Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Presenter Clare Balding goes rambling in Denbighshire
Broadcaster and journalist Clare Balding teamed up with Denbighshire's archaeologist recently to head for the county’s hills as part of the Radio 4 series, Ramblings.
The radio and TV presenter joined county archaeologist Fiona Gale and colleagues David Shiel, senior countryside officer and Helen Mrowiec, AONB senior recreation officer, to find out more about the many Iron Age hillforts along the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
They started their walk by heading up to the Moel Arthur Hillfort and on to the Offa’s Dyke Path before making their way to Penycloddiau Hillfort while discussing recent excavations and the marks left on the landscape by past generations.
Fiona said: “Clare was very impressed with the area and the wonderful views that she got from the top of the Clwydian Range. She loved the landscape and found the hillforts fascinating. When we were not recording we were just chatting about all sorts of things, just as you do with anyone when you go for a walk. She was very genuine and very nice.”
Fiona said it was her son who came up with the idea of inviting the programme to visit the area.
She said: “He contacted Radio 4 and suggested they do a programme on the hillforts of the AONB. They liked the idea as it fitted in with their theme ‘Heritage’ so they ran with it! Also, the producer had been brought up in Llanrhaeadr and attended school in Denbigh!”
The programme can be accessed through the Ramblings programme page on the BBC website.
For more information on the hillforts, heathland management, recreation and access within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB please visit: www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/education/
From left to right, Helen Mrowiec, Clare Balding, Fiona Gale and David Shiel
Join Us in Denbighshire’s Great Outdoors!
Spring is in the air and what better time to get out and about and enjoy the beautiful countryside on the doorstep.
Whether it’s a walk in the woods with your very own guide or the chance to try a new activity such as orienteering or Nordic walking, Denbighshire’s Countryside Service 2017 events programme is packed with activities offering something for everyone.
If you fancy a walk with a friendly group of people, there’s a great variety to choose from, everything from half a mile to 7 miles as well as archaeological walks including visits to the motte and bailey castle at Tomen y Rhodwydd, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and hillfort excavations, led by an expert guide who will tell you all about these amazing places.
If wildlife is your thing there are events to see moths, bats, nightjars, bees, experience the dawn chorus as well as guided visits to see one of Wales’ rarest bird colonies at Gronant where the little tern nest each year after making the 4,500 mile journey from West Africa.
There are activities and events offering you the chance to try orienteering, Nordic walking, dry stone walling, fishing and bowls.
For those who enjoy the arts, our outdoor theatre performances this year are sure to please with Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Loggerheads, Around the World in 80 Days at Plas Newydd, Llangollen and for primary children the return of the great Victorian Dinosaur Hunt at various venues across the county.
To celebrate Wales’ Year of Legends, we have lots of family events and craft activities lined up including making dragon kites, elf and fairy wings, local myths and legends storytelling and children’s trails at many of our sites.
You can find out more about all of these activities and more by downloading a copy of the countryside events programme from www.denbighshirecountryside.org.uk/news-and-events
Or you can collect a copy from Loggerheads Country Park, Plas Newydd or your local library.
You can also follow our facebook pages:
Denbighshire Countryside Service
Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB
Troedio Clwyd Walks
Little Terns
Loggerheads Country Park
Plas Newydd, Llangollen
Denbighshire Heritage
Ride North Wales
We look forward to welcoming you out and about with us!
James is Volunteer of the Year!
A man who overcame a horrific accident when he was a teenager has been named Volunteer of the Year by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
James Yale and his support worker, Mike Worsely received the award for their work clearing paths, trimming hedges and fixing drains at Loggerheads as well as a number of other essential jobs that keep the park looking at its best.
They have been volunteering on a weekly basis for over 12 months and have been described by the park team as a truly positive influence whose enthusiasm and energy is ‘infectious’.
James has had to overcome serious health challenges after he was hit by a car as a teenager and suffered serious injuries.
David Shiel, AONB senior countryside officer with Denbighshire Countryside Service said: “We are delighted that James and Mike have won the new award for volunteer of the year.
“Mike supports James in all this work and they have become one of those great partnerships like Sturridge and Suarez, Batman and Robin or maybe more Ant and Dec.
“They have recently completed a sponsored walk up Moel Famau to raise money for Alder Hey Hospital – that saved James’ life following his accident.
“Knowing they are there, supportive and reliable, quietly getting on with it, is very reassuring.
“They always put on a happy friendly face.”
Llandegla is the Community of the Year
A big well done to residents in Llandegla who have scooped the Community of the Year award from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Villagers were praised for coming together to create two successful projects which have provided a valuable service for the community and helped to encourage visitors to the area.
Following the closure of the local shop and post office due to ill health in 2015, residents rallied round and set up the Llandegla village shop and café project making use of a redundant school building. The facility has proved a big hit with locals, walkers and visitors alike.
The second project involved opening a new visitor attraction at St Tecla's Church which is on the route of Offa’s Dyke path.
Villagers and church members were keen to find additional ways to make use of the beautiful building and wanted to offer visitors something more than just a place of rest and tranquility.
They came up with the idea of creating a visitor centre covering the history of the area, a tea and coffee area and a much needed toilet in the vestry. The church used its own funds along with a number of smaller grants including one from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Sustainable Development Fund.
Both projects have provided a great service to the local community and to Offa’s Dyke walkers.
Preserving our Past and Preparing for the Future
Work to protect one of the most special habitats in the county has been carried out by the Council and Natural Resources Wales.
Improvements have been made to part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail which runs through Cyrn-y-Brain, a large area of wet heather moorland to the north of Llangollen which is a Special Area of Conservation and of global importance.
The site is home to a Bronze Age burial mound which is more than 4,000 years old. The work has involved diverting the path around the burial ground and replacing the old timber sleepers on the trail with more durable stone slabs to ensure this very special area is preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy.
David Shiel, Denbighshire’s Senior Countryside Officer, said: “We’re delighted this work has been done. This area is one of the most special sites in Denbighshire. Half of the world’s wet moorland is in the UK and this area is of international importance so we have a responsibility to protect it.
“The work we’ve done will not only help protect the moorland and bronze age burial mound from damage and preserve them for future generations but it also provides a much better and safer path for walkers to the area.”
Volunteers Show a Competitive ‘Edge’
Volunteers from Denbighshire’s Countryside Service showed their competitive edge in a contest to see who could lay the best hedge.
Twenty six people took part in the challenge on land at Bodfari and between them laid 77 metres of new hedgerow.
The competition is in its third year and is a way of bringing volunteers who work across different sites together for a fun event whilst carrying out an essential job in the countryside.
Jim Kilpatrick, countryside warden, said: "Hedgelaying is an old technique that is essential for the much needed regeneration of our hedgerows that provide cover for a great number of wildlife.
“As a volunteer task it is always well attended and having noticed the quality of our volunteers work, we thought it would be nice to bring out their competitive side!
“It was a great event with some really good skill on display. Everyone got stuck in and seemed to enjoy it.”
It was a very tough job choosing the winners but in the end the prizes went to volunteers David Jackson and Chris Johnson and Thomas Jones and Matty Williams, who are trainee wardens with the Countryside Service.
If you’d like to find out more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available with Denbighshire’s Countryside Service, pick up a copy of the latest programme.
There’s lots of activities you can get involved in whether you fancy doing some work with the gardener at Plas Newydd, Llangollen or Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin, assisting with access improvements or helping out at the Little Tern Colony at Gronant.
You can get a copy of the programme by ringing 01824 712757 or at:
www.denbighshirecountrysideservice.co.uk
www.denbighshirevolunteers.co.uk
www.clwydianrangeanddeevalley.org.uk
Uncovering the past at Castell Dinas Brân
Work is underway to find out if there are any hidden ruins underground at an iconic 13th century Welsh Castle.
We are carrying out a geophysical survey at Castell Dinâs Bran in Llangollen to see if there are any structures underground. The exciting work is being done thanks to funding from Cadw and The Castle Studies Trust.
A geophysical survey involves the use of probes and magnetism techniques which will allow the council to get a picture of what is within the castle and hillfort without disturbing the ground at the protected monument and site of special scientific interest.
Work is being carried out by specialist company Tigergeo and the results should be available within a few weeks.
County Archaeologist Fiona Gale said: “This is a great opportunity for us to try and find out more about this fantastic site which has been an important place in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for thousands of years.
“It will be intriguing to know whether any remains of the 2,500 year hillfort are evident or did the castle obliterate it all? We think there must have been more buildings within the castle walls but we’ll have to wait and see whether there are any hints of their remains.
“Hopefully the work will allow us to know a little more about the castle and that will help us care for it in the future and interpret it to enhance the visitor experience.”
Jeremy Cunnington, Chair of Trustees at the Castle Studies Trust, said: “We’re delighted to co-fund this survey work to advance our understanding of Dinas Brân which is an iconic and vitally important native Welsh Castle”.
Education Matters
Work moving ahead on the new schools development for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras
Work has been moving ahead at the site of the brand new development for Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos Street School in Glasdir, Ruthin. Over the past few weeks groundworks have been continuing and two stages of the construction have been completed.
The design of the new school buildings required the ground level to be raised for the new buildings. During January and early February fill material was brought on to the site to create the construction plateau. The other stage of the project completed has been the piling works which was required to strengthen the construction plateau. This technique was also used in the construction for the new Olympic stadium in London.
Over the coming weeks, work will continue on the groundworks for the buildings. Currently foundation trenches are being excavated and concrete has already started to be poured on site.
Updates are available on the Education blog.
This project is being funded jointly by Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government through the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.
Harry Potter author sends letter to Denbighshire school children by 'Owl Post'
JK Rowling has inspired school children of Denbighshire after sending them a letter by ‘owl post’.
The letter from the famous authors thanks Denbighshire children for getting in touch with her and tells them she is hoping to write another children’s book soon.
The magical response came as a response to an officer from the education department who sent J K Rowling a letter to tell her about the Harry Potter themed event happening in Denbighshire during British Science Week and as if by magic, a reply came stamped with ‘owl post’.
Ysgol Bodfari, near Denbigh, was successfully been awarded a grant from the British Science Association (BSA) through its “Kick Start Scheme” and the school’s Harry Potter themed event has been given the prestigious honour of being selected as a UK flagship for British Science Week (10-19 March 2017).
Pupils and staff will use Harry Potter’s magical wizarding world to think about science within the context of the changes happening in the world around them, sharing their discoveries via social media with other schools in Denbighshire, regionally and nationally. 
Positive steps for Ysgol Llanfair
In November 2016, Denbighshire’s Cabinet provided approval for the project with its focus moving forwards to be around the development of a replacement building for Ysgol Llanfair DC.
Denbighshire’s Cabinet considered the initial business proposal in January 2017 and gave their full support to the project. The current proposal is for a new development suitable for 126 full time pupils on a site located within the village. The new site would provide much improved facilities and an ability to effectively deliver a 21st century curriculum.
Plans for the new building will be discussed over the coming months with an opportunity for the community to comment on the proposals prior to their submission for planning approval.
Alongside this the Council will develop further the business plan which will be submitted to Welsh Government for approval as part of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.
Calling all budding school crossing patrol staff
Looking for a rewarding role in assisting the Council to help children and families cross the road safely? Then the Council would love to hear from you.
The Council is on the look-out for school crossing patrol staff that could fill in casual and stand-by roles, as well as those looking for a more permanent role.
All we ask is for:
- An enthusiastic person with a mature attitude
- A thorough understanding of the risks associated with crossing the road
- Punctuality, community spirit and an effective communicator
- Willingness to undertake training
- Ability to travel for stand-by or casual positions.
Interested in making a difference? Then call Alan Hinchliffe, Denbighshire’s Road Safety Officer, on 01824 706887 or e-mail alan.hinchliffe@denbighshire.gov.uk
Here’s an insight from one of our dedicated school crossing patrol staff, Wayne Hughes from Rhyl:
Have your say on revised home to school transport
Denbighshire residents are urged to have their say on a revised version of the Home to School Transport Policy for pupils across the county.
The current Home to School Transport Policy came into force from September 2015, after agreement by Council in 2014; with a review of the policy planned after 12 months of operation.
Karen Evans, Head of Education, said: “The Council recognises that there were pockets of concern regarding certain elements of the current policy and we have addressed these concerns as and when they have arisen. The Council agreed when it implemented the policy that it would be reviewed after one year of operating. That review has now taken place and has taken into consideration feedback from schools, parents, councillors and advice through legal discussions.
“The current policy states that home to school transport will be provided to the nearest suitable school. Some concern has been raised in some communities about this issue, and it is now being proposed that school transport to secondary schools will be based on nearest suitable school or whether the pupil attended a designated primary feeder school. Transport on the basis of feeder will be provided under discretionary arrangements.
“Clarity is also proposed relating to pick up points and hazardous routes, with a previously separate guidance note being incorporated into the latest policy.
“As with the current policy, the Council would continue to provide free transport to the nearest suitable Welsh language or Faith school, if this was the parental / carers preference”.
The amended document can be found on the Council’s website. You can have your say by e-mail: modernising.education@denbighshire.gov.uk or in writing to: Modernising Education, County Hall, Ruthin, LL15 1YN. The deadline for comments is 30 April 2017.
Business Section
March for Business
The programme was devised by the Council’s Economic and Business Development team following feedback from Denbighshire’s annual business survey and is part of the Council’s work on developing the local economy through its Economic and Community Ambition Programme, which aims to support healthy private businesses, create higher paid jobs and link these with residents to increase household incomes.
Mike Horrocks, the Council’s team and programme manager for Economic & Business Development, said: “This year’s March for Business has been a fantastic success. We have seen record attendances for our biggest ever programme with many events fully booked.
“The most important thing is that we have had great feedback from businesses who have told us the sessions have been of real benefit to them.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses who took time out of their busy schedules to invest in networking and skills development events that have helped make March for Business a success. The real target for us is to see the success of the programme translate into local business success and there are some strong signs that this is happening.
“There are now more businesses starting up every year in Denbighshire, from 280 a year in 2012 to 350 in 2015, we have the best one year survival rates and the highest percentage increases in business financial turnover of anywhere in Wales.
“To add to that employment in Denbighshire has topped 40,000, with more than 1,500 more people in work now than when we started the programme in 2013.
“As part of our focus on getting maximum benefit to businesses we’ll be following up with those who registered for March for Business in order to see how they put the contacts, skills and information gathered during the events to good use in their business – that’s what it’s all about.”
Extra workshops have been scheduled for April 25th and May 16, 17 and 23rd and will include sessions on marketing, social media and building your business online.
For more information visit our website.
Hotel offers Welsh wedding package thanks to help from the Council
Brides and grooms-to-be now have the chance to say ‘ydw’ on their special day.
St Asaph’s Oriel Country Hotel & Spa now offers a complete Welsh wedding package to help couples celebrate in their preferred language.
The hotel, which hosts between 65 and 100 weddings a year, was given support on developing its Welsh language offer through the Council’s free Welsh in Business project, run in conjunction with Iaith Cyf.
The hotel’s package includes a Welsh harpist, disco and menu as well as slate heart-shaped table centres and a Welsh speaking master of ceremonies.
Michelle Seddon, wedding director at the hotel, has more than 30 years’ experience in hospitality.
She said: “With our new Cariad package, the menu is based around Welsh dishes, we offer a master of ceremony in Welsh and we have a number of Welsh speaking banqueting staff.
“It offers couples the chance to come here and have a full Welsh language experience. We are very proud to offer that experience. It is about keeping Welsh culture as part of the ceremony.
“A lot of families have traditional values that can sometimes get lost in modern society.”
The package is already proving to be popular with bookings secured throughout this year and into 2018 and it compliments bilingual civil ceremonies already available at the hotel.
The Oriel dates back to 1780, originally having been a private country home and current owners the Seddon family bought the hotel in 1998.
Welsh in Business was a pilot project run in Prestatyn, St Asaph and Llangollen as part of the Council’s work on developing the local economy through its Economic and Community Ambition Programme.
Free support included workshops to provide skills and encouragement to promote the use of the Welsh language, as well as practical help such as translating menus.
Mike Horrocks, Denbighshire's Economic & Business Development Team & Programme Manager, said: “It is great to see the Oriel embrace the Welsh language in this way and offer couples the chance to celebrate their special day in Welsh.
“Welsh in Business builds on the economic strengths provided by Denbighshire’s strong Welsh identity and culture to actively promote use of the Welsh.
“Welsh has been shown to strengthen a company’s brand image and reinforce the local origin of goods.”
Siwan Tomos is director of education and training services at language policy and planning agency Iaith Cyf.
She said: “Research shows using Welsh at work can increase the appeal of businesses for Welsh speakers, Welsh learners and tourists – the overall aim is to improve trade for business and have a positive impact on their bottom line.
“The Oriel has been very keen to develop the use of Welsh and have been full of innovative ideas.”
Mrs Seddon added: “We thought the scheme was a great idea. Welsh is a culture with lots of history and we need to look after it. The programme has helped us enhance the Welsh language offer at the hotel.”
Denbighshire is the first Council in Wales to cut down on red tape
Traders have given their backing to scheme reducing red-tape for Denbighshire businesses – the first of its kind in Wales.
The Council’s Better Business for All (BBfA) project brings together businesses and the Council’s planning and public protection department to improve how regulation is delivered to save businesses time and money.
The Council now offers better co-ordination between services so a more holistic service can be provided to businesses during visits.
Covering environmental health, trading standards, licensing and planning, BBfA provides businesses with a simple, single point of access to free advice on business regulations.
It also helps businesses access grant funding and signposts them to other support.
Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager said: “Better Business for All is all about removing the regulatory barriers to growth - and raising the economic competitiveness of Denbighshire.
“Regulatory services play an important role in supporting businesses. This support can provide businesses with an economic advantage, confidence to grow and thrive and reassurance they are meeting statutory requirements.
“We support hundreds of businesses every year and by improving the service, we can cut down on the amount of visits from regulators and the amount of time they spend on regulation.
“We believe this is an effective way of supporting businesses, and along with a number of projects under our Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, is helping Denbighshire firms by developing the economy.”
Under the scheme, Council officers have received training to improve their awareness of pressures faced by businesses.
Tom Moore of Henllan Bakery, based on Denbigh’s Colomendy Industrial Estate said Denbighshire’s help was invaluable during the building of an extension to its site which increase storage.
He said: “Denbighshire County Council has been really, really helpful. If I need to speak to them, there is always someone on the other end of the phone.
“It is a good, speedy and professional service. When we speak to someone they come to see us straight away. They have been absolutely brilliant.
“It is beneficial for our business, it helps us grow a lot quicker because they are always on hand. The Council is just a phone call away.”
Mike Learmond, of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The FSB was pleased to support the Better Business for All scheme in Denbighshire - the first of its kind in Wales.
“Regulation remains a key concern for our members and it is encouraging we were consulted from the beginning and were able to feed in our members’ concerns to the scheme.
“We do need regulation, but it is about how that regulation is enforced. Businesses are feeding back that Denbighshire is looking towards a quicker and easier approach to help businesses save time and money. We are pleased Denbighshire County Council has taken the initiative on this.”
To find out more visit our website.
Council says collecting data can help improve mobile networks
A bakery has joined forces with the Council to help improve the performance of the region’s mobile phone network.
Delivery drivers at Denbigh’s Henllan Bakery are downloading an app which assesses mobile signal quality to identify not-spots in the county.
The Council is also asking staff to download the Ofcom app which reports information back to the regulator without the user having to do anything.
Ed Moore, a director at the bakery, said: “We need to be able to reach our delivery staff wherever they are and a lack of reception can make this impossible.
“The situation seems particularly bad towards the Chirk and Oswestry area but there are not spots scattered around everywhere. It isn’t just in rural areas.”
The Council has been working with mobile operators to improve signal quality in the county and more data will help us make the case for improved infrastructure.
Rebecca Maxwell, Corporate Director: Economic and Community Ambition, said: “The Council is well aware of the frustration felt by residents, businesses and visitors when they can’t get a satisfactory mobile signal.
“Changes to the planning system at the national level and future plans by network operators point towards improvements.
“Ofcom have made a positive move by exploiting technology which most of carry around all the time.
“The app can be downloaded once and then collects and reports information about the quality of signal. The user does not need to do anything else and no personal data is collected.
“We operate around 700 handsets within the Authority so we are in a strong position to assist Ofcom.
“Businesses such as Henllan Bakery can also make a valuable contribution and I encourage anyone with an Android phone to consider downloading the app.”
The Council’s Economic and Community Ambition Strategy has highlighted communications as a priority and work is being carried out to identify problems and opportunities with mobile and broadband infrastructure through the Digital Denbighshire project.
Ofcom has said publication of data collected by the app will encourage mobile network operators to improve their networks.
The Ofcom Mobile Research app can be downloaded at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/.
Extra funding available to help businesses get online
Firms looking for a digital makeover can now take advantage of a business grant.
The Council's Business Development Grant scheme has awarded more than £71,000 to 17 Denbighshire firms since April last year.
The grant has been expanded to offer more financial support for businesses looking to take advantage of digital technology to help stimulate local innovation, improve competitiveness and help reach new markets.
This includes opportunities for all types of businesses, including firms looking to take bookings online and send automatic appointment reminders by text or email or replacing their old telephone systems with cheaper internet based systems.
Rebecca Maxwell, Corporate Director: Economic and Community Ambition, said: “Even the smallest business can benefit from this grant.
“Websites have well established benefits for trade and in 2017 more funding is available for local businesses to create their own high quality online presence and even venture into selling online.
“I would encourage eligible businesses in the county to apply for a grant as soon as possible as the funding is awarded on a first come, first served basis.”
Up to 75 per cent of costs may be funded and proposals will have to demonstrate how the investment will develop the business.
The scheme, which forms part of the Council’s Economic and Community Ambition Programme, also offers funding to new and existing businesses to create employment, improve business competitiveness and create a vibrant local economy.
As well as increasing the funding for the digital element of the scheme, the overall cap of the grant has been raised from £5,000 to £10,000 and the limit on applicants’ annual turnover has increased from £250,000 to £500,000.
For more information or to apply for a Business Development Grant from the Council visit our website or contact 01824 706896.
Features
£75 worth of vouchers to ‘get real!’
Are you a new parent or do you know someone who has just had a baby?
If so, the Council wants to spread the word about its offer to encourage parents to use real nappies instead of disposable ones.
Parents of babies aged up to 18 months can get vouchers up to the value of £75 towards the cost of buying real nappies or a real nappy laundry service.
Alan Roberts, Senior Waste Manager, said: ”We’re always looking for ways to try and reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill to save money and help the environment.
Disposable nappies cannot be recycled or reused and have to go to landfill where they take around 300 years to decompose. In Wales about 200 million nappies are thrown away each year so we are offering these vouchers to try and help reduce that number.”
There are benefits of using real nappies and many people don’t realise they’ve come an awful long way since the days of terry towels and safety pins.
Did you know…?
There’s now an extensive range of cotton nappies, wraps and washable and flushable liners for parents to choose from catering for premature babies through to the over active toddler. Parents can save hundreds of pounds by making the switch.
Other benefits of real nappies are that they:
- Do not contain chemical gels and so do not over dry babies' skin
- Encourage babies to potty train earlier- by making the association between a child emptying its bladder and feeling wet.
- Cost around £1 a week to be laundered at home – less if using an energy efficient washing machine
If you live in Denbighshire, have a child aged up to 18 months and would like to give real nappies a try, you can apply for the vouchers here.
More information about real nappies can be found at
www.realnappies-wales.org.uk/real-nappies/who-we-are
Volunteering matters to Denbighshire - A new website is launched
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new and improved volunteering website.
The new website will enable the Council to significantly build on the time that volunteers give to the local authority. A wide range of volunteering opportunities have been identified across the organisation and the roles will suit all kinds of skills and interests. Anyone can volunteer, whatever age and people from all backgrounds and interests are welcome.
David Davies, Community Engagement Manager, said: “For many years volunteers have been successfully engaged across a diverse range of Council services and have given thousands of hours of their own time. Volunteers have supported the work of countryside services, the arts, leisure services, youth centres and housing services to name but a few.
“Volunteers have provided the added value and complemented the work of staff to enable the Council to deliver better and more effective services.
“Volunteers also gain positive satisfaction from helping others, gaining new skills and making a contribution to their life of their community.”
Here’s what some of our current volunteers had to say:
Volunteering is such a worthwhile exercise as Sam Mackie, who is a Denbigh High school work placement student told us: “Having the opportunity to be assistant coach at 5x60 clubs has really helped to improved my confidence and communication levels with the students at school … something which I really wanted to improve on”.
Gareth Evans, Active Young People Officer who provided Sam with his opportunity said “Over the past 18 months I have had several volunteer sport leaders who have helped me to deliver full-time 5x60 timetables within my two part-time secondary school roles. Not only that, one volunteer has refereed in a local community football league for 5 years. With the right support and guidance, volunteers can be invaluable to the work we do – without them and their support of projects, very little is sustainable in the long term”.
Hollie Jackson who is an Activities for Young People Manager said: “I find volunteers both motivated, and flexible. Investing in them ensures we can work with more young people, it motivates our own employees, and it allows us to potentially develop and grow our workforce.”
Ken Robinson who regularly volunteers for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team said: “After I retired 14 years ago I wanted to put something back into the community by volunteering at Loggerheads Country Park. I can enjoy working outdoors with like-minded people whilst learning new skills.”
Visitors to the website can access a host of opportunities including coppicing at Loggerheads Country Park and helping to contribute towards the successful delivery of our Sportzone programme. All volunteers must register on the new website by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/volunteering
[Pictured is Ken Robinson helping the AONB team]
Rhyl Developments
Rhyl Waterpark images go public
A set of images of the proposed Rhyl Waterpark and leisure attraction has been released to the public, providing an unique insight into how this major attraction will look.
The Council formally supported the Waterpark proposal earlier this year – with detailed plans now being prepared before they are submitted to the Planning department later this month.
You can see the draft proposals online.
The proposal is for a 1200 metre square water space, with indoor and outdoor flume rides, children’s water play frame and slides, double height children’s play activity zone, climbing facilities, party rooms, reception, sales areas, outside Splash Pool – two wet splash pads, sun lounger areas and café terraces to provide wet play entertainment.
There will also be beach changing huts and WC facilities, as well as a bar and terrace to cater for evening trade.
The development will create 60 new jobs and will attract 350,000 additional visitors to the town every year. Subject to planning permission, work will begin in September 2017 and the new facilities will be open in early 2019.
The proposals, drawn up in partnership with Alliance Leisure, will also mean that the town’s skate park will be relocated. The Council will consult with local young people to co-design the skatepark, with the new facility offering new, more attractive design features. The paddling pool will be replaced by a significantly enhanced outdoor splash pad and sun terrace, as part of the redevelopment.
The development is being funded by Denbighshire County Council, with significant financial contributions from Rhyl Town Council and Welsh Government.
Lighting up Rhyl
Meanwhile, preparation works have started on the latest scheme that forms part of the major waterfront re-development in Rhyl.
Initial preparation works have started at the Sky Tower on the promenade as the Council prepares to refurbish the unique structure and transform it into a static light beacon. The works will involve painting the structure, installing lighting and placing hoardings around the base of the structure.
The proposal was drawn up by Ion (formerly Neptune) as part of the Rhyl waterfront development proposals and works will be carried out by local firm Wynne Construction.
This is one of several projects underway along the waterfront. External refurbishment works have already begun at the Pavilion Theatre. This will see a new façade on the side of the building that used to join up to the Sun Centre, repainting and recladding of the main Theatre building and a new entrance foyer created.
Internal refurbishment works are already underway inside the building. Works will include the full refurbishment of the bar areas, as well as the creation of a new restaurant.
Work is also underway on creating a brand new car park next to the theatre and planning permission has already been granted for a hotel – Travelodge, family pub/restaurant – Marstons, a third commercial unit and for works to the Children’s Village car park.
News
Local Government Election 2017
The County Council elections take place on Thursday 4 May 2017. Here are some key dates to remember:
- 5 April – list of candidates standing in the County Council Elections are now on our website along with a list of candidates for the City, Town and Community Councils
- 13 April – you will need to register by this date in order to be eligible to vote on the 4th May. Visit www.gov.uk/registertovote for more information
- 18 April – Away on 4th May? The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 18th April
- 25 April – deadline for applying for a proxy vote for the elections
- 25 April – the Notice of Poll will be published
- 4 May – Election Day. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm
Once the polling stations close at 10pm, verification of the ballot boxes will begin at Denbigh Leisure Centre. The count will then begin at 9am the following morning, Friday 5 May, with most of the results expected to be announced by midday.
If you aren’t on the electoral register you cannot vote in the elections! Make sure you register by 13 April.
You can follow the results live on Twitter.
#LGE17 #DenbighshireElections
Note: The city/town/community council elections take place on the same day
Council tax booklet goes live online
Your Money, the Council’s definitive guide to all things relating to council tax has now gone live online.
The Council recently set its budget for the 2017/18 financial year. In terms of council tax, this means an increase of 2.94% for Denbighshire residents (this takes into account the 2.75% increase in the county council element, as well as the town/city/community council and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s precepts).
Every year, the Council produces a booklet that explains all the facts and figures behind the council tax settlement, how that money is spent and details on how to pay your council tax bills.
It gives information on business rates, small business relief discounts and what kind of support is available if residents struggle to pay their council tax.
The booklet can be found on our website.
Your views on access to Council meetings
Councillors have been discussing holding Council meetings at different times, in the interests of promoting public access and are now asking for your views.
Is the timing and/or location of when we hold meetings a barrier to you attending?
We would be grateful if you could spend a few minutes and answer the following questions please:
- Would you prefer morning, afternoon (starting no later than 4 pm) or evening meetings (starting after 5pm)?
- Would you apply your preference to (a) all committees or (b) only certain committees? If possible, please state which ones?
- If only one committee was to meet at 4 pm which committee would you want that to be?
- Would you prefer to see the timing of meetings rotate? If yes, would you like the timings to rotate for (a) all committees or (b) for some committees only – if possible, please state which committee(s)?
- Are there particular times that would cause you difficulties to attend? If yes, please state which times would be difficult.
- Do you have a preferred location(s) for meeting venues? If yes, please state the preferred location(s).
Details on the public meetings can be found on our website.
Responses can be emailed directly to democratic@denbighshire.gov.uk
Thank you for taking part.
New chapter opens in Library and One Stop Shop's history
Rhuddlan Library and One Stop Shop has reached a special milestone in its history, with an official opening following a major refurbishment marking the start of a brand new chapter.
The brand new facilities provide a community hub, offering a single point of access for a number of Council services and a location for the community to use for events and activities.
The refurbished building includes a new computer suite for people to request or report council services online, a cash payment kiosk, a facility for people to return books, new meeting rooms with modern I.T facilities and a private consultation room for one to one discussions.
The children’s area has been completely modernised and this will be supplemented by a new youth/ teens area. The building will also provide a dedicated community area for exhibitions, new customer toilets and wi-fi. Partner projects and agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and North Wales Police can also host surgeries there.
Liz Grieve, Denbighshire’s Head of Customers, Communication and Marketing, said: “We are delighted with the brand new facilities at Rhuddlan Library and One Stop Shop and would like to thank residents for their co-operation and patience during the refurbishment works and the temporary relocation of the facilities.
“The Council recognises the value of libraries and one stop shops to the community and that is why we are continuing with a programme of investment county-wide and responding to the needs of the community.
“What we have created is a modern facility where people can access a lot more than just books. Customers can access a wide range of council services in one location see, carry out their transactions and also use the facilities as a community hub, a place for community based events and meetings.
Meanwhile, an iconic Denbighshire resident was honoured at the official opening of Rhuddlan Library.
The Community Meeting Room has been named after Philip Jones Griffiths, a Rhuddlan resident and photographer.
He achieved international, as well as local, recognition for his graphic photography work of the Vietnam War. His photos were shown across the world, highlighting conditions and his work played a crucial part in changing public opinion in the USA and around the world. His work was considered to be classic in the world of photo - journalism.
He died in 19 March 2008.
We were delighted to name the community room after such an important local resident who made a real difference in his chosen profession of photo-journalism. We chose the name after hosting a local poll where people were invited to submit ideas. The Philip Jones Griffiths Room proved to be top of the list.
We would like to thank everyone who was involved with making this project happen, including Rhuddlan Community Centre who accommodated the temporary Rhuddlan Library during the construction process. We thank their officials for their support and co-operation.
Award winning heritage sites prepare for season opening!
Three of our popular heritage attractions have opened their doors for the 2017 season.
Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre in Ruthin and Plas Newydd in Llangollen opened on 1st April and have a number of exciting family-friendly events lined up over the coming months.
The great news is that Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre have retained the Visit Wales Hidden Gem Award for the second year running and Ruthin Gaol and Plas Newydd also got the thumbs up from TripAdvisor users, having achieved a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ following a host of positive reviews from visitors in 2016.
Our Heritage Service would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers, including pupils from Ysgol Tir Morfa in Rhyl, who have helped tend the gardens at Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd throughout the winter months. Their work and commitment has been invaluable.
The first event on the calendar will be an Easter Trail at Plas Newydd on Saturday and Sunday 15th and 16th April where chocolate prizes will be up for grabs! The event costs just £2 per person.
Nantclwyd y Dre will host its first event a ‘Beastly Bug Hunt’ for all the family on Monday 8th May.
Ruthin Gaol hosts ‘Captured on Camera’ on Thursday 1st June where visitors will have the opportunity to create their own ‘WANTED’ poster! In the run up to the opening in April and to celebrate Year of Legends in Wales, the gaol is sharing stories of some of its most colourful characters via an online blog at www.ruthingaolblog.wordpress.com.
More information about the venues and forthcoming events can be found at:
http://www.nantclwydydre.co.uk/
http://www.plasnewyddllangollen.co.uk/
http://www.ruthingaol.co.uk/
Community groups get cash boost
A total of 19 community groups have benefitted from a cash boost thanks to an initiative by the Council and Sports Wales through the Denbighshire Community Chest Fund.
Grants totalling £23,761 were awarded at the panel’s last meeting to support coaching education and the costs of starting new clubs and encouraging more people to get involved in sport across the county.
Clubs and groups that received a grant are:
- Rhyl Football club – Youth £1500
- Rhyl Football club – Girls £1500
- Ruthin Rovers £1500
- Prestatyn Tennis Club – Youth £400
- Prestatyn Tennis Club – Womens £1500
- Denbigh Town Ladies FC £250
- Rhyl Cycling Club £320
- Rhyl Hockey Club £1466
- Dragon Riders BMX £1020
- Rhyl Tennis Club £540
- St Asaph Cricket Club £1500
- Absolute Fitness Weightlifting £1500
- Tape Film and Music £1250
- Prestatyn Badminton Club £1215
- Clwb Pêl Droed Henllan £1257
- Ruthin Gymnastic Club £1500
- Denbigh Gymnastic Club £1500
- Prestatyn Cricket Club £1475
- Gee Martial Arts £1500
The fund awards grants of up to £1,500 to community sports projects and is open to any group that wishes to organise activities aimed at getting more people more active, more often.
If you're part of a club and want to apply, you can find more information here – http://www.sport.wales/ or ring 0300 300 3111 to register your club. For clubs already registered and wanting advice please call Denbighshire’s Community Chest Officer Aled Williams on 01824 712716.
Llangollen Eisteddfod celebrates 70th anniversary with world-class line up
International Eisteddfod to welcome global superstars to Llangollen this summer!
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns on Monday 3rd July with a global line-up, featuring a wide variety of artists and musical genres.
Featuring solo and group performances and competitions every day throughout the duration of the International Eisteddfod, as well as the annual International Parade of Nations, on Friday 7th July, which will see all competitors march, sing and dance through Llangollen town, there truly is something for the entire family.
Each day of the International Eisteddfod is unique and unlike any other musical event, offering guests the chance to tailor their personal experience creating a festival they will never forget.
Since the inception of Llangollen’s Eisteddfod, young people have delivered a message of peace and harmony on the International Pavilion’s stage and this tradition is still very much an integral part of the festival. Taking place on International Children’s Day – held on Tuesday 4th July – solidifying the true meaning of the Eisteddfod; global unity and celebration.
This year, International Children’s Day will be hosted by CBBC Presenter, Storm Huntley, with local school Ysgol y Gwernant performing a poignant peace message.
World-class concerts and performances run across the duration of the week showcasing global talent such as Jazz singer Gregory Porter, friend of the Eisteddfod, Sir Bryn Terfel and The Overtones as well as a wealth of groups and performers from around the globe.
Grammy Award winning composer, Christopher Tin joins the Welsh National Opera Orchestra to direct the specially-assembled Llangollen Celebration Chorus in a performance of Tin’s songcycle ‘Calling All Dawns’ which includes a performance of the iconic “Baba Yetu” – the theme tune from cult gaming classic; Civilisation IV.
Recommended by Classic FM and hosted by Andrew Collins, this performance is not to be missed and combines the fantasy world of gaming with the unrivalled excellence of soprano Elin Manahan Thomas.
A week of classical, operatic and jazz performances then culminate in Llanfest – the Eisteddfod’s festival – that will be like no other day at the Eisteddfod.
With Llanfest promising a whole day of festival fun, the Eisteddfod will welcome rock legends Manic Street Preachers who are taking to the stage for their only Welsh gig this year!
And for the first time in the event’s history, the International Pavilion will be opened up to offer more standing room for spectators, creating a more relaxed atmosphere in which everyone at Llanfest can enjoy this homecoming gig by the Manics.
Supported throughout the day by a number of other big name bands and acts, yet to be announced, Llanfest will be a day not to be missed for fans of rock and popular music.
The Eisteddfod welcomes music lovers of all ages and family tickets are available for only £24, which covers a whole day of your choice, excluding Llanfest.
Also, as a Llangollen local, there’s the opportunity to host one of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors, offering our guests first-hand experience of the warm welcome associated with this annual event.
There are so many benefits host families will receive including £15 per head per night to host and a free family day pass to see their guests perform live at the Eisteddfod.
To find out how to get involved with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod or to purchase tickets for all concerts, including Llanfest, please visit: http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/
Modernising Adult Social Care: Principles of the new Act
In April 2016 the Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act became law and replaced many previous laws. It changes how councils and care services work. It now places a joint responsibility on you and Social Services to deliver outcomes that are important to you.
People have been placed at the very heart of the new Act. It gives them an equal say in the support they receive. Now, anyone who believes they have care and support needs (or will have) can contact the Single Point of Access for information advice and assistance. Support may be offered earlier than usual to help avoid needs increasing and to keep people happy, safe and well.
The conversation will be different. Before we focussed on what was wrong and try to fix it. Now we start by asking people how they want their life to be. We ask what matters most to them now and in the future to help them stay healthy and safe. We ask what is going well in their life and not so well and together we identify what they can do themselves and who and what is around to help them to overcome barriers and achieve what matters to them.
We will be producing a series of short articles to tell you more about what we do and how we do it.
The way you get help has changed
The approach to assessment and eligibility is changing, we start with you.
Anyone who believes they have care and support needs can contact us, regardless of the level of need or their financial resources. Information, advice and assistance will be provided. More preventative services will be offered to support people to achieve their own wellbeing and help avoid their needs increasing.
We will have a conversation with them to find out what matters most to them now and in the future to keep them healthy and safe. Instead of asking ‘what is the matter with you?’ we will ask ‘what matters to you?’ so we can find out what’s important to them. We want to have the right conversation with them so we can find the right solution with them.
Together, we will discuss what is going well in their life now, and not so well. We will ask them how they want their life to be and what they want to achieve. We will identify what strengths and/or resources they have available to them. We will talk about the people around them and in their community. They may be able and willing to help them overcome barriers and achieve what matters to them.
We focus on wellbeing and quality of life. We talk to them about:
- Their personal circumstances
- Their personal outcomes
- Barriers to achieving those outcomes
- Risks to meeting personal outcomes
Their personal strengths and capabilities.
If you think you need help or would like a discussion with someone, you can contact the Single Point of Access on 0300 456 1000 or visit our website
Alternatively you can look at Dewis Cymru which is THE place for well-being information in Wales. Local organisations and services can be found to help citizens maintain their independence and well-being http://www.dewis.wales/
https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/health-and-social-care/adults-and-older-people/adults.aspx.
For the majority of individuals who contact the local authority because of concerns about their wellbeing, a range of community based options, reablement services, community equipment or short term support can usually satisfactorily meet their needs and prevent the need for longer term care and support
Dewis Wales
County Conversation Update
The Well Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) is an exciting opportunity for public bodies in Wales to work together to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales. It requires that we think more about the long-term consequences of our decisions, and look to prevent problems before they occur.
Since the introduction of the Act in early 2016, we have been working to identify the priorities Denbighshire residents feel are important. During the summer of 2016, the Council asked people about their long-term, future aspirations for their communities. This, coupled with statistics, has enabled us to draft a list of what you thought was important.
The feedback received has now been reviewed and the 6 priorities chosen by Denbighshire residents have been agreed by our current Cabinet. We will propose to our new Council that they formally adopt these as our corporate priorities in October 2017, following another round of public consultation during the summer.
Our draft Well-being Statement also explains how these priorities should improve the well-being of our communities.
The following is the set of well-being objectives agreed and were ranked as follows in our latest round of consultation, where more than 1500 residents responded:
- Denbighshire is a place where younger people will want to live and work and they have the skills to do so
- Communities are connected and have access to goods and services locally, online or through good transport links
- There is an attractive and protected environment that supports communities’ wellbeing and economic prosperity.
- People can live independent and fulfilled lives in strong, caring, safe and resilient communities
- The Council and communities work together to overcome challenges; devising and delivering joint solutions
- There are events that bring people together, creating active communities and helping business to prosper
We’ll now undertake work to outline how we plan to deliver these objectives, and present this to our new Council (following May’s elections) in October for their approval. For more information about our Corporate Planning, follow this link.