the summer of 2018 and, as part of what is thought to be the largest exercise of its type ever undertaken, has since carried out a series of public consultations  asking the people of Llangollen – residents, businesses and organisations – a number of key questions about their hopes and aspirations for the future development of their area. 

Questions including what they liked or disliked about the town and features they would like to see kept or changed were posed in face-to-face interviews at locations such as the health centre, local superstores and Centenary Square.

This exhaustive testing of grassroots opinion brought in over 1,700 replies and was reinforced by online consultations with major stakeholders in the town, ranging from the International Eisteddfod to the county council and from the Canal & River Authority to representatives of Castle Street shops.

Although the pandemic slowed up the project it never came to halt and in the latter stages, to make up for any lost time and with the aid of a small National Lottery grant, a firm of expert consultants was brought in to help bring the results of the consultation together in Caru Llangollen, the Draft Action Plan.

The views and opinions of the people of Llangollen form the core of the plan, which includes almost 90 separate action points in six sections of aims with headings including “A Community That Works Together Stays Together”, Our Younger Generation Will Be Able to Stay or Return to Live and Work in our Community”, “A Community That Supports a Vibrant Town Centre With Its Own Unique Identity” and “A Community That Provides Essential Services for Its Residents.”

The plan also lists those organisations, such as the town and county councils, responsible for taking the action points forward and gives a time scale for achievement.

The plan in draft form was unanimously approved by the Town Council last month.

And the final round of public consultation will take place outside the Town Hall on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 1, 2 and 3, between 10am and 3pm, and on Saturday December 4, from 10am-1pm.  

Following this exercise and armed with the public’s latest impressions on the draft, SML will then produce the final Action Plan ready for publication early in 2022. 

Phil Robinson, who chairs SML, said: “This final round of public consultation is extremely important as it will be the last chance for people to have their say on this vital and far-reaching vision of the town’s future development.

“As we have stressed all along, this is the people’s own plan, echoing the things they have told us about how they would like to see our town shaping up through the years ahead, so we are hoping as many people as possible can join us for the consultation process in December.

“I would once again like to thank all those who have assisted our work so far and taken part in our earlier rounds of consultation.

“Without you we could never have completed this rather daunting task the like of which has never before been seen in Llangollen.”      

* To look through the action plan, go to: https://pubhtml5.com/gaql/ahfd

Police highlight scam targeting the elderly

North Wales Police say they continue to see an increase in reports of scam text and Whatsapp messages targeting elderly parents. 

The messages claim to be from their adult children asking for money to be sent urgently for various reasons such as the need to pay a debt or bill. 

Victims are told that their child has a new mobile number and in some cases the scammers engage in text conversations for some time before asking for money making the messages appear legitimate.

An increasing number of residents have lost money because of this scam whilst believing they are helping their children. 

Through the Neighbourhood Alert network, police say that if you receive any unexpected message requesting money or vouchers you should make additional checks to confirm the request is genuine. 

They also suggest that people who have elderly parents should discuss this scam with them to ensure they do not become a victim.