Beer tasting event planned for St Collen's Church

St Collen’s Church has announced a "unique and inclusive" beer tasting event in celebration of St Arnold of Soissons, the patron saint of beer. 

This special occasion, from 6-8pm on  Wednesday August 14, is supported by local breweries, including Evan Evans Brewery and Conwy Brewery, bringing together a wide selection of local brews up for sampling. 

Saint Arnold of Soissons, revered as the patron saint of brewers, was an 11th-century monk known for his miraculous works and advocacy for the health benefits of beer over the unsafe drinking water of the day.

* Father Lee enjoys a pint down by the river. Picture: Andrei Daniel Productions’

Before his calling to the priesthood St Collen's priest-in-charge, Father Lee Taylor, worked in pubs in Wigan and Bolton, learning the trade from his mother who was a publican.

He said: "From mediaeval times to the present day, church buildings have hosted markets, town meetings, and cultural festivities. This beer tasting event continues that tradition, highlighting the church's role as a gathering place for the entire community.”

As part of the festivities, Fr. Lee will perform a blessing of the ales using an ancient, largely forgotten prayer dating back to the 16th century. 

* The carving of a man with beer barrels depicted in the roof of St Collen's.

This rare ritual not only honours the heritage of beer but also aims to reconnect people with historical traditions that have been celebrated in churches for centuries. 

Added Fr Lee: "This event is open to all in our community, whether they come to church regularly or not, regardless of beliefs and background. The church is here to serve the whole community, not just the ‘religious’. 

"Our church building has always been used for public and secular events. We are here to celebrate and bring people together in all sorts of ways. I want St Collen’s to be a place where everyone feels welcome and included.

"The mediaeval hammer-beam roof at St Collen’s, one of the finest in Wales, even tells the tale of a man who drank too much beer—a fitting backdrop for our celebration.

“We encourage responsible consumption of alcohol throughout the event. Please be aware that ID checks may be conducted if necessary to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. Let's raise a glass together responsibly and celebrate this special occasion in good spirits.”

County council to consult on new public toilet scheme

* The public toilets in Market Street.

Denbighshire County Council has launched a public consultation exercise on the future of its public toilets.

In a statement today it says: "Like many local authorities, Denbighshire County Council is facing significant challenges to set a balanced budget.

"The council has had to deliver £10.4m of savings as part of the 2024/25 budget, and the proposal to review the public convenience provision in the county is one of the savings proposals identified.

"Whilst there is no legal requirement for the council itself to provide public conveniences, The Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 requires the local authority to evidence that it has reviewed the needs of the local population and to produce a strategy that shows how it will try to meet these needs.

"As a result, Denbighshire County Council is currently carrying out a needs assessment for the public conveniences in the County. This will identify the number of public conveniences needed in Denbighshire and will help the council to develop a suitable Public Toilet Strategy."

The statement adds: "To develop this strategy, a public consultation is being undertaken and residents, business owners and visitors are encouraged to take part and have their say."

Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We understand that public conveniences are highly valued assets by certain parts of the community. However, the fact remains that the provision of public conveniences is not a statutory duty, and we do not now have a big enough budget to enable us to keep delivering services in the same way that we have always delivered them in the past.

“In areas where the provision of public conveniences is considered essential, we hope to work with City, Town and Community Councils to look at alternative arrangements.

“No decision has been made about closing any public conveniences at this stage, and any decisions on this will be made by our Cabinet, following a further report to our Communities Scrutiny Committee."

News that the county council was considering ridding itself of all its public toilets in a bid to save money has sparked a wave of criticism in Llangollen where opponents argue that as a prime tourism location the loos in Market Street are badly needed.

Llangollen Town Council has already rejected a suggestion that it might take them over as impractical and beyond its financial resources.   

* To take part in the consultation, go to www.denbighshire.gov.uk/consultations

John plans sky dive charity challenge at the age of 77

* The illustration on John's fundraising page. But he'll be jumping over Shropshire rather than Castell Dinas Bran.

An intrepid local man has high hopes for his fundraiser on behalf of The Friends of Llangollen Health Centre.

At the age of 77 John Palmer is planning to do a sky dive from a plane over a Shropshire airfield in August to support the work of the group which helps patients and staff of the centre and its GP practice by providing facilities, services and equipment not normally covered by statutory funding.

John’s charity challenge will be a tandem affair in which he will be linked to a professional parachutist.

John said: “I am doing the sky dive next month at a time when the weather is suitable. At 77 years old I’m cracking a bit but I reckon I’m still able to jump out of a plane. 

“I haven’t done this before but I am doing all the necessary training required by the company organising the jump. 

“I ran the Bryntysilio outdoor education centre in Llangollen for 20 years and have done a lot of climbing, caving and canoeing but that was 15 years ago. 

He added: “Over the years The Friends of Llangollen Health Centre, which also covers the practices at Glyn Ceiriog and Plas Madoc, has funded, amongst other projects, additional specialist equipment for the medical staff, contributed to a number of defibrillators, helped to fund the set-up cost of the Parkrun, funded the venue for armchair exercises and staff training for the Foodshare. 

“The trust is always interested to hear from any organisation whose request meets our remit for funding.” 

Actually, John is no stranger to going the extra mile for charity. Last August, he and son Nic jointly raised £1,000 for Alzheimer's Research by each completing in a triathlon event.

 * John, left, and son Nic with their triathlon medals last year.

* The initial target for John’s sky dive fundraiser is £500. For more details, go to his gofund.me page at: https://gofund.me/7935d2aa

Have your say on how your neighbourhood is policed

* North Wales PCC Andy Dunbobbin.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin was re-elected in May 2024. 

An important part of his role is to create a plan for police to work to in order to fight crime across the region. 

To be able to write this plan, he says he wants to ensure he is listening to local people about how they want to see North Wales policed and that he is addressing the concerns they have. 

He is consulting with the people of North Wales in a survey to get their thoughts and responses.

The feedback will be incorporated into the plan and will help shape future services and the allocation of resources by police.

It is important that all sections of the population have the opportunity for their views to be represented and reflected in North Wales Police’s priorities. So have your say.

Head here to fill in the 5-minute survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCC-consultation2024

Alternatively, to receive a paper copy by post, contact the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in the following ways: 

* Email: OPCC@northwales.police.uk 

* Phone: 01492 805486

* Post: Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales, Police Headquarters. Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW.

Collen Players make a splash with Seaside Serenade

 

* The Collen Players cast on stage for the grand finale. All pictures by Jeanette Robinson.

Llangollen’s famous Collen Players took their audience on a rip-roaring trip to the seaside as they made a triumphant return to the stage last night (Friday).

The versatile local entertainers, who specialise in old time music hall and variety shows, presented their latest offering – entitled Seaside Serenade and with a salty nautical theme - to a crowded Community Hall.

Back by popular demand was special guest star Colin Bourdeic, who is acknowledged as the UK’s foremost George Formby impersonator.

One of the only song and dance men reliving the golden age of variety and Vaudeville, he appeared in both halves of the show, firstly doing his memorable Formby act, then returning for a Flanagan and Allen routine.

After some cheekily witty introductory songs to get everyone in the mood from the evening’s chairman and Players founder Lee Taylor, it was off to the coast we headed with Bertie and Flo’s rousing medley which came complete with big beachballs.

Also making a return was Players’ regular Phil Robinson with a brace of appealing music hall numbers.

The first act came to close with a Wilson, Keppel and Betty-style sand-dance special courtesy of Julie and Jan.

Young Shea Ferron, direct from his vaunted victory in the Eisteddfod’s Voice of Musical Theatre award earlier this month, opened act two with his stylish presentation which ended with Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life to maintain the evening’s jaunty atmosphere.

In contrast came a captivating performance by Selana Kong, the first number of which was a beautiful melody sung in Chinese.

Another Players’ favourite, John Williams, prompted some audience participation with a couple of sea-based favourites, including What Shall We Do With a Drunken Sailor?  

On hand for some accomplished accompaniments were musicians Jayne (keyboard) and Clayton (drums).

The entire cast was back on stage for their traditional finale piece of Down at the Old Bull and Bush.

* Before the curtain fell to ringing applause, chairman Lee announced that the Players’ Christmas show will be on Friday December 13 at 6.30pm. Tickets: Email stcollens@gmail.com, or call 01978 861768 (leave a message if there’s no answer and someone will get back to you).  

* Chairman Lee Taylor presides. 

* Bertie and Flo's seaside routine.

 * Music hall tribute by Phil Robinson.

* Colin Bourdeic as George Formby.

* A sand-dance special from Julie and Phil.

* Favourites from Shea Ferron.

* Haunting melodies from Selana Kong.

* Crooner John Williams.

* Musicians Clayton and Jayne.

Ysgol Dinas Bran celebrates its latest eco award success

* Staff and students at Ysgol Dinas Bran with their latest Platinum Eco Award.

Ysgol Dinas Bran has announced its successful application for the Platinum Eco Award.

This is the highest level award given to schools for their environmental work and only a few secondary schools in North Wales have it.

In a post of its Facebook page the school says: "We have to submit an action plan and a case study each year involving a new initiative to regain the award, so after six successful awards this does get more challenging, which makes the award again this year all the more pleasing.

"Catrin the awarding officer stated: 'It was very interesting to read about the partnership project to raise awareness about the Llangollen Whitebeam, as well as to plant more of the trees locally. I was also pleased to see from your evaluated action plan how a range of other targets have been successful this year.

"'I am delighted to confirm that you have retained your Platinum Eco-Schools status and wish you every success with this year’s projects. Maintaining the Eco-Schools Platinum status is a fantastic achievement. The school, staff and pupils, should feel proud of their hard work and commitment.'"

Police witness appeal after serious collision in Glyndyrdwy

North Wales Police have made an appeal for witnesses following a serious collision on the A5 at Glyndyrdwy earlier today (Thursday) in which a motorcyclist sustained serious injuries. 

In a statement they say: "A motorcyclist has sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision on the A5 in Glyndyfrdwy between Corwen and Llangollen.

" At 11:52 on Thursday, 18 July 2024, we were informed of a two-vehicle collision involving a silver Toyota Granvia and a red BMW RT motorcycle. 

" The rider, a 78 year-old-man, was taken via air ambulance to the Royal University Stoke Hospital where he remains under treatment.

" The road is closed for initial collision investigation and we will further update when the road is re-opened."

Sergeant Alun Jones of the Roads Crime Unit is appealing for witnesses. 

He said:  “We are urging anybody who may have witnessed the collision, or anybody who may have been travelling near this location and who may have dash cam footage, to contact us."

"Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at the Roads Crime Unit, either via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number Q104866."