Recognition for council stalwart as Corwen leisure formally renamed after Huw Jones

A leisure centre will be named after a “popular, kind and trusted” councillor who died last year.

Corwen leisure centre will carry the name of deceased former councillor Huw “Chick” Jones said Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, Denbighshire council’s arms-length company which owns the county’s sports facilities.

Cllr Jones died in February and a by-election to seek his replacement will take place in the town on March 18 if it is to be contested.

A stalwart of the local area Cllr Jones was involved with many sporting and community organisations, prompting the company to recognise his life by renaming the centre Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones.

He was the authority’s lead member for leisure between 2013 and 2017 and had an “important role in the development of Denbighshire Leisure Services” said the council.

Denbighshire Leisure’s managing director Jamie Groves said: “Huw was a popular, kind and trusted man, who wanted the best for everyone in his community and his county.

“When he was appointed as lead member for leisure, we were beginning a journey with many challenges ahead of us.
“Without Huw’s commitment and loyalty, many of the achievements we realised would have otherwise been impossible.
“From my point of view, his enthusiasm and his unwavering support will never be forgotten.
“We feel this is a very fitting tribute for the many years Huw devoted to his local community and his County.”

The current lead member for well-being and independence, Cllr Bobby Feeley, also paid tribute to Cllr Jones’ legacy.

She said: “When Huw sadly passed away, his fellow councillors lost a loyal friend and colleague and his community lost a trusted councillor, who served his residents with integrity and to the absolute best of his ability.

“Huw had a wide variety of interests and was passionate about many local projects, but sport and leisure was something very close to his heart.

“We feel renaming Corwen leisure centre in his memory, is a very fitting tribute for the many years Huw devoted to his local community.”
He had almost lost his life once before after contracting sepsis but typically went on to use his experience to help others understand the condition.

Cllr Jones had represented Corwen for Plaid Cymru since 2008 and was woven into the fabric of local society. He served in various positions, including manager, at his local football club Corwen FC – where he remained president until his death.

He was also a trustee of the Canolfan Ni community organisation.
He was a former member of the Clwyd Pension Fund, director of Cadwyn Clwyd, member of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership and former board member of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych. He also chaired two separate scrutiny committees.

Cllr Jones was also instrumental in the helping to extend the Llangollen/Corwen railway line.

Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones will reopen for members and the public once the current Welsh Government guidelines allow.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter