MS hails new Wales social housing quality standard

The biggest changes to social housing standards in Wales more than 20 years present ‘a huge opportunity in employment terms’, says a former Economy Minister. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates lauded the announcement of a new Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) by Climate Change Minister Julie James in the Senedd on Tuesday.

“This is a bold and progressive standard that sets ambitious targets to make a difference to the overall quality of people’s lives, raises the bar for social housing and reflects the voice of tenants in Wales,” said the Minister. 

And Mr Skates believes the ‘outstanding’ plans, which were welcomed by all parties, provide Welsh businesses with a golden opportunity. 

He said: “Minister, I'd like to thank you for this outstanding statement. It contains huge ambition, which is very welcome indeed. 

“And it is true that the scale of the challenge is extensive, but it's also a huge opportunity in employment and economic terms. So, will you be working with the Economy Minister in looking at how we maximise the economic and employment benefits of the investment that you'll be making into social housing?” 

He continued: “The extra money is a significant sum. How do you anticipate ensuring that as much of that investment as possible remains with Welsh firms, who will be procured to undertake the work of upgrading social housing?” 

The Minister said her department would work alongside Economy Minister Vaughan Gething on an apprenticeship programme, and promised: “We will be making sure that as much of the Welsh pound stays in the Welsh economy as possible.” 

She added: “We work with our RSLs (Registered Social Landlords) and our stock-holding councils to make sure that they get the benefit of that. Many of our stock-holding councils, of course, still have direct labour organisations that benefit from that, so they will be able to directly take on both new craftspeople and, indeed, apprentices. 

“So, I think you're right. This is not only a great opportunity for the tenants – it’s actually a real economic investment in the future.” 

The original WHQS was introduced in 2002. Since then the Welsh Government, together with partners, has invested billions of pounds to improve and maintain the quality of social homes. 

The WHQS 2023 sets out a new and challenging set of standards for social landlords to meet which the Minister said ‘will address decarbonisation in the social housing stock, ensure that homes are of a higher quality, affordable to heat and fit for the 21st century and beyond’. 

Funding in the region of £270m is already available to help social landlords, with an additional £140m earmarked for the current financial year and next. 

The Minister said: “What we learn from upgrading the 230,000 social homes in Wales will drive how we as a nation tackle decarbonising the 1.2m privately owned homes in Wales. The challenge of retrofitting the existing housing stock is vast. Every single house has a different history, and therefore our mission is to reduce carbon emissions home by home, and street by street.” 

To social landlords, she added: “It would be easy to be overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge of upgrading social housing. We have done it before, and together we can do it again. We need to be pragmatic and rise to the challenge – Welsh tenants are counting on us.”

Details revealed of town's Remembrance services

Llangollen Town Council has given details of this year's Llangollen Remembers services in Centenary Square on Sunday October 29, Saturday November 11 and Sunday November 12:

* On Remembrance Sunday, November 12, Llangollen RAFA Club is hosting a curry lunch with music by Chris Sims, between 12noon and 5pm. 

Pengwern Community Hub's November timetable

The November timetable at Pengwern Community Hub is:

Project co-ordinator Jen Naylor said: "As the days get shorter and colder, if you or someone you know is finding life is challenging, don’t struggle on your own, reach out and if we can’t help you ourselves, we will look for someone who can. Our centres are lovely and warm and welcoming!

"We are also looking forward to two Warmer Winter Wellbeing days in Corwen (27th November) and Llangollen, St Collen’s Community Hall (30^th November) with lots of lovely stuff to ease you in to winter gently, more information to follow on these but save the dates."

Eisteddfod to host two special Christmas concerts

* The NEW Sinfonia orchestra stars at the Christmas concerts.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is continuing its partnership with North Wales professional orchestra NEW Sinfonia to stage two Christmas concerts promoting peace.

In aid of a refugee charity and the Eisteddfod itself, these will be in the Pavilion on Saturday December 23, at 12.30pm and 3.30pm, and also feature performances by New Voices, an inclusive creative vocal ensemble that brings together people from all walks of life united in their passion for singing and building a sense of community.

Refugees from Ukraine will lead, sing and perform alongside NEW Sinfonia.

Each concert will culminate with a performance of the iconic festive film, The Snowman, with the music performed live by NEW Sinfonia.

The special concerts have the twin aim of providing a magical experience for families at Christmas together with a message of peace and reconciliation.   

They follow on from the critically-acclaimed White Flower (Lleisiau Llan) concert at the Eisteddfod in July.

Robert Guy, NEW Sinfonia's co-artistic director, said: “Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod has long been the cornerstone of the cultural landscape in North Wales and we believe our organisations are naturally placed to work together promoting peace.  

"We are also continuing our work with refugees from Ukraine who will be leading our performances which we hope will be truly magical.  

"This concert will be truly breath-taking and we can’t wait to present The Snowman like people in Llangollen haven’t seen before.”

Eisteddfod life vice-president Keith Potts said: “The White Flower concert in July was amazing and promoted our ethos of peace and reconciliation.  

"This message is as relevant as it was when we started our Eisteddfod in 1947.  

"We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with NEW Sinfonia this Christmas.  

"These concerts are not to be missed and we believe people will have a magical experience whilst remembering those who are don’t enjoy the peace we do in the UK.”

* For tickets to either concert, go to: https://www.newsinfonia.org.uk/

Further work on Castle Street junction planned, says councillor

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards has given an update on the latest improvements planned for the Castle Street/A5 junction.

Cllr Edwards has been given the details by an officer of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent who explained that following a review of the new signals arrangement, proposed measures to alleviate some of the issues that were being experienced after the new-look junction was completed have now been put together in a package of additional works. 

These will include: 

* Removal of the signal head that is currently "bagged" 

* Installation of additional above-ground detection equipment to replace the carriageway loops. This is designed to better detect when traffic is in the mouth of the junction, waiting to turn right into Castle Street

* Altering the phasing of the lights so a Castle Street green signal follows the A5 and then the pedestrian stage follows Castle Street

* Complete surfacing works to remove existing high friction surfacing beyond the westbound A5 stop line

The officer also told Cllr Edwards that another issue raised recently by several members of the public is the congestion on Castle Street that backs up to the A5 junction when delivery vehicles are parked in the loading bay outside the Spar. 

"They state that they are frequently caught in the middle of the junction trying to turn right into Castle Street but have nowhere to go because there is a queue of traffic waiting to pass the loading bay," he said.

Skates urges families to apply for grant towards school costs

Members of the Senedd are urging families on low incomes to apply for a Welsh Government grant of up to £200 towards school costs. 

The School Essentials Grant can provide up to £200 to help families on lower incomes with things such as school uniforms, shoes, bags and sports kit. 

Last year the grant helped 100,055 children in Wales, including almost 7,500 across Wrexham and Denbighshire. 

Ken Skates, whose Clwyd South constituency includes Wrexham and Denbighshire, said: “Families who receive certain benefits can claim £125 per child per year to help with school costs and, because of the extra cost families might face when their children start secondary school, £200 is available for pupils going into Year 7. 

“Families of children receiving Free School Meals should still check their eligibility for the School Essentials Grant, but you must register your eligibility for the grant through your local council – you won’t get it automatically. The school will also get extra funding through the Pupil Development Grant, which is used to provide extra help for children from lower income homes.” 

Welsh Government figures show that 4,272 families benefited from the scheme last year, in addition to 3,197 in Denbighshire. 

Clare Stephens, deputy headteacher at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Wrexham, said: “The School Essentials Grant can be a lifeline for our learners. It helps make sure children come to school with the equipment and uniform they need to learn.

“When families check their eligibility for support like this, it helps schools get more funding which has a really positive impact on our learners. I would urge anyone who thinks they might be eligible to check with their local authority now and apply for support.” 

* The grant is currently open and will close on May 31. You can find out if you are eligible and claim support by visiting www.gov.wales/get-help-school-costs

Tributes paid to John Evans, Voice of the Eisteddfod

* John Evans in his familiar role of stage manager at the Eisteddfod.

A key figure with the Llangollen Eisteddfod who was also well-known for his appearances on the local amateur stage has died after a short illness. 

For many years John Evans – affectionately known as “John the Voice” - was stage manager and an announcer at the eisteddfod. 

He was also a regular performer with Llangollen Operatic Society for which he took many leading roles and had sung with the famous Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir. 

On her Facebook page his daughter Rebecca McBain said: “My brother, sister and I are heartbroken to announce the unexpected death of our dear Dad, John Evans, on Friday 20th October, after a short illness. 

“He was known by so many, especially for his voice, his willingness to help and his ability to chat to absolutely anyone, on any subject. 

“His passion for Wales, Welsh culture, music, nature, jokes, stories and people made him a joy to be with. 

“He will be most missed by us and his five grandchildren, whom he adored. 

“His friends and extended family will be warmly invited to a service to celebrate his life, once details are confirmed. 

“We realise he will have been many things to many people and we welcome any stories you have of Dad, to collect and share with photos at his service. If you want to message me with a memory, please do.” 

The Eisteddfod family at Llangollen say they have been deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Evans, whom they knew affectionately as “The Voice of Llangollen Eisteddfod”. 

* Celebrating another successful Eisteddfod with fellow volunteers Justine Bradey, left, and Louisa Jones.

They said in a tribute: “John, a native of Acrefair, was former Stage Manager at the Eisteddfod, a past member of the Standing Board, past Chair of the Music and Staging Committee and a member of Grounds Committee. He was also a proud competitor when he sang with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir. His contribution to the smooth running of the Eisteddfod was immense.” 

John’s fellow Eisteddfod volunteers have spoken fondly of his sometimes wicked sense of humour and of his dedication to the festival. 

His beloved Stage Crew have shared many happy memories, in particular Mark Jones, John’s successor as Stage Manager. 

He said: “You just expect some people to be around forever. John was that, almost parental. I’ve a lot to owe to him dragging me up to the side of stage all those years ago, when he found me photocopying in the music office; he learnt that I was more interested in the technical side and it’s opened up more doors for me than could be imagined. 

He added: ‘There isn’t much that could be safely printed when it comes to tales of John but his character will always live on and his company will be greatly missed.” 

Elen Roberts remembers John when his family had the garage in Acrefair, where his first nickname, ‘John 4Star’ originated. 

She recalls that every visit to the garage with her family would result in John grabbing a bag of sweets for her and her sister. 

She said: “He remained a big kid at heart right to the end, with his usual unprintable jokes!” 

Tracey and Mike Jones also have great memories of John, particularly as “John the Voice” telling people to take out our mobile phones and find the little button which turns it off. 

“He was the one we sent for to quieten the drums on the outside stages when they were affecting competitions inside the Pavilion!” 

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees at the Eisteddfod, long-time friend and Eisteddfod colleague, Allison Davies said: “We are terribly sad to hear this news of John. He gave a lifetime of support to music and to our Eisteddfod. We have only survived through some difficult periods because of volunteers like John. He will be sorely missed by everyone and I know that his contribution to the Llangollen Eisteddfod will be remembered for years to come. Our thoughts are with John’s family at this time.” 

Also paying tribute Tracey Jones, vice chair of Llangollen Operatic Society, said: “I joined Operatic myself at the age of 18 and at the time was working at The Grapes alongside the man who became to be known to me as John (4 Star) and John The Voice. 

“My second show with Llangollen Operatic was the phenomenal Show Boat. John took a fancy to joining us all on stage for this. He was cast in the role of Joe who sings the showstopper ‘Ole Man River’. John's performance really did bring the house down. He went on in later years to take roles in Maria Marten and the Red Barn, Hot Mikado and our centenary production of HMS Pinafore. 

“John's cheeky fun persona will always be remembered, with his endless tales and unrepeatable stories. I personally recall our trip to Waterford, Ireland via bus and ferry in the autumn of 1997. We were competing in the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera with our production of La Vie Parisienne. With hilarious encounters in the soft play area on the ferry travelling out to bursting into song in a Southern Ireland pub, so many jokes told during that long weekend. 

“We will miss him greatly and imagine he has already taken his place alongside our friends on that Stage in the Sky. Rest well John.”