Gladstone's in the bag at Flintshire Record Office

Flintshire Record Office in Hawarden is holding a Victorian Evening to mark the bicentennial of W. E. Gladstone.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 9 December at 7.00pm. The evening is free but tickets are required and are available from the Record Office on 01244 532364.

Victorian dress is optional and refreshments will be served.

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Queensferry Library open again

Queensferry Library reopened today, November 23 at 2 pm.

The opening hours are:

Monday 2pm -5pm
Tuesday 10am -1pm and 2pm -7pm
Wednesday 2am – 5pm
Thursday 10am -1pm and 2pm -7pm
Friday 2pm -5pm
Saturday 9.30am -12.30pm

Public access computers will be available and normal lending services will be resumed.

For any enquiries please ring 01244 812544 or your nearest library.

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Warning on council tax phone scam

Flintshire County Council is asking residents to be on their guard following reports of a phone scam targeting Council Tax payers across North Wales.

Bogus callers are telephoning tax payers advising that they can help them claim a refund of overpaid Council Tax and to arrange a refund into their bank account.

David Barnes, Council Tax Manager said, "I would like to stress that this is a scam designed to obtain peoples bank account details. We would advise residents never to give their personal banking details over the phone, unless they are totally sure that they are speaking to a genuine caller.

If you are in any doubt, take the caller's number and check that they are genuine, before calling back."

Any suspicious calls of this nature should be reported to the police.

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White ribbon campaign on domestic violence

On November 25, a series of events and campaigns will commence throughout the UK in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Flintshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, part of the community Safety Partnership will be joining this campaign by holding two events across Flintshire.

The first event will be held on Friday, November 20 at Deeside Leisure Centre between 6 – 8pm and is aimed at young people. The second will be on Saturday, November 21 at Flint Retail Park between 11am – 3pm.

The White Ribbon Campaign was originally started by a handful of men, after fourteen women were killed in Montreal, Canada in 1989 for the simple reason they dared pursue a career in a
profession that was traditionally claimed by men. It was a tragedy that unleashed legislative change, research, new attitudes and national soul searching that continues to this day.

When comparing violence committed by women and by men, the British Crime Survey notes that the results of men’s violence is five times as likely to require medical attention. Women
are four times as likely as men to fear for their lives, and three and a half times more likely to be murdered by a male spouse than vice versa.

Some forms of violence have a greater physical or emotional impact than others but all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and suffering that women in our society endure. The basic rights that most men enjoy – safety in their homes, ability to go out at night, a job free from harrassment – are a source of fear for women in much of the world.

Violence against women causes more deaths and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents or war.

Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge that you will never commit, condone or keep silent about acts of violence against women.

Jackie Goundrey, Flintshire Domestic Abuse Coordinator, said: "This year the Partnership’s focus is to raise awareness amongst young people.

"National research suggests an alarming level of tolerance towards sexual abuse and violence. It is important that attitudes and beliefs are challenged at every opportunity."

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Flintshire's employer of the year named

The Flintshire Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Gardners, Chartered Accountants, as part of Flintshire Business Week, was won by b2 business systems.

b2 business systems provides technology solutions and professional services to nearly 2,000 business in the North West, with offices in Deeside Business Park and at Parc Menai, Bangor.

Melanie Langton Davies, Gardners, Chartered Accountants, Holywell, said: "The package present was really professional and more importantly addressed the criteria outlined for the award.

"They have work-life balance policies and these were clearly illustrated and they definitely had fresh ideas such as the cycle to work initiative and the provision of showers!

"Their Leadership pipeline and the use of a business coach were clearly explained and made them stand out form the rest."

Councillor Tony Sharps, Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, presented Paul Rutt of b2 Business Systems with this prestigious award.

For more details on the 2009 Award winners and to become a sponsor of the 2010 Flintshire Business Awards, contact Kate Catherall, Business Development Officer on 01352 703221.

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Flintshire Young Entrepreneur Business Award winner

The winner of the Award, Sponsored by Evans Easyspace, at the Flintshire Business Week awards, was Michael Morris, Managing Director of Distinction Bespoke Tailoring Ltd, Penyffordd.

This award comes with one year rent free office accommodation in Deeside provided by Evans Easyspace.

Distinction Bespoke Tailoring was officially launched in February 2008 by Michael who is a highly experienced tailor who has been working in the trade for many years. His clients include Liverpool Football Club and David Dickinson.

Darren Nightingale - Manger, Evans Easyspace, said: “Michael Morris is a young dynamic forward thinking young entrepreneur that showed significant record of achievement and performance.”

For more details on the 2009 Award winners and to become a sponsor of the 2010 Flintshire Business Awards, contact Kate Catherall, Business Development Officer on 01352 703221

Photograph: L to R Councillor Sharps, Joanne Butterworth, Mike Morris, Darren Nightingale - Evans Easyspace, Tracy Backhouse - Evans Easyspace.

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Have your say on Connah's Quay, Shotton and Queensferry regeneration

Members of the public are invited to community consultation events to hear about the proposed Connah's Quay, Shotton and Queensferry Renewal Area.

A Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment is being carried out, looking at housing improvements, poor energy efficiency, other related social and environmental issues in the area and how to tackle them most effectively.

The Renewal Area has the added bonus of trying to achieve a real contribution towards being carbon neutral.

Councillor Helen Yale, Flintshire County Council’s Executive Member for Housing Management said: "I am delighted to be able to give our local communities in Connah's Quay, Shotton and Queensferry the opportunity to participate in this major project which has the potential to
improve the lives of many people."

As part of the Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment, Flintshire County Council is holding three community consultation drop-in events open to members of the public. The meetings will allow local residents to find out more about the Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment, what it involves, and its findings so far. It will also give local residents a chance to have their say about the issues involved and what improvements they would like made to the area.

The dates and locations for the three drop-in events are:
Monday, November 30, 4pm-8pm, Connah's Quay, Civic Hall
Thursday, December 3, 4pm-8pm, Queensferry, Memorial Hall
Tuesday, December 8, 4pm-8pm, Shotton, Carlton Club.

All the drop-in events will cover the same topics. Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the events, at any time, for as long they like. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please contact our free phone number: 0800 169 8677

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Impact Day: Latest

Today's operation across the North Wales Police force area has resulted in 84 people being arrested for a variety of offences.

Over 180 police officers were involved in the execution of warrants and searching of premises in a crack down on crime.

In the counties of Gwynedd and Anglesey the total number of arrests currently stands at 47, with 13 people remaining in custody.

Following the execution of a search warrant in one property in Merionnydd, numerous weapons, including large knives, and a quantity of what appears to be class A controlled drugs were seized. As a result a 24-year-old man from the Meirionnydd area was arrested for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and other associated offences. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

Several other people remain in custody for possession of class A drugs, following the recovery of numerous cannabis plants and a hydroponics system.

In the Conwy and Denbighshire areas 22 arrests have been made for offences including possession of class A and B drugs, assault, burglary, race related offences and harassment.

In Wrexham and Flintshire 15 people were arrested and a large quantity of class A, B and C drugs were seized. A quantity of stolen goods were also recovered.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: "North Wales Police is committed to reducing crime and protecting people and today's coordinated force wide strike against crime and offenders demonstrates this.

After the success of today's operation we will be putting the evidence we have collated before the Crown Prosecution Service. Across North Wales we have disrupted criminal activity and we are now seeking to put these offenders before the courts."

The team is working to make your neighbourhood a safer place to live. If you have information about crime or anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood, you can contact your team directly on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email - northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk

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Rachel's still caring at 70

When many people are thinking of retiring, Flintshire Homecare Assistant Rachel Jones is still raring to go.

Rachel, 70, has spent 40 years with the Council caring for people in the community who need day-to-day assistance and support.

She visits around 12 service users in Treuddyn, Cymau, Llanfynydd, Hope and Leeswood performing duties such as personal care and making meals.

Rachel wishes to continue to work for as long as she can and has been thanked by her service users who have all expressed their thanks for the support and kindness she has shown them
over the years.

Service user Dilys Edwards describes Rachel as 'everybody’s favourite'. She has been visiting Mrs Edwards in Treuddyn for nine years.

Mrs Edwards said: “I’m very grateful to Rachel and all the other carers who have helped me to be at home. We’ve become good friends. She makes friends everywhere.”

Rachel said: “It’s a very satisfying job and I enjoy meeting everyone. I’d recommend this job as it’s really good to be in the community. I like to see young people come into the role.”

Councillor Carol Ellis, Executive Member for Social Services, said: "Rachel is an excellent role model for all of us, old and young. The difference Rachel has made to so many lives must
be immense and I am delighted to support her work with us."

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Flintshire kids see democracy in action

Pupils from Mountain Lane Primary School will see how their local council works during a visit to Flintshire County Hall, Mold.

The school council will meet Flintshire’s Chairman Councillor Colin Legg and local member Councillor Mike Peers on Friday, November 20, at 10.30am.

They will have a tour of the Council chamber and see how democracy works.

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Flintshire Sports Personality of the Year – last chance to nominate

Time is running out to nominate your local sporting heroes in this year’s Flintshire Sports Personality of the Year awards.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, 20 November. Anyone can nominate, and anyone can be nominated from the person that washes your club kit to a national sporting hero.

Nomination forms are available to download from Flintshire County Council web site follow the links from Sports Development/Flintshire Sports Council/Flintshire Sports Personality of the Year, by phone 01352 702461, or email helen_hughes@flintshire.gov.uk.

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Hidden crimes in Denbighshire

Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire local domestic abuse forums have joined forces and will be holding a Hidden Crimes Conference at The Oriel Country Hotel, St Asaph, on Tuesday 17 November.

This one day event is supported by the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership and will see delegates coming from England and across the principality of Wales.

The forums recognise that it is not only women and children who are affected by domestic abuse, but that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age ethnicity or religion.

The conference will bring together key people to share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice. The day will be informative and varied with both local and national keynote speakers and presentations - raising awareness of the hidden crimes emerging in our communities.

During the day there will be a range of thought-provoking presentations, including:

• DC Jason Morgan from the Metropolitan Police who is part of a unit which campaigns to protect children in London from the harmful traditional practice of female genital mutilation.
• Abigail Stepnitz the national coordinator for the Poppy Project which provides support and accommodation to women trafficked into the UK.
• The North Wales Women’s Centre which provides a wide range of services to women and has supported over 900 women to date.

There will also be presentations on issues faced for older victims and children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse.

Pupils at Rhyl High School have worked hard to produce a mural depicting their thoughts on the issue of domestic abuse in preparation for International White Ribbon Day on 25 November. Emrys AP Iwan A level drama students have produced a play on young people and sexual bullying and violence and they will be performing it on the day.

Michelle Davidson Beck Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator says “We have been overwhelmed with the response to attend this conference and hope that by raising awareness of these hidden crimes, agencies and professionals will work in partnership to tackle these issues to make our communities a safer place to live in”

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A Flintshire youth worker is encouraging other people to consider becoming youth workers

Dave Butler has worked as a Youth Worker for 14 years and first joined as a volunteer. He runs the Mynydd Isa youth club which meets twice a week at the community centre adjacent to Argoed High School.

He has followed through a training process up to his current position as a Worker in Charge.

Dave said: “It’s very rewarding. It’s about trying to empower young people.

We get around 40 to 50 kids at every session and we provide a real mix of activities for them to get involved with.”

Dave said the club runs ‘traditional’ youth club pastimes such as sports and arts and crafts but also provides curriculum based activities including workshops on relationships and drug and alcohol awareness.

Dave said: “It’s really enjoyable and it’s great to get to know the young people and understand where they’re coming from. It’s fantastic to gain the respect of the kids and to be included in their community.”

The youth club runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm – 9.30pm for young people aged 11 to 18.

Brendan Mcloughlin, Assistant County Youth Officer, said: “Dave and his team are doing a great job there and the young people really appreciate them."

For further information about becoming a youth worker working on a part time basis in the evenings in one of the many youth clubs in Flintshire, ring 01352 704032. This is an opportunity for people who are interested in making a positive contribution to the personal and social development of young people.

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Collision in Saltney

A man has been taken to hospital following a road traffic collision in Saltney.

Shortly before 3pm police were informed of a two-vehicle collision on the junction between Boundary Lane and Sandy Lane.

Ambulance and Fire and Rescue Service attended and a man was taken to hospital with what is believed to be minor injuries.

The collision was between two Vauxhall Vectra’s and recovery has been requested.

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Theatr Clwyd Cymru gets ready for the Christmas Season

The same team who made Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella - The Panto With Soul sell-out Christmas shows in Mold for the past two years, is back again.

Robin Hood and the Babes In The Wood is a magical adventure story which follows Robin Hood's attempts to outwit the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, free the unfortunate Babes and their outrageous Nanny, Nellie Nightnurse, and marry the beautiful Maid Marion. The result is a fast and furious musical version of this traditional tale to delight all the family.

The talented cast of ten actor/musicians serve up over twenty rock and soul classic songs including The Hippy Hippy Shake, I Shot the Sheriff, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, I Can't Help Myself, Signed, Sealed and Delivered and many more.

Robin Hood and the Babes In The Wood combines exciting live music with all the fun of traditional panto to create the perfect Christmas show.
Great Festive entertainment does not come any better!

As in previous years the Clwyd Christmas panto is already proving to be very popular. Tickets are selling fast, with some performances already sold out. As ever, early booking is recommended.

You can see Robin Hood at the Anthony Hopkins Theatre from Friday 20th November 2009 - Saturday 23rd January 2010.

Another Christmas classic, Charles Dickens's 'A Christmas Carol' is also coming to Theatr Clwyd. Presented The Carpe Momento company, the ageless tale has been adapted and performed by Robert Perkins.

'A Christmas Carol' is presented as a wonderfully theatrical experience as Robert uses voice and gesture to people the stage and recreate the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge - an embittered, lonely old miser who finds a second chance to become a generous, caring human being. We meet Scrooge's well-meaning relatives and the poor but happy Cratchit family. And this one-man show is accompanied by a series of ghostly visitations!

You can see 'A Christmas Carol' from Wednesday 9th - Thursday 31st December 2009 7.15pm, Matinees 2.15pm.

Clwyd Theatr Cymru is supported by Arts Council of Wales.

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Flintshire swimmer awarded

Following 12 months of swimming lessons at Holywell Leisure Centre Steve Williams has been awarded the Kelloggs ASA Senior National Swimmer of the Year.

Recently Steve, together with his Swimming Teacher, Karen Snee, had the honour of attending the Kelloggs ASA Swimtastic Awards in Stratford –Upon-Avon. After an amazing day with past and present swimming stars Steve was presented with Senior Swimmer of the Year Gold Award 2009.

Steve, from Ffynnongroyw, showed great commitment and dedication as he battled to overcome severe aquaphobia together with mental health and physical problems. Within eighteen months Steve had gone from a totally terrified non swimmer to a very able and competent swimmer, being the first student from Karen’s lessons to gain Level Five Adult Skills and Stamina Award. Steve is now able to swim continuously for well over an hour and is considering learning to be a Swimming Teacher.

Karen’s Adult Beginner Lessons are held on a Tuesday evening in Holywell Leisure Centre. Men and women of all ages are invited to join the supportive group. For more information please contact the centre on 01352 712027.

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Housing advice for young people in Flintshire

A new service providing housing related support for young people who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless has been launched in Flintshire.

Flintshire’s Supporting People Team is working with The Wallich to provide support staff for young people. Supporting People is a grant funded programme responsible for delivering accommodation based support to vulnerable people to assist them to maintain independent living and prevent and reduce homelessness in the county.

The project aims to provide support to assist vulnerable young people to secure permanent or more suitable accommodation or maintain their current accommodation.

Staff will be able to provide and assist with welfare rights, budgeting, household maintenance and related independent living skills. They will also help the young person develop their support networks with friends, family and the community and maximise their opportunities for training and development. Each young person will be given a support plan agreed with them and subject to regular reviews.

Councillor Eric Owen, Supporting People Champion, said: “This new project will make an important contribution to preventing young people in Flintshire from becoming homeless and encouraging them to make positive life choices.”

For more information about this project or to request a referral pack please contact The Wallich on 01352 218382 or e-mail ypfs@thewalllich.net

Photograph: Left to right - Jonathan Roberts – Support Worker – The Wallich, Hayley Willis – Support Worker – The Wallich, Sharon Towers – Deputy Area Manager – The Wallich, Stephen Gamgee M.B.E. – Chief Executive – The Wallich, Councillor Eric Owen – Supporting People Champion, Kimberley Caruana – Reviewing Officer – Supporting People.

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Clothing collections

Flintshire Trading Standards service is again warning householders in the County to be watchful for leaflets coming through doors looking for donations of unwanted clothing and shoes.

There are many commercial companies who purport to collect clothes for distribution amongst charitable organisations when they are in fact sold for profit. These leaflets often appear to be from charities but Trading Standards advises everyone to look at the leaflets closely.

Flintshire County Council Trading Standards has become aware of some leaflets that have been put through doors in the county where the operation is anything but a charity. The leaflet gives the name and registration number of a company but enquiries have shown that the company had been dissolved and the registration number given was for a totally unrelated company. Therefore those behind this profit making venture cannot be traced.

Dr Paul McGreary, Flintshire County Council’s Head of Public Protection,
said:

“The advice we offer is that householders should only donate their unwanted clothes and shoes to well known charitable organisations. These charities will clearly show the full name and address of the charity together with their registration number. This number can be checked out by calling the Charity Commission helpline on 0870 333 0123. If anyone receives a leaflet from an organisation without the relevant charity number and especially if it suggests that the clothing will be distributed in Eastern European countries Trading Standards would like to know where and when these collectors will be in the area. Please contact Flintshire Trading Standards on 01352 703181.”

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Mark Isherwood AM to launch learndirect at Mold Library and Museum

Deeside College has been working with selected Flintshire libraries on a pilot project over the past two months, introducing students to learndirect, an online learning facility they can access through their local library.

On Friday, 13 November at 10am Mark Isherwood, AM will meet with learndirect students and staff from both the college and the library to formally launch the scheme.

Learndirect is the largest e-learning network in Wales, and enables people to access a huge range of courses direct from home or a local community venue, at a time to suit them. Many of the basic courses are free, and include English, maths and ICT. Flint, Holywell and Mold libraries have become link centres where prospective students can try a free demonstration and taster course, and get further information about what’s available from specialist tutors from Deeside College. They can then continue to use the computers in their local library to follow their chosen course if they wish. Learnrdirect will be rolled out to more libraries in the New Year.

For further information please contact Nia Wyn Jones, Community Librarian on 01352 754791.

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Update: Wounding in Flint

Update regarding the incident on Sydney Street in Flint during the early hours of yesterday morning (Sunday, 8th November):

The 19-year-old man who was arrested has now been charged.

Konrad Semeniuk, who lives in the Flint area, has been charged with two counts of Grievous Bodily Harm with intent.

He has been remanded to appear before Mold Magistrates this morning (Tuesday, 10th November).

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