llanblogger complains to watchdog about county's new waste system

Llanblogger’s Phil Robinson has lodged an official complaint with Wales’s public services watchdog against Denbighshire County Council for the problems caused by the recent introduction of its new household waste recycling scheme.

And he has told the Public Services Ombudsman’s office in Cardiff, which investigates complaints and works to improve standards within public bodies, that he wants them to ensure that himself and the many other Denbighshire residents affected by these problems are provided with "the regular and efficient waste collection system which they pay for and deserve”.

In his online complaint form, submitted yesterday (Monday) morning, he says: “After much fanfare, the county council launched a new household recycling scheme, based on a Troliboc or a moveable stack of plastic boxes, rather than wheelie bins, on June 3.

“Since day one of the new system things have gone badly wrong, not just in my immediate area but also across the whole of the county.

“Many complaints have been aired on social media and verbally about irregular or totally missed collections of the Trolibocs, which include compartments for recyclable items such as paper, plastics and glass. Food waste must be left in a lidded orange bin and cardboard in a large blue plastic bag.

“This situation has been repeated throughout the county and residents are being told by the council on its social media that specified areas will receive the collection due to them on certain days. But in many cases, I understand, this information has been incorrect and collections continue to be missed.”

He adds: “We are also told that county councillors have been deluged with complaints about the situation and that staff from other departments of the council have been drafted in to help under-pressure refuse operatives.

“I complained directly about mine and my neighbours' missed collections directly to the council's chief executive, Graham Boase, last week but so far have received no response.

“This has become a major problem for residents of the county and one which shows no signs of being remedied. It smacks of maladministration of the worst kind.

“I therefore thought it was time to complain to the Ombudsman on behalf of myself and the many other people affected by this situation.”

And asked on the form what he would like to see the Ombudsman do to remedy the situation he answered: “To ensure that myself and the other Denbighshire residents affected by the problem are provided with the regular and efficient waste collection system which they pay for and deserve.”

The complaint has been officially logged complete with a reference number and llanblogger will keep readers posted of its progress.

* To make a complaint to the Ombudsman, go to: https://www.ombudsman.wales/

People urged to attend public meeting over town's public toilets

* Under threat: the public toilets in Market Street.

The man who has been the driving force behind organising a public meeting to discuss the county council’s controversial plan to rid itself of Llangollen’s public toilets has stressed how vital it is for people to attend it.

In a bid to balance its budget, Denbighshire aims to close all the public conveniences it runs across the county and offer local town and community councils the chance to take them over.

This includes the toilets in Llangollen’s Market Street. But the Town Council has already ruled out a take-over on the grounds that it would be beyond its financial means and lead to a big increase on the amount it draws from the council tax.

The idea that a major tourist town like Llangollen stands to lose its busy public loos has sparked major protests on social media ranging over the past couple of months since the plan was revealed.

One of its leading opponents has been local resident Rod Holt who has been urging the Town Council to host a public meeting where all the sides of the argument can be aired.

Having secured the correct number of local electors required to spark it town clerk Gareth Thomas has now posted the necessary public notice.

This says the public meeting will be held at the Town Hall in Parade Street on Tuesday August 6, starting at 6pm.

It adds: “The purpose of the meeting is to address residents' and the business community’s concerns related to the transfer of ownership of the Llangollen public conveniences within potential for closure.”

Rod Hold said:  “It’s essential all shop/business owners and concerned residents, particularly those that posted support, attend this meeting so DCC are left in no doubt as to the feelings in Llangollen regarding the proposed closure of this vital facility.”

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards also urged people to attend the meeting.

She said: “Many people will now be aware that the county council has resolved to largely de-fund budgetary provision for operating public conveniences. This was part of a wider cost saving exercise with the aim of producing a balanced budget. 

"I have consistently and vehemently opposed the closure of the Market Street toilets and the response from officers of the council thus far has been to say that no decision has been taken. 

"The proposal was due to come before Communities Scrutiny Committee on September 5, prior to Cabinet for a decision later that month. However, that has now been deferred to October, due to the forthcoming election affecting the time-frame for adequate public consultation on the proposals. 

"I shall obviously attend the  public community meeting hosted by the Llangollen Town Council, to listen to the views of those attending. The Market Street toilets are a vital part of our public infrastructure and I hope that many residents and businesses are able to attend.” 

Young composer with Llangollen links lands dream job

* Conductor Robert Guy. 

A talented young conductor who has often performed in Llangollen is following in the footsteps of his musical hero Sir Simon Rattle.

Robert Guy, 36, from Wrexham, says he’s hugely honoured to be appointed as conductor of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra where Sir Simon, the legendary classical conductor, started out as a young percussionist.

Remarkably, Robert overcame childhood deafness to forge a successful career in music as a conductor, educator and entrepreneur.

Thanks to operations to widen his ear canals, by the time he was completely discharged from hospital at the age of 15 his hearing had been fully restored.

He is the co-founder with his composer brother Jonathan of NEW Sinfonia, the resident orchestra at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph which also has close links with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

NEW Sinfonia also runs a community vocal ensemble NEW Voices, and an education programme, NEW Academi.

Last year Robert received the prestigious Hilary Tann Award for his outstanding contribution to Welsh classical music when royal composer Paul Mealor described him as one of the UK’s “finest young conductors”.

He will be picking up the baton at the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in September.

The orchestra offers the opportunity to perform alongside world-class soloists and conductors at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Members will be playing alongside the senior Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at a concert in November, as well as taking part in workshops to support their musical development. 

In his early professional career Robert worked regularly with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra as a viola player.

Until recently he was the Director of Ensembles at the University of Manchester and led their highly acclaimed Conducting Programme.

Robert said: “It is a great honour to have been appointed Principal Conductor to the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

“I was invited to work with the orchestra earlier this year, when I   prepared them for a special reunion concert conducted by  Sir Simon Rattle, and later my own concert at the Philharmonic Hall.

“Sir Simon is a giant of classical music and one of my all-time musical heroes so this really is my dream job.

“I hope this can act as a springboard working towards the orchestra's 75th Birthday in 2026.

“The orchestra has a special history and I am proud to be a part of it, working alongside a great team. 

“I am passionate about making classical music accessible to everyone and I would encourage all young people in Liverpool and the North West to sign up for an audition and be part of something very special for young people in the heart of Liverpool.”

Michael Eakin OBE, Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic  was excited about Robert’s appointment.

He said: “We are delighted that Robert will be joining Liverpool Philharmonic. His passion for music and many years’ experience as a conductor and musician will bring a fresh energy to our Youth Orchestra and help to inspire these incredibly talented young musicians.

“The city’s young people are a central focus of our work. We provide regular musical training to 2,000 young people through Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company and In Harmony and are delighted to welcome the next generation of talented musicians into our Youth Company this year.”

Paloma Faith lights up the Pavilion stage with a sizzling show

* On the Pavilion stage with Paloma Faith.

* And outside with the fans ...

. and with the fans outside.

Bad Woman was the title of one of the songs Paloma Faith belted out at the top end of her sizzling set at Llangollen Pavilion last night.

And she spent quite a few minutes trying to prove in her talk with the packed audience that was exactly what she had become after going through upheaval in her private life.

But the strongest impression we were left with after a couple of hours was what a fantastically good performer she is.

It was another incredible night at the Eisteddfod venue as the BRIT Award-winning artiste lit up the big stage hot on the heels of Bryan Adams and Simple Minds earlier in the week. 

She treated the buzzing crowd to an array of hits from her extensive and much-loved repertoire.

Fans sang along to classics such as Crybaby, Lullaby, and Stone Cold Sober, as well as new songs from her sixth studio album, The Glorification of Sadness. 

After opening the show with her recent hit song How To Leave A Man, she declared: “I always love coming to Wales. You’re one of my favourite crowds to play for, you really know how to have a good time!” 

After floating on stage in a stunning monochrome gown she gave us some pretty serious yet uniquely punchy numbers of her own composition in the first half.

But when she returned for the closing section clad in a slinky catsuit and new, darker hairstyle we just knew we were in for some fun with lots of dancey stuff plus previous hits like Picking Up the Pieces and Only Love Can Hurst Like This.

As has been the case all week, the audience didn’t want to let her go because they couldn't quite believe that they'd been able to see performers of this quality right here in Llangollen.

And because only Paloma Faith can sing like this.

The headline shows are part of a new partnership between Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.  

The series continues Friday (June 28) with Manic Street Preachers and the Kaiser Chiefs on Saturday June 29.

Then it's Nile Rodgers and CHIC on July 11, Jess Glynne on July 12 and Madness on July 13.

A concert by Welsh legend Tom Jones will open the Core Week of the Eisteddfod, which runs from July 2 to July 7 and will also include shows from Gregory Porter and Katherine Jenkins. 

* For more information and to secure final tickets head to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Special weekend when you can walk in Nain's footsteps

Walking in Nain’s footsteps is a weekend of celebrations in Llangollen marking 100 years of the Welsh Women’s Peace petition.

In 1923, the horrors of WW1 having galvanised a generation against conflict, women of Wales organised an unprecedented campaign for world peace.

A total of 390,296 women signed a memorial petition through the Welsh League of Nations Union – said to have been seven miles long – calling for America to join and lead the new League of Nations and 2023 marked the centenary of the campaign. 

Throughout 2023/ 2024, this once forgotten story has been brought back to life thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with communities across Wales and beyond celebrating the women’s achievement and starting new conversations about peace today.

As part of the celebrations, Llangollen will host a weekend of special events inspired by the petition. 

On Friday June 28 at 7.30pm, St Collen’s Community Hall will welcome one-woman show Annie Cwrt Mawr, inspired by the experiences of Annie Hughes-Griffiths, who travelled across America with the petition in 1924. Tickets cost £5 and are available here: Annie Cwrt Mawr (English performance) at St Colleens Community Hall event tickets from TicketSource

From Saturday June 29 to August 11, The Dory Gallery in Llangollen will host a community exhibition showcasing creative interpretations of the petition story. 

This will centre around a new piece of work from local artist Bethan M Hughes named Thread of Peace, a 16m long stitched piece inspired by the story of how the original petition pages would supposedly measure seven miles if placed end to end. 

Throughout 2024, Bethan has been running stitch sessions across North Wales, collecting contributions from over 150 people to this incredible piece of work. 

Thanks to additional funding from Wales Arts international, a group of Women from America have also contributed to the project, participating in lively online sessions.

The Dory Gallery is open every weekend. Free celebrations of the launch of this new exhibition will take place on Saturday June 29. For details click here: Events - Welsh Centre for International Affairs (wcia.org.uk) 

Rounding off the weekend, Llangollen Museum is hosting a heritage walk around town, visiting homes and work places of notable women who signed the petition back in 1923/24. 

People can go along to hear about their fascinating research and learn more about life of local women in the 1920’s. To book your free space or learn more visit Eventbrite at: Taith Gerdded Treftadaeth / Heritage Walk Tickets, Sun, Jun 30, 2024 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

A spokesperson for the local organisers said: “We are so grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the opportunity to bring the work of so many communities together in this exhibition to celebrate this amazing story, We have such an exciting programme of events planned – everyone is welcome!” - Ffion Fielding – Project Manager for the Women’s Peace petition."

* To learn more about the Women’s peace petition or get involved please visit: www.wcia.org.uk/academiheddwch/peacepetition/

Simple Minds say "we'll be back" after blistering Eisteddfod concert

* Simple Minds on stage at the Pavilion.

Simple Minds are another top band to be blown away by Llangollen Pavilion’s rebirth as a serious rock stadium.

Because before departing the stage at the end of last night’s concert lead singer Jim Kerr loudly declared: “We’ll be back!”  

He and the legendary Scottish outfit were presenting the second of a string of eight headline concerts jointly produced by Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and their partners the agents Cuffe & Taylor.

And this was the second time in a couple of days that a massive standing-only crowd had crammed into the famous big tent to pay homage to their heroes.

On first were Del Amitri who paraded some of their best 80s-based numbers including Always the Last to Know, Not Where It's At, Missing Person and Roll to Me, best known from a number of TV and film themes.  

Simple Minds, who notched up a multitude of hits back in the 80s and haven’t stopped partying since, hit the ground rocking with their biggie Waterfront which became the launch pad for many more numbers fondly recalled and lapped up by the crowd, the majority of whom would have remembered them the first time around.

Declaring that it was a pleasure to be back with his "Celtic brothers and sisters," Kerr presided over Once Upon a Time, the particularly rumbustious Street Fighting – he admitted it had been a few years since they last did it – Everything She Said, Shine a Light on Me, Promised You a Miracle and lots of others which came tumbling out in rapid succession, each igniting and delighting the audience.  

It was Sanctify Yourself which sparked off the first significant round of dancing in what are usually the aisles. But things calmed down considerably when Kerr, now with sweat glistening on his face,  presented us with the poignant, liltingly Irish Belfast Child, his beautiful homage to those who have suffered in that troubled city.      

The accelerator pedal was back to the floor shortly afterwards when drummer Cherisse Osei hammered out a magical rock solo so blisteringly fast that her arms seemed to be moving quicker than a hummingbird’s wings.    

The 80s were back in full swing after that and our attention was eventually drawn to the year 1985 by the band’s unforgettable Don’t You (Forget About Me), the la, la, la, la’s echoing through the swaying, dancing multitude.

That might have been a suitable point to draw things to a conclusion but, of course, it wasn’t because there were a couple more encore pieces, including the chant-worthy Alive and Kicking, before it all came to an end.

* Next of the headline concerts is Paloma Faith this Friday, Manic Street Preachers and Suede are on June 28, Kaiser Chiefs on June 29, Nile Rodgers and CHIC on July 11, Jess Glynne on July 12 and Madness on July 13.

In addition, a concert from Welsh legend Tom Jones will open the Core Week of the Eisteddfod, which runs from July 2 to July 7 and will also include shows from Gregory Porter and Katherine Jenkins. 

* For more information and to secure final tickets head to llangollen.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk

MS supports Graveyard Trail at St Tysilio's Church

* St Tysilio's Church.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, has welcomed an interesting development at a church near Llangollen.

The church of St Tysilio in Llantysilio, which attracts over 10,000 visitors each year has recently announced the development of a graveyard trail.

Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Welsh Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism said: “I welcome any projects which ultimately lead to attracting even more people to this lovely part of the world and to learn more about our history and rural life.

“It is a fascinating idea and I am delighted to see so many groups working together to develop the graveyard trail and the surrounding grassland.

“Old graveyards do seem to hold a fascination for visitors and it is great that some of the graves are being mapped out and information is available about them in the church.”

The grassland at the church has been managed as a haven for flowers, insects, birds and small mammals for over 30 years and following a Grassland Survey of the graveyards in May 2022, in partnership with Caring for God’s Acre CfGA an agreed management plan was developed to protect and boost the spring and summer flora.

This work was enhanced by developing a project plan for ‘Welcoming People and Nature’ funded by the AONB Sustainable Development Fund which looked at how visitors might learn more about rural life and its economic and social history as well as the wonderful natural history of the area. The outcomes so far have been the development of the Graveyard Trail.

Paths have been cut to form a route around the graveyard that ‘visits’ the graves of nine varied and different people or families from different backgrounds.

The stories were researched by local resident, David Crane and volunteers from the Llangollen Museum and are published in full-colour leaflets, available in both Welsh and English, within the church.

The historians have also digitised all the graveyard records, and produced a map of all the marked graves, that will be on display in the church. Accompanying this will be three newly published books that list, with photographs, all of the graves in the records.

There is one book for each of the three distinct areas of the graveyard. This will aid family descendants and visitors to locate the resting places of their forebears.

The last two phases of the project will see folding display boards containing explanation and interpretation boards, and a people’s history book – memories of people who live, or have lived, in Llantysilio.

The Graveyard Trail at St Tysilio Church will be officially launched on June 22 between 11am and 3pm with guided tours of the trail and the church with the wardens and some of the project partners. Refreshments will be provided and all are welcome.