Llangollen patient's concerns about future of specialist cancer nurse

 

* Cancer nurse concerns: Sarah Marshall.

A Llangollen woman is one of five patients who have written to the region’s health boss outlining their concerns about the future of a specialist breast cancer nurse based at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

Sarah Marshall, who has incurable form of the disease, has joined with four others to write to Caroline Shillabeer, chief executive of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), telling her they believe the specialist metastatic breast cancer nurse post in Wrexham will not be funded beyond next month.

They say in the letter: “In order to provide equity across the health board and indeed Wales and the UK, funding needs to urgently be identified to continue this post.”

Sarah has been a breast cancer patient at Wrexham since 2017 and since 2019 has been treated for metastatic breast cancer, which is incurable.

But for most of that time she hasn’t been too unwell and has managed to do an MSc, run for county councillor, do the Llangollen Round Challenge and choreograph local Operatic shows.

She said: “In that whole time I've never had a named nurse contact until they appointed a specialist nurse post in 2022. However, that nurse went off sick fairly quickly, then left the post and it was then covered by an internal secondment which is not funded past March 2024.” 

In their joint letter to the heath board chief she and the other patients say: “We would be devastated if the nurse’s hard work was being undone by the role not continuing in North Wales. 

“We are also very concerned that the Trust’s decision to combine the role with support for stage four bowel cancer patients makes it an unachievable workload, which contributed to the original post-holder leaving the role after a few months.

“Given that the post has been filled for at least a year now we would expect there is data available now on the number of metastatic breast cancer patients who have been supported by the role. 

"To now leave these patients without specialist support is shocking to us. Some of us are at end of life or have very limited clinical treatment options available.”

Sarah added: “The Trust emphasised that the metastatic post was part of their efforts to provide a good service, even though they had decided to combine the workload with supporting stage four bowel cancer patients, which makes it a huge remit.

“It's hard enough dealing with the incurable cancer and the treatment effects without having an inefficient and substandard service.

“Currently I'm on a clinical trial at Christies Hospital in Manchester.

“Wrexham don't run any clinical trials so I had to find a supportive oncologist to refer me there. The difference in the service is astounding.

“When my time on the trial ends I will likely have to return to Wrexham, and I'm dreading it. I don't understand how it is fair to have such a different service just because of where you live.”

Angela Wood, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at BCUHB, said: “The views and experiences of our patients and service users play an important part in helping us to ensure we provide the services they need so we are grateful for this, and any feedback we receive.

“We recognise the benefits this important role has played in supporting patients across the Wrexham area and understand the concerns that have been raised.

“The NHS as a whole currently faces significant financial challenges, which means careful consideration must be given to all available resources across a range of services. This is one of a number of vacancies currently being reviewed and once a decision is made we will provide further information.”

Sound baths bring wave of new attendances at St Collen's

 

* Last year Father Lee Taylor became known as the "Squid Vicar" after appearing in the TV game show.

In what he sees as a ground-breaking move towards spiritual well-being and inclusivity, Llangollen's Father Lee Taylor has introduced sound baths at St Collen’s. 

He says the innovative move has attracted widespread attention, drawn large numbers of spiritual seekers and created a "harmonious blend of tradition and modern spirituality".

Fr Lee explained: "The incorporation of sound baths involves the use of therapeutic sound frequencies to create an immersive and spiritually enriching atmosphere.

"Since implementing sound baths, St Collen’s has witnessed a significant increase in attendance, with spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds drawn to the unique and inclusive nature of these mid-week events.

"They have also sparked conversations within the community, fostering a sense of unity and providing a safe space for individuals to explore their spirituality in a non-traditional yet deeply meaningful setting.

"The idea is to be enveloped by gentle sound waves promoting relaxation and tranquility. Let the harmonic frequencies wash away stress and tension, transporting you through the ages, creating a melodic bridge between ancient echoes and present serenity..

"A candlelit atmosphere allows you to bask in the warm glow of candlelight, casting ethereal shadows against time-worn stone walls. The ancient church provides a sacred canvas for the dance of light and shadow."

He added: "In embracing sound baths we are creating a sacred space that resonates with the spiritual seekers of today. 

"They have become a magnet for those yearning for a different kind of spiritual experience. Attendance at the sound baths reveal a remarkable surge in participation compared to our regular Sunday morning services. 

"I believe that the Church must adapt and evolve. Embracing change doesn't diminish our reverence, it enhances it. Change is not a threat, it's a catalyst for revitalization. 

"The response from our congregation and the community at large has been heartening, emphasising the need for inclusive and innovative spiritual practices. As we navigate the changing landscape of congregational dynamics, we are seeking to create a space where everyone feels welcomed and inspired.”

Fr Lee is recognized for his progressive outlook, forward thinking.

Last year he became dubbed as "The Squid Vicar" after appearing in the Netflix smash-hit reality TV show: Squid Game: The Challenge. 

In 2019, he revived an ancient prayer for blessing beer for the Real Ale Train at Llangollen Railway, bringing a touch of ancient tradition to the modern world.

During the pandemic he introduced a series of uplifting online singalongs that transcended borders and  his virtual congregation grew into a worldwide community seeking solace in the power of music.  

Fr Lee is currently studying for a part-time research degree in religious and mystical experience.

Fascinated by the profound mysteries of near-death experiences he took part in the Near-Death Experience Spectrum at the Monroe Institute in 2023. 

He says his forthcoming presentation at Emmanuel College, Cambridge promises to be a "captivating exploration of his experience at The Monroe Institute, intertwining spirituality, and the scientific pursuit of understanding the mysteries that await us all". 

* The next sound bath session is at St Collen's on Friday March 8, from 7-8pm. There is no booking or cost but donations are welcomed.

Futuristic Toyota is a real bobby dazzler

Toyota C-HR drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the new Toyota C-HR, a bobby dazzler if ever I saw one.

This is the car that had everyone talking when it was launched in 2017, its futuristic, razor sharp styling catching the imagination. The biggest shock was that it was a Toyota who had gone from dull to dazzling.

Six years on and the second model in the family tree is in the showroom. There was no need for major surgery, the designers got it right from the start but there has been some cosmetic work to the front with a striking headlight signature, and Tesla-style pop-out door handles. A smart touch on the tailgate is the model name integrated into the full width light bar.

No changes under the bonnet, 1.8 or 2-litre petrol hybrid engines, although a major new addition is a plug-in hybrid which will join the range in a few weeks.

C-HR is a genuine crossover, part hatchback, part SUV, sitting between cars like the slightly smaller Ford Puma and larger Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage. What makes it stand out is the bold body styling and its coupe look roofline.

Inside is also a bit special with slashes and angles breaking up what is often basic interior design in many rivals. Fixtures and fittings are high quality nudging the Toyota towards the premium end of the market.

A variety of cabin ambient lighting strips offer a choice of 64 colours and has a useful safety feature changing to red if there is a risk of opening a door to passing traffic or a cyclist. First time I have come come across that on a car.

As expected there has been a tech upgrade with excellent graphics in the 12.3in central screen which houses a mass of information, most of which you will not need, although the clarity for the on board navigation is great. Thankfully Toyota has stuck with physical switches for the heating.

The driver's binnacle is also high tech and interchangeable and gets brownie points for a high quality head up display, something I would like to see on all cars.

An area where C-HR falls short of a five star rating is space. My son is nudging six feet and with him in the front legroom for the adult back seat passenger was tighter than some rivals.

The sharp styling I have been praising has one drawback. It is a bit claustrophobic in the back because there is not an awful lot of glass so we were glad of the full length glass roof, a £560 option lower down the range, which brought some much needed light into the car.

It is tinted and doesn't need a sun shade because of infrared reducing coatings. The idea is to keep heat inside in the winter and prevent overdheating in a sunny summer. It also saves weight and increases headroom so it is well worth the money.

My test car was the GR Sport but don't get too excited. This does not have the firecracker 257bhp engine from the rally bred GR Yaris, just some GR styling flourishes, although the sports front seats are very comfortable and supportive should you push the C-HR which has very tidy handling.

I did not manage to get close to the official combined economy figure but you can bank on 50+mpg most of the time.

Frankly 40 grand for the GR Sport is a bit too much to be paying for a car this size particularly when it does not have the engine to match the name. The entry 1.8 litre for £31,000 is a good buy if that is the top of your budget.

How good is C-HR? It looks fantastic, is great to drive, economical, with a full suite of safety features, and would make the shortlist in any car of the year award.

Fast facts

C-HR GR Sport

£40,645 (starts £31,290)

2-litre petrol hybrid; 193bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 112mph

57.6mpg combined

111g/km. 1st year tax £185

Insurance group 27

Boot: 364 litres

Dispute rages between MP and council over county's new recycling scheme

* Dr James Davies MP at Shotton Mills Ltd. 

An MP  who has been campaigning against Denbighshire's plan to scrap the blue wheelie bin, has branded it as one of the worst decisions the county council has ever made. 

But a council chief strongly has strongly defended its decision to go ahead with the scheme.

Last week, Denbighshire made public its plans to introduce a new recycling system on Monday June 3 when residents will be required to separate their ‘dry’ recycling using a new three-tier Trolleybox. This will be delivered to households before the end of May.

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies, who has met and exchanged correspondence over this topic with senior council officers and county councillors on many occasions, says he is disappointed that his views, and those of others who oppose the changes, have been ignored. 

He said: “The council has followed this path under heavy pressure from the Labour/Plaid Welsh Government to adopt its preferred model, but did not have to do so.  

“The reason given for the change has been the need to increase recycling rates, yet the 2022-23 statistics demonstrate that Denbighshire is currently achieving an impressive 65.9% recycling rate.  

"It is already performing above average for Wales, and second best out of the six councils in north Wales. Importantly, it does better than some councils which already have the model it intends to implement.

“The actual reason for the change has always been about saving money, and receiving millions in the process for setup costs from the Welsh Government. Yet the projected annual savings were always small and based on variable factors.  

"As predicted, the upfront cost of the change will have more than wiped out any savings for many years to come. Plus the £12m "sweetener" from the Welsh Government is still taxpayers' money. 

* The blue bin which is currently used in Denbighshire for recycling. 

“I consider the council's decision to ignore opposition and plough ahead regardless to be one of the worst decisions it has ever made, and to be unforgivable in the context of this year's 9.34% council tax increase.

“Following many delays and cost increases, the council now plans to introduce the new system in June 2024.  It is doing so on the basis of support from its Cabinet only - Full Council has never been given a vote on the matter.”

He added: “There are other ways in which recycling rates could be boosted while retaining the blue wheelie bin. However, Denbighshire have shown an unwillingness to reconsider or explore a range of other options or compromises.

“Limited consultation carried out by the council has been dishonest - failing to spell out the fact that the blue bin has been under threat.  There has in general been a reluctance to communicate the proposed changes to the public, in the knowledge that they would be very unpopular."

Last November 2023, Dr Davies visited Shotton Mills Ltd (SML) with Gareth Davies MS and Denbighshire Conservative councillors. This facility is the current destination of Denbighshire's kerbside waste, which it processes via a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

He said: “SML will need to actively encourage councils to send it paper and cardboard waste so as to allow it to fulfil its future plans for the site.  It sells sorted glass and plastic 'downstream' and can continue to do this.  As a result of the Welsh Government's policy strategy, it is now having to bring most of the waste it processes from elsewhere in the UK.

“My assessment is that SML need DCC’s paper and card waste in particular and that the proposed collection of cardboard in a bag attached to a trolleybox will be a backward step, with the material being more liable to be wet, hampering the recycling process.”

Further views on this matter can be seen on Dr Davies's campaign page at www.savethebluebin.info.

What the council says

Councillor Barry Mellor, the county council's Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: "We are disappointed that despite corresponding and meeting with Dr Davies on a number of occasions regarding the new waste model that he has failed to understand how important this change is for Denbighshire and the long-term benefits it will bring. 

"To be absolutely clear, our new waste service has three main benefits:

"It is better for the environment because it will increase recycling rates and the quality of recyclable materials to enable them to be made into new products;

"It will be cheaper to run that the current service, and therefore provides better value for money to Denbighshire residents; 

"It is better for the local economy because it will lead to the creation of 27 new jobs for local people. That is even without mentioning the economic benefits from the expansion of four important local businesses on the Colomendy Industrial Estate in Denbigh that this project has enabled via the project to build our new waste depot. 

“It is also disappointing that Dr Davies continues to suggest to Denbighshire residents that we can choose not to implement the new model, despite being told on many occasions that it is several years too late to change a decision that was made in December 2018 by the then Conservative/Independent coalition Cabinet. We have now almost completed a new, purpose -build depot for the new service, and we have also purchased all the new containers and vehicles."

He added: "We are 100% convinced that the new service is the right decision, and it therefore makes no sense whatsoever to change our minds now. It would also be a huge waste of taxpayers’ money if the council were to fail to proceed with the new system at this stage. This has all been explained to Dr Davies on many occasions, but he does not seem to hear that message.

"Along with other Welsh councils we are working to meet the Welsh Government’s ‘Beyond Recycling’ Strategy target of recycling 70% of all waste by 2025. Although we are currently at 66%, together with other local authority colleagues we know that we need to do more to improve this figure. Most councils in Wales already operate a system for recycling similar to the one we are introducing, including Conwy who have been using this system for several years.   

"Information about our new waste and recycling service model has been available in the public domain previously for people to view.  It is interesting that the Conservative MP is so against our new waste model when the decision to change it was made by the Conservative and Independent coalition Cabinet in 2018.  

"That decision was made following a consultation exercise where residents were asked to tell us what they liked and didn’t like about our current waste service.  The biggest message from residents was that they did not have enough room in their blue bin for all their recycling.  That is why our new weekly recycling collections will provide people with more capacity to recycle. 

"The new Trolibocs system and hessian bag for cardboard has a significantly increased capacity than the current blue bin, with space increasing from 240 litres every two weeks to 250 litres every week.  

"So not only are the new containers collectively bigger than the blue bin, but they will also be collected weekly instead of fortnightly. This expanded service will therefore enable people to recycle everything that needs to be recycled.

"Due to the way the council currently delivers the recycling collection service, i.e., all recycling in one container, it has to pay for this to be taken away and sorted. The cost of this is continuing to increase and shows no signs of stopping. As the recycling is all mixed together it isn’t possible for our staff to spot items that shouldn’t be recycled, this means that ‘contaminated’ recycling is more likely and results in the Council being fined.

"“The new ‘kerb side sort’ service will mean that the council can sort the recycling itself and remove any contamination. The benefit of the new service is that recycling levels will be higher and of a better quality, and the council can then choose to whom and where the materials are sold.

"Even with the additional collections and the increased number of staff, the new service will be cheaper to run than the existing model, and more importantly it will be better for the environment.

“The council has launched a campaign to inform residents of the go live date for the new service using available media channels, and information will continue to be provided to support communities over the coming months. 

"Delivery of the new containers will start from February 23 and a comprehensive information pack explaining how the new system works will be in the top box of the Trolibocs or in the hessian bag for cardboard for those residents on the bag service.”

Young 'Uns create a stylishly brilliant Oliver!

* Trouble in the workhouse: Oliver is taken in hand by Aled Morris as Mr Bumble and Leri Roberts as Widow Corney. 

llanblogger preview 

Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns have created a stylishly brilliant version of the musical Oliver! with its rich with gripping Dickensian drama and timeless Lionel Bart tunes bringing the Town Hall stage to rich, vivid life.

Production values are sky-high and include atmospheric sets and dazzling costumes.

And one of the best-ever casts from the Operatic’s formidable junior section transport the audience faultlessly along the road from a grim country workhouse to the dank crime dens of old London town, singing, dancing and acting their way with a competence and confidence that defies their tender years.

Bringing just the right level of vulnerability and mum appeal to the title role of the orphan who temporarily loses his way is Dylan Harrison, backed strongly by stand-out performances from Freya Mortimer as worldwise and swaggering crime pupil the Artful Dodger and Kelsey Thornton as wily old thief-master Fagin, who is at once scary and playfully deceitful.

* Oliver meets up with Freya Mortimer as the Artful Dodger.

Bringing a touch of real menace to his role as murderous robber Bill Sikes is Freddie Thornton and Sam Gonzalez Jones makes a marvellously caring Mr Brownlow, the old gentleman who rescues poor little Oliver from his misery.

The awful Mrs Sowerberry is played with a healthy level of obnoxiousness by Sophie Siddall and the undertaker himself, to whom Oliver is palmed off by wonderfully horrible Aled Morris as workhouse beadle Mr Bumble, is portrayed with a marvellously funereal touch by Sam Gonzales Jones.

A very spiteful Noah Claypole is turned in well by Edie Langford while Charlotte, the undertaker’s daughter, is brought nastily to life by Grug Bryan. Back at the workhouse Leri Roberts is a deliciously vile Widow Corney.

True plaudits must go to Heledd Edwards in her final Youg ‘Uns appearance before moving beyond its age-range. She plays the poor, put-upon robber’s moll Nancy with just the right balance of brassiness and big heart and, of course, that fine and poignant singing voice.

* Fagin (Kelsey Thornton) compares swag with Bill Sikes (Freddie Thornton).

Helping to move along the unforgettable songs, from Food Glorious Food through Consider Yourself and I’m Reviewing the Situation to Where Is Love and Oom Pah Pah, is an accomplished nine-piece orchestra.

Chorus members show true exuberance in the dance routines, strong musical ability when backing the songs and when acting out their parts as both the downtrodden workhouse children and Fagin’s motley gang.   

Also, it’s big applause for the production team of Robin Crowley (artistic director), Julian Cattley (musical director) Pamela Williams (producer), Deirdre Smith (assistant producer) and Sarah Marshal (choreographer).

Oliver! runs from this Thursday to Saturday, February 22-24, at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee on the last day.

* Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or Llangollen Tourist Information, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

* It's a Fine Life: Nancy kicks up her heels with the cast in the robber's den.       

   

 

Hand Hotel up for sale at £1.9 million, says story

* The Hand Hotel pictured on Rightmove.

The Daily Post is reporting that the Hand Hotel in Llangollen is on sale for £1.9m. 

The Hand has 58 individual en-suite bedrooms, a public bar and restaurant and conference and banqueting facilities.

According to the Rightmove website, the hotel - marketed by Graham & Sibbald - also has a "fabulous outside bar with decked seating area overlooking the River Dee, with a range of outbuildings with development potential", says the story.

* For the full story, see:The 58-bedroom hotel overlooking the River Dee on sale for £1.9m - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)

Former mayor complains to Minister about 'horrendous problems" with NHS

* Waiting list complaints: former town mayor and county councillor Stuart Davies.

A former Llangollen mayor has written to the Health Minister and both candidates in the race to become Wales’s new First Minister outlining the “horrendous problem” he faces in attempting to access NHS services in a timely manner. 

Stuart Davies, who is also a former county councillor for the area, tells Minister Eluned Morgan and leadership contenders Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles that he has had a 22-week wait for an echo cardiogram, a five-month wait for a hearing test and cancelled prostate cancer consultations. 

And he points out: “I write to you not as a patient attempting to get treatment just for me but as someone trying to get equitable treatment for all.” 

Mr Davies goes on to detail his problems with NHS waits:

* Problem One: During an examination the local GP practice picked up a shortage of breath, which is a problem as he suffers from paroxysmal atrial fibrillation The details were passed along the health service chain. This resulted in another examination but an eventual 22-week wait for further investigation and scan.

While on holiday in Portugal he sought help from a private clinic and eventually paid to have the scan, which was arranged within a few days. This reassured him he didn’t have heart failure and that the shortage of breath was due to his existing condition.

* Problem Two: Describing a problem with a hearing test, he says: “I am pretty deaf, almost totally in my left ear. I had a hearing aid fitted years ago. The tube went bad a while back. I phoned up to try and get a new one.

“I was told it was obsolete but to come in for a hearing test and a new one. I was also told there was a five-month waiting list.”

Problem Three: He says: “This morning the post arrived. I suffer from long term prostate cancer. I have six month check-ups by phone along with a PSA test. My upcoming consultation has been cancelled. It’s not the first time."

And he tells the Minister and the leadership candidates: "We are facing horrendous problems here in attempting to access Welsh NHS services in a timely manner.

“What is going on with the Welsh NHS and the Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board?

“The system is broken, the word on the street is that the Welsh NHS is broken. What are you going to do to address these issues please?”