Town Council announces Queen's mourning arrangements

Llangollen Town Council has announced the arrangements it is putting in place during the period of national mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, says that: 

All Council meetings will be postponed, and flags will be flown at half-mast on Centenary Square to be raised again at 1.00 pm on Saturday 10 September for the Proclamation of King Charles III and will then return to half-mast at 1.00 pm on Sunday 11 September until the day after the state funeral. 

From Monday 12 September, between the hours of 10.00 pm and 4.00 am during weekdays, a book of condolence will be available in the Chamber ante room, off Parade Street to allow those people who wish to pay a written tribute to Queen to do so. 

In addition to the condolence book, members of the public are free to leave comments and tributes on the Llangollen Remembers Facebook page which will be collated and added to the Town Council formal records. There is also a facility to leave messages on the Royal Family webpage www.royal.uk. 

Members of public who wish to lay floral tributes can place them between two flagpoles on Centenary Square and the Town Council respectfully request the use of biodegradable coverings. These will be removed the day after the state funeral and will be composted and used in the planting of a tree in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.

+ Father Lee Taylor has announced that on Sunday at St Collen’s during the 11am mass, the congregation will remember Queen Elizabeth II in their prayers, hymns and reflections during this period of mourning.

A Memorial Service will also be held around the time of the funeral. Details TBC.

St Collen's bell to toll for Her Majesty at midday

The tenor bell at St Collen's Church will be tolled half-muffled 96 times - once for every year of her life - at midday today (Friday) to mark the death yesterday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Birch Hill to be closed for water works, says council

* The section of Birch Hill to close marked in red and the diversion route in blue.

From September 26, Denbighshire County Council is to make an order probhiting vehicles using a length of the unclassified Birch Hill road in Llangollen extending westward from its junction with Penycoed Road to the A5 junction.

The council says the closure is necessary to allow the installation of a new water connection by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the period of closure and the sign-posted alternative route will be via the A5 and Maesmawr Road.

The works are expected to last until approximately September 30, according to the council.

Mayor leads local tributes to the late Queen

The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Paul Keddie, has led local tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died at Balmoral, aged 96, earlier today.

He says: "We all remember where we were and what we were doing when a disaster strikes or a significant event happens. 

"My wife and I were being seated to watch the opera "Madame Butterfly" when we heard this tragic news. After 2 mins silence, the opera went ahead. 

"But, during the first act, my thoughts were not of the music, musicians, actors or staff, they were on a piece of history I have often taken for granted, our dear Queen. 

"She is the first Monarch most of us will have lost. A queen that has done so much for us as a country and a nation over the years. She will be almost impossible to replace in most of our minds, but we will adapt and welcome the new monarch with as much love as we have had for our dear QEII.

"Council has put our planned protocol in place and all those measures will be followed meticulously. Please mourn her passing with dignity and respect... it is a very sad day, and a sad loss to us all."  

Llangollen Town Council:

Cheshire County Council:

County Councillor Arwel Roberts, Chairman of Denbighshire County Council, said: "We share the Country's deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

"For more than 70 years she was a constant in most of our lives, providing a shining example of a life lived in dignified duty and public service.

"She will be much missed but as we look back on her reign with deep respect and affection we look forward with hope and optimism to the reign of the new King."

Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South:

"Such sad news - our hearts go out to the Royal Family as we say farewell to our wonderful, wise and compassionate Queen who has watched over us with such love and dedication for 70 years."

Ken Skates, Welsh Senedd Member for Clwyd South:

"The loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II is devastating for the country, and my thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.

"In the Queen we saw exemplary service and the kindest of hearts."

Llangollen Railway:

"We are extremely saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and offer our condolences to the Royal Family at this sad time."

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. As a nation, we have lost a towering figurehead, who has served our country diligently and dutifully for over 70 years.

“My thoughts at this moment are with the members of the Royal Family as they mourn the loss of a much-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As Police and Crime Commissioner, I know people across North Wales will also be very saddened by today’s news and that the officers and staff of the North Wales Police family share that grief. Over the coming days, the Force will doubtless be involved in ceremonies or other events that take place to mark the Queen’s passing, and I know that North Wales Police will do its duty – as it always does – in a committed and compassionate way, that both reflects, and pays respect to, the outstanding Monarch we have lost.”

The Welsh Government:

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford has expressed his sadness on the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offered condolences to the Royal family on behalf of the Government and people of Wales. He said:

"It is with great sadness that people in Wales mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her long and exceptional life, as our longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty has reigned over the United Kingdom and Commonwealth firmly upholding the values and traditions of the British Monarchy.

We pay tribute to Her Majesty’s dedication and selfless devotion. She will be sorely missed by the many organisations for which she was Patron or President.

We offer our sincere condolences to her children and their families on this sad occasion."

BBC announces the death of Queen Elizabeth II

 

The BBC is reporting the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They say: 

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

Her family gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.

With her death, her eldest son Charles, the former Prince of Wales, will lead the country in mourning as the new King and head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

All the Queen's children travelled to Balmoral, near Aberdeen, after doctors placed the Queen under medical supervision.

Her grandson, Prince William, is also there, with his brother, Prince Harry, on his way. 

Tributes paid to Llangollen firefighter

* James Rush with daughter Jess who is now two-and-a-half years old.

Tributes have been pouring in to Llangollen firefighter James Rush who passed away with malignant melanoma on August 29.

James had been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2020, having previously had a malignant mole removed in 2013, after which he had been given the all-clear. 

He regularly checked his skin and monitored his moles, but as the melanoma had spread to his lymph nodes and organs, it was a persistent cough that led to the diagnosis.

His wife Jen said: “James’ latest scan had been clear and we were cautiously looking forward to the future and what we hoped might have been a few cancer-free years. 

"The discovery that the melanoma had spread to his brain and the speed at which it took his life – just 10 weeks from the brain scan - has been a shock for us all, and is a reminder of just how deadly the disease is.

"He trained to drive the engine, which he loved, and Ben Lloyd, the watch manager, said he had a real impact on the people he met during his time in the service."

Susanna Daniels, CEO of Melanoma Focus, a charity which James supported, said: “We are hugely saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and supporter, James Rush.

* The awareness poster designed by James.

"James designed our fantastic melanoma awareness posters for our 2022 national campaign which featured in service stations across the UK. He also helped us shape our updated patient information explaining melanoma and various treatment options. 

"We will always be hugely grateful and endeavour to continue to raise awareness and fund research to improve the lives of people with melanoma.”

James’s funeral will be held on Friday September 30. The cortege of vehicles will travel through Llangollen, accompanied by the crew and engine from Llangollen Fire Station, between 1-1.15pm.

Donations to Melanoma Focus in lieu of flowers are welcomed by the family and friends of James. You can pay tribute and make a donation online here: Tribute to James Rush, 1983 - 2022 (muchloved.com)

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:  

Q: My oldest child is starting school this month and, with uniforms and PE kits, the costs are already mounting. The school we got into isn’t within walking distance so I now need to budget for bus money five days a week too. We’re already pretty stretched, so I’m not sure how to cover these new costs. Is there any extra help I can get? 

A: The start of a school year can be tough for many people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available. 

On the Citizens Advice website, we have lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. If you’re claiming benefits it’s worth checking if you can get extra help for things like school lunches, transport and uniforms. 

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. For older children, you can apply for free school meals if you claim certain types of benefits. The full list is available on the Citizens Advice website, and includes Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support.

You’ve mentioned you’re worried about transport costs. For children aged five to 16, your local education authority might be able to offer free or discounted transport if you’re not able to walk to the school. Contact them directly to find out how they can support you. 

Your local education authority might also help you with activity and school uniform costs, if you’re on a low income. You’re probably considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. There are also some local charitable schemes that can help - check with your school, as they will usually know if these kinds of schemes are in your area. Schools can sometimes also advise on finding cheap or free secondhand uniforms. 

If your child is disabled or has a health condition, you can also claim Disability Living Allowance (this isn’t means-tested).

A lot of peoples’ budgets are feeling the squeeze at the moment, but it’s important to remember that help is available with starting school costs.