Goodbye Megan

Posted by Martin Williams on July 29, 2008 3:01 PM

The tragic death of little Megan Burgess has touched thousands of Visitor readers across the region.
Megan was killed near her home on Ffordd Penrhwylfa, Meliden, on Saturday, when a breeze block wall toppled as she was walking with her mum Lindsay and younger brother Wilson.
It is believed that the six foot wall was holding up a large bank of earth, but it is not known if this caused the collapse.
By Monday morning the site of the tragedy was stacked with flowers, dolls, gifts, cards and wreaths.
Megan's parents Lindsay and Peter were too distraught to speak directly to the Visitor but released a statement this week.
"Meg was such a special girl. We'd both felt we wouldn't have her for long. She knew how people felt and brought so much happiness to those who needed it," they said.
"She was best friend to Mummy, Daddy and her brother Wilson. She loved to hold our hands, sing, smile and have all the fun in the world.
"Everything was perfect yesterday morning, a real peaceful feeling like she knew. We love you Meg, you taught us how to live our lives."

Please leave your messages for Megan and her family below. Thank you.

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Fuel for thought

Posted by Martin Williams on July 23, 2008 10:42 AM

THE rising price of fuel is hitting us all hard.
The Government are squeezing household spending and we are on the brink of recession if you listen to the political pundits and doom-mongers.
I'm not an economist so I can only speak from my experiences, but this week a stroke of bad luck as a result of a misjudgement on my part led to several acts of kindness.
Like most of you I thought I knew the limits of my car's fuel tank. When that yellow light rears its ugly head I should have enough to get me from here to there - or so I thought.
On returning to my car the other day I sat down and turned over the engine. Nothing.
I tried again and the poor thing coughed into life, before I managed to turn it around and limp the 100 yards to Rhyl's Morrisons petrol station.
I could see it's bright yellow visage glistening in the afternoon sun, before the engine cut out again and left me stranded, right in the entrance to the supermarket car park.
This is where panic sets in, and when I caught sight of a taxi driver in the rear view mirror - as they're not noted for their patience on the roads - it heightened my concern.
Then, to my surprise and delight, the chap got out of his vehicle and pushed me and my car into the petrol station.
He zoomed off before I had a chance to say thank you.
Then, around 20 yards from the pump, I got out to roll in and fill-up.
There was no need. A charming young man got out of his car to push me again, as did the lady in the vehicle behind me.
I'd like to think I'd have done the same for them, but in a world packed full of grunting, snarling individuals with complete disregard for manners, politeness and generosity, I was expecting nothing less than to have to do this myself, as I have before.
I was pleasantly surprised. No, if I'm honest I was a little overwhelmed.
It's small consolation, but for me at least one decent thing came out of the current situation.
If you're reading this - thank you. You made my day.

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Belly Good Time

Posted by Martin Williams on July 14, 2008 3:52 PM

See Your Vale reporter David Simister and Visitor advertising supremo Hollie Cope-Jones belly dance in the latest in our Visitor's Got Talent series:

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Feeling Blue

Posted by Martin Williams on July 9, 2008 3:07 PM

WE must address some of the problems in Rhyl town centre.
Besides the obvious issues - corpulent seagulls and ignorant dog owners - the amount of people with Blue Badges and mobility scooters is surely a matter for discussion.
Today (Wednesday) I counted 23 vehicles parked on Wellington Road - between the betting shop and florist - and the bottom of Rhyl High Street, all with said badges.
On walking between the Visitor office and clock tower I was passed by four scooters. So that's a minimum of 27 disabled people in a small area of the High Street.
Looking around the shops and cafes I couldn't see anyone in a wheelchair, or with a guide dog or walking stick, so what's the deal here?
I spotted a few elderly shoppers, but if you can traipse around town all day then you can stroll from a nearby side-street or car park.
Denbighshire County Council says you can apply for a Blue Badge if you:
l Receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
l Receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
l Are registered blind.
l Have a severe disability in both upper limbs, regularly drive a motor vehicle but cannot turn the steering wheel of a motor vehicle by hand.
l Have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking.
l Are aged 80 years or older.
I'm sorry but I don't buy it. Every day, dozens and dozens of cars and scooters are parking up on Rhyl High Street and taking the proverbial. It's out of order.
And having spoken to people with real disabilities, I know it annoys them too. They are given a bad name because others take liberties with the politically-correct climate of modern Britain.
"You can't be bothered getting off your backside, ok here's a Blue Badge mate, use it when you go shopping."
If you're reading this and you have a disability, then you know this is not aimed at you.
It's aimed at the many who take advantage of the system. They are the real problem.

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Bohemians Rhapsody

Posted by Martin Williams on July 1, 2008 2:40 PM

Hundreds of visiting Irish football fans were met by dozens of police in riot gear outside Rhyl's Belle Vue ground on Saturday, following the Bohemian FC victory over the Lilywhites.
Read more in this week's Visitor or click on the video above.

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