St Collen's stages its annual Christmas fair

St Collen's held its annual Christmas fair inside the church this morning.

There was a range of stalls filled with seasonal goodies, raffles and turkey burgers were on sale along with mulled wine in the nearby community hall.

Market Street closed tomorrow for urgent repair work

Denbighshire County Council has said that Market Street, Llangollen will be closed on Sunday December 5 to facilitate urgent works to repair a burst water main by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

The council adds: "A diversion will be in place and journey times could be increased. We would like to thank residents for their understanding at this time."

 

Assaults on emergency workers spark respect campaign

Eight assaults every day were committed against Welsh emergency workers during the first six months of this year, new figures have revealed.

More than 1,360 assaults were committed in the six-month period from 01 January 2021 – 30 June 2021.

They included kicking, slapping, head-butting and verbal abuse, and ranged from common assault to serious premediated attacks involving grievous bodily harm.

At least 21 incidents involved a weapon.

With Christmas fast approaching – the time of year when assaults traditionally spike – emergency workers are asking the public to treat them with respect.

Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been a fraught time for all of us, but that’s no excuse to assault an emergency worker, who are normal human beings just trying to do a job.

“The run-up to Christmas means more people are out enjoying the revelry, and with alcohol consumption comes an increase in assaults, both physical and verbal.

“There were 60 verbal attacks alone on our ambulance control room staff in the first six months of the year.

“We know it’s distressing when you’re waiting for help, but abusing our call handlers is not the answer – if anything, it could potentially delay help.

“On the road meanwhile, crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their safety is compromised, and that’s not helpful for anyone, especially the patient.

“The debt of gratitude we owe to our emergency workers has never been greater, so we’re asking the public to work with us, not against us this Christmas.”

Almost half (47%) of assaults in the six-month period took place in South East Wales; Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Bridgend are among the most prolific local authority areas.

Offenders aged 26-35 account for the highest portion of offending (24%), while a third of incidents involved people under the influence of alcohol. 

May 2021 saw the highest volume of assaults (281) as the hospitality industry re-opened in Wales after the second Covid-19 lockdown.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, there have been at least 36 incidents where an emergency worker has been deliberately coughed at.

Assaults on police account for two thirds (67%) of the total number, averaging 152 victims every month in the six-month period.

Claire Parmenter, Temporary Chief Constable at Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Assaults on police officers continue to increase and this is completely unacceptable. 

“Assault is a traumatic offence that causes great distress to anyone, and it is no different when the victim is an emergency worker.

“In September, we saw a man handed a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years after he violently attacked two of our police officers who had gone to his aid.

“Concerned for his safety, they gave him a lift home – and in return both were physically injured.

“The psychological impact on both officers is something they will take time to recover from.

“In the same month alone, three officers carrying out their duties suffered injuries in an unprovoked attack at the hands of the man they were trying to arrest.

“Despite the offender’s efforts, the officers were able to arrest him although they were left with injuries.

“The offender appeared in court the day after his arrest, where he was sentenced to 12 months in prison.

“Assaults such as these stay with the victims for the rest of their careers, and none of my officers and staff should have to go to work serving the public and be afraid of being assaulted.

“With the upcoming season of goodwill, please respect and protect our emergency workers.”

Although fewer in number – 22 incidents over the six-month period – March 2021 saw an unexplained rise in assaults on fire service colleagues, especially in South Wales.

Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway QFSM from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our emergency services work hard every day keeping the public safe and should not have to deal with abuse.

“Attacks on crews while protecting our communities and keeping people safe is completely unacceptable.

“Our blue light services come to work to serve and protect the public and the impact of such assaults can lead to life-changing consequences for those involved.

“This type of behaviour is, of course, carried out by a very small minority, and we once again thank our communities for their continued support in working with us this festive season to stay safe.”

Under the Assault on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, the definition of an emergency worker includes police, fire and ambulance staff, as well as prison staff and NHS workers.

Judith Paget, Chief Executive of NHS Wales, said: “Our emergency workers provide life-saving and life-changing care every day in often difficult circumstances.

“Our NHS staff are preparing for a challenging Christmas period so now, more than ever, they deserve to be treated with respect.

“Any form of attack on our emergency workers is completely unacceptable and we are doing everything we can to work with NHS Wales employers and our partner agencies to eradicate physical or verbal assaults on staff.”

Last week, UK Government announced that it was introducing a new law that will mean a mandatory life sentence for those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty.

The Ministry of Justice said it would aim to pass ‘Harper’s Law’ in England and Wales – in memory of Thames Valley Police PC Andrew Harper, who was killed in the line of duty in 2019 – as soon as possible.

The With Us, Not Against Us campaign was launched in May 2021 by the Joint Emergency Service Group in Wales to try and reduce the number of assaults on emergency workers.

* Pledge your support on social media using the hashtag #WithUsNotAgainstUs or #GydaNiNidYnEinHerbyn.

Family of Wynn "Paraffin" Hughes thank people of Llangollen

The family of Wynn "Paraffin" Hughes have asked llanblogger to pass on their thanks to everyone who attended his funeral service at St Collen's Church yesterday.

Wynn passed away at the age of 87 on November 11.

During the well-attended service the Vicar of Llangollen, Father Lee Taylor, said that although the word 'legend' was used a lot these days it was a description "well deserved" by Wynn.

"He was someone who was admired by a lot of people, someone who was original and someone who was amazing - a local treasure. And it is an honorific title well deserved by Wynn," he said.

Hymns "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer" and "O God Our Help in Ages Past" were interspersed with eulogies by Wynn's family member Paul Hughes and Gareth Lloyd from Llangollen Football Club both of which contained some humorous anecdotes about Wynn.

Donations from the funeral will go to Hope House Hospice and to Llangollen Football Club for a trophy or plaque in memory of Wynn.

Wynn's flowered-topped coffin was proceeded both into and out of church by a standard bearer from the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, showing his support over many years as a collector during the annual Poppy Appeal.

As the funeral cortege was driven down Castle Street towards Wrexham a number of people lined the street to see Wynn go by on his final journey from Llangollen and many applauded as a mark of respect for his unique standing in the town. 

MS urges people to support their local shops

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates with Clare Rhodes, owner of SFTW barber's. 

* Ken Skates and David Pinel, managing director of IT-Pro Support. 

* Lesley and Peter Carroll welcome

Ken Skates to ProAdventure outdoor shop.

People are being encouraged to shop local ahead of this week's Small Business Saturday. 

Local Member of the Senedd Ken Skates is backing the grassroots campaign, which urges consumers to help high street shops and independent businesses in their communities.  

Saturday marks this year’s campaign, and the Clwyd South MS wants to see the small local firms who ‘have gone above and beyond’ during the pandemic supported in the run-up to Christmas and into 2022.  

Mr Skates said: “The campaign aims to make a positive lasting impact on small businesses. It’s more important than ever this year that we shop locally and support those businesses that have supported us throughout these incredibly difficult times. 

“Our small businesses have gone above and beyond throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

“As I have said many times before, they are the lifeblood of our towns and villages here in Clwyd South. Research has shown that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business around 63p stays in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger company. 

“Shopping local creates more local jobs, it’s better for the environment and it helps to make sure our local shops and services continue to be the backbone of our high streets.” 

To highlight the campaign, Mr Skates visited small businesses in Llangollen this week. 

He added: “Small local businesses are often competing with the big guns – multinational chains and major franchises backed by huge advertising and marketing budgets. 

“A lot of small businesses like IT-Pro, ProAdventure and SFTW have built their excellent reputations up through sheer hard work and word of mouth, and they’re just three of the dozens of fantastic examples in Llangollen and the hundreds across Clwyd South.” 

The Welsh Government has targeted much of its £1.7bn+ support package – the most comprehensive anywhere in the UK – towards small businesses throughout the pandemic. 

In June, Welsh Ministers extended the 100% discount for all businesses and charities in the leisure and hospitality sectors until April 2022. Retailers in properties with a rateable value of up to £500,000 will also continue to receive full discounts for the remainder of the year.

Town says final farewell to Wyn Hughes - legend of Llangollen

 * The scene inside the church just before Wyn's funeral service began.

* The scene inside the church just before the funeral.

Crowds lining Castle Street applauded as the funeral cortege of Wyn "Paraffin" Hughes - Legend of Llangollen - passed by on its way to Pentrebychan Crematorium this lunchtime (Thursday).

Earlier a well-attended service was held at St Collen's Church for Wyn who passed away at the age of 87 on November 11.

The Vicar of Llangollen, Father Lee Taylor, said that although the word 'legend' was used a lot these days it was a description "well deserved" by Wyn.

"He was someone who was admired by a lot of people, someone who was original and someone who was amazing - a local treasure. And it is an honorific title well deserved by Wyn," he said.

Hymns "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer" and "O God Our Help in Ages Past" were interspersed with eulogies by Wyn's family member Paul Hughes and Gareth Lloyd from Llangollen Football Club both of which contained some humorous anecdotes about Wyn.

Mr Hughes recalled the time Wyn had visited a local primary school and one of the young pupils, when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, answered, "I want to be Wyn Hughes", and when asked why replied, "because everyone loved him."

Mr Lloyd, sharing similar stories, said Wyn's voluntary contribution to the club over many years would "never be forgotten."

Donations from the funeral will go to Hope House Hospice and to Llangollen Football Club for a trophy or plaque in memory of Wyn.

Wyn's flowered-topped coffin was proceeded both into and out of church by a standard bearer from the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion, showing his support over many years as a collector during the annual Poppy Appeal.

As the funeral cortege was driven down Castle Street towards Wrexham a number of people were on the street to see Wyn go by on his final journey from Llangollen and many applauded as a mark of respect for his unique standing in the town. 

Yaris Cross is a whole new ball game

Toyota Yaris Cross drive by Steve Rogers

What could be better than two Japanese giants going head to head in a car battle?

Last week we looked at the Honda Jazz Crosstar and now it's the new Toyota Yaris Cross, both late comers to the compact crossover league, make that very late, but both highly regarded superminis.

Don't like starting with a moan but I have to get this off my chest. My second trip in Yaris Cross was at night and needed light in the back of the car. I fumbled around but found no switch, needless to say there is no light and with a black roof lining it is a black place to be, so for goodness sake Toyota, let's have some light! After all this is a car costing £26k.

Hope they get the message, now back to the business in hand.

As the name suggests the Cross is a pumped up Yaris, 90mm taller, 20mm wider and 240mm longer. That extra length, all but 10 inches to us old 'uns, is music to the ears of owners who think the Yaris is a tad small, which it is against most rivals.

Interestingly Honda did not feel the need to increase the length of Crosstar because Jazz is already a masterpiece of packaging and the roomiest supermini on the market.

So Yaris Cross is a whole new ball game. Forget about handling and performance, although I will mention it later, space is the number one priority in a small car.

For instance, a Toyota C-HR driver is unlikely to downsize to a Yaris but the Cross would fit the bill.

The higher seating position serves two purposes, it's easier to get in and out, and the driver has a commanding view. If this suggests the Cross is an old person's car think again. Turn the clock back 40 years and I would have been happy to show this off to my mates.

Toyota got rid of its boring tag with the cracking looking C-HR and Yaris Cross shares some of those sharp design cues, just the sort of shape to attract younger eyes, and particularly a young family.

For the driver the dashboard is pretty much a copy of the Yaris with a conventional speedo and information box which is interchangeable by toggling a switch on the steering wheel.

Lots of information options but I couldn't find a digital speedometer so something else that needs to be addressed.

Otherwise the layout will please most owners, a central nine inch touchscreen for radio, Bluetooth and smart phone connections but separate, easy to use switches for the heating.

Turning Yaris into a compact SUV has done wonders for the cabin making it a viable family car. The big winner is boot space which has grown to almost 400 litres, bigger than the Jazz Crosstar although the Honda still beats the Cross on rear legroom.

No one does hybrid better than Toyota so expect super efficiency from the Cross. It picks and chooses when to run on electric and that can be anything up to 82mph.

The three-cylinder engine is reasonably perky but comes into its own on economy returning an easy 60mpg over a week's mixed driving. There is also a four wheel drive option.

The improvement to the Yaris's handling has filtered down to the Cross which is a sharper

drive than its Honda rival.

Yaris is the reigning European Car of the Year and could easily go for the double with Cross for the 2022 title. I like the driving position which is a bit higher than the Honda and is a more rewarding drive than Crosstar. But what does the wife think?

Jean says: "This is a tight call and I would be happy with Cross or Crosstar but my vote is going to the Honda because I preferred the driver's display with its big digital speedo and I found the tailgate difficult to open on the Toyota. I didn't notice any difference in the handling, that's just a bloke thing!

Fast facts

Yaris Cross Dynamic

£26,465 (starts £22,515)

1.5 litre petrol + electric motor 114bhp

0-62mph 11.2secs; 106mph

64.2mpg combined

117g/km. 1st road tax £170

Insurance group 12

Boot 397-1097 litres