Bangor Mail

Wylfa drop-in session dates

- Another string to his bow: Desmond Burton, 67, took up the cello again after retiring

RESIDENTS are being given more opportunit­ies to help shape proposals for a multi billion pound nuclear plant which is set to be built on Anglesey.

Previously published in 2014, Horizon’s Statement of Community Consultati­on ( SOCC) sets out how it will formally consult with local people over its plans for Wylfa Newydd, as well as the communitie­s and groups that could be impacted by or benefit from the proposed developmen­t.

But following consultati­on with Anglesey Council, a new SOCC is now being advertised.

Alan Raymant, Chief Operating Officer at Horizon Nuclear Power, said: “It’s really important our proposals for Wylfa Newydd reflect feedback from all communitie­s from across the island and the wider region.

“We’ve recently modified our consultati­on timings, which means we’ve been able to add even more opportunit­ies over the coming months for local people to have a say on our plans.”

Horizon’s next phase of community consultati­on kicks off on Friday, with a series of events taking place through early spring.

This consultati­on continues the progress made by Horizon since its first stage of major consultati­on in 2014 and provides another opportunit­y for people to view its latest plans and provide feedback on its proposals.

The public informatio­n events will be followed by a A MUSIC student is delighted to have passed his Grade 4 cello... half a century after he took his last exam.

Desmond Burton gave up the instrument as a child but decided to pick it up again in retirement.

And after 10 months of lessons with tutor Nicki Pearce at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias the 67-year-old, who travelled the world while working as an English teacher, gained a distinctio­n in his Grade 4 exam.

Desmond, of Menai Bridge, is one of 60 adult learners who attend weekly one-to-one lessons at the centre, which offers tuition on a range of instrument­s to 350 students in Caernarfon and series of focus group-style meetings on areas of the project which are known to be a priority for local people, including the Welsh language and plans for worker accommodat­ion.

A second, larger scale, consultati­on will follow later in the year.

Drop-in events will take place at the following dates Denbigh.

He said: “A lot of people may wonder why I decided to take up the cello again aged 67. But, being retired now, it means I have more flexibilit­y and the time available to practise. There’s also the need for a new challenge – even when you’re my age, you need a goal or aspiration in life.”

Desmond, who moved to Wales from Thailand to work at Bangor University in 1996, added: “When I gave up the instrument as a child the cello was gathering dust at my parents’ house for many years. I felt a bit sorry for it. I never took it very seriously as a child, so I thought I should come back and try a bit harder.” and locations

January 29 Wylfa Sports and Social Club 11am-2pm and 4-7pm

January 20 Llangefni Town Hall 10am-1pm

February 2 Llanfachra­eth Village Hall 11am-2pm and 4-7pm

February 3 Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead 11am-2pm

Originally from Lichfield in the Midlands, Desmond added: “When you have a brilliant tutor like Nicki Pearce and the support and encouragem­ent of all at Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias, learning an instrument can be very rewarding.

“My daughter, a violinist, studies music at Birmingham University, and my wife has taken up guitar lessons at the centre, so music is a big part of our lives.”

Desmond is now looking forward to continuing with his lessons and joining a new Adults Learners’ Cello Ensemble, which will perform at the centre’s Adult Learner’s Concert in May as part of Age Cymru and the Arts Council of Wales’ Gwanwyn Festival. and 4-7pm

February 5 Amlwch Memorial Hall 11am-2pm and 4-7pm

February 6 Cemaes Village Hall 10am-1pm

February 9 Valley Hotel 11am-2pm and 4-7pm

February 10 Menai Bridge War Memorial Community Centre 11am-2pm and 4-7pm

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 ??  ?? Computer generated image of Wylfa Newydd site
Computer generated image of Wylfa Newydd site

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