Local MP says he's backing Sunak in Tory leadership race

* Simon Baynes MP.

Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes has announced that he is backing former Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his party's leadership contest 

Posting on his Facebook page today (Wednesday) Mr Baynes says: "As a Boris loyalist who backed him until the end, I have found the leadership campaign upsetting and difficult to navigate. 

"Now that Priti Patel, whom I urged to stand, has withdrawn from the race, I have decided to back Rishi Sunak as I think he is the best placed in terms of ability and experience to be Prime Minister at this exceptionally difficult time both at home and abroad.

"I have either spoken to all the leadership candidates or seen them speak in a hustings meeting and I have had many private conversations with colleagues about them. 

"They are a diverse, highly talented and compassionate group of people who are a great credit to the modern Conservative Party which has, in turn, made making my choice even more difficult.

"I have chosen to support Rishi Sunak on ability and experience but recognise that he still has a great deal of persuading to do with not only my band of Boris loyalists but also the membership of the Conservative Party who will make the final choice between the two candidates shortlisted by us as MPs."

Mr Baynes says there are four main reasons why he is supporting Mr Sunak and outlining them he says:

"1. Due to his government experience, particularly during the Covid crisis where he excelled in supporting people and businesses throughout the pandemic, Rishi can hit the ground running as PM, a necessity in these troubled times.

"2. He is right to be cautious about immediate tax cutting as there are also massive spending priorities that we face such as helping people with the cost of living, social care for the elderly, increasing defence spending and funding our support for the war in Ukraine which I think is of paramount geopolitical importance.

"3. I had a chance to see him at work since I was elected in 2019 and have been impressed by not only his exceptional intelligence, imaginative ideas, good communication skills and administrative ability but also by the interest he has always shown in us as colleagues, particularly as new backbenchers. This is a vital aspect of good leadership and one at which Boris excelled. And this accessibility and collegiate approach will be very important in bringing the party together after the leadership race has finished.

"4. Rishi is a compassionate politician and not divisive by character - these are important attributes for taking the country forward and persuading people to continue supporting the Conservative Party in the future.

"Over the next week, MPs will vote on reducing the list of 9 candidates down to 2 via a series of ballots which start today and finish by Wednesday next week. Two names then go before the membership of the Conservative Party and the winner will be declared on 5th September in time to take part in his or her first PMQs as our new Prime Minister.

"If you have any questions or comments to make on the leadership contest, please don’t hesitate to contact me on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk."  

Teens jumping from Llan Bridge sparks debate

Tombstoning - or youngsters jumping into the River Dee from Llangollen Bridge in high summer - has become the subject of a story in the Daily Post.

The newspaper has taken an interest in the custom after a debate started on Facebook when a passer-by took photos of the jumping teens, expressing concerns for their safety. 

* For the full story see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tombstoning-river-stunt-thats-cherished-24471182

Help save the planet with an e-bike delivery service

* The e-bike delivery service sets off Drosi Bikes' workshop. 

An enterprising Llangollen community workshop is offering a delivery service to customers of shops in the town using a planet-saving electronic bike.

Thanks to outside funding Drosi Bikes, based in Parade Street, has been able to buy an electric assist e-cargo bike. 

And every Friday, for a small fee, it is offering local people the chance to use it to have their orders from local shops delivered within a 10-mile radius of the town centre.

Ceri, of Drosi Bikes, said: "Thanks to funding from Clocaenog WFF and the National Lottery's Together for our Planet we have been able to purchase the e-cargo bike.

"It is available to hire at reduced rates for Llangollen residents and organisations and, every Friday, we have a dedicated rider offering sustainable deliveries across the town and surrounding areas. 

"The main aim for the project is to provide residents with a real alternative to a car, particularly for shorter journeys or when travelling into the town. In turn, this helps to lower CO2 emissions and congestion within Llangollen, as well as promoting and supporting local businesses. 

"It is also hoped the delivery option will give residents more opportunity to walk, cycle or take the bus into town, knowing we are able to assist in getting their items back to them, without the hassle of carrying heavy bags."

She added: " The way it works is customers head to their favourite independent shops within Llangollen and purchase their items as usual. 

"They fill out a delivery card which gets left with their order and stored in the shop. We pick up from each store every Friday morning and distribute - payment is made upon collection. 

"If we're delivering within the town it's a flat fee of £2. Beyond this, we charge 50p per mile, up to a range of 10 miles outside of Llangollen.

"During this trial period we are only able to offer deliveries on a Friday - we have a dedicated rider every Friday to offer this service. Going forward, we hope to increase the number of days through a mix of volunteer and funded riders.

"This service is currently operating from a couple of Llangollen shops but we're happy to pick up deliveries from any independent store. If your favourite shop isn't currently signed up, ask them to get in touch with us.

"To maximise the efficiency of the bike, we're also happy to pick up items after dropping off deliveries, such as small items for the charity shop, food donations for the food share and so on."

Planning application to transform Royal Hotel is approved

* The Royal's planning application has been approved by the county council.

The planning application to transform Llangollen’s historic Royal into a ‘destination’ hotel has been approved by Denbighshire County Council.

Standing at the corner of Castle Street and Bridge Street, it is one of the town’s landmark buildings and dates back to 1752.

Overlooking Centenary Square, it is Grade II Listed and has been closed since 2019,  

A council spokesperson said the permission for application number 03/2022/0173 was granted under delegated powers and allows for the demolition of the original existing extension, the erection of a four-storey extension to the side and rear, including health spa, and additional hotel accommodation.

The spokesperson added: “Also approved is the erection of a two-storey kitchen extension to the existing courtyard plus the installation of a canopy and decking to the rear and associated works.

“Officers have also recommended that Listed Building consent be granted for the same works under application ref 03/2022/0174. However, this recommendation is currently being considered by CADW.”

The application was submitted last March in the name of Matt Jones of MAVI Properties Ltd based in Middle Sontley, Wrexham.

At the time a press release from the company said the development would give the ability to create an estimated 45-plus jobs.

The application explained that the aim of the plan was to “create a destination venue and to improve accessibility of the existing historic element.”

It also said there would be: “Works consisting of partial demolition of existing a 1960’s extension to facilitate the creation of an all-new spa extension with additional high-end accommodation above. New restaurant area to be created to existing basement with extended external decking area.”

The application adds that in 2019 a public consultation meeting was held at the Royal Hotel to allow local residents and business owners to opportunity to meet the project team and to review and discuss the design intentions.

It said: “During this meeting, the project’s aim to turn the Royal into a ‘destination hotel’, potentially with a Michelin star restaurant, Spa and terrace with the ability to create an estimated 45+ jobs were discussed.

“The intention to develop the project with the Local Authority and CADW was stated, to not only preserve the historical characteristics of the building, but to also provide an asset to increase footfall to the town. As part of the discussion, the issue of erosion to the existing riverbank wall was raised. Remedial works were subsequently completed in 2021.”

The application stated that there would be no demolition of any Listed buildings, either partial or total.

It went on to say the redevelopment would provide the opportunity to employ the full-time equivalent of 45 people.

Llangollen fire crews use app to locate forest blaze

* The What3Words app used to locate the forest fire last night.

Llangollen fire station is highlighting the benefits of using a new app to locate a local forest fire yesterday (Sunday) evening.

On its Facebook page this morning it says crews attended the blaze in Pen Coed woods at 8.35pm.

And it adds: "The crews worked hard in the heat to pull up 120 meters of hose to the seat of the fire. 

"A big thank you to a member of the public who called it in and met crews at the scene. 

"What3words was used, which is a great tool for the public to use if they are unfamiliar with their location. 

"It will locate you within a three-meter square anywhere in the world. 

"This is a location app that you can download. Please see the picture attached it’s a very good app." 

Overnight A483 closure will mean diversion through Llangollen

The Traffic Wales website has issued an alert to say that the A483 northbound between Chirk and Ruabon will be closed for cyclic maintenance overnight between 9pm on Friday July 15 and 6am on Saturday, July 16.

A diversion will be in place along the A5 and A539 through Llangollen, the alert adds.   

A483 : Northbound : Chirk to Ruabon

A483 : Northbound : Chirk to Ruabon : Cyclic maintenance : Diversion : A5 and A539 through LLangollen : 15/07/22-16/07/22 2100-0600 :

Type of event: Roadworks

Severity of disruption: Road closure

Start Date: 15/07/2022 21:00

End Date: 16/07/2022 06:00

Man dubbed 'new Bryn Terfel' wins Eisteddfod's Voice of the Future title

* Pendine Park proprietor Mario Kreft MBE presents the trophy to baritone Emyr Lloyd Jones, winner of the Pendine International Voice of the Future competition.

A 25-year-old baritone dubbed the new Bryn Terfel has been crowned as the best young singer in the world.

Emyr Lloyd Jones put in a stirring performance to take the title of the Pendine International Voice of the Future at the 75^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Following a thrilling sing-off, watched by his proud parents and loving fiancée, he was presented with the Pendine Trophy - a solid silver salver, and a £3,000 prize by Mario Kreft MBE, proprietor of the arts-loving care organisation, Pendine Park, who sponsor the competition.

The prize comes from the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which supports cultural and community initiatives across Wales.

In what the judges described as an extremely close decision, Emyr clinched the victory just ahead of the hugely talented soprano Oksana Lepska, of Latvia.

The two virtuosos had battled their way through preliminary rounds involving more than 20 competitors from countries as far afield as China and the USA.

Just six singers made it to the semi-finals which were held on the opening days of the Eisteddfod where they competed for the final two places to perform on the show-stopping night of the famous pavilion stage.

Emyr comes from Bontnewydd, near Gwynedd, which is less than 10 miles away from where Bryn Terfel was raised in Pantglas.

He said he was “over the moon” to have won such a prestigious prize especially in the eisteddfod’s landmark 75th anniversary year.

He said: “I feel absolutely honoured. There have been so many exceptional performances in this year’s competition that I was overwhelmed to have got into the final.

“It is an occasion which is very close to my heart. I have been competing and visiting the International Musical Eisteddfod with choirs since I was a young child so to achieve success like this in the pavilion for which I hold such affection, well it’s just staggering for me.”

Emyr impressed the Eisteddfod judges with his entrancing performances of Hai gia vinta la causa, from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro; The Cloths of Heaven, taken from a poem by WB Yeats and Y Cymro by Meirion Williams.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod executive producer, Camilla King, said his voice was reminiscent of opera mega-star Sir Bryn Terfel in his earlier years.

She said: “It has that same timbre, it’s rich, passionate, mellow and versatile. He doesn’t just sing but his voice takes you on a journey.

“I believe Emyr has the talent to become a future star of the same standing as Sir Bryn. In fact, both our finalists are outstanding talents and I’ve no doubt we will be seeing a lot more of them both in years to come.”

After studying for six years at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he met fiancée, fellow singer Rhiannon Ashley, Emyr’s career course is already moving on apace. He will spend the next two years studying at the famed Guildhall School of Music in London where Bryn Terfel was also once a student.

He is hugely excited to have been accepted by the Guildhall but the move has some bitter sweet consequences as it means he will be parted from Rhiannon for a year.

She is heading off to teach in the Welsh settlement of Patagonia in Argentina.

Emyr said: “We only got engaged just over a month ago and we are immensely looking forward to making a life together but at the same time we both have goals to achieve. It will be hard being apart but we already have plans for me to go over and visit Patagonia in December.”

Rhiannon, 25, who hails from Newcastle Emlyn, South Wales, was delighted to be in the audience with Emyr’s proud parents Derek and Gillian Jones, watching Emyr perform in the Pendine International Voice of the Future final.

She said: “We were on the edge of our seats. We’re all really thrilled for him. We knew he could do it and he sang brilliantly well. It’s been a fantastic evening.”

Emyr’s dream is to become a professional opera singer and have the chance to perform on some of the world’s great stages like the New York Met, La Scala in Milan and the Royal Opera House.

He would also love to perform with each of the national opera companies in Britain.

Mario Kreft added: "The ethos of the Eisteddfod chimes perfectly with the values of my wife, Gill, and I at Pendine Park in nurturing young talent.

“We firmly believe in the vital role played by music and arts in social care and as part of our enrichment programme for people with dementia.

“The Pendine Trophy, which is solid Edwardian silver bearing a Chester hallmark, was kindly donated by the late Tony Kaye of Kaye’s Jewellers. It’s a stunning and beautiful trophy.

“I think tonight we have heard some of the future famous names of the global operatic stage for sure. Both contestants have remarkable voices and they kept the audience enthralled with their different performances.

“To have such a high standard of competition particularly in this, the first year of live performances again following the difficult, heart-wrenching times of the pandemic, is wonderfully uplifting. It shows what a wealth of talent there still is among our younger generations of musicians.

“Emyr is a credit to his home village of Bontnewydd and an inspiration to other budding young singers from north Wales and further afield. It is our hope that this competition offers a stepping stone for outstanding young talents like Emyr and Oksana to go on and further their careers.”

Emyr said the cash windfall will be an enormous support towards his costs of living in London, as well as helping towards purchase of vital materials and extra tuition fees.

He said: “Apart from my delight about winning this is a tremendous boost on a practical level and will definitely help me afford to live in London, especially at a time when expenses everywhere are going up. I cannot thank Mario and Pendine enough.”

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said the organisers would be overjoyed to see all the competitors again.

He said: “It has been a lovely evening, emotional, and heartwarming. We have been bowled over by the standard of performances. What a wonderful way to celebrate the 75th anniversary year of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.”

* Winner of the prestigious Choir of the World title at the Eisteddfod's closing evening concert was CF1 from Cardiff, conducted by former Llangollen Eisteddfod musical director Elir Owen Griffiths.

Overall winners of this year's dance competitions were Loughgiel from Northern Ireland.

* Cardiff-based CF1 won the Choir of the World title.

* Loughgiel won the overall dance competition.