.png)
The House of Commons has approved at second reading a bill to allow some terminally ill people to end their lives with medical assistance in England and Wales.
Among those who supported the legislation was Clwyd East's Labour MP Becky Gittins whose constituency includes Llangollen.
Denbighshire County Council has issued the following notification of forthcoming roadworks in the area:
.png)
* The magnificent medieval hammer-beam roof of St Collen’s.
* A medieval carving of an angel which adorns the church’s ceiling.
* Genesis Project leader Suzanne Evans looks at the historic ceiling.
St Collen's Church has launched an urgent funding appeal to save its internationally-famous medieval roof from decay and possible loss.
Llangollen's parish church has put out the call to the community for help with repair and conservation after being told that Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is unable to contribute.
The church itself is one of Wales’ cherished historical treasures and its magnificent medieval hammer-beam roof dating back to the 16th century is acknowledged as a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
Yet concerned church officials say this architectural gem, visited and enjoyed by hundreds of people from across the world every year, faces a critical moment as it is in urgent need of conservation.
Suzanne Evans, who leads the Genesis Project which is currently overseeing the re-ordering of St Collen’s to make it fit to meet the needs of the 12st century, warns: “Without prompt attention the roof is at serious risk of decay and we risk losing an irreplaceable piece of Welsh history that has weathered many centuries.
“The roof at St Collen’s is no ordinary structure. It is an extraordinary testament to the skill and vision of our ancestors. Its timber beams have watched over centuries of Welsh tradition and storytelling, and have housed the bardic voices of our past.
“With its hammer-beam architecture—a technique popular during the medieval period and seen in few places across Wales—the roof is as much a monument to our cultural identity as it is an architectural wonder.”
She added: “Each beam and carved detail echoes the lore of our forebears, standing as a symbol of community, resilience and the artistic heritage that has defined Wales.
“But now the beauty and history of this roof are at risk. Years of exposure have weakened its timbers, and urgent conservation is required to prevent irreversible damage.
“The cost of preserving this heritage is beyond the means of the church’s current resources, and Cadw has confirmed that they are unable to contribute to the essential funding needed to preserve it.
“We have therefore launched a community fundraiser to rally support to save this historic roof for future generations.
“The goal is to raise money to fund the conservation work required to stabilise and restore the structure, ensuring it remains a fixture of Welsh heritage for centuries to come.
“This appeal calls upon the people of Wales, heritage enthusiasts, and supporters worldwide to step forward and help safeguard a piece of history that belongs to all of us.
“This is a unique opportunity to unite for our shared past, to protect the spirit of the bardic tradition, and to secure a lasting legacy for our nation.
“Every contribution, however small, will bring us closer to preserving St Collen’s. Let us come together to restore, protect, and celebrate this invaluable link to our cultural identity.
“Donations can be made through the JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/suzanne-evans-1731940087347 and we invite everyone who holds Welsh heritage close to their hearts to support this cause and help us save an amazing piece of Wales for the generations to come.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates has said the reopening of Newbridge Road will prove "invaluable" after a frustrating four year wait.
* For the full story, see the Leader at: Newbridge Road reopening will be 'invaluable': Ken Skates | The Leader
.png)
The creation of a new National Park in North East Wales provides an important and timely opportunity to build on all that is best about the existing Designated Landscapes in Wales and maximise the benefits of designation.
That’s the message from the Campaign for National Parks in a
new report focused
on the new National Park plan for North East Wales which includes Llangollen.
It has been produced by the Campaign, which is a registered charity, in conjunction with the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes and a range of supporters including the Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, North Wales Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, Ramblers Cymru, the World Wildlife Fund and the Royal Society for Protection of Birds.
The 27-page report says: “We believe that this new National Park, the first to be designated in Wales for over 60 years, should be an exemplar for nature, climate and people.
“This new National Park can build on the existing model of National Parks, whilst recognising the challenges of today and the opportunities to do some things differently that sets the standard for future designations.”
However, the report adds that delivering this ambition will only be possible if the right supporting framework is in place which supporters believe should include:
· * Increased funding: A commitment to new and ongoing funding at a level which will enable the new National Park to achieve its full potential whilst ensuring that there are no detrimental impacts on the existing Designated Landscapes in Wales.
· * Modernised governance arrangements which ensure that those involved in making decisions about the new National Park are representative of both the local population and the wider population of Wales and have the necessary skills.
· * A single planning authority: A dedicated National Park Authority (NPA) with responsibility for both plan-making and planning decisions across the whole of the newly designated area.
· * An emphasis on species recovery: A programme of support which focuses on reintroducing lost species and reversing the decline of vulnerable ones.
The report's narrative adds: “Whilst we recognise that some of the above will require legislative changes in the longer term, every effort should be made within the existing National Parks framework to achieve as much progress as possible without delaying this designation.
* The report is available on the Campaign for National Parks website here
One of a series of special consultation events being held by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) on the National Park proposals is planned for Llangollen Town Hall on December 10, from 3-7pm.
A game specially with youngsters in mind will be a key feature of this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival which takes place next Saturday, November 30.
Like last year, there will be lots of characters for the players in the Fun Trail to discover displayed in the windows of various businesses around the town.
There will be more windows than ever in the game this year and characters are all cuddly toys.
As some of the shops already display toys, to distinguish Santa Bear's friends from any other toys they'll all be wearing the special Fun Trail badge as modelled by Santa Bear himself in the picture above.
10am
Christmas Market – Approximately 30 Stalls
Market Street - The majority of stallholders will be local crafters
Centenary Square – Local community groups
Outside Tourist Information Centre – Local charity and community groups
Throughout the day - Treasure hunt around town
12am – 5pm
Musical entertainment and morris dancing in Centenary Square
1pm
Christmas Festival Parade, starting at the Pavilion and heading into town along Abbey Road, Castle Street, Bridge Street, Chapel Street, Oak Street and back onto Castle Street stopping outside the Town Hall.
1pm
Town Hall - Open children’s entertainment with Sion Corn’s Grotto, circus school, face painting, balloon sculpture, bouncy play, morris dancing. All free.
5pm
Switching-on of the Christmas lights (Town Council) Fireworks
Festival chair Austin “Chem” Cheminais, said: “Llangollen Christmas Festival is organised by volunteers from the community who freely give their time and expertise to organise and run the event. It is not a Town Council event, although they do support us.
“The festival is a not-for-profit community event aimed at local people. We aim to make the Christmas Festival a totally free event, with no charge for activities or entertainment.
“We are funded through fund raising events, donations, sponsorship, a raffle and grants when available. Annually the group has to raise about £4,000 to fund the event."
