Dr Chris’ Monthly Blog - January 2010
Dear All.
I hope you had a good Christmas and New Year. I cooked an excellent duck from the butchers in Ruthin, for Christmas lunch. The Raven was swinging on New Years Eve and was great fun.
We have had seriously bad weather these last 2 weeks but let me give you some figures so that you don’t keep on criticising the Denbighshire County Council. Following the shortage of grit/salt last year a decision was made in September to DOUBLE the stock held. Just before Christmas we had 7,500 tonnes in stock. During the last 2 weeks we have used over 6,000 tonnes of this. Not knowing how long this exceptional weather will last, the council obviously have to prioritise. The council are looking for additional sources of salt but so is everyone else across the country. The main roads into Llanarmon and Graianrhyd been kept open, however the road up to Eryrys has been treacherous. The bus routes are the priority. The council have 12 gritting lorries, 5 of which have been in use 24 hours of the day for the last 2 weeks. Not all the staff are qualified to use these lorries and we have to be aware of European directives of driving hours. They are trying to replenish grit heap/boxes.
Those who complain that they cannot get their car out of the garage, can use a shovel if able bodied. Those who are not able please get a fit young man (or woman) to help you. There are many people willing to help each other in the snow, so please consider helping your neighbours. Those who are wobbly on their feet please stay inside until this bad weather is over. Those up hills and off the main roads in outlying places, you chose to live there and I am sorry but these back roads and tracks are more difficult to keep clear, as the council doesn’t have enough resources. The postman has got through and has walked a lot of extra yards to deliver the mail; so give him a big thanks, when you see him. Also we have had the morning papers so thanks to Nia in the shop and her dad who have picked them up when needed.
We had a wonderful concert at Dewi Sant on December 18th, which was very well attended. The singing/music was beautiful. We also raised £550 for the Eryrys centre.
I went with Glenys Jones, Fern and Pauline Blundy to a wonderful midnight mass in Chester Cathedral where Ruth was singing with the Nave choir, it was awe inspiring.
I also went to a lovely Carol service in Llanferres. What a beautiful church, and a pretty good organist as well. The new vicar is great comes from the North of England, where all the best people come from!!
I have attended many a meeting about next years Denbighshire County Councils finances as I am vice chairman of the Social Services and Housing Scrutiny. I think (however not yet confirmed) that we have kept the council tax rise to 2.5%. This will be low rise in comparison to other Welsh areas.
So cheer up everyone this is a new decade and we are still alive.
Happy New Year, Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Christine
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)