As the 1000th member of the Rhydymwyn Valley History Society, I was delighted to attend the Official Opening of the Rhydymwyn Tunnels. These were bored into the hillside during 1939 to store mustard gas, and the site was home to World War II experiments into uranium enrichment which helped create the first-ever atomic bomb. If the Soviet Union had declared nuclear war on Britain, the Bank of England's UK-based gold reserves were set to be transferred here.
I met with North Wales Police Diversity Unit, National Integrated Autism Service (Wales) and a Flintshire entrepreneur to discuss his proposals for a non-profit company employing people with autism and producing a communication support device to help special needs people fit into everyday life and educate everyone else.
During a visit to Abergele’s Gwrych Castle, I discussed charity the Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust’s restoration of 5 acres of gardens with the Trust’s founder and Chair, Dr Mark Baker. Open 7 days a week, they will also be open between May 27th and 29th for the Festival of Gardens North Wales 2017.
I attended Rhyl Little Theatre’s opening night for their first film season with the Wicked Wales Festival new Mobile Cinema. This initiative aims to develop skills for young people, make cinema affordable for families and safeguard a valued community facility.
Discussions with British Deaf Association Cymru focussed on meeting the needs of deaf people whose first language is British Sign Language, enabling their independence by designing and delivering services with them.
I visited Oriel Ynys Mon to see the 2017 ‘Stronger Together’ Disability Arts Cymru Exhibition. This tours the work of disabled and deaf artists or those with long-term health conditions who live in Wales.
I also visited Holyhead’s Youth Pod to talk about my role as an Assembly Member and answer the young people’s questions. This People’s Health Trust funded project provides a safe and accessible social gathering place for young people.
It was a pleasure to give the vote of thanks after Trudy Harrison spoke in Rossett about her election as Conservative MP for Copeland on 23rd February and the UK General Election on 8th June. We need this election now to secure the strong and stable leadership required to see us through Brexit and beyond.
If you need my help, please email mark.isherwood@assembly.wales or ring 0300 200 7217.