Bridge is repaired and 'no risk to integrity' says county council

* The bridge covered by sheeting where it was damaged last week.

Stones accidentally knocked out of the world-famous Llangollen Bridge last week have now been put back in place, according to Denbighshire County Council.

And they assure that there is "no risk to the integrity of the bridge."

Last Friday the council admitted that some stones were ‘displaced’ from Llangollen Bridge by contractors working on the town’s 2020 Project the previous afternoon, adding that work was going on to replace them.

They also revealed that a full structural survey of the site would be carried out in partnership with Welsh historic monuments body CADW to determine what further repair works were required.

This afternoon (Monday) the council said in an updated statement: “The stones at Castle Street Bridge are back in position and have been re-pointed by a stone mason. 

"There is no risk to the structural integrity of the bridge. 

"CADW has also been consulted throughout the process and will carry out a final inspection now the work is complete."

Last week pictures were posted on social media showing cracks in the stonework of the bridge - one of the Seven Wonders of Wales - as the contractors worked on the  renewal of the pavements above.

Llangollen town councillor Stuart immediately asked questions about the consequences of any damage to the bridge and urged that a full structural survey being carried out.

If the bridge had been damaged he also questioned whether heavy traffic could still be diverted through Llangollen and over it as happens when the A483/A5 viaduct is closed.

The council later explained: “During ongoing public realm improvement works in the town, a small number of stones were displaced from the bridge during the removal of the base of a street lighting column." 

Stuart Davies had told llanblogger: “Back in 2017, when I served as a county councillor for the area, we received a report from engineers to say that water ingress had caused some damage to the structure of the bridge. They said it was alright for the moment but that we would have to keep an eye on it.

“I have now written to the county council’s chief executive and leader to say that what appears to have happened yesterday means that we should have a structural engineer take a good look at it to see if there has been any damage which might weaken the bridge.

“If there has been any damage there is also the question of whether heavy traffic can still be diverted through Llangollen and over the bridge as happens when the A483/A5 viaduct is closed."

County council to welcome refugee families from Ukraine

Denbighshire County Council has announced it will welcome refugee families from Ukraine as part of its on-going commitment to support the UK Resettlement Scheme.

The council says it has processes in place and is making the preparations to extend and accelerate the offer of resettling families from Ukraine, once further guidance has been received from the Welsh and UK Governments.

Denbighshire points to its long history of accommodating and supporting refugees and has pledged to welcome families every year. 

Over the last five years, the council has resettled 25 families, made up of 95 individuals, predominantly in response to the refuge crisis in Syria and Afghanistan.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “The heart-breaking scenes being broadcast from Ukraine every single day has shocked the nation and many people want to share their support to the thousands of people that have fled their homes as the situation continues to escalate.

“The council feels honoured to have helped refugees from Syria and Afghanistan to resettle safely in our county and we are extending our hand of friendship to families from Ukraine that now find themselves in desperate need of refuge.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide that support with a dedicated team of staff working directly with families, as well as support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups”.

The council says it has received many kind offers of help from residents of Denbighshire. If anyone has any enquiries, they should email ukresettlement@denbighshire.gov.uk, and the council will be happy to share its plans, once details of the UK schemes have been agreed.

Meanwhile, the Ukranian flag will be flown at County Hall, Ruthin and Russell House, Rhyl from Tuesday, March 15 as a mark of the Council’s support to those affected by the atrocities.

Tributes paid to well-loved member of Llangollen Twenty Club

* Iola Roberts when she was a resident at The Old Vicarage in Llangollen.

A leading member of the Llangollen Twenty Club has paid warm tribute to one of the drama society’s best-loved figures. 

Iola Roberts, who died on March 3 in her late eighties, was for many years the group’s chairperson but had also worked both on stage and in front of house. 

Chrissie Ashworth, who in latter years has directed many of the club’s productions, said of her: “Iola was married to the late Delwyn Roberts and lived in Garth, just outside Llangollen.  

“From an early age, she had connections with the Twenty Club, having been, it could be said, ‘reared’ in it by her 'Aunty Edna' (Bowen).  

“Iola was an enthusiastic member of the society, which had been formed in 1947, and her contribution to it was immense.  

“She acted in the plays, which performed twice yearly, and if not acting, would help front of house and take on all sorts of jobs.  

“A notable role she played was the mother, Alice Fisher, to Billy Liar (played by Idris Evans, a stalwart acting member at the time). 

“Delwyn was also a loyal member, and helped build many, many sets over the years. 

“At the start of the season in early autumn, both Iola and Delwyn would host a BBQ at their home, welcoming present and new members of the society.  

“She was instrumental in organising, very efficiently, the holidays to various places, often to London to see a show in the West End, and together with Noreen Turner, ensured that everything ran smoothly.  They were an extremely competent and hard working duo. 

Iola thrived on being busy, loved a lively social life and had many friends throughout  her life.

“In addition to the Twenty Club, Iola was also a driving force in the Inner Wheel and the NSPCC, taking on committee roles with great efficiency and verve. If you asked Iola to do something, you just knew it would get done! 

“Her New Year parties were, it is believed, legendary and a firm date in the calendar for her many friends. She was in the centre of most events, and would always have a story to tell, holding her avid listeners spellbound and amused, such was her larger than life character.  

“Iola also enjoyed playing bridge and was a formidable opponent; one preferred to be on her side. 

“She was voted in as chairperson of the Twenty Club in the early 2000s and held that position for many years until she felt that someone younger needed to take on the role.  

“She was a real figure head and everyone who met her, fell under her spell, she had the wonderful knack of making people feel treasured. 

“Llangollen is a better place for having had the likes of Iola in its midst for such a long time and by merely scratching the surface, it is hoped that one can catch a glimpse of the extraordinary lady Iola was.” 

Although for the past few years Iola had been a resident of The Old Vicarage nursing home in Llangollen, it is understand that she died at home surrounded by her family. 

Betthan Mascarenhas, owner of The Old Vicarage, said: “It was so sad to hear of Iola’s passing. She was such a marvellous lady and is missed at the home.” 

Iola’s daughter, Sarah Banfield has announced on social media that her funeral will take place at St Collen’s Church on Friday March 18 followed by burial at Trefynant Cemetery, Acrefair, with refreshments at the Delph, Acrefair.

Town's Foodshare puts out urgent call for supplies

Llangollen Foodshare has put out an urgent call for supplies on social media.

On the Nextdoor site one of its volunteers recently posted: "Help please.....

"I volunteer at Llangollen Foodshare and we are running low on food donations for people who need assistance. We often help anywhere between 20 - 40 people on our Wednesday drop in session.

"If you could donate 1 or more tins of "in date" food that would be amazing. As you can possible see behind Aldi's very kind donation for this week, our "tins" shelves are somewhat bare.

"The best tins to donate are below and the donation session is 10 - 11am on Tuesdays. We are located at the top of Market Street Carpark. there is a big sign on the wall outside:

Baked beans Soups Cereals Tinned Tuna Tinned veg Tinned meat Tinned Stews "Nothing fancy, just the basics.

"Thank you so much for your help in advance. Call for more information - Jess - 07734109937."

Railway refuses to buy Russian coal for its steam trains

Llangollen Railway is to stop buying Russian coal to power its steam engines as a result of the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The heritage attraction has also revealed the "challenging" situation it is facing as a result of soaring diesel prices.

Problems surrounding the two fuels has forced the railway to revise its service timetable.

In a statement, it says: "We currently holds good reserves of coal which were delivered before the hostilities began in Ukraine. 

"Our stocks are sufficient for around 30 days of steam operation. Further stocks of Russian steam coal are still available in the UK, however we do not feel it would be ethical to purchase any more given the horrific situation unfolding in Ukraine.

"The situation is very challenging. As well as coal supply, diesel prices are also vastly inflated, making operation of our diesel railcars and diesel locomotives more expensive too. 

"As a result, the current plan is to revise our timetable for at least the spring months, reducing both the number of trains we operate and how frequently we use steam locomotives. 

"We will be sure to publicise these changes well in advance so that customers hoping for a steam-hauled train can still travel on one. 

"We do however expect demand to be high, so advanced booking is recommended, which can be made via our website (www.llangollen-railway.co.uk) and office (01978 860979). Our diesel-hauled and diesel railcar trains also offer the chance to enjoy the Dee Valley's wonderful scenery."

The railway adds: "Alongside carefully managing our coal stocks, we are looking at alternative fuel sources, including a British-made processed coal known as "ovoids", which may offer us a viable alternative. 

"We are also looking into the very limited remaining coal supplies from South Wales and whether these may be able to offer us a supply. 

"Clearly Welsh coal used to fire steam locomotives in Wales would be a great way of sourcing fuel from a more ethical supplier as well as having reduced transport miles which lowers the overall carbon impact.

"In a time where the use of fossil fuels is quite rightly being challenged, the Llangollen Railway is carefully considering the environmental impact alongside our objective of telling the very important story of our industrial and transport heritage, in which coal played such a huge part. 

"The 150 or so UK heritage railways would welcome the support of both the UK and Welsh Governments in being able to source a limited but sustainable supply of British coal. 

"Our industry support body, the Heritage Railway Association, is actively involved in discussions as to how this may be facilitated."

 

 

Next week's work on 2020 project

Work planned for week starting March 14 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

• Continue with paving preparation on East Side of bridge
• Paving preparation outside Town Hall
• Finish paving Parade St-Dee Lane (Castle Street west)
• Paving outside Fouzi's (Castle Street east heading North)

Young 'Uns star Celyn takes her final bow with Little Shop of Horrors

* Celyn Orton Jones plays Audrey in the show.

One of the best-loved and most experienced performers with Llangollen Young ‘Uns is due to take her final curtain call with the group later this month.

Celyn Orton Jones has been appearing on stage with Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section since she was just six, winning many plaudits for her acting and singing abilities along the way.

But as the maximum age for appearing with the group is 18, which she has now reached, she’s finally ready to bow out with her final role, the female lead Audrey, in the fun musical Little Shop of Horrors which comes to the town hall stage from Wednesday March 30 to Saturday April 2, with two performances on the Saturday at 2pm and 7.30pm.  

The Young ‘Uns are pleased that it will be the first live musical theatre show in Llangollen since the pre-pandemic days of February 2020 and the group is excited to be back performing for the community. 

The show, billed as a black horror rock comedy, is packed with memorable songs and has a small cast of 10 of the older Young ‘Uns who have each been with the group for years.

The show is co-directed by Robin Crowley and Jo Lloyd with Julian Cattley as musical director.

Celyn, who due to complete her course in performing arts at Coleg Cambria this summer, is one of the group’s longest-serving and most successful performers ever.

Little Shop of Horrors will be her eleventh show. Her first role was Molly, the youngest orphan, in Annie in 2011 set in a New York orphanage.

Celyn’s reckons her proudest moment came when playing Blousey Brown in Bugsy Malone in 2017, because this was the first time she got to sing a solo number and it also won her the Jane Herniman Trophy for best performer that year.   

Her favourite role remains Rizzo in Grease in 2019 but Celyn says she loves the new show and considers it very challenging and iconic but “really, really fun”.

She is also amused at having to go blonde for the role, wearing a wig over her naturally dark hair throughout the show. 

Celyn says she has greatly valued and enjoyed her time in Young ‘Uns, gaining confidence and overcoming her nervousness and also making many friends.

After college she sees her future in the performing arts and has submitted 11 applications to join suitable courses in locations across the UK.

* Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors can be purchased from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or the outlets in town, The wharf, Jades, Oggies, Tourist Information Centre and Georges cafe, at £12 and £10.