Ysgol Dinas Bran reports set of 'stunning' A level results

* Ysgol Dinas Bran students celebrate their A level results this morning (Thursday).

Students and staff at Ysgol Dinas Brân are again celebrating a set of "exceptional" A level and vocational results, with students achieving outstanding grades and going on to top universities and other highly sought-after destinations.

The pass rate was very high, with 99.4% of all qualifications passed. A quarter of all A Levels taken were passed with grades A* or A, with 55.3% achieving grades A* to B; exceeding pre-pandemic results.

The overwhelming majority of students making higher education applications have secured places at universities of their choice, including some of the most prestigious in the country.

Deputy Headteacher, Chris Cheffings, said: “As a year group, students have shown great determination and resilience and have met the challenges head on. We have seen some stunning achievements and are thrilled to see students succeed so well across the range of abilities and in such a diverse range of subjects and qualifications. 

"There are excellent results once again right across the board, for which our students have worked extremely hard. We are very proud of all of our students’ individual successes. We would like to offer students warmest congratulations and thank all their teachers and parents for their contribution to making these results possible.”

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their A-level results today (Thursday, 15 August). 

Councillor Diane King, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Family Services, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to congratulate all pupils that have received their A-level results, they have worked very hard to get here and have overcome a lot of obstacles. 

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results possible and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year. 

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

Beer lovers raise a glass to patron saint of brewers in St Collen's

* Father Lee and his congregation of beer lovers say cheers to St Arnold of Soissons.

Beer lovers raised a toast to a French monk noted for his contributions to the art of brewing in St Collen's  yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

Priest-in-charge Father Lee Taylor - himself noted for his love of a foaming pint - threw open the doors of  the church to celebrate the life of St Arnold of Soissons (c 1040-1087) and to do him justice a number of breweries from across Wales provided the ales, free of charge, for the unique celebration.

A steady stream of people took up Father Lee's social media invitation to join in the special occasion, partaking freely of the variety of brews, all at no charge.

St Arnold, who was abbot of the Abbey of St Oudenberg, is credited with popularising the consumption of beer as a safer alternative to the rather dodgy drinking water of the day.

His life and work made him the patron saint of hop-pickers and brewers.

At the highpoint of the evening the beer samplers broke off their pleasant duties to hear Father Lee offer up a prayer to good old St Arnold.     

  

Llangollen part of campaign to get rural superfast broadband

* Broadband advisor Geraint Strello. Picture by Mandy Jones

Llangollen features in a major campaign to get rural North Wales connected after it was revealed that one in six homes has no access to superfast broadband.

The aim of the Rural Digital Connectivity project is to help householders, businesses and organisations across the region overcome the problems of being located in so-called not spots.

The scheme to combat the digital deficit is being masterminded by Ambition North Wales and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

It’s being rolled out on their behalf by two rural enterprise agencies, Anglesey-based Menter Môn in the west and Denbighshire-based Cadwyn Clwyd in the east.

They’re organising a series of Connectivity Clinics where experts are available to offer free advice and guidance on getting reliable and fast internet access.

This includes one at Llangollen Library from 10am-1pm on Thursday, August 29.

For anybody who can’t attend any of the sessions they’ve also produced a free, easy-to-understand Connectivity Guide to help people get to grips with the problem and which is available on the website www.connectivity.cymru

Among the advisors running the clinics is Geraint Strello, who has over 40 years experience in the ICT industry.

According to Geraint, gaining access to superfast broadband won’t just open up new opportunities for internet shopping, game-playing and homeworking, it could just save your life and even increase the value of your home.

He said: “While many properties in North Wales do have access to superfast broadband it’s important that we don’t forget those that don’t and our aim is to make them aware of the opportunities available to bring a high speed service to them.

“The benefits could be huge, not just for the access to information and for work but there are services which can monitor people’s well-being and enable them to live more independently.

“For example, there are monitoring systems that can learn the normal routine of those living in the property and if something changes dramatically, for example if the toilet is flushed numerous times in the middle of the night, or the front or back door left open, an alarm will be triggered.

“There are sensors that monitor carbon dioxide levels and if it hasn’t changed for a couple of days it would mean no-one has visited so keeping an eye on this reduces the risk of social isolation for vulnerable people.

“There are lots of applications out there which can change people’s lives for the better in relatively unobtrusive ways.”

He said that for those currently struggling for a service over a fixed line there could be options to access 4 or 5G mobile broadband or a satellite connection.

He added: “Advisors from Menter Môn and Cadwyn Clwyd and Denbighshire County Council will be at events across North Wales to give advice, answer their questions and explain what will work best for them.

“When you think about how far we’ve come and the geography of the region then it’s a positive story, but there is more work to do and if you live in a remote location then it could cost you more but there may be help available.

Just under three-quarters of homes in Wales have full-fibre broadband compared to 78 per cent in Scotland, 85 per cent in England and 97 per cent in Northern Ireland.

In North Wales, the Denbighshire percentage is just 18.5.

Kiki Rees-Stavros, of Menter Mon, is leading on the project in North West Wales in the counties of Ynys Môn, Gwynedd and Conwy while Helen Williams, of Cadwyn Clwyd, and Philip Burrows from Denbighshire County Council are leading on the project in North East Wales in the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham,

Kiki said: “We’re particularly targeting householders and businesses with low broadband speeds but our advice is relevant for anyone who wants to improve their speed.

“We want to raise awareness of the steps they can take to boost their connectivity we will be holding drop-in sessions across North Wales as the project continues.

“We have identified the areas with the highest proportion of premises with low broadband speeds and while we are targeting people with low speeds our advice is relevant to anyone who wants to improve their broadband reception.

Helen added: “Essentially we are the honest broker telling people what their options are to get an improved broadband service because it makes such a big difference.

“It gives many people the opportunity to work or even run a business from home and it can also boost the value of that home.

“It can open up so many opportunities because there’s such a shift in the way people use technology and bandwidth with often several devices operating in the same property at once.”

Details of further events will be posted on the website. The project runs until October 31 in Wrexham and until December 31 in the five other North Wales counties.

* For more information on improving broadband connectivity and for details of the sessions across North Wales go to www.connectivity.cymru

Railway seeks forever homes for its feral cat colony

Over many years, the Carriage & Wagon workshops at Llangollen Railway have become home to a colony of feral cats. 

While their welfare has always been the railway's priority, with many humanely captured, neutered, and several re-homed, the colony has continued to grow to a point where the railway’s staff and volunteers say they can no longer care for them. 

As a result, the railway are now reaching-out to the local community for help in finding its cat colony forever homes. 

Tom Taylor, Trust Manager, said: Our workshop environment has provided welcome shelter to stray cats for many years. A small group of our volunteers have fed and looked after them, where they can.

"However, this is no longer conducive to meeting the ongoing needs of so many animals. Furthermore, their presence has created many challenges within our engineering areas, prompting us to seek a more suitable resolution and permanent living arrangement." 

To ensure the continued welfare of this feline colony, the railway is partnering with a local animal rescue charity, Candy & Tibby Trust (Charity No. 1203566). Together, they are committed to finding loving homes where the railway cats can thrive.

Tom added: "If you are interested in providing a forever home for one (or more) of our cats, we encourage you to reach out to Paul Conway at Candy & Tibby Trust on 07552 200556 or email candyandtibbytrustcatrescue@gmail.com. 

"Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of these cats, and we appreciate any help you can provide in spreading the word. Thank you for considering giving a loving home to a deserving railway cat. We are very grateful of Paul’s help and expertise."

Eisteddfod's peace award winner plans latest support trip to Ukraine

* Gary Fear on one of his previous humanitarian trips to Ukraine.

The man who won this year’s Rotary International Peace Award at Llangollen Eisteddfod for his humanitarian work in Ukraine is now gathering support for his ninth trip to the war-torn country.

Gary Fear, an estate agent based in south Cheshire, started raising funds for Ukraine a couple of years ago after hearing about how former soldier Jordan Gatley, who came from his home area, had been killed at the age of 24 after volunteering to fight in the war against Russia invaders.

He now spends around eight days at a time over there and in his eight trips so far he and his team of helpers have travelled 30,655 miles - including 14,292 miles flying, 14,988 driving and 1,375 miles by train - purchased around £75,000 of food, packed and delivered nearly 4,000 bags of food plus four generators ad bought and delivered around 23.4 tonnes of food.

 

Fundraising for the ninth trip on September 17 is already underway and Gary says he aims to reach a total of £87,000, giving the team £9,000 to spend on supplies. 

The Rotary International Peace Award, which is sponsored by Westminster Stone and recognises peace initiatives both in the UK and internationally, is presented each year during Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

John Clifford, of Rotary International, said: “Gary was very proud, honoured and humbled to receive the award when we met to present the award to him.

“I’m very happy to send him very best wishes from Rotary and hope that as many people as possible will support his latest trip to Ukraine.”

* Gary’s justgiving page is at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gfukraine

Genesis G70: a competent car to turn heads

Genesis G70 drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the G70, a far different proposition to its big brother in the last car review.

The GV80 SUV is a dominant statement car with an exquisite cabin, while the G70 saloon is understated elegance. If looks alone sold cars this would be a bestseller.

Make no mistake, the G70 is a car that turns heads, and lots did. It looks great from nose to tail and the wafer thin twin split headlights are simply stunning. Job done then. Not quite, there is the little matter of the opposition….BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, Jaguar XF, Audi A4 etc.

It is tough in the car premier league so can this Korean sports saloon mix it with the so-called big boys? The Genesis has a solid foundation built on the Kia Stinger platform so sharp handling should be a given. Let’s find out.

If the monstrous GV80 is at its best cruising the highways then the rear wheel drive G70 loves sweeping through tight bends. The steering is quick and precise and body control is pretty solid even before switching to sport mode that weights up the steering and stiffens the damping. Steering wheel paddle shifters for the eight speed automatic also add to the fun. That’s that box ticked.

The G70 would seem to have everything needed for the perfect sports saloon.  Well, nearly. What’s missing is a hot shot engine. The choice is 240bhp petrol or 197bhp diesel, driven here, pretty tepid against some of the mighty engines in the armoury of the opposition. It is a fair point but given the need for sensible driving and speed limits on our overcrowded roads how much power do we really need? A debate for another day perhaps.

It has been so long since I have driven a diesel I was surprised how noisy they are. This 2.2 litre is hardly agricultural but has that diesel clatter at low speeds. It is modestly quick off the mark with satisfying mid range pick up thanks to 440Nm of torque, and is good for mid to high forties on a run which is more frugal than the petrol.

The Genesis brand is the luxury arm of Hyundai and the G70 gets the same sumptuously finished cabin. Soft, high quality plastics and coverings, quilted leather seats are all there with motors powering just about everything. Unlike the spectacular GV80 the dashboard layout has a traditional look, a bit behind the times, but the driver’s seat is a comfortable and satisfying place to be.

The central 10.25 inch touchscreen is big enough for the car but does not have the excellent rotary control option for making selections. That said it reacts quickly and the driver can use voice control for changing radio stations or selecting navigation destinations so eyes stay on the road. Heating controls are set out in the centre console with chunky easy to reach switches.

That said, a couple of quite minor things irritated. The DAB radio lost signal too often, and the indicator stalk frequently failed to cancel. Odd when everything else runs like clockwork.

As expected most of the luxury we crave is there, high quality trim, powered, heated or air conditioned seats, impressive digital driver’s binnacle with head up display, and a vast bank of safety equipment including rear cross traffic alert. A novel and very useful feature is a digital camera view activated in either of the speedo or rev counter dials when the indicator is flicked for left or right turns.

G70 can seat five at a push, the transmission tunnel makes it a bit tight, so it is better suited as a four seater, provided the passengers are not lanky because rear legroom is poor and tall folk will struggle with headroom.

On the subject of space the boot is not the biggest in the pack and the opening is on the narrow side, but who wants to use a sports saloon as a load lugger? Get the estate for that.

Everyone seems to want an SUV these days but one thing is for sure: You get a lot more pleasure and fun driving a good saloon and this is one of them.

Is the G70 good enough to prize a BMW devotee from a 3 Series? Probably not but the same can be said for the other rivals mentioned. The Genesis engine options are limited with no hybrid or electric G70s, even so the saloon is sleek, competent, well equipped and well engineered and would happily sit on my drive.

Fast facts

G70 2.2 litre diesel

£40,080 (£49,150) tested

0-62mph 7.4secs; 143mph

44.4mpg combined

171g/km. 1st tax £335

Boot: 330 litres

Insurance group 31-39

Countryside skills sessions help Llangollen pupils

Pupils at Ysgol Dinas Bran recently rolled up their sleeves to learn countryside management skills. 

The youngsters were supported by Education Engagement Officers from Denbighshire County Council’s Llwybrau service to take part in outdoor education sessions run by Countryside Rangers around the south of the county. 

‘Denbighshire Education Project – Llwybrau team’, supports young people in Denbighshire to reduce their risk of disengagement from education and provides support to re-engage in education or to move into employment or training at the end of year 11. The service received funding from the UK Government. 

The Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes rangers have helped the pupils learn countryside management and other skills through sessions including: 

1. Bracken bashing on Dinas Bran
2. Balsams pulling at  Ty Mawr Country Park
3. Gardening at Corwen Community Garden
4. Craft activities at Plas Newydd Historic House and Garden with the Our Picturesque Landscape team
5. Drystone walling on Caer Drewyn Iron Age Hillfort
6. Litter picking along the Panorama

Cllr Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “I am delighted to see the great work that has been done with the Ysgol Dinas Bran pupils to not only support these youngsters to re-engage with their education, but also sparking a new-found interest for skills that they might not have developed through mainstream teaching.

“This is a fantastic example of partnership working from the Council’s Llwybrau service, whose experienced Education Engagement Officers have done a great job in utilising skills and resources from a variety of different organisations to support these pupils in re-engaging with their education and discovering new skills and hobbies that they might not have been aware of before.” 

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, added: “These sessions guided by our Countryside Rangers have really helped the pupils with building their confidence and learning new skills, and they have been rewarded with certificates to show their dedication towards volunteering on this project.”