Latest news with #RydalPenrhos
North Wales Chronicle
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Inquest into the death of The Vivienne taking place
James Lee Williams, who was born in North Wales and attended Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5. In March, the star's family revealed the 32-year-old had died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', saying they wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug. The inquest will be heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington. The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told. Police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. During their time on the show, The Vivienne admitted having been a drug addict for four years. Speaking on the the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, they said: 'It was party, drugs, but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.' They added that their addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'. The star performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year. They were due back on stage in March as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they first played last year. Their funeral in Bodelwyddan was attended by RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with singers Ian 'H' Watkins and Aston Merrygold and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney. The Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
Wales Online
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
The Vivienne lay dead in bath for days before they were found
The Vivienne lay dead in bath for days before they were found The Drag Race star had taken ketamine before their death, an inquest was told The Vivienne had taken ketamine and suffered a cardio respiratory arrest (Image: Getty Images for VH1/Paramount + ) Drag Race star The Vivienne has taken ketamine before they were found dead in the bath by a neighbour, an inquest heard today. The Vivienne is thought to have laid in the bath for several days before they were found after their neighbour became concerned. The hearing was told that the popular drag queen had died from misadventure after suffering cardio respiratory arrest after taking ketamine. The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, 32, was found in the bath at their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on Sunday January 5. The Vivienne was originally from Colwyn Bay, north Wales, and attended Rydal Penrhos but moved to Liverpool aged 16 to become a makeup artist. They took the name The Vivienne because they liked wearing Vivienne Westwood clothes. The last time anyone had contact with them was on the previous Friday evening, when their friend, Bobby Musker, told Warrington Coroner's Court it was evident the entertainer had taken ketamine. The inquest into their death heard that five drug snap bags were found in the property, including in a bedroom draw and a bin in the bathroom. Article continues below Although the performer had struggled with drugs in the past, Williams' family told the hearing they should not be remembered for their use of ketamine and that drugs did not define the person they were. Friends and family had no worries about Williams' mental health, the hearing was told, and the performer was looking forward to future roles on TV and in the theatre, although did 'occasionally' take ketamine. Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, concluding the inquest, said: 'The medical cause of death is cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use. Article continues below 'The conclusion, on the balance of probabilities, I'm satisfied that James Williams' death was a misadventure, he took ketamine but he did not intend to take his own life.' Williams was the winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and years later admitted having been a drug addict. An officer of the coroner's court told media that Williams' family would like the media to use 'they/them' pronouns for their loved one.
Leader Live
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Inquest into the death of The Vivienne taking place
James Lee Williams, who was born in North Wales and attended Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5. In March, the star's family revealed the 32-year-old had died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', saying they wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug. The inquest will be heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington. The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told. Police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. During their time on the show, The Vivienne admitted having been a drug addict for four years. Speaking on the the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, they said: 'It was party, drugs, but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.' They added that their addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'. The star performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year. They were due back on stage in March as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they first played last year. Their funeral in Bodelwyddan was attended by RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with singers Ian 'H' Watkins and Aston Merrygold and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney. The Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
Rhyl Journal
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Inquest into the death of The Vivienne taking place
James Lee Williams, who was born in North Wales and attended Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5. In March, the star's family revealed the 32-year-old had died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', saying they wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug. The inquest will be heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington. The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told. Police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. During their time on the show, The Vivienne admitted having been a drug addict for four years. Speaking on the the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, they said: 'It was party, drugs, but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.' They added that their addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'. The star performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year. They were due back on stage in March as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they first played last year. Their funeral in Bodelwyddan was attended by RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with singers Ian 'H' Watkins and Aston Merrygold and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney. The Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
Wales Online
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Traffic bans to be enforced on two streets outside North Wales schools
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Traffic bans are set to be enforced on two streets in a North Wales town. Conwy council has announced the plans for the roads in Colwyn Bay. It is part of a Schools Street pilot. This is aimed at cutting air pollution near schools as well as making them safer. For the pilot - which starts today for one street - the roads will close for around an hour at drop-off and pick up times. There will be council officers on hand to enforce the traffic bans. The first closure is on Combermere Road - used by pupils of public school Rydal Penrhos. It will be blocked off from Queens Drive to its junction with Pwllychrochan Avenue. The pilot will run from 23 June – 4 July, Monday – Friday, with the road shut from 7.45am – 9am, and 3pm – 4:30pm. This will be followed with Brackley Avenue - which will be closed from its junction with Conwy Road to its junction with Lansdowne Road. Ysgol St Joseph's is on that street. The trial here runs from 30 June – 18 July, Monday – Friday. The road will close 8.15am – 9am and 2:45pm – 3:45pm. Conwy council said: "We are trialling a new School Streets pilot scheme at two schools in Conwy School Streets are areas around school entrances that are temporarily closed during peak drop-off and pick-up times to help children access school safely, promote active travel and reduce air pollution. "Access will be maintained for Blue Badge holders and county arranged taxis." There was a mixed response on social media. One person called it "Nanny state pampering". Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Another said: "Combermere Road is very busy in the evening I know because I go to a choir rehearsal there on Mondays starting at 4.30. Won't the cars just park round the corner, I just don't see how it will help." A third added: "Good luck with that. Denbighshire tried it and it didn't work, it just created more chaos and inconvenience to other streets!" But there was also support for the pilot. One person said: "Brilliant! I hope it goes well and is rolled out across all primary schools" and another added "Should be at every school". Many suggested other schools where they would like to see this introduced. One person responded: "How about Ysgol Aberconwy too. Some parents arrive early to pick up their little dears to make sure they get a parking place. Then, they sit with engines running to keep warm in winter and keep cool in summer. Does nothing to help keep the air clear." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
