A TRIO of high school pupils are to appear on TV with a top star.
The Castell Alun, Hope pupils are set to take part in Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab.
The three friends will be on the CBBC programme this weekend on Saturday, July 25, when they will be tested on their knowledge of science to compete for prizes.
George Price, 13, from Kinnerton, Shaun May, 13, from Hope, and Edward Spruce, 13, from Kinnerton competed on the show as the team Boom Shacalaca.
They will be going up against The Science Sisters from Dorset.Each programme has a different theme, and this week’s theme is terminal velocity.
The series is set in Top Gear star Hammond’s fictitious underground science laboratory.
The two teams have to impress Richard and the studio audience before going head-to-head for four rounds as they battle to win points and prizes.
The show is broadcast at 8.30am on Saturday, on BBC2.
Showing posts with label Wrexham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wrexham. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Award celebrates skills of busy young Wrexham musician
TALENTED Rachel Hall has been presented with a prestigious honour celebrating her amazing musical skills.
Nineteen-year-old Wrexham-born Rachel has received an award from the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation which is run by the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Last year only 15 young musicians in the UK were awarded the prize, demonstrating the exceptionally high standards required.
As a young child Rachel briefly dabbled with the violin while at the Rofft Primary School, before beginning to learn the clarinet aged nine.
Finding that she had a natural ability in music, Rachel taught herself to play flute when she started secondary school.
When she was 14, Rachel was identified by Wrexham Music Services as a talented musician and was asked to take up the bassoon.
Within three months of being given a county bassoon to play and having less than 30 minutes of tuition a week, she played it with the Wrexham Youth Orchestra.
Rachel also played bassoon, clarinet and flute for Wrexham Senior County Band.
She toured with them to Belgium in 2006, and Holland in 2008. Rachel is currently the principal bassoonist for North Wales Youth Orchestra and the Four Counties Youth Orchestra.
She is also guest bassoonist for North Powys Youth Orchestra.
In 2006, Rachel started bassoon lessons with Hazel Barrett and through Hazel met Alan Pendlebury, Principal Bassoon with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who now takes an active role in mentoring Rachel.
It was also in 2006 that Rachel took the decision to specialise in bassoon.Since 2008, Rachel has been studying for a BA(Hons) Music at Leeds College of Music.
She is studying bassoon with David Baker of Opera North. At college Rachel plays in the Leeds Community Symphony Orchestra, LCM Sinfonietta, LCM Pit Band and LCM Opera Orchestra plus several quintets.
She is currently the only student in the college studying bassoon as their first instrument.
This year she completed a successful concert tour to Luxembourg with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales.Rachel is also founding member of Saxafaction, a much acclaimed saxophone quartet.
Rachel now enjoys arranging music for bassoon quartets.
She records the pieces in her free time at college, playing all of the parts herself.Although Rachel enjoys playing classical music her ambition is to become a pit musician and work in musical theatre.
Rachel has recently played bassoon, baritone sax, clarinet and flute for a performance of the musical Follies at LCM and also had great fun playing saxophone in a pantomime rock band for The Maelor School in Wrexham.
Nineteen-year-old Wrexham-born Rachel has received an award from the Sir John Barbirolli Memorial Foundation which is run by the Royal Philharmonic Society.
Last year only 15 young musicians in the UK were awarded the prize, demonstrating the exceptionally high standards required.
As a young child Rachel briefly dabbled with the violin while at the Rofft Primary School, before beginning to learn the clarinet aged nine.
Finding that she had a natural ability in music, Rachel taught herself to play flute when she started secondary school.
When she was 14, Rachel was identified by Wrexham Music Services as a talented musician and was asked to take up the bassoon.
Within three months of being given a county bassoon to play and having less than 30 minutes of tuition a week, she played it with the Wrexham Youth Orchestra.
Rachel also played bassoon, clarinet and flute for Wrexham Senior County Band.
She toured with them to Belgium in 2006, and Holland in 2008. Rachel is currently the principal bassoonist for North Wales Youth Orchestra and the Four Counties Youth Orchestra.
She is also guest bassoonist for North Powys Youth Orchestra.
In 2006, Rachel started bassoon lessons with Hazel Barrett and through Hazel met Alan Pendlebury, Principal Bassoon with The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra who now takes an active role in mentoring Rachel.
It was also in 2006 that Rachel took the decision to specialise in bassoon.Since 2008, Rachel has been studying for a BA(Hons) Music at Leeds College of Music.
She is studying bassoon with David Baker of Opera North. At college Rachel plays in the Leeds Community Symphony Orchestra, LCM Sinfonietta, LCM Pit Band and LCM Opera Orchestra plus several quintets.
She is currently the only student in the college studying bassoon as their first instrument.
This year she completed a successful concert tour to Luxembourg with the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Wales.Rachel is also founding member of Saxafaction, a much acclaimed saxophone quartet.
Rachel now enjoys arranging music for bassoon quartets.
She records the pieces in her free time at college, playing all of the parts herself.Although Rachel enjoys playing classical music her ambition is to become a pit musician and work in musical theatre.
Rachel has recently played bassoon, baritone sax, clarinet and flute for a performance of the musical Follies at LCM and also had great fun playing saxophone in a pantomime rock band for The Maelor School in Wrexham.
Woman and child injured in ambulance crash in Bwlchgwyn
AN ambulance on its way to an emergency call was involved in an accident.
The ambulance was driving with blue lights flashing along Old Road, Bwlchgwyn, at 2.30pm on Tuesday when it collided with a Vauxhall Corsa.
The ambulance was on the way to another accident where a Renault vehicle overturned on the A5104 Llandegla to Bryneglwys road.
A woman trapped in the flipped Renault was rescued by firefighters who used cutting equipment to free her.
She was then taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital suffering with a knee injury.
A second passenger, a man, was checked over by paramedics.
During the crash between the ambulance and the Vauxhall Corsa, a woman received a leg and arm injury and was also taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
She had a child with her.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance was involved in a road traffic collision near Gwynfryn on the B5430 at 2.32pm while making its way on a blue light procedure to another accident near Bryneglwys.
More emergency resources were sent straight away to Bryneglwys.“Two ambulances and an officer were sent to the scene at Gwynfryn, a female with a broken arm and a child suffering from shock were taken to hospital.
“Two ambulances attended the scene of the first incident at Bryneglwys, a female with a knee injury and a male were taken to the Wrexham Maelor for a check up.”
Four casualties – described as having minor injuries – were taken to the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham by ambulance following a crash early yesterday morning.
The incident, which involved two vehicles, happened shortly before 7am at Wynnville in Ruabon. The fire service attended and used hydraulic equipment as part of the operation.
The ambulance was driving with blue lights flashing along Old Road, Bwlchgwyn, at 2.30pm on Tuesday when it collided with a Vauxhall Corsa.
The ambulance was on the way to another accident where a Renault vehicle overturned on the A5104 Llandegla to Bryneglwys road.
A woman trapped in the flipped Renault was rescued by firefighters who used cutting equipment to free her.
She was then taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital suffering with a knee injury.
A second passenger, a man, was checked over by paramedics.
During the crash between the ambulance and the Vauxhall Corsa, a woman received a leg and arm injury and was also taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
She had a child with her.
A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “An ambulance was involved in a road traffic collision near Gwynfryn on the B5430 at 2.32pm while making its way on a blue light procedure to another accident near Bryneglwys.
More emergency resources were sent straight away to Bryneglwys.“Two ambulances and an officer were sent to the scene at Gwynfryn, a female with a broken arm and a child suffering from shock were taken to hospital.
“Two ambulances attended the scene of the first incident at Bryneglwys, a female with a knee injury and a male were taken to the Wrexham Maelor for a check up.”
Four casualties – described as having minor injuries – were taken to the Maelor Hospital in Wrexham by ambulance following a crash early yesterday morning.
The incident, which involved two vehicles, happened shortly before 7am at Wynnville in Ruabon. The fire service attended and used hydraulic equipment as part of the operation.
Travellers’ plea to Wrexham residents: ‘Don’t be frightened of us’
By Claire Gallagher
TRAVELLERS have sent out a message to worried residents: ‘We’re not bad people’.
The Romany gipsies living on their own land off Daisy Lane, Rossett, are anxious to put their case after another group of travellers set up camp in Wrexham last week.
A group of travellers, unknown to the gipsies living at Daisy Lane, set up camp on Maesgwyn playing fields last week.
The Daisy Lane families say they have sympathy for the other group because there are not enough pitches for travellers in Wrexham.
Jeremy Wells, 30, who lives with his wife Lisa, 33, and their six children at Daisy Lane said: “The problem is there is nowhere to go for them and nowhere they can dispose of rubbish properly.”
Speaking about the public’s negative attitude to travellers, Mr Wells (pictured) said: “The problem is people don’t know us.“We want to say to the public ‘don’t be frightened of us’.
“We don’t want this negative image because we’re not all like that.“We have never caused any trouble here and live in a peaceful community.
“We don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as other travellers who may cause trouble.”
The six families on the site are waiting for the planning inspectorate to rule on an application to change the land from agricultural to have six caravan pitches.
They have spent thousands of pounds renovating the park to make it into a home and pay for electricity, have a sewage system and a septic tank as well as a small shed serving as a utility room.
Mr Wells added: “We pay our taxes like everyone else,” added Jeremy.
The children, Jeremy Jnr, three, Diomante, four, Analise, nine Shamalia, eight months, Soniell, eight and Sinead five, go to St Peter’s school in Rossett and Mr and Mrs Wells are registered with a doctor in Rossett.
Lisa Wells said: “It would be nice to have more respect,” said Lisa.
“A few people have not looked at me or have called my children names.”But the couple say that in general the community has been supportive.
The planning decision for the Daisy Lane site is expected in the next couple of weeks and say they will appeal if it does not go in their favour.
TRAVELLERS have sent out a message to worried residents: ‘We’re not bad people’.
The Romany gipsies living on their own land off Daisy Lane, Rossett, are anxious to put their case after another group of travellers set up camp in Wrexham last week.
A group of travellers, unknown to the gipsies living at Daisy Lane, set up camp on Maesgwyn playing fields last week.
The Daisy Lane families say they have sympathy for the other group because there are not enough pitches for travellers in Wrexham.
Jeremy Wells, 30, who lives with his wife Lisa, 33, and their six children at Daisy Lane said: “The problem is there is nowhere to go for them and nowhere they can dispose of rubbish properly.”
Speaking about the public’s negative attitude to travellers, Mr Wells (pictured) said: “The problem is people don’t know us.“We want to say to the public ‘don’t be frightened of us’.
“We don’t want this negative image because we’re not all like that.“We have never caused any trouble here and live in a peaceful community.
“We don’t want to be tarred with the same brush as other travellers who may cause trouble.”
The six families on the site are waiting for the planning inspectorate to rule on an application to change the land from agricultural to have six caravan pitches.
They have spent thousands of pounds renovating the park to make it into a home and pay for electricity, have a sewage system and a septic tank as well as a small shed serving as a utility room.
Mr Wells added: “We pay our taxes like everyone else,” added Jeremy.
The children, Jeremy Jnr, three, Diomante, four, Analise, nine Shamalia, eight months, Soniell, eight and Sinead five, go to St Peter’s school in Rossett and Mr and Mrs Wells are registered with a doctor in Rossett.
Lisa Wells said: “It would be nice to have more respect,” said Lisa.
“A few people have not looked at me or have called my children names.”But the couple say that in general the community has been supportive.
The planning decision for the Daisy Lane site is expected in the next couple of weeks and say they will appeal if it does not go in their favour.
Wrexham traffic wardens issues 7,349 fines last year
By Matt Sims
WREXHAM’S traffic wardens issued 7,349 fines in the last year – exceeding their target by more than 1,500 and costing the council an extra £13,000 in processing costs.
Parking enforcement officers in the county were so keen they even beat bigger targets laid down for the next two years, with the vast majority of penalty charge notices issued in the town centre.
Because the processing of fines has been outsourced by Wrexham Council to Denbighshire, the local authority had to pay a levy on every penalty sent to the neighbouring authority – which cost the council more than double the amount it had expected to pay.
More than 59 per cent of fines – a total of 4,348 – were issued for a variety of ‘on street’ parking offences in Wrexham town centre, while nearly 39 per cent – 2,859 – were handed out in Wrexham Council’s car parks.
The total was not only higher than originally anticipated, but also more than the 6,600 target set each year for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The figures will be discussed by a meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee today.
A report to go before councillors by chief transportation officer Martin Wright reads: “Parking services not only exceeded the levels of penalty charge notices estimated for year one but also the estimate for subsequent years.
“This is a positive sign that the service is delivering what is expected.
”For each fine processed by the Wales Penalty Processing Partnership (WPPP), based in Denbighshire, Wrexham Council was charged a levy of £6.55 – more than predicted because other authorities did not issue their expected levels of notices.
In his report Mr Wright says: “The expected payment in 2008/09 due to WPPP was £26,150 whereas the actual payment was £53,000.
“As a consequence... the CPE (civil parking enforcement) budget was overspent by £13,000, which was absorbed by the transportation and asset management department.”
Mr Wright goes on to claim in the report that, since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement from police, improvements have been seen across Wrexham.
He says: “Anecdotal evidence suggest that the county borough’s traffic flow has improved, parking at the county’s schools is safer, there has been a reduction in misuse of the blue badge scheme and it is easier to park in the town centre.”
WREXHAM’S traffic wardens issued 7,349 fines in the last year – exceeding their target by more than 1,500 and costing the council an extra £13,000 in processing costs.
Parking enforcement officers in the county were so keen they even beat bigger targets laid down for the next two years, with the vast majority of penalty charge notices issued in the town centre.
Because the processing of fines has been outsourced by Wrexham Council to Denbighshire, the local authority had to pay a levy on every penalty sent to the neighbouring authority – which cost the council more than double the amount it had expected to pay.
More than 59 per cent of fines – a total of 4,348 – were issued for a variety of ‘on street’ parking offences in Wrexham town centre, while nearly 39 per cent – 2,859 – were handed out in Wrexham Council’s car parks.
The total was not only higher than originally anticipated, but also more than the 6,600 target set each year for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The figures will be discussed by a meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee today.
A report to go before councillors by chief transportation officer Martin Wright reads: “Parking services not only exceeded the levels of penalty charge notices estimated for year one but also the estimate for subsequent years.
“This is a positive sign that the service is delivering what is expected.
”For each fine processed by the Wales Penalty Processing Partnership (WPPP), based in Denbighshire, Wrexham Council was charged a levy of £6.55 – more than predicted because other authorities did not issue their expected levels of notices.
In his report Mr Wright says: “The expected payment in 2008/09 due to WPPP was £26,150 whereas the actual payment was £53,000.
“As a consequence... the CPE (civil parking enforcement) budget was overspent by £13,000, which was absorbed by the transportation and asset management department.”
Mr Wright goes on to claim in the report that, since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement from police, improvements have been seen across Wrexham.
He says: “Anecdotal evidence suggest that the county borough’s traffic flow has improved, parking at the county’s schools is safer, there has been a reduction in misuse of the blue badge scheme and it is easier to park in the town centre.”
Wrexham firm tackles ministers over way of generating ‘greener’ power
A COMPANY is at the cutting edge of the drive towards a “greener” economy and creating new jobs.
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Young Wrexham swine flu victim recovering well
by Garth ApThomas
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
Wrexham taxi driver assault man claims his drinks had been spiked
By Claire Gallagher
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wrexham workers delighted at Toyota jobs boost
A TOYOTA worker from Wrexham has spoken of his relief after the car giant announced it will build new hybrid engines at its Deeside plant from next year.
As we reported on Friday, the Japanese firm will be making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in the UK from mid-2010, with the cars being manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire and the engines being made in Deeside.
It is hoped the news will help safeguard the jobs of about 550 workers at the Deeside plant, which has endured a difficult year due to the recession.
Marc Baird, 28, from Borras, who works at the Deeside plant, said the news had come at a ‘crucial time’ for workers at the factory.
He said: “It’s really good news for Toyota, but looking at the bigger picture it’s great news for the area as well as the environment, which is important to think about today.
“I think it will be exciting working on the hybrids, which is a new thing in modern engine production.
“Toyota haven’t done anything like this in the UK before, so to be part of a groundbreaking project is a real boost for everyone that works here.”
The news will provide a much-needed morale boost at the Deeside plant, which was effectively shut down temporarily during a non-production week in April.
Working hours and basic pay were cut by 10 per cent earlier this year.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami described the announcement of the hybrid engine plan as ‘outstanding news’ for the area.
He said: “The hybrid engine will be the first to ever be produced for the firm outside the US or Japan.
“Hybrid technology has enormous potential and I am confident this will secure the long-term future for many skilled workers at the Deeside plant.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for Wales, hailed the decision as ‘an investment by a world-class company in a world-class facility’.
Toyota began engine production at Deeside in 1992.
It was previously thought that Toyota would not start making the new model for another three years.
As we reported on Friday, the Japanese firm will be making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in the UK from mid-2010, with the cars being manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire and the engines being made in Deeside.
It is hoped the news will help safeguard the jobs of about 550 workers at the Deeside plant, which has endured a difficult year due to the recession.
Marc Baird, 28, from Borras, who works at the Deeside plant, said the news had come at a ‘crucial time’ for workers at the factory.
He said: “It’s really good news for Toyota, but looking at the bigger picture it’s great news for the area as well as the environment, which is important to think about today.
“I think it will be exciting working on the hybrids, which is a new thing in modern engine production.
“Toyota haven’t done anything like this in the UK before, so to be part of a groundbreaking project is a real boost for everyone that works here.”
The news will provide a much-needed morale boost at the Deeside plant, which was effectively shut down temporarily during a non-production week in April.
Working hours and basic pay were cut by 10 per cent earlier this year.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami described the announcement of the hybrid engine plan as ‘outstanding news’ for the area.
He said: “The hybrid engine will be the first to ever be produced for the firm outside the US or Japan.
“Hybrid technology has enormous potential and I am confident this will secure the long-term future for many skilled workers at the Deeside plant.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for Wales, hailed the decision as ‘an investment by a world-class company in a world-class facility’.
Toyota began engine production at Deeside in 1992.
It was previously thought that Toyota would not start making the new model for another three years.
Meet the Wrexham man who speaks Welsh, English...and Klingon
WHEN it comes to learning languages Alex Greene’s skills can be described as being absolutely out of this world.
Alex is fluent in Welsh, English and Klingon - a fictional race which was created as part of the ever-popular science fiction television and film series Star Trek.
Alex, from Hightown, said that he decided to take up the challenge of mastering the Klingon tongue when he attended a Star Trek convention some years ago.
As part of the event there was a Klingon dictionary available. Alex enthusiastically bought a copy and steadfastly set about his studies.
It took Alex, aged 46, about 12 months to become proficient and now he greatly enjoys regularly getting in touch with fellow Klingonists.
“My favourite characters in Star Trek are Lieutenant Uhura and Hoshi Sato who are communication officers and that’s what I like to do, communicate with people.
“As well as the languages which I can speak fluently I also have a smattering of French, Latin and Japanese. It is a subject which I find totally fascinating.”
Alex said his great ambition would be to utilise the varied and extensive skill set that he has developed in a satisfying career progression.
Asked if he ever thought it might be a waste of time to become fluent in a language which has its origins in a television show, Alex pauses briefly, smiles patiently and then answers: “No, not at all.
"This is something which I have wanted to learn and enjoyed doing so. I have found it to be very worthwhile.”
The Klingon Dictionary was launched in the mid 1980s.
It has gone on to prove to be a very popular publication with hundreds of thousands of copies being sold.
Enthusiasts have also created a Klingon Language Institute which is reported to have translated epic works such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Klingon
Alex is fluent in Welsh, English and Klingon - a fictional race which was created as part of the ever-popular science fiction television and film series Star Trek.
Alex, from Hightown, said that he decided to take up the challenge of mastering the Klingon tongue when he attended a Star Trek convention some years ago.
As part of the event there was a Klingon dictionary available. Alex enthusiastically bought a copy and steadfastly set about his studies.
It took Alex, aged 46, about 12 months to become proficient and now he greatly enjoys regularly getting in touch with fellow Klingonists.
“My favourite characters in Star Trek are Lieutenant Uhura and Hoshi Sato who are communication officers and that’s what I like to do, communicate with people.
“As well as the languages which I can speak fluently I also have a smattering of French, Latin and Japanese. It is a subject which I find totally fascinating.”
Alex said his great ambition would be to utilise the varied and extensive skill set that he has developed in a satisfying career progression.
Asked if he ever thought it might be a waste of time to become fluent in a language which has its origins in a television show, Alex pauses briefly, smiles patiently and then answers: “No, not at all.
"This is something which I have wanted to learn and enjoyed doing so. I have found it to be very worthwhile.”
The Klingon Dictionary was launched in the mid 1980s.
It has gone on to prove to be a very popular publication with hundreds of thousands of copies being sold.
Enthusiasts have also created a Klingon Language Institute which is reported to have translated epic works such as Shakespeare’s Hamlet into Klingon
MP ignites jobs row with Wrexham Council
A FIERCE row has erupted over Wrexham Council’s record on attracting new jobs to the borough.
Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones says that when it comes to the authority’s handling of planning applications he wonders whether the ‘right hand knows what the left hand is doing’.
But council leader, Cllr Aled Roberts, says the planning committee must be allowed to operate without ‘political interference’.
The row blew up after Mr Jones hit out at the council’s recent rejection of a plan by Kingsmoor Park Properties Ltd to build two new warehouses on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The bid was supported by TDG, a local employer which wanted to expand its existing Wrexham facility on to the site.
A second unit was also being promoted for another local company.Councillors refused permission on policy grounds as the application sought permission for two occupiers of the new floor space whereas the unitary development policy limits the site to a single occupier.
But Mr Jones launched an attack on Cllr Roberts on the basis of his comments in the Evening Leader last week in which he said North East Wales needed to attract new businesses.
The MP said: “I am stunned the council can claim to be working to support local businesses when they turn down planning proposals that could support the local economy and workers on mere technicalities.
“You do wonder sometimes whether the right hand knows what the left hand is doing.”
Mr Jones added: “TDG’s proposal would have developed the Wrexham Industrial Estate and brought new jobs into the region.
“Maybe the rigid application of the rules in this case has some deeper motive behind it.
“It does seem hypocritical to be denying opportunities to local businesses one week and then waxing lyrical about the need for more local business jobs in the area.”
Cllr Roberts hit back: “I was not aware until Martyn Jones’ press release that Wrexham Council was responsible for all the job losses within the manufacturing sector in Wrexham.
“Obviously Mr Jones does not accept any responsibility on behalf of the UK government for the area’s current economic performance.
“I would have hoped we would be working together to tackle the serious difficulties we face.
“Although Mr Jones would have us believe otherwise, there has been discussion regarding the apparent conflict between the need to follow planning law and the need to provide jobs.
“That is why the council’s Economic Development Department was a supporter of the TDG application rejected by the planning committee.”He added: “Due to our statutory responsibilities the planning committee must be allowed to operate without political interference.
“Mr Jones seems to imply that planning applications should be considered differently if they are made by big business compared to other residents.
“My comments were that this council will do everything it can to attract jobs to the area working alongside the Welsh Assembly Government and UK agencies but this will not be at the price of forcing our planners to adopt one rule for business and another for everyone else.”
Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones says that when it comes to the authority’s handling of planning applications he wonders whether the ‘right hand knows what the left hand is doing’.
But council leader, Cllr Aled Roberts, says the planning committee must be allowed to operate without ‘political interference’.
The row blew up after Mr Jones hit out at the council’s recent rejection of a plan by Kingsmoor Park Properties Ltd to build two new warehouses on Wrexham Industrial Estate.
The bid was supported by TDG, a local employer which wanted to expand its existing Wrexham facility on to the site.
A second unit was also being promoted for another local company.Councillors refused permission on policy grounds as the application sought permission for two occupiers of the new floor space whereas the unitary development policy limits the site to a single occupier.
But Mr Jones launched an attack on Cllr Roberts on the basis of his comments in the Evening Leader last week in which he said North East Wales needed to attract new businesses.
The MP said: “I am stunned the council can claim to be working to support local businesses when they turn down planning proposals that could support the local economy and workers on mere technicalities.
“You do wonder sometimes whether the right hand knows what the left hand is doing.”
Mr Jones added: “TDG’s proposal would have developed the Wrexham Industrial Estate and brought new jobs into the region.
“Maybe the rigid application of the rules in this case has some deeper motive behind it.
“It does seem hypocritical to be denying opportunities to local businesses one week and then waxing lyrical about the need for more local business jobs in the area.”
Cllr Roberts hit back: “I was not aware until Martyn Jones’ press release that Wrexham Council was responsible for all the job losses within the manufacturing sector in Wrexham.
“Obviously Mr Jones does not accept any responsibility on behalf of the UK government for the area’s current economic performance.
“I would have hoped we would be working together to tackle the serious difficulties we face.
“Although Mr Jones would have us believe otherwise, there has been discussion regarding the apparent conflict between the need to follow planning law and the need to provide jobs.
“That is why the council’s Economic Development Department was a supporter of the TDG application rejected by the planning committee.”He added: “Due to our statutory responsibilities the planning committee must be allowed to operate without political interference.
“Mr Jones seems to imply that planning applications should be considered differently if they are made by big business compared to other residents.
“My comments were that this council will do everything it can to attract jobs to the area working alongside the Welsh Assembly Government and UK agencies but this will not be at the price of forcing our planners to adopt one rule for business and another for everyone else.”
Police appeal for witnesses after Wrexham crash victim named
THE driver of a car who died following a road accident near Wrexham on Sunday night has been named.
He was Aaron Griffiths-Mahoney, aged 20, from Brynteg. The collision took place at New Road in Rhosddu at about 10.45pm.
A statement from North Wales Police which was issued yesterday said a male passenger – believed to be aged 22 – who was in the car with Mr Griffiths-Mahoney is in hospital with injuries which are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the accident after it was reported. The road was closed for a period of time, with diversions put in place.
North Wales Police are carrying out an investigation into the tragedy and house to house inquiries in the area have been conducted.
The force is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle, a Peugeot 106 prior to the collision taking place, to get in contact with them.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to telephone PC 450 Aled Jackson at the Eastern Road Policing Unit.
He can be contacted on 0845 607 1001 for the Welsh language line and 0845 607 1002 for the English language line.
If you knew Mr Griffiths-Mahoney and would like to pay tribute to him, you can do so on the Evening Leader website. or by emailing us at news@evening leader.co.uk
He was Aaron Griffiths-Mahoney, aged 20, from Brynteg. The collision took place at New Road in Rhosddu at about 10.45pm.
A statement from North Wales Police which was issued yesterday said a male passenger – believed to be aged 22 – who was in the car with Mr Griffiths-Mahoney is in hospital with injuries which are described as serious but not thought to be life threatening.
Emergency services rushed to the scene of the accident after it was reported. The road was closed for a period of time, with diversions put in place.
North Wales Police are carrying out an investigation into the tragedy and house to house inquiries in the area have been conducted.
The force is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen the vehicle, a Peugeot 106 prior to the collision taking place, to get in contact with them.
Anyone who is able to help is asked to telephone PC 450 Aled Jackson at the Eastern Road Policing Unit.
He can be contacted on 0845 607 1001 for the Welsh language line and 0845 607 1002 for the English language line.
If you knew Mr Griffiths-Mahoney and would like to pay tribute to him, you can do so on the Evening Leader website. or by emailing us at news@evening leader.co.uk
Wrexham 'psychic' made 70 hoax 999 calls
By Claire Gallagher
A WOMAN has admitted making 70 hoax calls to the emergency services.
Julie Ann Pritchard made the calls from her Llangollen home and on one occasion said she was psychic and thought something ‘bad would happen’.
Wrexham magistrates court heard that on most occasions Pritchard, 48, was drunk and during one call asked the operator for a taxi.
Pritchard, of Hill Street, admitted making the hoax calls on May 31, June 1, June 2, June 11 and June 12.
She admitted 29 offences in court and was fined for 41 of the remaining offences.
Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “When she was making the calls other genuine calls could not get through.
“On May 31, she phoned 999 at 6.24pm and wasn’t making any sense.“She called to say she wasn’t abusing 999.
“At 7pm she said she wanted to press charges against another member of her family.“The officer attended and she refused to open the door.”
Miss Downing said that at 7.22pm Pritchard called again and when the operator told her to stop phoning 999 she told them to “hush.”She phoned again at 7.38pm, 7.41pm and 7.52pm.
The court heard that on June 1, Pritchard called 999 four times.
On June 2 and 3 she made more calls when “intoxicated,” Miss Downing said.
“At 39 minutes past midnight on June 4 she called to say she does not like the people of Llangollen,” she said.“She also said she called to have a ‘talk’.”
During the same call she said she had cooked a meal for her boyfriend and that they were going to watch a film.
On June 11, Pritchard called to say she thought something bad would happen because she was psychic.“She was abusive and slurring her words,” said Miss Downing.
On June 12, she said she had to get a taxi for her friend and the operator told her that 999 was not a taxi service.
At 8.15pm on this day Pritchard phoned and began talking about ‘historic incidents’, Miss Downing said.
Gavin Rogers, defending, said: “She has indicated that she is very sorry for what she has done.
“Drink has played a big part in the case.“She is a lonely person, she gets depressed and has panic attacks.”
Mr Rogers added that she had a history of mental health problems.
Magistrates adjourned the case to enable the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report.
She was granted conditional bail not to contact the emergency services without good reason.
She will appear back at Wrexham magistrates on August 14 for sentence.
A WOMAN has admitted making 70 hoax calls to the emergency services.
Julie Ann Pritchard made the calls from her Llangollen home and on one occasion said she was psychic and thought something ‘bad would happen’.
Wrexham magistrates court heard that on most occasions Pritchard, 48, was drunk and during one call asked the operator for a taxi.
Pritchard, of Hill Street, admitted making the hoax calls on May 31, June 1, June 2, June 11 and June 12.
She admitted 29 offences in court and was fined for 41 of the remaining offences.
Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “When she was making the calls other genuine calls could not get through.
“On May 31, she phoned 999 at 6.24pm and wasn’t making any sense.“She called to say she wasn’t abusing 999.
“At 7pm she said she wanted to press charges against another member of her family.“The officer attended and she refused to open the door.”
Miss Downing said that at 7.22pm Pritchard called again and when the operator told her to stop phoning 999 she told them to “hush.”She phoned again at 7.38pm, 7.41pm and 7.52pm.
The court heard that on June 1, Pritchard called 999 four times.
On June 2 and 3 she made more calls when “intoxicated,” Miss Downing said.
“At 39 minutes past midnight on June 4 she called to say she does not like the people of Llangollen,” she said.“She also said she called to have a ‘talk’.”
During the same call she said she had cooked a meal for her boyfriend and that they were going to watch a film.
On June 11, Pritchard called to say she thought something bad would happen because she was psychic.“She was abusive and slurring her words,” said Miss Downing.
On June 12, she said she had to get a taxi for her friend and the operator told her that 999 was not a taxi service.
At 8.15pm on this day Pritchard phoned and began talking about ‘historic incidents’, Miss Downing said.
Gavin Rogers, defending, said: “She has indicated that she is very sorry for what she has done.
“Drink has played a big part in the case.“She is a lonely person, she gets depressed and has panic attacks.”
Mr Rogers added that she had a history of mental health problems.
Magistrates adjourned the case to enable the probation service to prepare a pre-sentence report.
She was granted conditional bail not to contact the emergency services without good reason.
She will appear back at Wrexham magistrates on August 14 for sentence.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Wrexham in UK's top 10 fattest towns
New research has shown that Wrexham is one of the top 10 fattest town's in the UK.
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Wrexham-in-UK39s-top-10.4435023.jp
Here's the list which has been released today -
TOP TEN MOST OBESE AREAS IN THE UK:
1) Shetland: 15.54 per cent of residents classed as overweight.
2) Torfaen: 13.9 per cent
3) Blaenau Gwent: 12.5 per cent
4) Neath: 11.9 per cent
5) Caerphilly: 11.1 per cent
6) Rhondda: 11.1 per cent
7) Barnsley: 10.8 per cent
8) WREXHAM: 10.8 per cent
9) North Lincolnshire: 10.7 per cent
10) Merthyr Tydfil: 10.6 per cent
Do you agree with these statistics?
Why do you think so many people in Wrexham are fat and what should be done about it, if anything?
Read the full story here and make sure you have your say
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Wrexham-in-UK39s-top-10.4435023.jp
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Wrexham-in-UK39s-top-10.4435023.jp
Here's the list which has been released today -
TOP TEN MOST OBESE AREAS IN THE UK:
1) Shetland: 15.54 per cent of residents classed as overweight.
2) Torfaen: 13.9 per cent
3) Blaenau Gwent: 12.5 per cent
4) Neath: 11.9 per cent
5) Caerphilly: 11.1 per cent
6) Rhondda: 11.1 per cent
7) Barnsley: 10.8 per cent
8) WREXHAM: 10.8 per cent
9) North Lincolnshire: 10.7 per cent
10) Merthyr Tydfil: 10.6 per cent
Do you agree with these statistics?
Why do you think so many people in Wrexham are fat and what should be done about it, if anything?
Read the full story here and make sure you have your say
http://www.eveningleader.co.uk/news/Wrexham-in-UK39s-top-10.4435023.jp
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