Meet the new Chief Executive

Meet the Chief Executive in her first vlog ..........

£90 million in investment in Denbighshire’s schools

A £90 million investment in Denbighshire’s schools has seen more than 3,500 pupils benefit from improved facilities.

The first phase of the Council and Welsh Government funded 21st Century Schools programme has seen new schools built, as well as major re-developments of existing sites with a quarter of the county’s pupils having their educational experience transformed.

The first phase of the programme has seen a new £24m replacement school of 1,200 places for Rhyl High School and Ysgol Tir Morfa, a £16.5m extension and refurbishment for Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph and a new £10.5m joint site for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin.

Other work includes a £3.5m seven-classroom extension and refurbishment with new reception area and hall at Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn as well as a £1.4m three-classroom extension and refurbishment at Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd.

Work has now started on the last three projects of the first phase, a £5m new school building for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, Clocaenog, a £5.3m new school building for Ysgol Llanfair D.C. along with the new £23m 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl.

The second phase of the national programme, scheduled to start in April next year, is currently in the development stage after the outline was approved by Welsh Government in November.

The focus will now be on developing individual projects for funding.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s lead Member for Education, Children and Young People, said: “This investment has radically altered the learning environment for thousands of pupils. They are no longer being taught in outdated classrooms, they are now in state-of-the-art, bright and fit for purpose areas.

“The evidence is already showing this has changed pupils’ approach to learning and helping them achieve even more at school.

“Making sure young people have the right skills is a key priority under our Corporate Plan and we will continue to invest in the county’s school as we look towards the next phase of the 21st Century Schools programme with the Welsh Government.”

Contractors working on the schools, Willmott Dixon, Reed Construction, Wynne Construction and Kier Construction have been using local supply chains and employees for the work. 

As part of this there has been an emphasis on seeking a high percentage of spend within the local area and a large number of local sub-contractors based in North Wales have been employed to assist in the delivery of these projects. 

Decision made on future of Hafan Deg Day Centre

The operation of a Rhyl day-care centre has been transferred to a care provider.

Cabinet met on April 24 to transfer the running of Hafan Deg Day Centre, which provides activities and groups for the elderly, to the preferred bidder for the contract, KL Care.

The Council undertook a tender process to find a contractor who could demonstrate how services from Hafan Deg could increase the number of people being able to remain in their homes for longer and increase the number of older people having social interaction as well as the types of services available.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Securing the future of Hafan Deg and increasing the opportunities and benefits for older people using the centre is a priority for the Council.

“Transferring the site to the preferred bidder will allow the continuation of day care services within the building and, in addition, enable third sector agencies to provide early intervention activities for older people that reduce social isolation, support independence and promote resilience.

“Under our Corporate Plan, the Council has made it a priority to support individuals to develop resilience, enabling them to remain at home, connected to their communities and supported in an attractive environment and securing and enhancing services at Hafan Deg helps residents achieve that.”

The contract is due to start from September.

KL Care Limited is a Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales approved domiciliary provider in the Denbighshire and Conwy areas.

Great parking news for blue badge holders

If you are a blue badge holder living in Denbighshire, you will now be able to park in the Council’s public car parks for an additional hour.

We are granting the additional hour on top of the expiry time printed on your pay and display ticket.

The extra hour is deemed as a “reasonable adjustment” under the Equality Act 2010 and has also been implemented by some other councils who charge blue badge holders for parking.

Civil enforcement officers working in a car park will allow an additional hour to the time displayed.

It is not essential for blue badge holders to park in a disabled bay to receive the extra hour. The majority of blue badge holders usually park in disabled bays as there are usually spaces available and they are generally located closer to pedestrian accesses. However if there are no spaces and they need to park in other parking bays, the additional hour will still be applicable.

We look forward to getting this scheme underway and will be monitoring its success.

For more general information on the blue badge scheme, please visit our website.

 

Residents Survey – a big thanks

We would like to offer a huge thank you to those of you that completed our residents survey.

More than 2,500 of you responded and had your say on a range of issues, including the quality of council services, living in communities and feedback on your experiences of dealing with the Council.

The results are now being analysed and we will be announcing the findings after the summer.

Have your say on recycling and waste changes

Since we launched a survey on our proposed recycling and waste collection changes, over 1,300 of you have had your say.

Many of you have got involved in the debate; some of you are fully supportive, others see how it will work in principle and others have raised concerns.

We want to work with communities to rise to the challenge and to understand what the barriers are, with a view to addressing those issues before the system is introduced (should it be approved).

The county has historically one of the best recycling rates in Wales and residents have played a significant part in that success. Despite all the efforts, more than 5,000 tonnes of recycling are still being thrown away through general waste collections costing £500,000 which could be spent on protecting vital council services. This is a significant challenge and the Council needs to recycle more and reduce unnecessary disposal costs. That can only be done by changing the way in which its waste collection works and by changing the way residents recycle.

The proposed changes to the recycling service will provide residents with:

• a new weekly collection for recyclables such as paper, glass, cans and plastic
• a weekly collection for food waste
• a new fortnightly collection for clothes and small electrical items

With 64% of waste already being recycled and a weekly recycling collection with extra capacity there should only be small amounts of non-recyclable waste left in the black bin. 

The Council is therefore proposing to change the collection of non-recyclable waste to every four weeks.  Instead of the current 140 litre black bins, the Council would provide new, larger 240 litre black bins instead.

Overall, households will have an additional 35 litres of capacity each week to manage their waste and the focus will be more on recycling to help prevent recyclable material being put unnecessarily in the black bin.  This is better for the environment and will help to protect other important front-line services.

The Council believes that increasing the size of the bins to the new larger ones and introducing weekly and recycling collections, supported by other special collections, should meet the needs of residents.  

The majority of households in Denbighshire can be switched to the proposed system. The households at which the proposed system may be unsuitable are being identified. Where necessary alternative collection models, designed to achieve the highest levels of recycling practicable, will be introduced.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Planning and Sustainable Travel, said: “Denbighshire residents have always been very good at recycling, and we achieved the Welsh Government target to recycle 64% of household waste two years early.   Thank you for making a real difference.

“However, we need to reach the next target of 70% by 2025, and there is discussion taking place about higher targets of possibly 80% in future. We therefore need to take steps to recycle more and waste less.   To make sure we develop the right model for Denbighshire, we want to understand more about people’s recycling needs, hear about any potential impacts these proposed changes may have on households and to work with communities to manage the proposed changes.

“We are confident that Denbighshire households will be able to rise to the challenge, but there will be some circumstances where this might be more difficult. Therefore, we are already looking at nappy/ incontinence wear waste collections; additional bins for larger households and continuing with offering assisted collections for those that need them.

“Over the coming weeks, staff from the Council will be out and about in communities, where people will have an opportunity to hear what is being proposed and to speak with officers directly.  This will be supported by a range of education initiatives to support residents in their recycling efforts. We will also engage with local Schools and businesses to reinforce our ambitions to meet the new recycling challenges  Details will appear on the Council’s social media sites, on its website and in the media.

The Council is also encouraging residents to complete an online survey at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recyclemore so that it can understand people’s recycling patterns and what steps need to be taken to prepare people for the proposed changes. Copies of the survey can also be found in libraries and main receptions across the county.

Frequently asked questions and details of opening hours of the recycling parks, together with a full list of what items can be recycled can also be found on the website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recyclemore

The Council would expect that any proposed change would take place in 2020.

Become a Summer Reading Challenge young volunteer!

Our libraries are on the look-out for young volunteers to help with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Last year, 3,394 children got involved in the Summer Reading Challenge and the Library Service is looking to repeat last year’s tremendous success by involving volunteers.

The theme for this year is Mischief Makers.

Young people aged between 14 and 24 are invited to sign up as volunteers and will benefit from valuable work experience, the opportunity to develop confidence and social skills, as well as making a positive contribution to the local community.

Volunteers will sign up children to the challenge and help them find and choose books, help children and families to use the Challenge website and to assist with events in the county’s libraries.

The volunteers will need to commit to a minimum of three hours across four weeks. They will need good communication skills and preferably a willingness to engage with children and families in both Welsh and English; an interest in supporting and working with children, and in books and reading; and a flexible, friendly approach to tasks undertaken, punctuality and reliability.

For further information, please contact your local library.

Momentous day for Denbigh Library

Denbigh Library and One Stop Shop has re-opened its doors to the public following a major refurbishment.

The brand new refurbished building includes: 

• New reception/One Stop Shop enquiry desk
• New and Improved Tourist Information Point
• Dedicated self-service computer to access council and partner online service
• New self-service issuing kiosk
• Redesigned flexible children’s zone
• Refurbished meeting room
• Free wifi
• New shelving throughout
• Exhibition of Local History items and information 
• Flexible consultation areas for community use and library activities/events, information surgeries and private 1-2-1s which can be opened up into one large area.
• Relaxing area for informal study
• IT learning/educational zone for training

Councillor Richard Mainon, Cabinet Lead Member for Developing Community Infrastructure, said: “This is a momentous occasion for Denbigh Library and I’m delighted that we have created such a modern facility the residents of Denbigh and further afield when using the library and all of the additional community services.

“This is the latest in a significant programme of investment in our libraries across Denbighshirea fact that makes us very proud. Libraries are a vital part of community life in Denbighshire. They are there to provide a wealth of information and resources, facilities for community use and a place where people to go and learn new skills and be sociable”. 

The refurbishment has been funded through the Council and Welsh Government (Museums and Libraries Division).

What's On in Denbighshire? Don’t miss a thing!

There’s a lot going on in Denbighshire.

Our What’s On guide keeps you up-to-date with events happening everywhere from the glorious North Denbighshire coast to the iconic Dee Valley and the bustling market towns in between.

Our next edition will cover events starting in October 2018 including the fantastic Llangollen Food Festival. You’ll be able to download this special digital issue from our website straight to your device, for the winter months there won’t be the usual printed version so make sure you have your digital version. Available from www.discoverdenbighshire.wales/whats-on.

And if you follow our social media channels you’ll see regular alerts about the best forthcoming events. Because we don’t want you to miss a thing.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

Summer holiday inspiration

Looking for events and places to visit over the summer holidays?

Take a look at www.northeastwales.wales for ideas on things to do and the latest events across North East Wales.

For events and ideas for days out in Denbighshire, check out www.discoverdenbighshire.wales

We hope you have a great summer holidays exploring our beautiful area!

Tourism Forum - save the date!

Do you have an interest in tourism?

A Forum set up to keep tourism businesses, students and anyone with an interest in tourism, up to date with the latest developments in the industry takes place this October.

The next Denbighshire Tourism Forum will be on Wednesday 10^th October at the Oriel House, St Asaph. This free event offers a great opportunity for delegates to network and share experiences, knowledge and ideas.

Further details and booking details to follow.

Check our Facebook (@DiscoverDenbighshire) and Twitter (@DiscoverDenbs) for all tourism updates.

Alternatively, join our free mailing list to receive the latest business tourism updates – please email tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706223.

Free tourism leaflets direct to your door

Do you have a business?

Would you like to provide your guests/visitors with free tourism-based leaflets? Leaflets include Denbighshire Town Trails, Ruthin Craft Centre, What’s On, and Denbighshire Heritage Leaflet.

Please contact the Tourism Team for more details – tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706223.

 

Looking for a family adventure?

MythFest Wales is a 3-hour magical, outdoor adventure, immersing families in storytelling, music and natural crafts based on Welsh myths and legends.

This unique, live family theatre takes place on Sunday 16^th September in Clocaenog and Sunday 30^th September in Northop.

Vanessa Warrington, MythFest Project Manager says, "MythFest Wales is an exciting family event. We've mixed up some of our favourite things; outdoor theatre, storytelling, crazy characters and forest school techniques to bring you a magical adventure.”

For more information and to book tickets please visit http://www.mythfestwales.co.uk/

Welsh Curlews need your help!

The Curlew is one of Britain’s most iconic bird species. Its distinct and evocative song is a familiar sound; a harbinger of spring that is deeply ingrained within our culture.

Sadly, the Curlew is under severe threat, facing an uncertain future throughout Wales and is fast becoming rare.

Evidence suggests that since the 1990’s, Wales has lost over 80% of its breeding Curlew population. Today, there may be as few as 400 breeding pairs left in Wales and is now considered to be the most pressing bird conservation priority in the UK. It is ‘Red Listed’ on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC).

With the current rate of decline it is thought that, without intervention, breeding Curlews could be lost from the Welsh landscape within fifteen years. We need to act now to stop them edging towards extinction.

How can you help?

It is vital to determine where Curlews are present. We need as many records as possible to tell us where curlews are during the breeding season (between April and June). If you encounter any curlews – or have seen or heard any over the last few months whilst out and about, please let us know.

If you are keen to know more, please email Vicky Knight from the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB at vicky.knight@denbighshire.gov.uk or call 01824 712729.

An Outstanding Week in September!

September has always been an outstanding month in our countryside, with harvests being brought safely home, trees and meadows taking on their autumnal colours, skies offering a full palette of hues, musky bonfires lingering in the evening air and a welcoming calmness for visitors. September this year, however, promises to be even more outstanding! 

The AONB Family has worked together to organise a week (and a bit) long programme of events to help people enjoy and be inspired by Britain’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Starting on Saturday 15th September and continuing through to Sunday 23rd September, the events can be found on http://www.landscapesforlifeevents.org.uk/.

Celebrating Outstanding Week the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB are leading three walks that will cover the entirety of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & canal World Heritage Site. The whole 11 miles of its length will be covered over three days.  All walks will go out and return along the canal footpath which is flat and accessible to all.  If you complete all three walks you will travel approx. 22 miles! Alternatively some of the walks are accessible, to at least a part return by public transport.  The walks will be led by the AONB Officer and supported by the Friends of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley (http://www.friends.cymru/)

Click on the link below to download your copy of Out & About http://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/events/

Walk 1	Monday 17th September	Meet: 10 am	Llantysilio Green Car Park (pay & display) GR 198 433 - (approx 8 miles)
Walk 2	Wednesday 19th September	Meet: 10 am	outside the Aqueduct Information Centre (approx. 6 miles)
Walk 3	Friday 21st September	Meet: 10 am	outside the Aqueduct Information Centre 271 422 (approx. 8 miles)

 

Fill your year with friendly family fun!

Out and About in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and Denbighshire’s Countryside is out!

Our 2018 programme offers a range of ways to enjoy the stunning landscape and heritage of the county’s fabulous countryside, from guided walks to after-school clubs, there is something for everyone. 

Did you know the skies of parts of the Clwydian Range are amongst some of the darkest in the UK? If you want to find out more about Dark Skies why not attend one of our many events in the programme, from Bat Walks to Meterorites and Night. 

Why not challenge yourself and take part on the Moor to Shore Challenge? Denbighshire Countryside Service have put together a series of walk which started with an introduction at Llyn Brenig, next we will be exploring various points along the River Clwyd as it flows along a 35 mile course, dropping 1,200 feet to the famous beach at Rhyl. 

Butterfly monitoring

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been on a mission to monitor our butterflies, and we now need your help.

Surveying butterflies is important because the data collected can be used to show the relative success of local habitat management. Butterflies have a very rapid lifecycle and high sensitivity to environmental conditions.  Their dependence on particular plant species and habitats gives a good indication of where to direct conservation effort and assess how effective current conservation work is. 

A good example of a butterfly species that dependant on its habitat and other species within it, is the common blue butterfly.

Common blue butterflies lay their eggs on their caterpillar’s food plant which is usually the Common Bird’s-foot trefoil. After around 8 days these eggs hatch and the caterpillars will feed on this plant.

While the caterpillar is feeding, it will secrete a honeydew substance which attracts ants. In return for the constant supply of honeydew, ants will protect the caterpillar from predators.  After around 6 weeks the caterpillar will form into a chrysalis on the ground or at the base of its food plant.  Ants that find the chrysalis often bury it which again will protect it from predators.

After two weeks the butterfly will then emerge from the chrysalis as an adult butterfly. They will then find a mate and the cycle will start again.  This particular species will usually only live for 3 weeks.

Without the bird’s-foot trefoil and the ants, this species of butterfly would not be able to survive.

Butterfly surveys have been set up at both Loggerheads country Park and Prestatyn Hillside.

The Loggerheads Country Park transect was set up in February 2017 and was surveyed throughout the season. 22 different species were recorded, with 3 being Species of Principal Importance. 

The Prestatyn hillside transect was set up at the end of 2017. Training of local people has taken place and the transect is now being monitored by volunteers.  The data collected on the transect will be analysed at the end of the 2018 season. 

It is hoped more transects will be started within the AONB by trained volunteers. Getting volunteers involved has made surveying more sustainable and has also educated a new audience about the importance of our beautiful butterflies.

If anyone is interested in surveying butterflies in their area, please get in touch with Vicky Knight via e-mail Vicky.knight@denbighshire.gov.uk.

Dry Stone Wall Training

 

Are you interested in learning how to dry stone wall?

This year we will be running a series of free training courses in dry stone walling and other rural skills, thanks to funding from Cadwyn Clwyd.

Most of the courses will be run in the Corwen area, but will also be on Moel Famau and in Rhuddlan. They will offer opportunities for complete beginners or more experienced wallers to come and hone their skills. Courses will be led by qualified dry stone walling instructors and will usually run for 3 days at a time – you are welcome to stay for as long or short as you wish. Please bring your own lunch and drinks and ensure you have suitable clothing (including waterproofs / hats). Steel toe capped shoes should be worn if possible.

If you would like more information, please contact Ros Stockdale on 01824 712794, or via e-mail at ros.stockdale@denbighshire.gov.uk

This LEADER project is part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is financed by the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

  

Out and About 2018

The Clwydian Range Range and Dee Valley AONB activities booklet and Countryside Services are available in print and online here ... www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/directs/

If you need copies, contact Loggerheads Country Park on 01824 712738 or email ceri.lloyd@denbighshire.gov.uk

Work underway at new site for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn

Work has begun to develop a new single site school for Ysgol Carreg Emlyn, currently located on two sites at Clocaenog and Cyffylliog.

The new building will be located on a brand new site opposite the current Clocaenog site.

To mark the start on site school staff, pupils, councillors and community council members attended a turf cutting at the site.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s lead member for Education, Children and Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “Work starting on the new school is tremendous news for pupils at Ysgol Carreg Emlyn and for future generations living in Clocaenog, Cyffylliog and the surrounding areas.

“It was great to see pupils, teachers and community leaders join together for the turf cutting at the new school site.

“We recognise this has been a long time coming but we are delivering on our promise to press ahead with these ambitious plans.

“Making Denbighshire a place where younger people want to live and making sure they have the skills to do so is a priority in our Corporate Plan and this new school helps us achieve that.”

In the coming weeks work will progress to the ground works for the foundations of the building and cut and fill works will progress for the external areas.

The project is being funded by the Council and the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme.

Wynne Construction are the main contractors appointed to carry out the works.

Construction work due to begin at the site of the new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl

Enabling works have been completed by Kier Construction at the site of the new 3-16 Catholic school in Rhyl paving the way for the main build work to start. Pictures below show the progress on site and the hoardings that have been erected between Ysgol Mair and Blessed Edward Jones.

Both the Diocese of Wrexham and the Council will work closely with both schools in order to manage this phase of the project in order to reduce the disruption to pupils as much as practically possible.

The new 3-16 school, for the Diocese of Wrexham, will replace Ysgol Mair/ St. Mary’s primary Catholic school and Blessed Edward Jones Catholic high school. The new school would be an English medium school for 420 full time pupils aged 3-11 years old and 500 pupils aged 11-16.

The project will be funded in partnership by the Council and the Welsh Government, through its 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme.

Significant milestone in the history of Ysgol Llanfair DC

A turf cutting ceremony has marked the first stage of the building of a brand new replacement school for Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd which started construction on site at the start of June.

The new bilingual church school will be built on land opposite Bryn y Clwyd, Llanfair using funding from the Welsh Government’s 21^st Century Schools and Education programme, in partnership with investment from the Council.

Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction is the main contractor appointed to carry out the works.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children, Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “This is an extremely momentous day in the history of Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.

“We have recognised that the current facilities are dated and are in desperate need of modernisation. There has also been concerns about the lack of car parking, staff areas, public areas and accessibility to the school, which is located on the busy A525 in the centre of the village. That is why the Council, working in partnership with Welsh Government, has invested significantly in this project and we are delighted to see work get underway.

There has been some great progress on site so far and over the coming week’s works will progress on the ground works for the new building, car park area and Playing field.

Community funds up for grabs for education projects

There’s up to £70,000 up for grabs in total for educational projects in Denbighshire and you are invited to apply.

There’s one fund for Denbigh and surrounding area and a separate fund for wider Denbighshire communities – the money is there to support the education of individuals and specific educations initiatives supporting groups to include:

• Projects that support the educational attainment/ development of children and young people 11-25 years
• School / college based projects that support vocational training, health matters and healthy living and
• Education inclusion projects with support for individual students through bursaries, scholarships, travel assistance etc.

For the Denbigh Fund, students between the ages of 11 and 25 who currently live in Denbigh or the Nantglyn, Henllan, Bodfari, Aberwheeler, Llandyrnog, Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch, Llanynys, Llanefydd and Llansannan areas are eligible to apply, as charities, groups and organisations that run projects and activities for the benefit of children and young people in these communities.

For further information, please contact the Community Foundation in Wales, on 02920 379580 or e-mail@ info@cfiw.org.uk

Welsh in Education Plan given the green light

The Cabinet has approved plans to develop Welsh Medium education in the county over the three years.

The Welsh Government has also approved Denbighshire’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (2017-2020), which sets out how the Council will aim to meet targets set nationally.

 The Plan sets out how the authority will:

• Ensure and develop sufficient Welsh Medium school places throughout the County
• Support the increase of Welsh oral communication and understanding skills in all early years’ settings
• Increase the amount and quality of Welsh taught in English medium schools.
• Increase the proportion of learners studying Welsh as a 1^st language
• Raise attainment in Welsh and in subjects followed through the medium of Welsh at every key stage in every school
• Develop a sustainable workforce to support future provision.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Young People, Education and the Welsh Language, said: “Improving the quality of education and the quality of our school building remains a key priority for the Council and we have made significant investments in Welsh medium education over recent years, the benefits of which can be seen county-wide.

“We want all children and young people in the county to leave full-time education competent and confident in using both Welsh and English languages. 

“We have also made a firm commitment through the Council’ Welsh Language Strategy to continue to focus on Welsh medium education and to work tirelessly to play our part in contributing to the Welsh Government’s target of achieving a million Welsh speakers by 2050”.

This Plan comes hot on the heels of the Estyn inspection report of the county’s Education Services which praised the Council’s approach to developing services through the medium of Welsh.  It found that: “The authority’s plans for increasing the percentage of learners in Welsh Medium provision are suitably ambitious, as are the targets to increase the percentage of subjects taught through the medium of Welsh in schools that currently teach less than 50%. There are sufficient places in all phases for learners who choose Welsh medium education.”

Ruthin Craft Centre - 10th Anniversary Celebrations

More displays announced for Rhyl Air Show 2018

A plane used in the Oscar-winning film Dunkirk will take part in Rhyl Air Show this summer.

The last remaining Bristol Blenheim in the world will join the Red Arrows on the line-up for the free event, which takes place in the skies above Rhyl on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th of August.

The Council is organising Rhyl Air Show, with support from Rhyl Town Council as the event’s key partner.

Around 50 Blenheims, a light bomber, took part in the Dunkirk evacuation by harassing enemy forces in 1940 and the plane appearing at the air show featured in the 2017 film starring Tom Hardy.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “This is the first time the Bristol Blenheim will participate in Rhyl Air Show.

“As well as the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the confirmation of this aircraft shows how determined we are to combine nostalgia with state-of-the-art aerobatic displays, helping ensure the event has something for everyone.

“Rhyl Air Show is the best free event of its kind in North Wales. It’s important not just because it offers world class entertainment on local people’s doorsteps, but also because it attracts many thousands of visitors from across the UK. This means more spending in the town’s shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs and other businesses, supporting the local economy, which is a priority for the Council.”

Councillor Win Mullen-James, Mayor of Rhyl, said: “Rhyl Town Council is delighted to be supporting the town’s air show once again. This is one of the highlights of the summer season and always a soar away success. People come from far and wide to watch the displays and are always given a warm welcome. We are looking forward to another successful event with, of course, the Red Arrows as one of the highlights.”

The Red Arrows will close Rhyl Air Show on Sunday, with the Bristol Blenheim closing proceedings on Saturday.

Other displays include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight featuring a Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota, the Red Devils Parachute Display Team, Team Raven formation aerobatic display team and a Strikemaster jet-powered training and light attack aircraft.

The Council is encouraging local residents to walk or cycle to this year’s air show to avoid traffic congestion.

Full line-up details will be announced at a later date and for more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhylairshow

This year’s Rhyl Air Show is supporting the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

Free summer fun at Rhyl music festival

Heather Small - the voice of M People – will be performing at a free festival in Rhyl this summer.

The Council, with support from Rhyl Town Council, is hosting the event, which also features Showaddywaddy and Doctor and The Medics, at Rhyl Events Arena on Sunday, August 12 from midday until 6pm.

Heather Small was the lead singer of M People, known for a string of hits in the early 90s including One Night in Heaven, Moving on Up and Search for the Hero.

She released her first solo album, Proud in 2000, and in 2008 appeared on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in 9th place.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “I am delighted to welcome such a fantastic line-up to the Rhyl Events Arena Festival.

“Events like this help the community come together and celebrate, which is part of the Council’s work to support well-being and community cohesion, as well as attracting visitors to our county and increasing economic prosperity.

“This is going to be a great event for Denbighshire and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere on the day.”

Councillor Win Mullen James, Mayor of Rhyl, said: “Rhyl will once again be hitting all the right notes with its summer festival event. The fact we can attract people like Heather Small is testimony to the town’s growing reputation for hosting great events.

“Rhyl Town Council is pleased to be supporting the music extravaganza, alongside the air show and our own community events too. We’re looking forward to a summer of fantastic entertainment.”

Doctor and the Medics, who played the event last year, are best known for their cover of Norman Greenbaum's Spirit in the Sky, a No.1 hit in 1986, while Showaddywaddy had a number of Top Ten hits in the 1970s including Under the Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven and You Got What It Takes.

Clive Jackson, of Doctor & The Medics, said: “Festivals mean a lot to me as they bring people and communities together to celebrate and enjoy music. We can't wait to get back to Rhyl to perform. We will be playing a set full of great 80s songs everyone knows that have all been given the Medics treatment.”

Other acts performing include Dusty Springfield tribute act Maxine Mazumber and local soul and funk band Yubaba.

For further information contact Rhyl Tourist Information Centre on 01745 355068 or the Pavilion Box office on 01745 330000.

It’s Showtime at the Denbigh and Flint

Come and see us at the annual Denbigh and Flint Show taking place at the Green near Denbigh on Thursday, August 16^th.

We are joining forces again this year with our colleagues from Flintshire to have a marquee on the showground. Our theme will be health and well-being.

You will be able to come and see what can be done to improve your health, how to access information for your well-being, try your hand at rowing on an exercise machine and lots more interactive activity.

Our countryside and leisure teams will also be arranging activities throughout the day.

For more info about the show, go to http://www.denbighandflintshow.com/

We look forward to seeing you on the day.

 

World class line up for a musical reflection

The North Wales International Music Festival, founded in 1972 by Welsh composer William Mathias, is a festival of classical music held annually in September at St Asaph Cathedral. The theme for this year’s festival, taking place from September 15 – 30, is ‘Reflections’.

Artists include Côr Glanaethwy; vocal group VOCES8 with a programme of remembrance to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Armistice - ‘Hymn to the Fallen’; pianist Freddy Kempf, ‘Requiem Reflections’ with Welsh National Opera, the Festival Community Chorus and our orchestra in residence NEW Sinfonia; guitarist Craig Ogden & jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth performing ‘Reflections of Love’; soprano Elin Manahan Thomas & pianist Jocelyn Freemen; Family Affair featuring Brian Hughes; cellist Raphael Wallfisch; Trelawnyd & Bro Glyndŵr Male Voice Choirs; A5 Brass Quintet; Côr Cytgan Clwyd and actor Jonathan Pryce.

The festival also features a lecture entitled ‘Lloyd George and Wales’, piano, vocal and instrumental workshops, children’s and tots concerts, musical steps sessions for babies to 7 year olds, and our annual community tour.

To find out more about the North Wales International Music Festival visit http://www.nwimf.com/. Tickets are available online, from Theatr Clwyd, Mold – 01352 701521 or Cathedral Frames, St Asaph - 01745 582929.

DIARY OF EVENTS

Saturday 15 September:   19.30 Côr Glanaethwy, NEW Sinfonia players & Telynau Clwyd

Programme includes the World Premiere of a New Commission by Paul Mealor along with pieces by Olivier Messiaen, Gustav Mahler, Karl Jenkins, Brian Hughes, Caryl Parry Jones and Leonard Cohen.

 

Thursday 20 September:   19.30 VOCES8

Hymn to the Fallen

A programme of remembrance to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Armistice.

Programme includes works by Parry, Gabrieli, Dove, Elgar, Pearsall and Simon & Garfunkel

 

Friday 21 September:  19.30 Freddy Kempf

Programme includes Chopin: Piano Sonata no 2 in B flat Minor; Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin; Rachmaninov: Etudes Tableaux

 

Saturday 22 September:  19.30 Festival Community Chorus, in partnership with Welsh National Opera, Welsh National Opera soloists and NEW Sinfonia

Requiem Reflections

Rebecca Dale: Materna Requiem (World Premiere)

Mozart & Duruflé: Requiem (excerpts) Arvo Pärt: Spiegel im Spiegel John Cage: 4'33’

Soprano: Katy Thomson

Mezzo: Rebecca Afonwy-Jones

Bass: Julian Close

 

Thursday 27 September:   19.30 Craig Ogden and Jacqui Dankworth

Reflections of Love

A collaboration between two artists from different musical worlds. Their programme includes a diverse mixture of intimate songs by everyone from Paul Simon and James Taylor to Henry Mancini and Michel Legrand.

 

Friday 28 September:   19.30 Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano) & Jocelyn Freeman (piano); Family Affair – Brian Hughes (piano), Daniel Brian Hughes (clarinet) & Miriam Hughes (flute)

Reflections

Programme features works by Dilys Elwyn Edwards, Morfydd Llwyn Owen, Brian Hughes, Purcell and Handel.

  

Saturday 29 September:  19.30 NEW Sinfonia and Raphael Wallfisch

Elgar: Cello Concerto

Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte

Williams: Penillion

Bernstein: Three Dance Episodes from On the Town

'Smile, Smile, Smile' arr J Guy featuring project students

 

Sunday 30 September:  19.30 Jonathan Pryce CBE, Trelawnyd & Bro Glyndŵr Male Voice Choirs, Côr Cytgan Clwyd, A5 Brass Quintet (NEW Sinfonia).

A reflection on the centenary of the end of the Great War

Programme includes wartime songs and poetry, Barber, Kamen and a selection of music from Karl Jenkins.

Project to help people into work launched by the Council

Tackling poverty by helping people into work was the focus of a special launch event.

The Council has launched Working Denbighshire which includes the OPUS, ADTRAC and Communities for Work projects.

They support residents aged 16 and over who are furthest from the work market back into education, employment and training, all of which are key priorities within the Council’s new Corporate Plan.

The event showcased the projects to more than 100 attendees from relevant organisations, providing information about employability support.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “We are committed to a new approach to developing and building resilient communities across the most deprived areas, with a focus on tackling poverty through providing support that helps people into work, removes barriers into employment and gives children the best start in life.

“As part of the priorities contained within our Corporate Plan, we aim to offer the chance to develop skills for life and work, ensuring Denbighshire is a place residents and businesses are well connected and resilient and have opportunities to acquire skills and jobs, leading to successful and fulfilling lives.”

ADTRAC, Communities For Work and OPUS are part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Mark Drakeford, Welsh Government finance secretary, said: “The Welsh Government is determined to help people to access the skills and training they need to get a good-quality job. These projects are further examples of how important European funding has been to Wales and show how important it will be for the UK Government to ensure replacement funding is available post Brexit so we can continue supporting people, helping them secure a prosperous future.”

If you require any further information or need support please contact workingdenbighshire@denbighshire.gov.uk

Have you registered your food premises?

Food Law requires all food premises to be registered with our Food Safety Team. The offence of not registering your food business carries a fine of up to £5000.

Who needs to register?

If you run a food establishment which provided any type of food to the public (either through sale or not) you must tell us about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing the food you provide e.g cafes, staff canteens, bed & breakfast, market and other stalls, home caterers, mobile traders, temporary or occasional business

When do I need to register?

Visit our website for further information.

What happens to the information given on the form? 

You must ensure that we always have up-to-date information about your food business establishment and must notify us, preferably in writing and within 28 days, of any significant changes of activities, or closure. Notification of a change of operator should be made by the new food business operator.

What if I change my activities?

We are required to maintain a list of food business establishments registered with us and make it available for inspection by the general public at all reasonable times. The list will contain the name, address and type of food business.

How do I register?

You should register your food business establishment at least 28 days before food operations commence. 

20% discount when you visit Cafe R

After last year’s successful partnership, Café R will again be working with Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre and offering discounts to visitors.

People visiting Café R will be issued with a voucher which entitles them to a 20% discount when they visit the Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre and people visiting the Gaol or Nantclwyd y Dre will get a voucher entitling them to a 10% discount at Café R.

The offer will run until October.

You can preview Café R's menus on their website.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter

Or you can ring them on 01824 708099 to book a table.

 

1891 Restaurant @ Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

This year, during the Rhyl Airshow, 1891 are offering afternoon tea with a 'meet and greet' with the Red Devils Parachute Display Team for a fabulous price of £25.  For further details see below.  If you would like to book a table for the 26 August or any other time please ring them on 01745 330000 or visit their website at www.1891rhyl.com.

SC2

For your chance to win register on www.sc2rhyl.co.uk

Barbecues

How to prepare food correctly, avoid contamination and cook food properly for your barbecues.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a barbecue with family and friends. You need to ensure that food is stored and cooked safely.

Warm weather and outdoor cooking can produce the right conditions for the bacteria which cause food poisoning.

So it's vital you remember the 4C's of food hygiene:

• chilling
• cleaning
• cooking
• cross-contamination

We have put together some advice to help you serve up a sensational barbecue while keeping your guests safe.

Chilling and defrosting

Chilling food properly helps stop harmful bacteria from growing, especially in the warm summer months.

To keep your food safe:

• don't defrost foods at room temperature
• defrost food overnight in the fridge or if this is not possible, using a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking
• cool cooked foods quickly at room temperature and then place in the fridge within one to two hours
• store raw foods separately from ready-to-eat foods, covered on the bottom shelf of your fridge
• keep chilled food out of the fridge for the shortest time possible during preparation
• keep any food with a use-by date, cooked dishes, salads and ready-to-eat desserts chilled and out of the sun until serving time
• don't overfill your fridge, this allows air to circulate and maintains the set temperature

Some foods need to be kept in the fridge to help slow down the growth of bacteria and keep food fresh and safe for longer. Use a fridge thermometer to check the temperature is below 5°C as the dials on fridges don't always show you the right temperature.

Cooking

Cooking food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time will ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Invest in a temperature probe so that you can ensure you are cooking the food at at least 75°C for 30 seconds.

Don't forget, charred on the outside doesn't always mean cooked on the inside. Before serving meat that you have cooked on the barbecue, always check that:

• the meat is steaming hot throughout
• there is no pink meat visible when you cut into the thickest part
• meat juices run clear

This applies to products made from minced meat such as:

• burgers
• sausages
• kebabs
• chicken
• pork

Consider cooking all chicken and pork in the oven first, then giving it a final finish on your barbecue. Your friends and family will still experience that special barbecue chargrilled taste, and you know that you have cooked the meat all the way through.

Remember that a burger is not like a steak.

Why a burger isn't like a steak.

Harmful bacteria can be carried on the surface of whole cuts of meat. When a rare steak is seared these bacteria are killed, making the steak safe to eat.

When meat is minced to produce burgers, any harmful bacteria from the surface of the raw meat spread throughout the burger. Unless the burger is cooked right through, these bacteria can remain alive on the inside. This applies to all burgers, including burgers made from good quality or expensive meat.

Cleaning

Effective cleaning gets rid of bacteria on hands, equipment and surfaces, helping to stop harmful bacteria from spreading onto food.

Help minimise the risk of germs spreading by:

• washing hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before cooking and eating, especially if you've been handling raw meat or things like firelighters
• keeping utensils and serving dishes clean when preparing food and ensuring you don't mix those used to prepare raw and ready-to-eat dishes
• never washing raw chicken or any other meat - it just splashes germs onto your hands, utensils and worktops

Avoiding cross-contamination

Cross-contamination is most likely to happen when raw food touches or drips onto ready-to-eat food, utensils or surfaces.

Prevent it by:

• storing raw meat separately from ready-to-eat foods
• using different utensils, plates and chopping boards for raw and cooked food
• washing your hands after touching raw meat and before you handle ready-to-eat food

Understanding food poisoning

Many people mistakenly think that food poisoning is just a passing tummy bug but it can be really serious.

Most people with food poisoning recover at home and don't need any specific treatment. If you think you have food poisoning, you are advised to visit your GP.

For further information visit the Food Safety pages on http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/. 

Share your lives and make a difference as a carer

We are on the look out for enthusiastic and caring people who would like to become carers.

The Shared Lives Scheme provides extra support in the daily lives of people in need – they may have a complex disability, mental health problems, physical disabilities, or sensory impairment which affects their lives.

The carers could be individuals, couples or families who live within the county and have a spare room in their home.  The scheme has dedicated staff who provide practical support, advice and guidance to Shared Lives carers. Appropriate training will be provided and carers will be paid a fee.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet  Lead Member for Well-being and Independence,  said: ”This is a great opportunity to raise the profile of this worthwhile scheme.  Shared Lives aims to play a crucial link in supporting those in our community who need help the most. Experience of working in the care sector would be useful but isn’t a requirement – enthusiasm is just as important.

Anyone interested in becoming a Shared Lives Carer or those who would like to find out more should either come along to the open day event or contact Denbighshire’s Single Point of Access and ask to speak to the Shared Lives Scheme Co-ordinator.  You can write to them or see them at: Single Point of Access, Denbighshire Social Services, Russell House, Churton Road, Rhyl, LL18 3DP; telephone: 0300 456 1000.  Email: spoa@denbighshire.gov.uk

Are you thinking of carrying out some building work?

If your project is big or small, contact the Council's Building Control service, who will be happy to help.

We offer:

• Pre-application advice service to help your project run smoothly
• Knowledge of the local area, history of sites and geological conditions
• Dedicated building control surveyor and technical support team
• Access to a building control officer during office hours Monday to Friday
• We will work with the local fire authority and water authority to assist you with your project
• Unlike some alternative providers, we inspect building work at all necessary stages to ensure that it meets the required standards
• Site inspections carried out next day when request is received before 4pm
• As a local authority we are publicly accountable, impartial, transparent and a not for profit organisation. Our fees are published and there are no hidden extras
• We will provide you with a completion certificate at the end of your project.

For further information, please visit our website or call us on 01824 706717.

Talking Points in Denbighshire

Rhyl Pavilion Theatre

For all the latest information on what shows are coming up for the next few months, visit Rhyl Pavilion Theatre's website

New affordable homes register to help people secure their dream home

A new opportunity for people to increase their chances of securing their dream of having their own home has been launched.

Tai Teg, Affordable Housing Register, is an online affordable housing opportunity to register for people in employment but who cannot afford market housing.

An affordable home is one that is provided for rent or purchase at less than market value.

We know that a substantial number of people in Denbighshire are unable to afford market rent or purchase and this an opportunity for people to access a range of opportunities through new build and vacancies within existing housing.

Tai Teg will streamline the process for registering for a number of innovative schemes that will help people get onto the property ladder or secure a rented home. A number of schemes are available for those in employment and earning between £16,000 and £45,000, with some options for those earning up to £60,000.

Tai Teg does not include the traditional Council or Housing Association properties for rent which are dealt with through Sarth, the single common housing register in Denbighshire. Tai Teg sits alongside the common housing register.

This is a partnership project being led by Grŵp Cynefin including North Wales Local Authorities including Denbighshire and other Housing Associations. All these partners have worked closely together to bring forward the register.

Tai Teg will be used to as evidence in planning applications negotiations to support the Council and Housing Associations to plan for future developments.

Delivering affordable homes is a key priority within Denbighshire, with nearly 250 affordable homes brought forward in the County since 2014. There are a number of planned developments across the County and the Tai Teg register will be used to match people with suitable vacancies.

To find out more and register interest in a home, visit www.taiteg.org.uk

Message from Denbighshire Tenant and Resident Federation (DTARF)

DTARF and has been going for over 20 years now and has achieved so much for the tenants and residents of Denbighshire Housing.

Who are we?

We are a group of tenants and residents who are involved in our communities across Denbighshire. Providing a voice for tenants, we work with Denbighshire Housing and Welsh Government to achieve the highest standards possible for tenants and their communities. Members of DTARF sit on the editorial group for this newsletter and have taken a pride in contributing to the content.  We hope you enjoy it.

Our aims:

To strive for safer and more comfortable affordable living, and to improve community life.

We always welcome new members to DTARF. We meet monthly at various locations across Denbighshire, so there will always be an opportunity to attend a meeting close to you.  There is a grant for members of any residents association to help each year to achieve their goals through the Council.

If you would like more information about DTARF, please contact John Woodward, Chair at dtarf@hotmail.co.uk 

Housing developments

Recently, we shared the news that we would be starting to build new Council homes for the first time in over 25 years.

We’ve just had planning permission for our first development, which will be four apartments on the site of the old Bodnant school canteen in Caradoc Road in Prestatyn. We were pleased to secure Innovative Grant funding from Welsh Government for this project.

Work has recently started on clearing the existing building from the site and we’ll be starting work on building the new apartments later in the summer.

Very soon a planning application will also be going in for a development of new homes to replace the Pennant Flats in Denbigh and we’ll be starting work on converting a property we’ve bought in Brighton Road in Rhyl, which will provide three new apartments.

This is just the first development in our programme of building 170 new council homes throughout the county over the next four years.

 

Community Events Calendar - Summer 2018

This summer will be even bigger and better with a whole host of community and county run events for all the family to enjoy. Here are just a few:

JULY

Date	Event Name	Location	More Information
3-8 Jul	Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod	Llangollen	http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/
8 Jul	Welsh Cross Country Mountain Bike Series 2018	Coed Llandegla Forest	http://www.visitwales.com/
19-29 Jul	Llangollen Fringe Festival	Llangollen	http://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/
20 Jul	Underneath the Arches	Trevor, Llangollen	http://www.northeastwales.wales/
21 July	Prestatyn Carnival	Prestatyn	http://www.prestatyncarnival.co.uk/

 AUGUST

Date	Event Name	Location	More Information
4-5 Aug	LLanbikefest 2018	Llangollen	http://www.visitwales.com/
11-12 Aug	Llangollen Faery Festival	Llangollen	http://northwalesfaeryfestival.com/
16 Aug	Denbigh & Flint Show	Denbigh	http://www.denbighandflintshow.com/
18 Aug	Ruthin Flower Show	Ruthin	http://www.ruthinflowershow.wales/
25 Aug	Corwen Community Festival – Family Funday	Corwen	email Sally sally@sdcp.org
25 Aug	The Denbigh Show	Denbigh	http://www.visitwales.com/
25-26 Aug	Rhyl Airshow	Rhyl	http://www.rhylairshow.co.uk/

 SEPTEMBER

Date	Event Name	Location	More Information
1-2 Sep	Corwen Walking Festival	Corwen	http://www.corwenwalkingfestival.co.uk/

If you’d like to find out more about these and other events that are on in your local area, visit http://www.northeastwales.wales/listing-category/events/ or https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/leisure/events/events.aspx  or http://www.discoverdenbighshire.wales/

Advance notice of significant swimming pool refurbishment works at Ruthin Leisure Centre

Major refurbishment work to the swimming pool at Ruthin Leisure Centre is set to get underway later this summer.

The Leisure Centre has already seen a significant investment in the fitness and changing areas.  The next phase of the refurbishment will see:

• Significant upgrades to the male and female wet changing rooms to create a village changing area
• Significant improvements to the pool hall, including a new roof
• Accessible changing facility which has an access directly on to poolside and changes to entrances.

The swimming pool will close on Sunday 22nd July for a period of approximately twenty-four weeks. During this time, the poolside and changing rooms will be refurbished.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Health and Well-being, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our major investment in our leisure facilities, which will provide a high quality swimming facility for the community for the next 20 years.

“We are extremely proud of our track record of investment in leisure centres when other areas of the UK are actually seeing leisure centres close.  We firmly believe in the need for investment in facilities, as there are clear health and well-being benefits, as well as a strong demand from the public for activities and facilities they can access seven days a week.

“We would like to thank customers in advance for their patience and understanding  whilst the refurbishment works are going on but the completed refurbishment will provide a much improved swimming experience”.

For children enrolled in the Denbighshire Swim Programme, customers will be contacted to ask whether they would like to move to another site for the closure period (subject to availability).

For those wishing to attend public swimming, there are daily sessions at Denbigh, Corwen, Rhyl and Prestatyn Nova, Timetables for these Centres are available on the leisure website: www.denbighshireleisure.co.uk

The Council is also working with clubs who use the swimming pool to find alternative provision.

The Council will also be reviewing the position for school swimming lessons for when the timetable is confirmed for September.During the refurbishments, the fitness suite, studio, sports hall and all weather pitch will be available as normal.

If you have any further queries regarding swimming lessons or any other aspect of the refurbishment, please speak to a member of staff at the Centre.

Sportzone

This summer, Denbighshire Leisure’s multi sports camp for boys and girls aged 6-11 returns to our Leisure Centres. 

Sportzone is an ideal opportunity for children to have some fun, make new friends and try their hand at a range of sports, such as netball, basketball, rugby, badminton and football.

Timetables vary from centre to centre, so please check our website for details.

Get your discounted Leisure Card

Leisure cards provide discounts on activities at Denbighshire Leisure facilities and other selected outlets.

Cards are available for adults, juniors, students, over 60’s and groups.

If you are registered disabled, claiming unemployment benefit or income support, you may be entitled to a free Leisure Card.

Visit http://www.denbighshireleisure.co.uk/ or ask a member of staff for details.

 

Investment goes on in leisure centres

Whilst other authorities struggle to invest in their leisure provision, Denbighshire remains committed to providing its customers with high quality, value for money facilities.

The last 12 months have seen a number of exciting developments across the County, including a new fitness suite at Llangollen Leisure Centre and Denbighshire’s first 3G 5-a-side pitch at Corwen. And, following the opening of a brand new centre and 3G facility in St Asaph last September, the facilities were further enhanced in May with a new HiT training room.

Developments are continuing at a pace, with the latest phase in the re-development of Rhyl Leisure Centre complete.  The Council has opened the centre’s 25-bike Group Cycle Studio which features tailored sound and lighting systems.  The studio will offer 15 group cycle classes per week, including early morning and evenings, as part of a new timetable.  Councillor Bobby Feeley, the Council’s lead member for Well-being and Independence, said: “This studio is the latest addition to Rhyl Leisure Centre which has undergone a significant £1.2m re-development over the past 12 months.

“We are truly proud of our track record in investing in our leisure facilities, at a time when many other councils are considering closing such facilities.

“We recognise the benefits of our facilities in improving the health and well-being of our residents through making our communities resilient, which is a priority for the Council.”

Group Cycle is a non-impact activity which puts very little stress on knee hip and ankle joints and is one of the highest burning calorie studio sessions available, with the rider being able to tailor the workout to their ability by adjusting their own bike.

The final phase of the re-development will see the centre’s new gym open on July 3 and features the latest Technogym cardio and resistance equipment with virtual outdoor training routes.

New equipment includes Skill Runs, which allow runners to perform parachute and sled training, and a stair climber.

The centre’s changing rooms have also received a complete upgrade and will be open on July 3.

Work also starts shortly on upgrading Ruthin Leisure Centre’s pool hall and changing rooms, and on upgrading changing rooms at Prestatyn Leisure Centre.

These projects are just a snapshot of the exciting programme of improvements taking place at Denbighshire Leisure facilities - call into your local Centre and see for yourself!

We will also be asking parents who want their children to receive swimming lessons in Welsh, about their needs.  We will then work to identify where and when future lessons in Welsh will be held.

Make a splash with our swmming lessons

Did you know children can learn to swim with Denbighshire Leisure from just 3 years of age? 

Starting with Splash sessions, children work their way through 7 Waves of lessons, following the Welsh Learn to Swim Scheme.

You will see their skill and confidence grow as they progress through the levels.

Bilingual lessons are offered across the County and our Parent Portal keeps you up to date with your child’s progress online.

For more details contact your local Leisure Centre.