Group lays on special tour to celebrate Llangollen's rich history

* Llangollen Railway.

Six prominent heritage sites in Llangollen are offering a series of short events to celebrate different aspects of the town's history, all free of charge and with no need to book.

A Tour Through Time on Saturday May 3, has been organised by the recently-formed Our historic Llangollen hanesyddol i bawb, which a collective of many historic sites and landscapes, heritage experiences and activities in Llangollen and the surrounding Dee Valley. 

The special event starts at the Royal International Pavilion at 10.30am and wends through Llangollen to end at St Collen's Church at 3.30pm.  

* International Eisteddfod.

Each site in turn will stage a 45-minute event, with 15 minutes between events to allow people to make their way to the next site.  

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "Join in or leave at any stage but the special display, talk or activity at each site will only take place during the time slot allotted.

"Please join us on this free exploratory and intriguing tour through Llangollen’s history.  All are welcome."

* Lock Up Heritage Centre.

The day's programme is:

* 10.30am Eisteddfod Story: Peace and Music across the Years at the Royal International Pavilion, Abbey Road, LL20 8SW.

* 11.30am Celebrating 50 Years of the Llangollen Railway: A look back at the preservation and development of Llangollen Railway at Llangollen Railway, Abbey Road, LL20 8SN.

* 12.30pm Hands on History: A journey through history and prehistory, viewing and experiencing items from the Stone Age to the present day at Llangollen Museum, Parade Street, LL20 8PW.

* 1.30pm Crime and Punishment in Early Victorian Llangollen: Explore Llangollen’s first magistrates’ courtroom, gaol and police station at Lock Up Heritage Centre, Victoria Square, LL20 8ET.

* 2.30pm Home to the Ladies of Llangollen: Visit the home of the Ladies and learn of their journey from Ireland in search of an idyllic way of life, settling in the picturesque landscape of Llangollen at Plas Newydd, Hill Street, LL20 8AW.

* 3.30pm St. Collen’s Through Time: Discover the rich history of St. Collen’s Church, from its origins and medieval past to today’s vision for a modern future at St Collen’s Church, Regent Street, LL20 8HU.

* Plas Newydd.

* St Collen's Church.

* Llangollen Museum.

Upper Dee Mill goes on market for £500,000

North Wales Live is reporting that Upper Dee Mill in Llangollen is on the market with a price tag of £500,000.

* For the full story, see: Imposing roadside building in one of North Wales' most beautiful towns up for sale - North Wales Live

Commissioner's plan to help older people have a voice

The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has issued new guidance to local authorities across Wales which sets out the action they should be taking to ensure older people have an opportunity to make their voices heard and influence the decisions affecting their lives.

The guidance is designed to support local authorities in their planning and delivery of engagement and consultation activities and help ensure they are meeting their statutory duties.

The Commissioner developed the guidance in response to concerns raised by older people that they often find it difficult to make their voices heard and influence decisions affecting their lives or communities, which can leave them feeling powerless and that their voices don’t matter.

The guidance reflects what older people have told the Commissioner about the ways they feel these activities could be improved, as well as drawing on wider principles that enable inclusive, person-centred approaches to engagement and consultation.

The Commissioner has issued the guidance using her legal powers, which means local authorities must have regard for it when discharging their functions.

The Commissioner, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said: “Since I took up post at the end of last year, older people have frequently raised concerns with me about being unable to make their voices heard when decisions are being made that affect their lives and communities, particularly in terms of changes to public services.

“These kinds of changes can create significant concerns for everyone affected, but older people may have particular concerns due to the impact of other barriers they can face – such as a lack of transport or digital exclusion. 

“So it’s hugely important that listening and responding effectively to older people’s voices is a key part of engagement, consultation and decision-making.

“That’s why I have issued this Guidance to local authorities using my legal powers, to support improvements in these crucial activities, as well as to help ensure greater consistency across Wales.

“Through my Guidance, I want to help ensure that people of all ages in all of their diversity have opportunities and are enabled to make their voices heard in a meaningful way, an ambition I know is shared by our public services across Wales.”

Community partnership looking for volunteers

South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP), which covers Llangollen, is looking for volunteers who would like to be part of the organisation.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking for people to help in our groups, where you would help us set up and to mix and mingle with members of the community, whilst you would also be able to enjoy in the activities. 

"We also are looking for Passenger Assistants who would accompany members of the community on our social trips out, helping them on and off the bus, and providing any general assistance, all the while you can enjoy a day trip. No experience is needed.  

"If you’re looking at volunteering we’d love to have a chat with you. Feel free to phone us on 01490 226004."

* SDCP is now offering a community afternoon tea at Canolfan Ni in London Road, Corwen once a month.

Booking is essential and it costs £5.50/person, payable on the day. Call 01490 266004 to book your place.

Friends of the Eisteddfod coffee morning on April 1

 

Firefighters deal with fire in the Carrog area

Friday morning update from North Wales Fire & Rescue: Our crews are currently dealing with a forest in Ngarrog, Corwen by leading to significant fog - residents are advised to close windows as a precaution. Thank you for your cooperation.

North Wales Fire & Rescue say they are currently dealing with a fire near Corwen.

In  post on their Facebook page this evening they say: "Our officers are in attendance at a fire in the Carrog area near #Corwen and will be monitoring the fire overnight. Thanks for your calls - we are aware of the incident."

A number of people have reported on social media that they seen the fire and have added pictures of it in the distance to their posts.  

MP teams up with Larry Lamb to back Great Daffodil Appeal

* Actor Larry Lamb with Becky Gittins MP and a Marie Curie representative.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins teamed up with actor Larry Lamb at an event in Westminster to celebrate and Marie Curie's annual Great Daffodil Appeal.

Every five minutes, someone dies without the support they need. By donating and wearing a daffodil this March, people can change that and help Marie Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no cure, whatever the illness.

Money raised also funds the charity’s free support line and webchat which is available to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them, offering practical and emotional support on any aspect of dying, death and bereavement.

 

Becky Gittins said: “I’m proud to be supporting Marie Curie and their mission to ensure that everyone at end of life can get the care and support they need, when and where they need it most.

 

“I’m urging people across Clwyd East to show their support for the Great Daffodil Appeal in any way they can.”

 

Larry Lamb, who has been a huge supporter of Marie Curie since his brother received care from the charity before he died, said: “As a long-time supporter of Marie Curie, I have witnessed first-hand the amazing work they do to support people and their loved ones at the end of life.

 

“Marie Curie cared for my brother, and I’ll always be grateful for the care and support they gave him.

 

“The work Marie Curie does is so crucial, providing care that protects someone’s dignity and makes sure they’re not alone or in avoidable pain. The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year and can help Marie Curie bring expert end of life care to so many – whatever the illness. That’s why I’m urging everyone to show their support.”

 

* For information and to donate, please visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil