Piece of Dee Valley history gets new lease of life

* From left, Nicola Lewis-Smith (Canal and River Trust), Jillian Howe and Kate Thomson (Our Picturesque Landscape project), Ken Skates MS, Cllr Karen Edwards and Cllr Paul Keddie.

A piece of local history in the Dee Valley has been given a new lease of life. 

Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, was invited to see the renovation of the Lengthsman’s Hut at the Horseshoe Falls, Llantysilio.

 

The work was done as part of the Our Picturesque Landscape project with the help of grant funding from the Welsh Government, which also saw the surrounding area spruced up.

 

Mr Skates said: “This is a fantastic wider project and this six-month restoration has helped create an improved visitor welcome at the Horseshoe Falls.

 

“The hut has been closed for years, but with the help of funding from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics programme it’s been superbly restored. Local tourism amenities like this often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit new places.

 

“And it’s not just for the benefit of tourists. We have so many hidden gems in the Dee Valley, and projects like this help to restore pieces of local heritage and are a source of local pride.”

 

The Lengthsman’s Hut can be found opposite the old meter house on the canal towpath just past the Chainbridge Hotel. Denbighshire Council is now looking for volunteers to open it up to the public.

Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership Officer Kate Thomson said: "Thanks to Welsh Government Brilliant Basics and National Lottery Heritage funding, the area around the intake and the meter house has been transformed to create a much-improved visitor welcome.

“To celebrate this, we formally opened the Lengthsman’s Hut to the public for the first time. It has been closed up for many years and after a full restoration has been furnished as if the lengthsman, who would have been responsible for the maintenance of a section or length of canal, has just popped out to work and will be back shortly!”

The Our Picturesque Landscape project is a partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, based in the Dee Valley and supported by Canal and River Trust.

Other local projects include the launch of the Saturday Picturesque Bus Service, a circular route linking Llangollen and surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Valle Crucis Abbey and the Horseshoe Pass.

There are also plans for restoration works on the gatehouse at Castell Dinas Brân this summer.

·        Volunteers to open up the Lengthsman’s Hut are asked to call 01824 706163 or email our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

Could latest electric Audi spark your interest?

Audi Q4 e-tron drive by Steve Rogers

One thing I have learned testing electric cars is that the decision to buy is far more complex than buying a petrol or diesel.

So many people tell me they are not ready to take the plunge, not because they don’t like the cars, but because of the uncertainty about coping with a long journey and the cost, 30 grand is about the least you will get away with.

Planning a long trip can give you the jitters and there will be times when having to top up between journeys will cause delays but we have still got eight years to get the charging situation right and having driven two electric cars in quick succession I am warming to them.

The Volvo XC 40 reviewed a couple of weeks ago was a fine, if expensive, example of electric power so how does the Q4 e-tron measure up?

This is Audi’s first electric SUV and joins e-tron and e-tron GT and is a direct rival to the Volvo in size and price, both offering all wheel options. Like the all wheel drive Swede the quattro Q4 gets its power from two electric motors, one on each axle pumping out a hefty 293bhp, a good bit less than the Volvo but enough to make it a very swift mover.

The four model range offers three power outputs from either a 55 or 77kWh battery pack so for the most miles look to the rear wheel drive, single motor Q4 40 which could take you 316 miles on a single charge, In reality you would be looking to top up after 200 miles to avoid range anxiety, the new buzz phrase for electric driving.

With my Mr Sensible right foot on the throttle my Q4 50 did rather well, returning around 270 miles of range, 20 short of the official maximum. The computer showed 3.7miles per kWh which in a petrol car would break 100mpg. Anything over three is economic driving and braking into 4 miles per kWh is economy gold.

A home charger gives a full top up overnight, don’t be making do with a three pin plug charge as it takes forever. Find the right charger while travelling and just over 30 minutes will top up to 80 per cent. Q4 can cope with a 125kWh fast charge which will put 80 miles on in just 10 minutes.

To recoup power Q4 has a permanent brake gear, supported by steering wheel paddles which give three levels of braking, but neither is a match for Volvo’s innovative one pedal system which can slow and stop the car without touching the brake at the same time regenerating the batteries.

There is no compromise on quality with Audi and Q4 is trimmed to perfection. The digital driver’s display with Google mapping is not changed but the rest of the dashboard is new with an updated 11.6in touchscreen. It is effective but I prefer to old system with a rotary controller between the seats which is less distracting for the driver and more user friendly. At least the voice control did what it was asked on most occasions.

Audi has always worked on the basis that buyers like to choose their own spec and my S-Line, one above base, came with £10,000 of extras which covered the new multi media screen and a host of safety features. Strangely a reversing camera is not part of standard equipment but I think most drivers would happily swap the power tailgate to see where they are reversing.

So is it the Audi or Volvo? Both are sophisticated, high quality examples of this brave new electric world and here the margins are so tight. I would be happy with either, the Audi S-Line has sharper handling and is more settled on tardy tarmac while the Volvo’s seats are still the best on the planet and one pedal is brilliant, I’m surprised Audi hasn’t come up with its own version.

But even though the Volvo offers more standard equipment I am going for the Audi because I love the way it drives and, crucially, it has more electric range.

What the wife says.

I don’t have to think about it, just give me the Volvo. One pedal technology, more comfortable seats and a beautiful dashboard. And I couldn’t spot any difference in the handling.

Fast facts

Q4 e-tron 50 S-Line quattro

£54,545 Tested £65,065

Range starts £40,750

0-62mph 6.2secs; 111.8mph

Range 290 miles

Emissions: Zero

Insurance group 37

Boot: 520-1490 litres

Police warn about theft of cooking oil

Police are warning about an increase in the theft of cooking oil in north Wales. 

In a message sent on the Neighbourhood Alert network, Community Safety PCSO Christopher Livesey says: "With the rising costs of fuel across the country, we are seeing thefts of cooking oil and an increase on suspicious activity surrounding this.

"We had an incident where two males approached a restaurant in Broughton claiming to be from the Environmental Agency there to collect their waste cooking oil. 

"Luckily the staff member was aware of fraudsters making these claims, asked for ID which was clearly not genuine and sent them away.

"Cooking oil is sought-after to be used in the production of Biodiesel.

"Please be mindful should this relate to your business, of where your cooking oil is stored and the security measures around your property due to the increase in thefts.

"Any suspicious incidents like this, report to 101. If you are unsure if they are genuine, contact your regular waste oil collector to confirm."

County says it's ready to welcome summer visitors

* Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Denbighshire County Council say it is ready to welcome visitors this summer.

The council is informing residents of its plans to provide a welcome to visitors coming to the county over the summer.

With a busy season expected, the council has made preparations to manage the expected increase in visitors.

Additional car parking at Moel Famau and Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen have been developed over the winter months ready for this summer, while extra countryside rangers are being deployed at beauty spots, including Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks and Horseshoe Falls, to provide information, support for visitors and help deal with any issues.

Extra street cleaning provision will be in place during the season to focus on busy areas in towns and parks, while increased bin emptying will be in operation at tourist hotspots.

Visitors dropping in on Denbighshire this summer will be able to sample different attractions, including the return of old favourites with Covid-19 restrictions lifted and something new for all ages.

Calendar stalwarts such as the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod (July 7 – July 10)  Denbigh and Flint Show ( August 18) and the Rhyl Air Show (August 27 – August 28) are all running this season alongside many local events in the county.

For those interested in history, new audio guides are now available at Nantclwyd y Dre, Wales’ oldest dated timbered town house based in Ruthin.

And for those wanting to visit Llangollen, the recently completed Llangollen 2020 project has provided more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities allowing for an improved experience walking around the sights of the town.  

Plas Newydd House and Gardens in Llangollen are open to the public again and new displays tell the fascinating story of the ladies of Llangollen.  

Flying in for a first this summer is also the Skyflyer based at Rhyl next to the Pavilion Theatre which is set to offer stunning views or the surrounding landscape, when open from July 6.

Cllr Win-Mullen James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The tourism sector contributes significantly to Denbighshire’s economy and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to visit what the county has to offer during the summer to support our local businesses.

“Our county is full of gems of all sizes to visit, not just for visitors but for local residents as well who may discover many attractions right from their own doorstep that will provide great memories this summer.

“There are also great opportunities to travel smart across the county through our transport network saving costs and supporting the local environment. For example, the Picturesque Landscapes bus offers a perfect chance to explore the Dee Valley this summer and the Fflecsi bws service can help you reach the places you want to go, with even an electric vehicle available on routes around Ruthin.

“Denbighshire is also home to a fantastic coastline. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Wales Coast Path and we would encourage visitors to safely use this route through Denbighshire to explore our coastal areas and discover our beaches such as Prestatyn which has achieved Blue Flag status this year.”

It is also important to always park responsibly in designated areas and to respect the countryside, this includes keeping dogs on a lead and to bring picnics rather than disposable barbeques.

Visitors are reminded to remember Covid-19 has not gone away and to act safely, responsibly and respectfully when needed.

Information on discovering Denbighshire is available at our Tourist Information centres, for more visit this link https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/visiting-denbighshire/tourist-information-centres-and-points.aspx

The council redeveloped its Tourism Strategy Action Plan to include Destination Management in order to coordinate activity and ensure a positive experience for visitors, residents and businesses during summer 2022.

Visitors are encouraged to plan, prepare and pre-book their visits and to follow coastal safety tips and outdoor safety messages.

A suite of social media graphics has been produced for businesses and Tourism Ambassadors

Dinas Bran's 'green' project commended in national awards

Work to reduce the carbon footprint of Ysgol Dinas Bran has been officially recognised with the school’s green energy project being commended at national awards.

Denbighshire County Council declared a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in July 2019 and has since committed to becoming a Net Carbon Zero and Ecologically Positive Council by 2030.

This includes reducing the council’s emissions from its buildings alongside fleet, waste generated in operations, business travel, staff commuting and street lighting.

The green project at Ysgol Dinas Bran and Llangollen Leisure Centre saw a 150Kw array of solar panels installed on the school roof which generate electricity for the school onsite using the suns energy.

Other elements of the work include heating control upgrades and LED lighting. The whole project is expected to reduce the school’s carbon emissions by 73 tonnes per year.

Pupils at the school are also invested in Climate Change as the school holds the Eco-Schools Platinum status, putting the topic at the forefront of their work.

The green project was shortlisted listed in the 2022 Education Business Awards Environmental Practice category and was commended.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We would like to congratulate all involved with this project and are proud it has received recognition nationally. This work is such a big benefit for reducing the site’s carbon footprint and at the same time improving the learning environment for pupils and staff at the school.

“We would again like to thank the school for working with the Council on such an important project.”

Mark Hatch, Ysgol Dinas Bran Head teacher, said: “We are so pleased that we have had recognition for what we have achieved here in Ysgol Dinas Brân in reducing our carbon footprint by 73 tonnes.

“We had been nominated by the Education Business awards given the coverage we have received from news articles and it is great that other schools are asking how we did it and pursuing the options. We all need to make a difference for future generations.  I would like to thank all involved in achieving this fantastic project.” 

New package of measures to address second homes issue

New planning laws, a statutory licensing scheme and proposals to change land transaction tax will be included in a package of measures to address second homes in Wales.

First Minister Mark Drakeford and leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price set out the next steps in a programme of actions to help create thriving communities and to support people to afford a home, in a joint press conference today (Monday 4 July).

The Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru includes a commitment to tackle the issue of second homes affecting many communities in Wales.

The package of measures being announced today includes:

• Changes to planning regulations by the end of the summer. These will introduce three new planning use classes – a primary home, a second home and short-term holiday accommodation. Local planning authorities, where they have evidence, will be able to make amendments to the planning system to require planning permission for change of use from one class to another. We will also introduce changes to national planning policy to give local authorities the ability to control the number of second homes and holiday lets in any community.
  
  
• Plans to introduce a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation, including short-term holiday lets, making it a requirement to obtain a license. This will help raise standards across the tourism industry.
  
  
• Following a consultation about varying land transaction tax locally in areas with large numbers of second homes, work will start today (Monday 4 July) with local authorities to develop a national framework so they can request increased land transaction tax rates for second homes and holiday lets to be applied in their local area.

The Welsh Government has already introduced a range of measures to address the issue of second homes, including giving councils the discretionary power to increase council tax premiums on second and empty homes and it has changed the rules on holiday lets so owners and operators make a fair contribution to their local communities.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are today setting out the next steps in a radical programme to ensure everyone has the opportunity to afford to live in their local community – whether that’s buying or renting a home.

“We have a shared ambition for Wales to be a nation of thriving communities – a country where people do not have to leave to find good and rewarding work and a country which people want to come to visit and to live.

“Tourism is vital to our economy but having too many holiday properties and second homes, which are empty for much of the year, does not make for healthy local communities and prices people out of the local housing market.

“There is no single, simple solution to these issues. Any action we take must be fair. We do not want to create any unintended consequences, which could destabilise the wider housing market or make it harder for people to rent or buy.”

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price said: “We are committed to using a range of planning, taxation and property levers to tackle the issue of second and unaffordable homes – and to do so with urgency.

“The package of purposeful measures that have been developed as a result of the constructive cooperation between Plaid Cymru and the Government in this area will, together, begin to address the injustices in our housing system and make a real difference to people and communities right across our nation.

“The aim is to give everyone ‘yr hawl i fyw adra’– the ability to live and work in the communities in which they grew up.”

Dancing prince hails Eisteddfod's 'shining example of peace'

* Getting down to the bhangra beat ... the Prince of Wales with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra dance group in 2015.

The Prince of Wales has hailed an international festival where he once did some impromptu bhangra dancing as a “shining example of peace and harmony”.

The royal tribute was in the foreword he wrote for the programme of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod that’s celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year.

The event was established in1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War as a way of bringing the nations of the world closer together in a colourful, multi-cultural melting pot.

Ever since the picturesque town of Llangollen in the Dee Valley has been known as the place where Wales meets the world.

The popular festival which helped launch the careers of opera superstars Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bryn Terfel had to be cancelled in 2020 for the first time due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

In 2021 it took on a virtual format with performances streamed online but this year Wales will once again welcome the world to the little town in the Dee Valley.

The festival starts on Thursday, July 7, and culminates with Llanfest on Sunday, July 10, when the Eisteddfod joins forces with the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

The Prince is the long-standing Patron of the Eisteddfod which he has visited three times.

* Prince Charles meets an overseas visitor to the 2015 Eisteddfod.

On the last occasion in 2015, when he was accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, he was captured on camera dancing to a bhangra beat with the Sheerer Punjab Bhangra Dance group from Nottingham.

The Eisteddfod’s royal connection stretches all the way back to 1953 when it was one of the first of the then newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth’s official engagements after she succeeded her father, George VI.

In the foreword, the Prince of Wales wrote: “When the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was founded in 1947 in a world weary of war, no-one could have foreseen that it would still be a beacon of inspiration three quarters of a century later.

“Over the years since then, the vision of those early founders has been triumphantly realised, and this little town in the Dee Valley has witnessed, time and again, the kind of concord between the nations that gives us all hope for the future.

“It is a source of great pride to me, as Patron of the Eisteddfod, that Wales should have given the world this shining example of peace and harmony.

“The success of the Festival has proved the truth of the Eisteddfod motto – Byd gwyn fydd byd a gano. Gwaraidd fydd ei gerddi fo. A world that sings is truly blessed.

“In my visits over the years, it has always been a joy to see how people from so many different backgrounds and cultures can find a common language in music, and can create new and lasting friendships.

“At a time when we once again find our world overshadowed by conflict, we need the vision of Llangollen more than ever. As you celebrate the magnificent achievement of reaching this significant anniversary, I send everyone connected with the Festival my warmest good wishes.

“Dymuniadau gorau i chi i gyd (Best wishes to you all).

The Eisteddfod’s Executive Producer, Camilla King, said: “We are extremely grateful to the Prince of Wales for the wonderful words in the foreword he has written for the programme.

“I know that his steadfast support over many years has always been gratefully appreciated.

“It is fitting that our 75^th anniversary coincides with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee so there will be even more reason to celebrate.”

Over the four days of the Eisteddfod there will be a host of new attractions and activities on the revamped outdoor site, including music, dance, talks, comedy, food, drink, shopping, workshops and pop-up entertainment.

In the evenings there will be concerts featuring the singing duo of Aled Jones and Russell Watson and Anoushka Shankar, the British-Indian-American sitar player, producer, film composer and activist who is the daughter of renowned musician Ravi Shankar, and half-sister of singer Norah Jones.

The competitions climax on Saturday night with Choir of the World and the contest for the Pendine International Voice of the Future featuring the finest young singers from around the world on the stage where Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Sir Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have performed.

This year’s Eisteddfod is a shortened version of previous years but will still pack plenty in with a full programme of competitions in the Pavilion and starting on Thursday with Schools Day and the Young Peacemaker Awards.

Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert featuring indie rock stars Amber Run, blues powerhouse Elles Bailey and Bajan-Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford

* For more on Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its competitions and concerts as well as how to get to it and where to stay go to http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ or check out https://www.facebook.com/llangollen