Community News

Lawyer warns of risks of driving the morning after a few drinks

A legal specialist is warning of the dangers of driving the morning after a night of drinking – with many people not realising how long it takes for alcohol to leave their system. Stephen Scully, a solicitor advocate at Lanyon Bowdler specialising in driving offences, said driving the morning after a drink was a real danger. “It’s really important to be aware of the risk of being over the legal drink drive limit the morning after a drink,” he warned. “Guidance shows that you should allow up to three-and-a-half hours per large glass of wine before driving, which adds up to 14 hours if you have had four large glasses of wine. If you have been drinking medium-strength beer, it is advised that you leave two-and-half hours for every pint – so if you have finished drinking five pints of beer at 11pm, you shouldn’t drive until 11.30am the next day. Of course, everyone’s body deals with alcohol in different ways and at different speeds, but by keeping these timescales in mind you can avoid any unwanted surprises.” For more advice about driving offences, Stephen can be contacted on 0800 652 3371 or email stephen.scully@lblaw.co.uk

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay hosts Christmas party

Abbeyfield Colwyn Bay were very lucky to be awarded some money recently from the local Co-op Community Fund. The Society decided to use this money to throw a fabulous Christmas party for the residents. All three houses came together for a lovely Christmas meal, followed by bingo and a fun quiz with lots of prizes. To end the day the residents enjoyed a great sing-a-long. “Thank you to Malcolm for helping out at the last minute when our normal singer could not attend,” said general manager Anna Hamblett. “He was loved so much by the residents he has been asked to return to Abbeyfield – we just need to think of a another reason to celebrate! The logistics of joining all three houses together for a meal is challenging but gives the residents an opportunity to mingle with each other and, as ever, their families were very helpful in supporting Abbeyfield. Thank you to the Co-op for their Community Fund too, they do a lot of good work for local causes.”

Community News

The Spirit of North Wales…

Aber Falls, located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, is the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years. It offers a premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals.

Gin lab

As well as creating award-winning whisky, Aber Falls continues to offer its hugely popular Gin Lab experience. Visitors can take part in a two-hour experience to personalise and create their own gin, using a choice of core botanicals and flavours.

Bistro

Aber Falls’ unique bistro is open for light bites, sweet treats and drinks. Whether you’re going for a hike up the Falls or dropping in for a tour, Aber Falls has a locally sourced menu that you’re sure to enjoy, featuring some of the best produce Wales has to offer.

Visit the distillery and find out more about how they create The Spirit of North Wales…

Call to register for organ donation

More than 6,800 people in the UK are spending the start of 2023 waiting for an organ transplant – including 241 people in Wales. These mums, dads, wives, husbands, partners, sons and daughters can only be saved by someone giving them the greatest gift of all – the gift of life. Signing up to be an organ donor is quick and easy and makes it easier for families if they know what you want. “It is a misconception that everyone is automatically added to the NHS Organ Donor Register in Wales since the law change,” said Suzi Browne, Corporate Communications Manager for NHS Blood and Transplant. “People are presumed by law to support donation, if they haven’t registered or otherwise expressed a decision either via the register or to friends/family members. However, the NHS Organ Donor Register remains something which people can only put themselves on proactively in order to officially record their decision. We encourage all people to still register their decision, and speak to friends and family to ensure they know what you want to happen.” Join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Welsh Government launches local food initiative

The Welsh Government has launched a new initiative to encourage more local spending on food by the Welsh NHS, schools and local government to help support Welsh producers, create more jobs and boost prosperity in local communities, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething has announced.

A new online food procurement resource, ‘Buying Food Fit for the Future’ is part of wider Welsh Government plans to support Wales’ everyday local economies.

Estimates suggest the Foundational Economy accounts for four in ten jobs and £1 in every three that is spent in Wales. Food is a crucial Foundational Economy sector which has faced – and is still facing - many challenges following Brexit, the Covid pandemic and more recently, the war in Ukraine and rising energy and fuel bills. Public sector procurement has an important role in helping address these challenges and re-localising food chains, maximising self-sufficiency and resilience. The new legal guidance in the online resource clarifies what can be included in food tenders, while remaining compliant with procurement rules, to maximise opportunities for local food producers and suppliers. Public sector food procurement in Wales is worth approximately £84.7m per annum, with Local Government and NHS Wales together accounting for more than 80% of that. Public sector purchasing from Welsh companies account for 58% of overall spend, and food of Welsh origin accounts for 23%. The Universal Provision of Free School meals (UPFSM) commitment, ensuring that all primary school children in Wales will get free school meals by 2024, presents real opportunity for a major step change in policy and practice to transform the food system and address the disconnects within it. Collaborative working, datasharing and building strong, ethical relationships between all the players throughout the food system will be key.