Llangollen attractions help Andrew’s journey to independence

* Llangollen Railway was one of the places where Andrew volunteered.

Stints volunteering with some of Llangollen's top tourist attractions helped a man rebuild his life after suffering a brain injury.

Andrew, who lives in Denbighshire, sustained his injury in a car accident in 2021, leaving him reliant on his family.

But he has since achieved a life-changing milestone, moving from volunteering to paid employment, thanks to his determination and the support of the Working Denbighshire scheme.

This is part funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme which supports those most disadvantaged in the labour market to overcome the barriers preventing them from gaining employment. It is also part funded by UK Government.

 

Andrew's story shines a light on how employability services can help people rebuild their lives after facing major challenges.

 

In March 2023, his family sought help from Working Denbighshire, where Andrew was matched with Mentor Jen, who developed a personalised plan to support his journey to independence.

 

Andrew’s plan focused on securing a volunteering role as a step towards paid employment. It included: 

• Finding a volunteering role suited to his abilities
• Improving communication and confidence
• Crafting a tailored CV
• Supporting his wellbeing and independence

 

With support from an employment coordinator, Jen followed Andrew’s progress, to ensure he stayed on track.

 

By May 2023, Andrew started volunteering at Plas Newydd in Llangollen, gradually building his confidence and even taking the bus independently for the first time since his accident. 

By August, he took on new challenges, including volunteering at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, which boosted his independence and made his family proud.

 

In April 2024, Andrew expanded his volunteering experience to Llangollen Railway, where he developed new skills. By August, his hard work paid off, and he secured a paid role through the Work Start Scheme, starting in September.

 

Andrew’s journey from relying on family support to securing employment highlights the difference Working Denbighshire’s tailored approach can make.

 

He said: "My family and I had fantastic support from Working Denbighshire, especially from Jen, who was always just a phone call away. Their support took a huge weight off my wife's shoulders, and at one point, I thought returning to work would be impossible but with their help, I’ve now secured paid employment."

 

Jen, Working Denbighshire Employment & Skills Mentor, said: "I'm incredibly proud of all that Andrew has accomplished. He and his wife appreciated having a reliable point of contact for support, and I feel honoured to have been part of his journey."

 

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “Andrew’s story highlights how important it is to provide people with the right support at the right time. His success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when someone’s determination is matched with targeted guidance. We’re so proud of everything he has achieved.”

 

* For more information about Working Denbighshire and the support it offers, visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/jobs-and-employees/working-denbighshire/working-denbighshire.aspx

Tuck into the town's big food festival this weekend

* Crowds at last year's food festival.  

Foodies are expected to come flocking to Llangollen this weekend to tuck into the town’s famous Food Festival.

With over 90 stalls spread throughout various locations in the town, Saturday and Sunday will boast a bumper menu filled with culinary delights, chef demonstrations, tastings, and live music.

An impressive line-up of local and regional producers on a diverse range of stalls will showcase products including artisan cheeses, handmade chocolates and street food.

The food court, located at Riverside Park, will be the heart of the festival, providing a perfect spot for attendees to relax and savour delicious bites.

Throughout the weekend, local chefs will host live cooking demonstrations, sharing tips and techniques that inspire culinary creativity.

There are plenty of things for children to enjoy including a Foodie Treasure Hunt, starting from the Town Hall and a special show entitled Disgusting Digestion.

Tomorrow (Saturday) evening sees a Real Ale Train running on which beer fans can sample a range of brews from the region as they head through the scenic Dee Valley.

The steam train departs Llangollen station at 6pm with two round trips to Carrog and returns at around 9pm.

Ticket price includes two beer tokens and additional tokens can be purchased for £4 each.

To book, go to: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/real-ale-train/

Venues for the live entertainment on both days of the festival are the bandstand in Riverside Park and Centenary Square.

* Some of the entertainment at the festival.

Denbighshire County Council is offering free parking in all of its car parks - Brook St, East St, Hall St, Market Street, Mill Street and the Eisteddfod Pavilion - during both days of the festival weekend. 

Sponsors this year are Rhug Estate, Vale of Llangollen Golf Club, The Corn Mill, Riversdale House B&B, The Clwydian Butcher, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods and Llangollen Railway.

"We're delighted to bring together so many fantastic food and drink producers together for another year. Whatever the weather brings, join us in celebrating the rich flavours and talents of our community," said Pip Gale, chair of the Food Festival. 

"Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just looking for a fun day out, the Llangollen Food Festival promises something for everyone."

* For more information, check the Llangollen Food Festival Facebook page or website.

Liberty Tavern quiz donates £250 to town's Christmas festival

        * Chem, left, receives the cash donation for the Christmas Festival from                            Liberty Tavern quiz organiser Mike Callaghan.

Llangollen Christmas Festival was presented with £250 by Mike Callaghan on behalf of the weekly quiz at Liberty Tavern in Market Street. 

The quiz takes place on Tuesdays from 7.30pm and all cash raised goes to local charities and community groups.

 

The Christmas Festival is organised by a group of volunteers from the community and is aimed at local people and families.  

This year’s Christmas Festival will be held on Saturday November 30. 

Families can come along and children can see Sion Corn, have their faces painted, have a balloon sculpture, use the bouncy play, take part in a circus school and be entertained all for free.

There’s a Christmas Market, a wide range of entertainment and the traditional grand parade through the town at 1pm.

 

Austin "Chem" Cheminais, who is chair of the organising group, said: “We’re really grateful for the generous contribution to our funds from Liberty Tavern.

“In recent  years we have managed,  thanks to the generosity of individuals, groups and businesses, to make the festival and its attractions  free to all who attend.”

 

* Anyone out  there who  would like to donate funds or sponsorship to help keep Llangollen Christmas Festival free for all who attend can call Chem on 07813 761766.  or email: chemshouts@gmail.com

2024 Llangollen Christmas Appeal launched

Year five of the annual Llangollen Christmas Appeal has just been launched in conjunction with the town's Food Share.

The aim is to support local families over the festive period. 

Announcing the latest appeal on its Facebook page, the Food Share says: "The Llangollen community donated 117 gifts last year to assist local families. Every child and adult deserves a gift to open at Christmas.

"If you can and are able to we kindly require your help in any way you can this year."

A list of suggested gifts includes:

* Children's gifts in new condition of toys, teddys, books, arts and crafts for girls and boys aged two to 10 years.

* Teenage boys' and girls' gift sets

* Male and female gift sets

* Toiletry sets/Lynx set/socks

* Hot water bottle/scarf and gloves

* Chocolate and biscuit treats

The Food Share post adds: "Anything would be gratefully received and make someone's Christmas.

"Drop off point Wingett's Monday to Friday 10am-3pm, Saturday 10an -12noon.

"We are also taking cash donations for us to shop and wrap gifts."

#llangollenfamily #helpingeachotherthisxmas #5years

Llangollen's mayoress becomes Big Brother housemate

* Sarah, Llangollen's mayoress, is in the Big Brother House.  

The mayoress of Llangollen is one of the 2024 Big Brother housemates.

Sarah Griffiths, the long-term partner of Mayor Aled Morris, went into the famous house last Sunday following months of preparation by ITV producers.

And she appeared on Late and Live, the revived reality show’s spin-off show, last night to talk about herself – and give a mention to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Partner Aled, a member of Llangollen Town Council who became town mayor last May choosing her as his consort, told how Sarah, a spa account manager based in Shrewsbury, moved into the house last Sunday alongside 15 other occupants.

He said: “She applied online early this year and since then has had to go through a really lengthy process.

“The TV people arranged for her to have psychoanalysis, medicals and things like that. It’s all been going on since April or May.

* Sarah, in her role as mayoress of Llangollen, at the opening of this year's summer fete with her partner Aled Morris, the mayor.

“Of course, it all depends on how the viewers react to the housemates but she could be in there for anything up to eight weeks.

“I’m really excited for her and will obviously be watching how she does.

“You can tell by watching that there are quite a few strong characters in there with her. Sarah’s character is a bit fight-or-flight. Everyone is still settling down but I predict there might be a bit of drama developing before too long.”

Aled said that Sarah is originally from Shropshire where she grew up on one of the chicken farms run by her family in the Church Stretton area – a bit ironic, he pointed out, because she is a vegetarian.

She also spent five or six years working on cruise ships, beginning as a therapist and rising through the ranks to manage onboard spas on a number of ships.

Aled, who farms near Llangollen and also gives lessons in agricultural engineering at Coleg Cambria’s Llysfasi site,  added: “On Late and Live last night she was speaking a bit about herself and how she was Mayoress nof Llangollen.

“She also gave a mention to the Eisteddfod and how it has attracted people from across the world to Llangollen since the days after the Second World War.

“It’s been an emotional ride for us over the past few days but with the show now being screened and I’m anxious to see how everything goes for her in there.”           

* You can catch Sarah’s progress in the Big Brother house every night of the week on ITV2 at 9pm.

New heritage group to launch at Christmas festival

At its second meeting, in September, the newly-formed Our Historic Llangollen/Hanesyddol I bawb agreed to publicly launch its existence by taking part in the town's annual Christmas festival on Saturday November 30.

The co-operative group of heritage sites and projects will take part in the stalls and events during the festival.

Spokesperson Sue Hargreaves said: "We will be having a stall on Centenary Square specifically devoted to Our Historic Llangollen/Hanesyddol I bawb  -abbreviated for convenience to OHLlHib - with new leaflets in Welsh and English giving a brief summary and illustration of each of the key heritage sites in Llangollen.

"We will also have available any current leaflets, posters and fliers from our member organisations. 

"We hope that a number of our member heritage sites in the town centre will be open, with tours and talks, information sessions or story-telling.

"We will compile these into a programme, ensuring that people can progress from one site to another without timing clashes."

Sue added: "Our Historic Llangollen/Hanesyddol I bawb is assisted in this initiative by grant-aid from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Sustainable Development Fund. 

"This funding will also support the creation of an OHLlHib logo to aid developing a recognisable brand for Llangollen’s historic sites, and the development of a sharing of resources, information and co-operative initiatives going forward into 2025."

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