Erddig one of sites to remember those who died in pandemic

The First Minister has announced the planned locations of Wales’ first commemorative woodlands to remember all those who have died during the pandemic.

The first two woodlands will be created on part of the National Trust Cymru’s Erddig Estate in Wrexham and at a site identified by Natural Resources Wales at Brownhill in the Tywi Valley in Carmarthenshire.

A third memorial woodland will be created in South East Wales – a site is currently being identified.

The memorial woodlands will be a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow.

It is hoped they will be places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones.

They will also be locations where the public will be able to reflect on the pandemic and the impact it has had on all our lives.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “It has been almost two years since the coronavirus pandemic hit Wales.

“Too many people have been taken too soon by this awful virus. We will remember all of them and keep them in our hearts and our minds.

“These woodlands will be a permanent and living memorial to all those who have died. They will also be a symbol of the strength the people of Wales have shown over the past two years.”

The woodlands will be planted with a range of tree species, making them resilient to our changing environment.

Planting is expected to begin this year.

Natural Resources Wales and National Trust Cymru will work with local communities and families to plan and design the woodlands.

Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales said: “Our forests and woodlands are powerful, poignant symbols of life, helping to enhance our environment and biodiversity and providing space for recreation and reflection.

“Our ambition for this commemorative woodland is for it to become a living, growing area for all the community to enjoy, as well as a quiet space for contemplation as we continue to navigate this most challenging of times.

“As part of the journey, we want to engage with local communities and our partners to plan and design the woodland, shaping with them safe and accessible spaces, where people of all ages can come to remember and reflect for years to come.”

We expect the sites to become part of the National Forest for Wales in the future, with opportunities for local communities to help shape the management of the woodland.

Justin Albert, Director, National Trust Cymru said: “For over 125 years, the National Trust has provided places for people to connect with nature, beauty and fresh air. This has felt as relevant over the last two years as it has in any time in our history: knowing that nature has been hugely comforting to many during the pandemic, bringing both pleasure and reassurance as all other aspects of our lives changed.

National Trust Cymru are proud to support the Welsh Government in creating one of the commemorative woodlands for Wales at Erddig. We look forward to collaborating with communities and partners to create a special place in memory of those lost to coronavirus. The woodland will be for remembrance and reflection, but also to provide a future green space for everyone to continue that much needed, beneficial connection with the natural world for ever.”

Mountain rescue team save man in distress near Llangollen

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting how the North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) team helped save a man in 'distress' in the Llangollen area yesterday (Saturday).

* For the full story, see: 

https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19903294.equipment-failure-led-man-walking-dark-moors-near-llangollen/

Work planned on 2020 project for coming week

Work planned for week starting Monday, February 7 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

* Excavate the footpath on Castle Street west from Market Street to the A5

* Pave Castle Street west from Market Street to the A5.

Eisteddfod announces return to live competitions

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced a return to live competitions in 2022, following a two-year break due to the pandemic. 

Applications are now open for over 20 different competition categories, with the full syllabus and application information available online.

In light of continued disruptions to travel due to Covid-19, for the first time the festival is introducing a hybrid competition series, with options to compete digitally via large screens in the Pavilion in front of live adjudicators and audiences. 

It says the aim is to make participation accessible to many more amateur performers this summer.

Executive producer Camilla King said: “We can’t wait to welcome friends from all over the world to experience the true meaning of eisteddfod - friendly competition and a shared joy in performing, all in the beautiful surroundings of Llangollen. 

"In addition to our new digital hybrid format, applicants may notice some other changes to our competitions this year, which we hope will inspire them to come and join us for our 75th anniversary celebrations."

She added: "The jewel in the crown of the eisteddfod will be the Choir of the World competition on Saturday July 9, which for 2022 is joined by the Pendine International Voice of the Future and Dance Champions awards and is set to be a thrilling celebration of outstanding international performers. 

"New for 2022 are Show Choirs, Contemporary Dance, Young Composer, Young Folk Instrumental Ensemble and Junior Instrumentalist join our existing line up which celebrates a huge variety of choral and solo singing, dance, folk music, instrumental performances, and our special non-competitive strand.

"The annual International Eisteddfod is home to over 4,000 performers during the week-long programme and is an exquisite celebration of international music, culture, creativity and collaboration.

"It is now a key driver of cultural tourism to North Wales and attracts over 35,000 visitors every year."

* Downloadable syllabus book, application forms and other competitor information available on the dedicated website: https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/

Tributes paid to cyclist who died on the A5

Tributes have flooded in for cyclist David Fanning who was killed on Monday night following a crash on the A5 near Corwen.

* For the full story in the Daily Post online, go to: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-cycling-community-total-22960372

UK Government accused of neglecting north Wales rail system

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates with North Wales MS Carolyn Thomas. 

Labour politicians, including Clwyd South MS Ken Skates, has accused the UK Government of the "shameful neglect" of rail infrastructure in North Wales.

And they claim the local network is being "short-changed" by £5bn. 

The issue has been raised in the Senedd by North Wales MS Carolyn Thomas followed by former Transport Minister Ken Skates wh0 repeated his calls for rail to be fully devolved to the Welsh Government. 

While transport is devolved to Wales, responsibility for railway track, station infrastructure and signalling remains with the UK Government at Westminster. 

Labour claims that over the past 20 years, Wales has had less than 2% of the £102bn that the UK Government has spent on improvements – despite having 5% of the population and 11% of the track miles. 

During First Minister’s Questions this week First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Welsh Ministers take every opportunity to raise with the UK Government their shameful neglect of investment in rail infrastructure in north Wales.” 

And Ms Thomas told the Senedd: “The Tory UK Government are investing just under £100bn in HS2 rail infrastructure. If the Barnett formula were to be applied, Wales should be entitled to the population share of 5%which is £5bn. But, because the UK Government says that the line from London to Birmingham is going to benefit Wales, we are getting nothing.  

“On top of this, a levelling-up funding bid was made to UK Government for investment on the Wrexham-Bidston line, which is desperately needed. But, again, the UK Government failed to deliver investment. All we are asking for is that Wales be treated fairly.” 

The First Minister responded: “Wales is treated anything but fairly when it comes to rail investment by the UK Government. It is absolutely nonsensical to claim that because there is a new service from London to Birmingham somehow that means Wales has had its fair share of that investment.  

“And all of that comes on top of a decade of neglect of investment in the infrastructure here in Wales. You've heard the figures here before – 2% of the railway line in Wales is electrified. Twenty-two miles. It is pathetic, and it is the direct result of broken promises. 

“This Welsh Government, by contrast, goes on investing in rail services in north Wales. This year, we will increase services on the line between Wrexham and Bidston. Next year, we will provide new services between Liverpool and Llandudno. And, the year after that, there will be new services from the north to Cardiff. Where the UK Government treats Wales with contempt when it comes to rail investment, this government goes on investing – in the north and in the rest of Wales.” 

The Union Connectivity Review, commissioned by the UK Government and published in December, ‘concluded that devolution had been good for transport’, the First Minister said. 

Ken Skates added: “The most straightforward way to address historic underfunding would be to devolve responsibilities and appropriate funding to the Welsh Government.”  

Last year, Ms Thomas and Mr Skates were among the North Wales Labour politicians to welcome the cross-party Welsh Affairs Committee’s report recommending urgent improvements in rail infrastructure across the region by the UK Government. 

They called on the UK Government to urgently implement the recommendations, which included preparing a full strategic case for the upgrade and electrification of the North Wales mainline.  

The report also called for the classification of HS2 as an England-only scheme – which Mr Skates said ‘could in turn generate huge consequential funds for Wales’ – and HS2 incorporating improvements around Crewe and Chester to enable North Wales to benefit from the project. 

Latest round of Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund opens

The third round of the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund has opened for applications.

Businesses and organisations which have not previously received support under the fund are now eligible to apply, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, has confirmed. 

Earlier this month, the Deputy Minister announced a further £15.4 million would be made available to cultural organisations in Wales who continue to be severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Impacted sectors including music venues, heritage sites, event venues, suppliers and organisers, independent local museums, community and independent libraries, galleries and independent cinemas who were previously supported via the Welsh Government’s CRF were contacted by letter during the week commencing January 17. 

The Welsh Government has already made payments of £2.2m to more than 88 applicants. It is expected most payments to those who have applied through this process will be made next week. 

New entrants for CRF 3 can today apply from the Business Wales website, where further details and application forms are available. Applications will need to be returned by Friday February 11. 

To be eligible, businesses from the events, creative and heritage sectors will have to provide evidence that they have experienced at least 50% reduced turnover between December 2021 and February 2022 compared to the same period in 2019/20. 

Dawn Bowden said: “We are fully aware that these impacted sectors continue to face new pressures.

"The innovation and resilience which has been demonstrated by the people and organisations which make these sectors so vibrant has been remarkable. 

“We want to ensure that the sector continues to play a part in our recovery from the pandemic and in bringing people together once more. 

"The Welsh Government is also aware of the impact the pandemic is having on our creative freelance community and we have doubled (to £1,000) the Emergency Business Fund grant award available for qualifying sole traders and freelancers who do not pay rates." 

This third round builds on the previous two phases of the Cultural Recovery Fund which have provided £93 million and has supported business, organisations and individuals in the key cultural sectors.