Bryn Terfel launches hunt for Denbighshire’s hidden heroes

* Sir Bryn Terfel issues a rallying cry.

Opera legend Bryn Terfel has issued a rallying call for entries to find unsung social care heroes in Denbighshire.

The search is now underway for nominations for the 2026 Wales Care Awards which shine a spotlight on the remarkable staff working in care homes and home-care services across the country.

Among the accolades is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award, celebrating outstanding work in bringing the arts into social care settings.

Sir Bryn, a long-time supporters of the event, is urging colleagues, managers and families to put names forward – not only for the award carrying his name but for every category, recognising excellence across the profession.

Also up for grabs are honours for frontline care practitioners, nurses, chefs, dementia specialists and those championing fulfilled lives, alongside awards for outstanding service in the sector.

This year's glittering event will take place Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 16.

The closing date for all nominations will be January 31 and more information can be found on our website: www.walescareawards.co.uk

None of the finalists will go away empty handed because, a bit like the Olympics, they will win gold, silver or bronze awards.

Sir Bryn said: “Every day, social care staff go above and beyond, often without the recognition that they richly deserve. Supporting the Wales Care Awards is my way of helping to shine a light on their incredible work.

“These people are the backbone of our communities. Families rely on their compassion and skill, and it is only right that we celebrate the difference they make to people’s lives across Wales.

“I’m especially proud that the arts have a dedicated category. Creative activities bring comfort, joy and dignity to those receiving care and it’s wonderful to honour the people who make that happen.

“I’d urge colleagues, relatives and managers to take a moment to think about someone who deserves recognition. A nomination can mean the world to those who give so much.”

The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of front line staff and promote excellence in the social care sector.

Mr Kreft said: “The Wales Care Awards are all about saying thank you to the people who keep the social care network going. If you know somebody who consistently goes the extra mile, this is your chance to make sure they get the credit they deserve.

“Whether it’s a brilliant nurse, a dedicated chef or a anybody who never  fails to deliver, please put their names forward. The process is simple and the impact is huge.

“The awards night is a rare opportunity for staff to come together, share ideas and enjoy an evening that’s entirely about them. It’s a celebration of the sector at its very best.

“If we don’t properly value the people who care for others, we cannot hope to provide the high quality care our communities need. Raising the profile of the workforce is essential and these awards play a big part in that.

“We’re looking forward to another uplifting night where the remarkable women and men of social care can enjoy their moment in the spotlight.”

* For more details about the categories and to make a nomination for the 2026 Wales Care Awards go to  https://walescareawards.co.uk/

Llangollen escapes the worst of winter weather chaos

* A snow-free Castle Street this morning (Friday).

Llangollen appears to have escaped the worst of the predicted weather chaos. 

Despite it snowing pretty heavily last night it didn't really stick in town but this morning there is snow on the hills all around, including the slopes up to the castle.

Today both main roads are snow-free and flowing freely, all three schools are open and the buses appear to be running. There's a bit of slush on the pavements but that's disappearing fast. 

Facebook comments show that main roads connecting the town with both Wrexham in one direction and Oswestry in the other area also snow-free and safe to travel.

* Snow on the hills around the town.

Latest SDCP Latest outreach sessions in the area

Latest outreach sessions by South Denbighshire Community Partnership (SDCP) for Llangollen and Corwen are:

SDCP is looking for volunteers ...

SP Energy Networks gets ready for the wintry weather ahead

 

SP Energy Networks says it has being making preparations for the stormy weather ahead. In a briefing to local councillors toady (Thursday) it says: What this could mean

As conditions deteriorate, there is an increased risk of power interruptions. High winds can damage equipment, and in colder conditions ice can form on overhead lines. When ice builds up, it adds weight to the network and can cause lines or associated equipment to fail.  We’ve invested heavily over recent years to strengthen the network and reduce these risks — but extreme weather always brings a degree of uncertainty. Our focus now is on being ready, responsive and safe.

What we’ve already done

We’ve taken early action to make sure we’re on the front foot:

Materials and equipment have been moved closer to where they’re most likely to be needed  Generators have been checked and readied  Our 4x4 fleet has been reviewed, ensuring access to sites even in difficult conditions  Extra field staff are on standby, ready to deploy  Our call centre has increased capacity, with additional colleagues available to support customers.

Put simply: we’re prepared.

As the weather unfolds, I’ll continue to share updates, so you have the right, timely information to support your communities, neighbours and families.

Staying informed

For the most up-to-date view of any power interruptions, customers and stakeholders can check our live power cuts map: Power Cuts - SP Energy Networks

Preparedness messages to share

A little preparation goes a long way. Please continue to reinforce these simple but important messages:

Call 105 to report a power cut — it’s free and works no matter who you pay your bill to  Keep a torch handy  Charge power banks so phones and devices stay powered  Have extra blankets nearby, as heating may be affected  Close curtains or blinds to keep warmth in  Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain temperature  Stay clear of fallen power lines — always treat them as live and report immediately by calling 105

If you or someone you care for relies on electricity for medical or life-support equipment, please make sure you’re registered on the Priority Services Register and contact us if you have any concerns: Priority Services Register - SP Energy Networks  For the latest weather updates, the Met Office website has the most current information: http://metoffice.gov.uk

County makes preparations for snow, ice and Storm Goretti

Denbighshire County Council has this afternoon (Thursday) sent out an update on the current weather situation to its councillors, which has been passed on to llanblogger by Llangollen member Karen Edwards.

It says: "The yellow warning of snow and ice that was issued on Sunday covering the period from 12noon on Monday expired at 11am today. 

"However, two further yellow warnings have subsequently since been issued, the first for ice, which is valid between midnight tonight through until 10am on Wednesday. 

"A further warning has been issued, which has been named as Storm Goretti largely for snow, which comes into effect from 18:00hrs on Thursday and remains in place through until 12noon on Friday 9 January.

"The current position is that there will be a brief interlude and respite, whereby temperatures are set to rise during the daytime hours, which will lead to a gradual thaw of any lying snow or ice, although this may not have a significant effect on areas of high ground. Temperatures during the overnight periods are still expected to drop quite widely leading to a further ice risk, which is reflected in the latest weather warning.

"The focus beyond this period will then move towards the incoming Storm Garetti, which could lead to further snowfall and significant accumulations are possible, but there is still a level of uncertainty surrounding the exact storm trajectory and anticipated impacts, which are expected to be confirmed in the next 24/48 hours. 

"There is a likelihood that this warning may be updated from Yellow to Amber once the exact course and associated impacts are known. The wind is also predicted to increase, which may lead to blizzard like conditions, but again this is subject to an updated forecast position once the forecast modelling is confirmed."

The update continues: "The current network is largely open and passible with care with the only exceptions being the A542 Horseshoe pass, School Lane, Eryrys and Gwaenysgor Hill which remain closed due to the ongoing weather conditions. 

"Preparations are now being made in respect of planning and deployment additional resources to ensure a sufficient level of preparedness and resilience ahead of the arrival of Storm Garetti.

 

"In summary, we are aiming to have continuous winter maintenance provision and supervision from 16:00 hrs on Thursday 8 January through until 08:00am on Sunday 10 January, therefore covering the duration of the storm and current yellow weather warning, along with sufficient provision for any subsequent warnings that may still yet be issued. 

"We intend to call upon all available resources, including relief drivers, (subject to their availability). Our teams will also be supported by external agricultural contractors, who will assist in maintaining and keeping open the rural roads network, should this become necessary.

 

"In addition to these preparations, contractors have also been commissioned to replenish salt bins across the county network, with priority being given to the south of the county, which has been more significantly impacted of late. This replenishment work will commence tomorrow and will support the work being carried out by Highways and Streetscene teams, who are currently dealing with adhoc and welfare requests, along with the hand salting of town centres where possible.

 

"All resources will largely be focused on maintaining the primary county road network and further updates will be issued in terms of the position across the county road network."

  

Ambulance service urges extra care as Storm Goretti closes

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care ahead of heavy snowfall and strong winds expected from Storm Goretti.

The Met Office, which has described the storm as a ‘multi-hazard event’, has issued a number of Amber and Yellow warnings for snow in Wales and across large swathes of the UK.

The snow is likely to lead to disruption and dangerous travelling conditions tonight (Thursday) and into Friday.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations, said: “The NHS has already been under significant pressure since the New Year, and now we’re gearing up for the impact of Storm Goretti.

“Cold weather naturally leads to an increase in falls, breathing difficulties and road traffic collisions, so it’s important that you take steps to reduce the risk of becoming ill or injured, and help us, help you.

“Unfortunately, severe weather means it may take longer to reach some patients, but if you have a genuine life-threatening emergency, please do continue to call us.

“Above all, please be kind and considerate to our people who are working around the clock to provide the best possible care for communities in Wales, both in our contact centres and on the frontline.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service has this advice for the public:

 

• Stock up on essential medications – ensure you have enough prescription medicines to last through any disruption caused by severe weather.
• Only travel if you really need to – if you can delay your journey, it is safer to do so, but if you must drive, maintain a safe and steady speed and keep your distance from other vehicles.
• Take care on icy surfaces – wear suitable footwear and watch out for hidden ice when walking.
• Look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family.
• Only call 999 for genuine life-threatening emergencies.
• For everything else, visit NHS 111 Wales or call 111 for health advice and information.

Latest county council roadworks bulletin

Outside LLANGOLLEN PAVILION CAR PARK ENTRANCE - ADJ NO. 9 ABBEY ROAD, 28/02/2026 - 20/03/2026, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A542 Carriageway HORSESHOE PASS, 24/03/2026 - 02/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 OAK STREET, 22/02/2026 - 01/03/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE NUMBER 9 CASTLE STREET, 01/02/2026 - 01/02/2026, Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC)

A539 ON JUNC WITH TRACK FROM BRYN DETHOL ROAD TO TY UCHA

BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAESMAWR ROAD, 09/02/2026 - 11/02/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works SEVERN TRENT WATER (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 Brook Street, Llangollen, 03/11/2025 - 27/03/2026. Active Travel Improvements from the A5 up Brook Street, towards Ysgol Bryn Collen / Y Gwernant, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights